The PARLEE Process
To understand how the perfect balance of performance, comfort and durability is achieved in a PARLEE, one must look at our bike-building process. PARLEE is the leading manufacturer of custom carbon bikes. All of our models are offered in stock sizes as well. PARLEE stock bikes are built using the same process as our custom bikes. Each is built with uncompromising care and attention to detail. With any of our bikes the process begins at one of our authorized bike dealers worldwide. Trained technicians take precise measurements and gather the pertinent information about what the customer wants in his or her bike's performance. All this information is passed on to us. Using our internally developed CAD system, we assure that the riders fit matches the bike perfectly.
Carbon tubes are selected based on desired ride qualities and individual rider characteristics. These tubes are then precisely mitered in a process that combines old world craftsmanship with cutting edge materials and construction methods. "The build time is around 40 hours — more than four times longer than the average custom bike," says Bob. Everything that goes on one of our frames has been designed and constructed at PARLEE. We make our own carbon fittings, cable stops and front derailleur clamps in house. By designing and building parts specific to our bikes, we are able to create the lightest, most durable interfaces between the frame and components and as such some of the lightest, most durable bikes on the market.
The integrity of each PARLEE frame begins with the high modulus, uni-directional, carbon fiber tubing and parts. All tubes and sub-assemblies are produced exclusively to Bob's design and specifications. Upon arrival each tube is meticulously inspected, then mitered to size. All tubes are then inspected again, ends cleaned and media blasted. "It is about creating perfect surfaces to work with," says Bob. "Perfect surface prep leads to long term durability." All PARLEE frames are backed by a lifetime warranty.
When it is time to start building, rider-specific tubing is assembled on a specially designed jig accurate to sub 1mm tolerances. The lugs are assembled by hand around the mitered tubes and become an integral part of the frame. This allows for angular adjustment of the lugs, as well as customization of stiffness. Each lug is comprised of over 100 separate pieces of carbon fiber each placed with a different fiber orientation. "What's important is that you have the fiber orientation correct because that is what gives the frame its strength, and ride quality," says Bob.
The frames are then put through a proprietary heating and pressurization process that bonds the frame together. "We've developed our own molding processes to get the best parts and consistent surface finish," says Bob. The frames are then hand sanded, cleaned and the small parts are installed. The final touches are applied in our paint booth where the customer has unlimited color choices to create a truly unique bike. After painting, the frames undergo a painstaking process of wet sanding with progressively finer grit paper, then buffed to a mirror-like shine. "Our process is exacting and done for the love of creating bikes that perform exceptionally well," says Bob, adding. "It is really a great feeling knowing you've built something that satisfies each person's unique wishes for a bike."