At Parlee, we know deeply the impact that cancer has on people and families every day. Two years ago, our founder and great friend, Bob Parlee, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Bob never stopped thinking about innovation and how to make things just a little bit better. His curiosity, determination, and belief in progress continue to shape who we are as a company.
When we connected with the American Association for Cancer Research earlier this year, we were inspired to learn about their Cycles of Change initiative and how we could help support their mission. The AACR is the first and largest cancer research organization dedicated to preventing and curing all cancers. Their work brings together scientists, clinicians, survivors, advocates, and communities to accelerate progress in cancer research and improve outcomes for patients and families around the world.
To support this initiative, Parlee is proud to partner with the AACR and contribute to Cycles of Change. This partnership is especially meaningful to us as we honor Bob’s legacy and the countless families affected by cancer. Bob believed that thoughtful innovation makes a lasting difference. Supporting cancer research feels like a fitting extension of that belief.
We are honored to stand alongside the AACR in their work to advance lifesaving research and create hope for the future. To support this initiative, Parlee has donated a special Ouray frameset that has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind complete bike in support of the AACR. The bike was hand-painted by artist Charles Hascoët and will be auctioned off during the Philly Cycling Classic weekend, August 29–30, with proceeds supporting the mission of the AACR.
For this project, Charles created a paint concept inspired by the bold visual language of a Kawasaki motorcycle and the unmistakable energy of 90s nostalgia. The result is a tribute to the era’s color, attitude, and sense of possibility. It’s a fitting expression for a project built around momentum, hope, and change.
We also want to thank SRAM and Zipp for contributing parts for this special build and for supporting the mission of the AACR. Their generosity helped make this project possible and brought the bike to life as a complete, ride-ready piece of functional art.
For Heather Franz, Associate Director of Leadership Philanthropy at the AACR Foundation, the auction grew from a clear connection between cycling and cancer research.
“The AACR bike auction really grew out of a shared belief that progress happens when innovation connects across disciplines and communities,” Franz said. “Cycling, at its core, is about endurance, precision, and forward momentum, qualities that closely mirror the work of cancer researchers pushing toward better prevention, treatments, and cures.”
The partnership with Parlee gave AACR a way to turn those values into something tangible.
“By partnering with Parlee, AACR saw an opportunity to translate those values into something tangible,” Franz said. “This bike represents not just exceptional craftsmanship and performance, but also a deeper purpose, fueling the kind of breakthrough science that moves the field forward.”
The auction brings together riders, art lovers, and the research community around one goal.
“The auction itself serves as a bridge, bringing together riders, art-lovers, and the research community around a common goal,” Franz said. “It’s a way to turn passion into impact, with every bid helping to advance AACR’s mission to accelerate progress against cancer.”
We are honored to support the AACR and its work to advance lifesaving research. Cancer touches all of us in some way. Progress is possible when people come together with purpose.
The project will come to life across several key moments leading into race weekend. The Freeman’s exhibition opens on August 20, 2026, followed by a VIP auction preview at Freeman’s on August 26. The live auction will take place at Freeman’s on August 27. The weekend continues with the Philadelphia Cycling Classic VIP Event on August 28, before the Philadelphia Cycling Classic on August 30.
Parlee will be at the Philly Cycling Classic Fan Fest throughout the weekend, August 29–30. The weekend will include the Fan Fest, pro races, and the Philly Cycling Classic Charity Ride for AACR. The charity ride takes place Sunday, August 30, before the pro race, giving participants the chance to ride a lap of the iconic Philadelphia Cycling Classic course while helping raise funds for lifesaving cancer research. Registration is open to the public, with a $25 registration fee.
