Combining the elements to run either mechanical or electronic groups is a growing trend, and Parlee has made the switch for both their TT (triathlon) and Z5 (road) bikes.
The updated version is called the TTi, and it gets a revised layup to make the rear end stiffer and a new fork with integrated TRP brakes. Cable routing is all internal, and the “i” designation in the name means it’s now Di2 / EPS compatible.
Price drops a bit, to $3,500 for frameset (frame, fork, headset, brakes and seatpost). Complete bikes start at $4,200 with Ultegra, a Profile alloy cockpit and Shimano RS20 wheels.
The original TT bike will still be available and will begin at $2,999 with 105. These frames are for mechanical drivetrains only, unless you wanna run the wires externally.
If you recall from our factory tour, Parlee makes a wide range of stock sizes for the Z5 and TT bikes, with a normal and tall version for each. The key difference is the extended headtube on the tall models, which means less spacers and angle on the stem to keep a sleeker look. This is the tall version of the TTi. (there’s an aero road bike in the works, look for that later in the year)
The stock sized Z5 models also get consolidated. There’s now a single Z5i (shown) that’s both mechanical and electronic compatible. All cables go internal, so no more cable stops, and it’s just a change in grommets that cover the holes in the frame to switch between cable housing and wires. Battery mount moves to the chainstay and fits both Di2 and EPS batteries. it comes with the ENVE 2.0 fork and alloy seat clamp and painted frame.
For the Z5 SLi, it gets the same mech/elec combo frame but uses the lighter ENVE 1.0 fork, titanium hardware and carbon seat clamp. Oh, and the sweet matte black/ghosted logo paint scheme from 2012.
