Parlee RZ7 Review: Why This $14,000 Custom Aero Bike Made Me Sell My Pinarello (2025)
Selling my Pinarello? Three months ago, I would have called you crazy.
Yet here I am, Pinarello-less and absolutely thrilled about it. The culprit? This stunning Parlee RZ7 sitting in my garage, looking every bit like the custom speed machine that completely changed my mind about what an aero bike should be.
Here's what made me do the unthinkable: the RZ7 weighs just 870g for a size M frame while still being a proper aero bike. That's lighter than most climbing bikes! 🤯
Most aero frames feel like riding a plank — fast but punishing. The RZ7? It's like someone figured out how to make wind-cutting speed comfortable. During those first test rides, I kept thinking, "Wait, am I actually enjoying this aero bike?"
The numbers back up the hype, too. Wind tunnel testing showed 17% better aerodynamics than Parlee's own Altum Disk, with less than 100g weight penalty. Plus, 7% stiffer bottom bracket for when you really need to put the power down.
But here's where it gets interesting — this isn't just another race-only speed demon. The RZ7 takes tires up to 32mm wide, making it surprisingly versatile for real-world riding. At 17.8 pounds with basic components, it climbs like a mountain goat thanks to that SRAM AXS gearing (46-33T chainring with 10-33 cassette).
"Okay, but what about that $14,000 price tag?" 💸
Plot twist: £6,899 for a complete build actually makes this thing a bargain compared to the S-Works Venge (over £9,000) or Trek Madone SLR Disk (£10,000). Sometimes the boutique option is actually the smart money choice.
Ready to find out why I'm head-over-heels for this custom carbon rocket? Let's dive into what makes the RZ7 special enough to dethrone my beloved Italian stallion.
Recurve 2.0 Frame Design and Aero Engineering
Ever wonder what happens when a sailboat designer gets obsessed with bike frames?
Meet Bob Parlee's Recurve 2.0 tube profiles — the secret sauce that makes this bike so special. These aren't your typical aero shapes. Bob drew from his America's Cup racing sailboat background to create these modified "flute tail" designs that slice through air at different angles just like those NACA airfoils everyone talks about [1].
Here's the cool part: spot those distinctive "scallops" on the trailing edges? They're not just for looks. This scalloped profile delivers way better torsional efficiency than traditional wing-shaped tubes. The result? Parlee managed to drop weight while boosting frame stiffness — including that 7% stiffer bottom bracket we mentioned earlier [1].
The wind tunnel data proves this isn't just marketing fluff. A2 Wind Tunnel testing confirmed the RZ7's 17% better aerodynamics over the Altum Disk, with less than 100g weight penalty [2]. That's the engineering sweet spot right there — lateral and vertical stiffness without the aero compromise.
But wait, there's more! 🛡️
Those SpeedShield disk brake shrouds aren't just pretty fairings. Originally developed for Parlee's Eurobike Gold-Award winning TTiR, these covers smooth airflow around the messy brake caliper area that most brands completely ignore [3]. They're so integrated you literally have to remove the through axles to take them off [4].
Everything else follows the same attention to detail: fully hidden cables designed for electronic shifting, concealed thru axles, and clearance for modern wide tires and wheels [5]. The whole frame looks as clean as it performs.
What ties it all together? Parlee's Z carbon technology — their proprietary high-performance pre-preg blend with a precisely engineered layup schedule. This meticulous construction keeps that signature Parlee ride quality while delivering class-leading weight, stiffness, and handling [5].
Bottom line: every tube shape and carbon layer has a job to do in the performance equation.
Ride Quality: Speed, Comfort, and Climbing Performance
Image Source: parleecycles
Here's the thing about aero bikes — they're usually awful to ride for more than an hour.
After thousands of miles on the RZ7, I can honestly say this bike broke that rule completely. It's the most comfortable aero bike I've ever ridden [6]. The way it glides over pavement feels almost supernatural — like the road imperfections just... disappear.
You know that jarring sensation when most aero frames hit a pothole? The RZ7 rebounds softly and predictably instead [1]. Those dropped twin seat stays aren't just for looks — they actually increase comfort while cutting drag [5]. The proof? I broke a Strava PR that I'd previously set on my lighter climbing bike [6].
At just 17.8 pounds for a medium frame with basic components [6], this thing feels surprisingly nimble. But here's where it gets interesting — each pedal stroke translates to forward momentum with scary efficiency. I kept finding myself shifting down the cassette just because picking up speed felt so effortless [1].
The RZ7 excels in two areas that shouldn't go together. On flat roads, it pulls like a freight train — my riding buddies actually struggled to stay in my draft [6]. Yet it climbs with the kind of capability that makes you forget you're on an aero bike. That SRAM AXS 46-33T chainring with 10-33 rear cassette gives you a true 1:1 gear ratio [6]. Higher cadence than Shimano or Campagnolo setups, which saved my legs on steep climbs during off days [7].
Cornering? The RZ7 hugs your chosen line and practically begs you to lean into sharp turns [8]. On winding descents, I consistently grabbed top-ten segment times and even snagged a Strava KOM previously held by a BMC Timemachine Road [8]. This isn't some twitchy race machine — it's more like a stable missile that cuts through air when you point it where you want to go [6].
The ride quality convinced me this wasn't just another pretty aero bike. It's a legitimate do-everything machine that happens to look fast standing still.
Money Talks: Is the RZ7 Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?
Image Source: Fit Werx
Let's talk numbers — because nobody likes sticker shock.
Complete RZ7 builds start at $5,990 [5], which honestly isn't bad for what you're getting. But here's where it gets interesting: you can spec this thing anywhere from sensible to absolutely bonkers depending on your component choices.
The Build Options:
- SRAM Red setup: $10,990 [5]
- Shimano Dura-Ace: $10,490 [5]
- SRAM Rival AXS (the smart money choice): $6,590 [5]
Want to build your own? The frameset alone runs $4,490 [5] including bar, stem, and post. That's actually reasonable when you consider what you're getting — a custom-built frame that weighs less than most climbing bikes.
Here's the reality check: compared to the S-Works Venge (over £9,000) or Trek Madone SLR Disk (£10,000) [1], the Parlee suddenly looks like smart money. Sometimes the boutique option really is the better deal.
Where Parlee Really Shines: Customization
This isn't your typical off-the-rack situation. Through Parlee's Paint Lab, you get three levels of custom paint:
- Silver ($1,000-$1,500): Clean custom colors [9]
- Gold ($1,500-$2,500): More elaborate schemes [9]
- Platinum ($2,500-$6,500): Full artistic treatments [9]
But wait, there's more. The build-to-order process means you can customize [10]:
- Bottom bracket threading
- Cable routing tweaks
- Eyelets, pump pegs, bottle mounts
- Power meter integration
The Bottom Line
That $14,000 figure everyone quotes? It's for a fully-loaded build with premium components and custom paint. Most riders will be perfectly happy with the $6,590 SRAM Rival build [5] — same frame technology, same ride quality, just without the bling.
Remember: you're not just buying a bike here. You're getting a custom machine built exactly how you want it. Try getting Trek or Specialized to do that for you.
The RZ7 proves that sometimes going boutique actually saves you money while getting you something truly special.
Conclusion
Here's the thing about falling for a bike — it rarely happens the way you expect.
I thought I was just testing another overpriced aero frame. Instead, I ended up questioning everything I thought I knew about what makes a perfect road bike. The RZ7 didn't just impress me with numbers and specs (though those helped). It completely rewired my brain about what cycling could feel like.
Three key things sealed the deal:
First, this bike made me want to ride more. Not because I felt like I should, but because every pedal stroke felt effortless and exciting. That's the kind of magic you can't put a price on.
Second, those Strava PRs weren't flukes — they were the bike telling me what was possible when everything just works. Climbing segments I'd previously suffered through? Suddenly enjoyable. Flat roads that used to feel like work? Pure joy.
Finally, selling my Pinarello wasn't about chasing the latest and greatest. It was about finding a bike that felt like it was built specifically for me (which, let's be honest, it basically was).
Is the RZ7 perfect for everyone? Probably not. It's a serious investment, and plenty of riders will be perfectly happy with less exotic machines.
But if you're the type who geeks out over custom everything, appreciates engineering that makes you go "wow," and wants a bike that delivers on its promises — well, you might just fall as hard as I did.
Sometimes the best bike isn't the one you planned to buy. It's the one that makes you forget why you loved all the others. 🚴♂️
Happy riding, and may your next bike surprise you as much as mine surprised me!
FAQs
Q1. How does the Parlee RZ7 compare to other high-end aero bikes in terms of price? The Parlee RZ7 offers competitive pricing compared to other premium aero bikes. With complete builds starting from $5,990 and ranging up to around $14,000 for top-tier configurations, it's often more affordable than comparable models from brands like S-Works and Trek, which can exceed $10,000.
Q2. What makes the Parlee RZ7's frame design unique? The RZ7 features Parlee's proprietary Recurve 2.0 tube profiles, which include a distinctive "scallop" on the trailing edge. This design, inspired by America's Cup racing sailboats, provides excellent aerodynamics and torsional efficiency while maintaining a lightweight frame of just 870g for a size M.
Q3. Can the Parlee RZ7 accommodate wider tires? Yes, the Parlee RZ7 can accommodate tires up to 32mm wide. This feature adds versatility, allowing riders to use wider tires for improved comfort and capability on various road surfaces without compromising the bike's aerodynamic performance.
Q4. How does the Parlee RZ7 perform in terms of comfort and speed? The RZ7 is praised for its exceptional balance of speed and comfort, which is rare in aero bikes. Its frame design, including dropped twin seat stays, provides a smooth ride over rough roads while maintaining excellent aerodynamics and speed capabilities.
Q5. What customization options are available for the Parlee RZ7? Parlee offers extensive customization options for the RZ7 through their Paint Lab service. Customers can choose from three tiers of customization (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) for unique paint schemes. Additionally, the build-to-order process allows for customization of components, bottom bracket threading, cable routing, and sensor integration.
References
[1] - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/parlee-rz7-review
[2] - https://bikerumor.com/all-new-parlee-rz7-aero-road-bike-hides-everything-from-the-wind-including-brakes/
[3] - https://wattsupperformance.com/page15.php?product/page/3496/Parlee+RZ7
[4] - https://www.reddit.com/r/Bikeporn/comments/t2ey7h/nbd_2022_parlee_rz7_in_nardo_grey/
[5] - https://parleecycles.com/products/rz7
[6] - https://www.gearpatrol.com/outdoors/a629418/parlee-rz7-review/
[7] - https://roadbikeaction.com/bike-test-felt-ar-vs-parlee-rz7/
[8] - https://roadbikeaction.com/first-ride-parlee-rz7-2/
[9] - https://parleecycles.com/pages/paintlab
[10] - https://parleecycles.com/pages/custom
