So it began today... finally. After the rain stopped this AM, I went out for a ride on the new SL3. It's a pretty sweet racing machine. I'm not fully comfortable on it yet. I have a few tweaks yet to do with my fit on it. After about an hour or so, my powertap head unit started giving me fits. I turned back and decided to do a head-to-head comparison with the Parlee.
I can say, without a doubt, that the Parlee is by far the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden, now addding the Tarmac to the list of contenders. The Z3 is stiff but comfortable. The SL3 and the T-Cube are more alike, actually. I'm not sure what to attribute the stiffness on the SL3 to. I'm sure the BB30 bottom bracket helps. The 1.5" lower bearing and the tapered head-tube probably add some to it as well. In terms of stiffness, I'd say the Z5 I rode at Interbike was the stiffest of the bunch. It and the SL3 are a lot alike. The difference coming in terms of road feel. There are too many variables to attribute that to one specific thing. Wheels and tire combination has a lot to do with that anyway.
Overall, I put a bit under 2 hours on the two bikes. The SL3 is just about ready for 2010. I'm excited for that. The Parlee's new 11-speed group kicks ass. I'm excited for that too. The ankle held up well today. It's a little sore but not nearly like it has been in weeks past. ... and I'm definitely excited about that!
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