Parlee Altum X-wing
Ultimately though, despite all of its updated technologies and modern shape, the X-Wing is focused on how it rides, and it rides beautifully. The Altum frameset is snappy, smooth, stable and aerodynamic – a mix of qualities that many builders struggle to attain with an aero frame design. Not to mention that this particular paint job is gorgeous, and rumor has it; it will be available in the future as a limited edition colorway.
The Altum boasts a frame design that is strikingly different from any of Parlee’s other bikes. Parlee has generally built frames with a very classic tube shape, but the Altum lineup has big modern aerodynamic tubes that meld smoothly in to one another. This obviously creates a very aerodynamic profile, but Parlee has also worked some frame builder magic in a few other ways.
Most notably, and the place the eyes are first drawn to, is the head tube – specifically the top cap. They’ve built their own proprietary top cap, and then built up the frame behind it so it all melds smoothly and seamlessly together. Obviously, this helps aerodynamics. It’s something that we’ve seen on other frames before, but Parlee takes it a step further. This simple top cap is interchangeable with two others of varying heights (8mm, 15mm, and 25mm – shown here with the 15mm). You can adjust your stack height +/- 17mm, making it one of the more adjustable frames on the market. They’ve also broadened the junction where the downtube meets the headtube – allowing for a stiffer ride while shedding a little weight.
The seatpost clamp has also nicely been tucked away inside the frame. Adding to its aerodynamics and smooth lines. Of course all the cabling is routed through the frame – fairly standard for an aero bike. Oddly enough one of the best parts is Parlee’s snap in cable guides. They are easily interchangeable between electric and standard cabling, but most importantly the clips are simple and easy to use. Traits that are not common when it comes to internal routing – at the very least your mechanic will thank you.
For our X-Wing, we stuck with one of our favorite groupsets – a full 2015 Campy Super Record mechanical group. A pair of ENVE 3.4 clinchers laced to DT240 hubs by Sapim CxRay spokes made for a solid, light-weight wheelset. The build was rounded out with a light, yet comfortable Fizik Arione R1 braided carbon saddle.
All said and done, the bike weighed in at 6.28 kg’s. That is light. Not just for an aero bike, but any bike. You can also note above that we did not use any out of the ordinary light weight parts – everything is fairly standard. That is, except for the X-Wing itself. A testament to Parlee’s ability to build extraordinary frames, no matter the style or tube shape.
Build List
| Frame / Fork | Parlee Altum |
| Hubs | DT Swiss 240 |
| Rims | ENVE 3.4 |
| Spokes | Sapim CX-Ray |
| Skewers | ENVE |
| Tyres | Michelin Pro4 |
| Tubes | Vredestein Race Lite |
| Crankset | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Chainrings | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Handlebar Tape | Lizard Skins DSP Race |
| Levers | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Headset | Cane Creek |
| Headset Spacers | Parlee |
| Saddle | Fizik Arione R1 |
| Seatpost | Parlee |
| Seatpost Clamp | Parlee |
| Front Mech | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Rear Mech | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Chain | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Cassette | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Brakes | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Cable Set | Campagnolo Super Record |
| Bottle Cages | FairWheel |
Start Your Next Bike Build?
Work with us and Parlee Cycles to build your bike. Altum-R with Shimano Ultegra starts at 4,995 USD Scroll to the bottom of the page and contact one of our mechanics to start discussing your build.
