Bob Parlee, visionary founder of Parlee Cycles, passes after battle with cancer

The iconic frame builder is remembered for pioneering custom carbon bike frames

Bob Parlee at work
(Image credit: Parlee Cycles)

Parlee Cycles today announced the passing of its founder, Bob Parlee, who died peacefully at his home in Massachusetts following a four-year battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.

Bob and his wife Isabel founded Parlee Cycles 25 years ago, revolutionizing the handmade bicycle industry with his expertise in composite materials.

“I understood the capabilities of composite materials. Carbon fibre was the obvious choice to take performance bikes to the next level, but this incredibly capable material wasn’t being utilized to its full potential,” Bob stated.

“Carbon fibre opens up a world of opportunity when it comes to optimizing tube sizes and shapes. We can fine-tune properties such as weight, strength, durability, and compliance. By perfecting lay-up schedules and moulding techniques, we can create lighter, faster, more comfortable bikes.”

“Bob has been a real inspiration for the entire team here at Parlee, me included," commented Harrison. "His persistent and unwavering focus on pursuing an uncompromised and perfect product will continue to lead the identity if our business forever into the future. We are all extremely proud to continue the work that he started."

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Anne-Marije Rook
North American Editor

Cycling Weekly's North American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.

Originally from the Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon, she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a journalist for two decades, including 12 years in cycling.