PNS x Colnago : The cycling world witnessed something extraordinary in 2025 when three distinct approaches to bicycle craftsmanship converged, showcasing the pinnacle of design philosophy, engineering excellence, and artisanal mastery. From the minimalist collaboration between Pas Normal Studios and Italian legend Colnago to the handcrafted steel artistry of Colombian builders Scarab, and culminating with Parlee’s triumphant return to form with their Z-Zero GT, these machines represent more than transportation—they embody the soul of cycling itself.
The Scandinavian-Italian Romance: PNS x Colnago C68
When Minimalism Meets Heritage
The collaboration between Danish brand Pas Normal Studios and Italian cycling icon Colnago represents a fascinating study in contrasts. Launched at the prestigious Pitti Uomo 108 fashion show in Florence, this partnership celebrates ten years of PNS’s signature understated aesthetic while honoring Colnago’s seven decades of bicycle manufacturing excellence.
Limited to just thirty pieces worldwide, the PNS x Colnago C68 showcases what happens when Scandinavian minimalism intersects with Italian craftsmanship. The bike features Pas Normal Studios’ trademark subtle branding and restrained color palette, applied to Colnago’s proven C68 carbon platform. This isn’t merely a cosmetic collaboration; it represents a philosophical alignment between two brands that understand the power of thoughtful design.
The Build That Dreams Are Made Of
The component specification reads like a wish list for serious cycling enthusiasts. SRAM’s Red AXS electronic groupset provides wireless precision, while ENVE’s carbon wheels and cockpit components ensure that performance matches the aesthetic appeal. Fizik’s finishing touches add the final layer of refinement to what is essentially a rolling piece of functional art.
At €16,900, the PNS x Colnago C68 occupies rarified territory, but for collectors and cycling connoisseurs, it represents something beyond monetary value. Each bike serves as a bridge between cycling’s rich European heritage and its increasingly design-conscious future.
Colombian Steel Mastery: Scarab’s Páramo Evolution
From the Andes Mountains to Global Recognition
Deep in the Colombian Andes, where cycling legends like Luis Herrera, Nairo Quintana, and Egan Bernal learned their craft, Scarab Cycles has been quietly revolutionizing what it means to build a gravel bike. Their updated Páramo represents the perfect marriage of local cycling culture and modern engineering demands.
The terrain that shaped Colombia’s climbing specialists directly influences Scarab’s design philosophy. The Páramo isn’t just built for gravel; it’s engineered for the challenging, diverse terrain that characterizes Colombian cycling culture. This approach results in a machine that balances all-road speed with genuine off-road capability.
Handcrafted Excellence in Columbus Steel
The new Páramo showcases Scarab’s mastery of Columbus Spirit and Columbus Life steel tubing, materials that allow the Colombian builders to create frames with precisely tuned ride characteristics. The combination of these premium Italian tubes with Colombian craftsmanship creates something unique in the modern cycling landscape.
Recent updates to the Páramo include increased tire clearance up to 50mm, modern standards like UDH dropouts and T47 bottom brackets, and optional full cable integration. The bike now perfectly accommodates SRAM’s latest 13-speed Force and Rival Xplr groupsets, making it thoroughly contemporary while maintaining its handcrafted soul.
The Art of Scarab’s Paint
Perhaps nowhere is Scarab’s artisanal approach more evident than in their finishing work. The latest “Tropical Cliché” paint scheme pays homage to Colombia’s Chocó Jungle, featuring intricate details and hidden elements that reveal themselves only upon close inspection. This attention to aesthetic detail matches the mechanical precision of the frame construction.
Starting at $3,850 for a frameset with matching ENVE fork, the Páramo represents exceptional value in the custom steel market. Complete builds begin around $7,150, positioning these Colombian-crafted machines as accessible luxury in a world increasingly dominated by mass-produced carbon.
Parlee’s Renaissance: The Z-Zero GT Story
Honoring a Legend’s Vision
The launch of Parlee’s new Z-Zero GT carries profound emotional weight for the cycling community. This bike represents both a technological leap forward and a touching tribute to founder Bob Parlee, who passed away in 2024 after a four-year battle with cancer. Bob’s philosophy—”Ride the F***ing Bike”—permeates every aspect of this machine.
The Z-Zero GT effectively replaces Parlee’s legendary Z-Zero platform while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in handcrafted carbon fiber construction. Every frame emerges from Parlee’s Beverly, Massachusetts facility, where craftsmen apply techniques Bob pioneered over 25 years of relentless pursuit of perfection.
Engineering Excellence Made in America
The new Z-Zero GT features Parlee’s first in-house designed and manufactured fork, enabling a remarkably slim head tube design while maintaining full internal cable routing. The frame itself weighs just 893 grams in a typical 53cm size, representing a 187-gram reduction over its predecessor while maintaining class-leading stiffness characteristics.
Modern compatibility includes room for 40mm tires, UDH rear dropouts for future drivetrain compatibility, and a T47 bottom bracket. Available in twelve standard sizes or with completely custom geometry, each Z-Zero GT can be tailored precisely to its rider’s requirements.
The Ultimate Tribute: 25th Anniversary Edition
For cycling’s most devoted enthusiasts, Parlee offers the ultimate expression of their craft: the 25th Anniversary Edition Z-Zero GT, limited to just 25 numbered examples. Priced at $29,990, these bikes feature Campagnolo’s new 13-speed Super Record Wireless groupset, handbuilt Partington wheels, and custom Lake shoes crafted specifically for each owner.
Each Anniversary Edition includes 24-karat gold leaf details that honor Bob’s background in traditional wooden boat building, custom Silca tools in a wooden presentation box, and a matching SuperPista floor pump. These touches transform an already exceptional bicycle into a genuine heirloom piece.
| Bike Model | Frame Material | Price Range | Key Features | Production Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNS x Colnago C68 | Carbon Fiber | €16,900 | Limited to 30 pieces, SRAM Red AXS | Italy |
| Scarab Páramo | Columbus Steel | $3,850-$7,150 | 50mm tire clearance, UDH dropouts | Colombia |
| Parlee Z-Zero GT | Carbon Fiber | $16,490-$29,990 | Custom geometry, in-house fork | USA |
| Colnago Steelnova | Steel with 3D lugs | Limited Edition | 70 pieces only, modern standards | Italy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes these collaborations special compared to mass-produced bikes? A: Each represents artisanal craftsmanship combined with cutting-edge technology. Limited production runs, custom geometry options, and hand-finishing create machines that are as much art as they are transportation.
Q: Are these bikes suitable for everyday riding? A: While designed for performance, each offers practical features like modern tire clearances and standard components. However, their premium pricing positions them more as weekend machines or collector pieces.
Q: How long are the wait times for these limited editions? A: The PNS x Colnago is limited to 30 pieces and likely sold out. Scarab typically requires several months for custom builds. Parlee’s Z-Zero GT has estimated delivery times extending into late 2025.
Q: What’s driving the trend toward smaller, artisanal bike builders? A: Cyclists increasingly value uniqueness, craftsmanship, and the story behind their machines. These builders offer personalization and attention to detail that mass production cannot match.
The convergence of these three approaches—fashion-forward collaboration, traditional steel craftsmanship, and advanced carbon engineering—illustrates cycling’s rich diversity. Whether pursuing Scandinavian minimalism, Colombian artistry, or American precision, each path leads to the same destination: the pure joy of riding an exceptional machine.
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