Bike Check: Melo’s Mash Parallax
Sometimes, it just feels good to come back to the basics. Nothing like a good old Mash Parallax to remind us that this absolute weapon of a track bike remains undefeated when it comes to street cred. Fast, agile, and ridden by some of the best in the game over the past decade, the Parallax is nothing short of a pillar in fixed gear culture.
So when Melo (who you might recognize from his Makino build) asked if I wanted to check out his “Final” Parallax build, I was more than happy to oblige, especially if we could have a well-deserved coffee in the suffocating Japanese summer afterward. Don’t get me wrong, I already know this recipe works: Parallax, Zipp 30s, Sugino 75, 44RN chainring. But somehow, I never get tired of it. And as much as I like making articles going deep in reviewing bikes, or other interesting subjects… Going back to a Parallax just feels like home.
Unlike road cycling, where every groupset is streamlined and standardized, it’s still pretty rare in fixed gear to find multiple builds that echo one another so closely. Each setup has its own twist, but here they all share the same backbone. And I think there’s a reason for that.
Take Melo’s build: those Zipp 30 rims are laced to a pair of sweet Paul Components hubs, a nice deviation from the usual Phil Woods. The cockpit stays on theme too, with a Zipp stem and Vision Metron Aero dropbars. But the sugino 75 - AARN drivetrain is simply the default for so many bikes out there, and there is a reason for that: Good looking, durable and street proven.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Cinelli Mash Parallax
Chainring and Cog 44RN 49T, 17T Cog
Crank Sugino 75
Seatpost and Saddle
Zipp SC seatpost, Specialized Power Saddle
Stem and Handlebar
Zipp SC Stem, Vision Metron drops
Wheels Zipp 30 laced to Paul Hubs
So here’s a theory: the Parallax, being such an extremely compact and stiff frame, actually shines even better when it’s paired with components that introduce just a bit of movement, rather than going all-in on a fully rigid, carbon-heavy build. Think mid-profile aluminum wheels, toe clips instead of SPDs, and other choices that add just enough give, are the perfect solution to smooth out that ride.
Why? Because most people don’t treat the Parallax like a pure race bike. It’s more often used on the street, and to make it more livable in that context, it seems like riders have found a sweet spot. Sure, the hype plays a role, but honestly, where doesn’t it?
What’s going to be the next “Parallax”?
🎞: Kodak Gold 200
📷: Leica M6
📍: Tamagawa
