The 2012 Parlee Z4 is neither pure monocoque nor pure tube-to-tube construction. Instead, Parlee forms the front triangle, bottom bracket area and chainstays as monocoque units, then unites these forms to the tubes with wraps of more carbon. The ride is phenomenal. At first, it's so subtle you realize only that it's exceptionally light and beautifully responsive to pedal inputs. But the more you ride the 2012 Parlee Z4, the more you recognize the small, smart touches. The top-tube length is, relatively, on the longish side, and the steering angle is ever so slightly relaxed. This doesn't make the bike feel lazy but rather utterly smooth, even on wrinkled, buckled and cracked pavement. Steering is also predictable and, likewise, so smooth and quiet it takes a while to adjust your expectations; you can dive into a corner if you want, but you get to the same place by just flicking your wrists and letting the Z4 do the work. In a word, this bike is all about refinement, not fireworks.