BrianInVA

I have a Merlin Agilis Ti frame from early 2000s. 9 speed Ultegra, Mavic SSC SLs all from that era. Recent professional fit. Have been biking and worked up to 60 miles. Working up to bucket list century - probably next year. Planning some local bike events. Not a pro racer but I can average 20+ mph on a long close to level course with no stops. But I tend to ride rolling hills in rural roads with occasional stoplights and a few tough climbs.

My Ultegra is getting sloppy and at least needs a new cassette and chain, but got the bug to do an upgrade. Considering a new bike like Cannondale Supersix Red EVO. Or upgrading the Merlin with new T3 pro fork, Zipp 202s, SRAM Force 22 and carbon handlebars (fitter wants to try several to see what fits best). Similar price.

It is impossible to AB these bikes. This is likely my last major upgrade / new bike for 10+ years at which time I'll be in my 60s and probably losing a few steps from my current excellent condition.

I'm learning towards the upgrade as I think the Merlin is an excellent frame, and the upgrades are high end and probably will produce a better ride than a packaged $4-5k new ride with inherent compromises. And the thought of riding a killer old school bike doesn't suck. But every time I think of getting a whole brand new bike with the same drivetrain for the cost of 4 components I can't bring myself to do it.

Help convince me one way or the other!

no1mad 

My vote is to upgrade your current frame

bianchi10

Evo because you will never looked OK back once you ride one.

99Klein 

EVO. If you need a reason just ride one:-)Q

seymour1910

Evo

merlinextraligh

I've got a Merlin Extralight of similar vintage, which I've upgraded with 10 speed Dura Ace, and a threadless fork. I've also got a couple of CF bikes.

Nothing wrong with upgrading the Merlin. It will shift a bit better, and the fork/wheel upgrade will save some weight.

But the EVO will be a dramatically better bike. Lighter, stiffer where you want it to be, and still comfortable to ride.

After I got my first CF bike, I thought I'd keep the Merlin for long rides. It got almost no use because I grabbed the CF bike for every ride, long or short, until I retrofitted it with S&S couplers for use as a travel bike.

Personally, I'd throw a chain and cassette on the Merlin, keep it as a back up, and buy the EVO.

dalava

EVO. Ti is really very overrated. It ma be a great bike for touring, but from what you described, you want the EVO which will make you a better cyclist, or at least feel like a better and faster one. There is no comparison between the two, and the transfer of power on the EVO is instaneous. I had the same bike as well as a Seven Ti Axiom, ended up selling both and have an EVO now. I'm not a racer either, just a weekend warrior and commuter. In fact, my commuter is a steel bike which I prefer over the Ti bikes.

qcpmsame 

This, +1.

Bill

TrojanHorse

I was going to vote "new drivetrain" but then I realized I have a bare Merlin frame sitting in my garage that hasn't had wheels mounted in 3 years.

The backup bike with an Evo as N+1 is a great idea.

BrianInVA

Thanks for the feedback! Based on it I have gone out riding a variety of bikes. I like the EVO and the Specialized Tarmac. Two different stores and hard to compare, but think I may prefer the Tarmac. The test drive of the Cannondale was much worse situation which limited my ability to ride it in various conditions. I want to try it again and see if I can get a longer ride in.

Any thoughts / comparisons between these 2 models?

seymour1910

personal choice but having tried both the Tarmac did not ride as nice as the EVO, maybe a regular SuperSix, but definately not the EVO IME.