My Jamis was a 26 lb (30+ with all the stuff on it) steel bike. It is a very comfortable, cushy ride. The Merlin feels like a lighter, livelier steel bike but with much faster acceleration (might have to do with the stiffness/geomerty of the tubes.) And it is great on the hills.

It is not lighter than a carbon bike for sure. But is smooth, comfortable, and handle the road's irregularities with ease.