I own both a Merlin and an Orbea Orca. The Orca really climbs nicely and the tight rear triangle certainly adds to the stiff responsive feel. My Merlin is far from mushy and also climbs nicely, but it is not nearly as light weight. As for comfort, on all day rides or even three or four hours, the Merlin is more comfortable for sure. All of this being said, wheels do play a factor in the feeling from both bikes. The Rolfs on the Merlin are very supple and are also tubular. The Mavic RSYS on the Orca are very stiff and a bit harsh feeling on rough road.