I have had the Mark V Pro for nearly 3 years but I've had quite a few different frames and bikes and it continues to be the main ride no matter how many times I think I want to get rid of it. The Mark V Pro uses Reynolds 631 steel which is a little lighter than the 4130 steel that the Big Block uses. And the combination of Reynolds 631 and 1 1/8" head tube with the road geo, just feels so nice. The Mark V Pro isn't pretty, quite plain actually, but some of us like that and it's the best valued frame that you can buy in terms of quality. I've been quite satisfied with the paint myself. The only chips have been from dropped tools. The All City definitely looks better though. But the one thing that I dislike about the Mark V Pro is that it's not drilled for a rear brake, as it gives a pretty nice ride especially if you ride more than 10 miles a trip. It would be nice to set it up more as a road bike with both front and rear brakes. You shouldn't be dissatisfied by either. I like all of All City's bikes actually. But you seem to ride for a distance and in the end I think you would be more satisfied with the ride quality of the Mark V Pro. I have the FBM Sword Fork on mine though, I got rid of the stock Iro fork quickly.