I guess I'll have to race him. I'm not sure how that would go. 15 years ago I was fitter than him but he's kept fairly active while I put on 3 stone and got fond of the couch. I'm getting back into shape now, I've been running for a few months and done a few long-ish cycles.

I had had looked at a Merida myself before getting the Trek, although it was a cheaper one than his. They are a nice looking bike.