Let me start by saying I love my Seven. It started out in 2004 as an Axiom Steel, was replaced under warranty in 2013 with revised nomenclature as a Resolute SLX, and rolls on 2010 Ksyrium Elites, 2004 Campy Centaur, and 2013 Seven stem and handlebars. It cruises well, climbs decently, and descends confidently. But I have no real frame of reference outside of this one bike.

I've recently spent a little time (by no means a lot, and I know the first answer is going to be "ride it more before deciding") on a Tarmac this month and I'm impressed by its weight and snap. On the other hand, to get into a Tarmac that is decently specc'ed requires stepping up to at least the Expert at $3700 MSRP, and that's with less than exciting wheels; Tarmac pro with better wheels is $5k MSRP; real money in both cases. Now for that kind of cash, I could shoot the moon with upgrading the Seven, right? Super Record (or succumb to Dura-Ace ), and a major wheel upgrade, possibly even carbon wheels like Enve or Zipp 303.

In any case, I appreciate any input those who ride steel AND carbon can contribute. I ride about 150-200 miles a month on average, and try to do a century every season.