Originally Posted by mcb345

Thanks for the input, I figured my frame might not be worse and very likely could be a step up from the Merlin if anything. I've decided to forgo these Nashbar and Merlin bikes and just play the waiting game to see if a really good quality used bike pops up that has long term potential for upgrades or just bite the bullet and eventually update my bike starting with brakes and wheels (my first rainy ride was quite scary with these crappy tektro brakes I have currently).

Can anyone recommend a few frames to keep an eye out for on the used market? I'm pretty new to all of this but know Caad10 to be solid. Are the aluminum Giant defy frames going to be a step up from my 2013 Masi Alare frame or would that pretty much be a wash?