My dad bought this Litespeed-made Merckx new (I am unsure exactly what year it is) and rode it as his main bike for 10+ years before getting his Salsa Campeon. He gave it to me a few months back as my first road bike. He always said how much he enjoyed riding it and the only reason he would have to get rid of it would be to give it to me. I don't have anything to personally compare it to (I will probably eventually get myself a carbon road bike when the time comes) but going by his experience, they are very well made and will last a lifetime.