Originally Posted by SpongeDad

I have a Merlin, which I love and which I got on significant discount; buddy has a Seven which he loves. As a Merlin rider, I am honor bound to irrationally dislike Litespeeds, but they should be on the list. The Archon looks sweet.

If I were going to drop full price though, I'd go with a custom from Spectrum Cycles, which is run by Tom Kellogg. Kellogg did (and I think still does) the frame designs for Merlin. I don't think Kellogg's customs are particularly more expensive than a new Merlin etc. but you'd have to confirm that.