Specialized Venge 2015 or Merida Reacto 5000 2016?

I doubt you'll notice any difference whatsoever with the groupsets but as to the bikes...no idea. Can you test ride both and compare? I've got the venge 2016 which might be the same) and I love it, but know that Merida also make great bikes, this may be better value?

I have the Reacto 4000 frameset having stripped the standard parts on delivery to replace with SRAM Force 22, Rotor 3D24/P2M and Q rings, using a 3T 17' stem flipped for horizontal, 3T Aeronova bars and Spokesman carbon clinchers. The bars are slammed giving it a full on race orientation. I sourced a bike from France saving around £250 on the UK price and selling the standard parts broke even building it up to my spec. The bike handles excellently, but is heavier than my other bike. I do however prefer it even with hills. The internal cabling is a doddle, but ditch the standard top cap with the cable guides as it is an ugly thing. The rear brake is shite no matter what direct mount brake you fit. Frame material is exactly the same as the 5000 with differences being in the groupset and wheels as standard.

Good choice.

The rear brake is the one issue Merida should change on the bike. Even with Dura Ace direct mount brakes, the rear brake has little bite. It's a pain in the backside to set up being under the BB/chainstays and I found can invoke rear wheel rub. As such, I fitted the cable release up by the bars so that I can release the tension on the rear brake without having to stop and at the first sound or feeling of wheel drag. Having struggled around a modest 40 mile route when I first got it, trying to keep up with someone way less fit than I am, it wasn't until I got back that I noticed the rear wheel was locked against the brake pads. Being hidden out of the way, you or a ride buddy can't see it if you think it's rubbing. The front brake on the other hand is excellent.