what's the dif between steel, aluminum, carbon framed bikes?

[surgtech1956]

What's the difference in riding, handling, etc.. between steel, aluminum and carbon framed bikes? What's the most popular or isn't there one?

[mimitabby]

probably Aluminum is the most popular because it can be very light and inexpensive at the same time.
Once, Steel was the most popular, but those were old heavy bikes.
Now with new steels, you are paying a bit more to get the lighter ones.

Carbon is probably the lightest, and the most expensive too. (and the most fragile)

[Trek420]

good thread here:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9505&highlight=frame+materials