I've had my bike about 3 yrs. My frame is aluminum. It is a trek 1200. Seems like a good fit. I have nothing to compare it to as it is my one and only. I noticed that many of the new bikes have carbon forks. I thought I read somewhere that they added more comfort. Thought if that were true I would invest in one. I am thinking that in a couple of years I will be ready for a new bike mine has about 6000 miles on it now. I am trying to decide if the fork is worth it.
Good to hear about performance. I have been happy with clothing purchases but have never bought anything else.