Aluminum frames?

[Aggie_Ama]

I have ridden steel, carbon and aluminum. My favorite is the carbon but it barely edges out the steel. The steel had an aluminum fork and my main complaint was shoulder/hand fatigue. Otherwise I really liked the steel.

The aluminum I do not like even though it has a carbon fork and seatpost the ride is harsh but I will say the bike doesn't fit me as well and is a lot lower end bike all around. Going from steel to aluminum you will likely notice a difference in the amount of road you feel. I am spoiled and hate it when I ride my commuter (the aluminum bike) on a rough road. But BSG makes excellent points on the stiffness and price savings. FWIW my husband rides an aluminum bike with carbon fork/seat post and loves it. He does 100 mile rides on it.

The Carbon is snappy and absorbs road vibration well. I like it but it is more expensive and there is the slightly less durable factor. I like carbon but I am a comfort weenie and do not want to sacrifice there. They are great for a stiff bike that is also good on the comfort level but then again people are perfectly happy on aluminum.

You just better test ride.