I ride a carbon/ti Serotta. Yes, steel or carbon especially if your lightweight. A handbuilt wheelset over the stock wheels is an invaluable option for a lightweight rider. The builder can tune the wheels to your weight instead of a 180 lb rider yet they will still be strong enough to handle the rigors of touring.

My wheelset is 650c with 23 width tires. I use Michelin Pro Race tires.

I've been told that aluminum frames have changed but my mid 90's aluminum Cannondale beat me to death even with a carbon fork.