Originally Posted by
bhop
Well, when I test rode some aluminum bikes, then directly afterwards rode some steel bikes on the same bumpy road, I could feel a difference in ride quality.
And then you have a reason to choose one of the steel bikes all else being equal. You tried several bikes and I assume liked some better than others.
What I'm saying is between the bike's I've ridden I haven't seen enough of a difference to come to any conclusion regarding frame material. Now, I haven't ridden an old Cannondale with massively oversized tubes and an aluminum fork to go along with the frame, but I have ridden I modern aluminum bike with a carbon fork.
Don't believe me? Sheldon Brown has an
interesting article on the topic.
I encourage people to do what you did and decide for themselves.