dwhite1

I have been cycling for about 2 years now, but until I started my job at a bike shop about 2 weeks ago, I didn't really know much about bikes other than that I like to ride them. I would like to be more knowledgeable so that I can help customers without having to turn to another employee for help. One thing that I am a little unclear on still, and the websites I've found haven't been too much help, is the differences between steel, aluminum, carbon and ti. How do they effect ride quality, what are other benefits/problems? Also, I was wondering about the different kinds of carbon (OCLV 120 vs. 110 etc). One last question I had was how components stack up in terms of quality - I know some of that is subjective in that some people prefer campy and some prefer dura-ace, but I was just wondering what you all had to say. So if anyone could give me information on any or all of my questions, I would greatly appreciate it
Thanks.