First off thanks a bunch on the information. You've got me convinced to not worry about aluminum. As far as going with the frame, the Rock Lobster has a claimed weight a pound less than the Salsa, albeit that could very well be stretched information. Secondly I'm very much for supporting small companies and work that's done by the people that run the company and not sent overseas. I don't have anything against any of those frames, I'd just rather support a small company. I also have a very hard time parting with bikes so I'd rather start with something on the higher end.