Boy howdy!!! I didn't mean set off a cacophony of tangents and discussions on this topic. I have been talking to people I ride with, people I meet when I ride, LBS dudes, and now yall and I did do previous research. I read much about ride quality but little about simple longevity. One thing I did garner was to get the right fit. When I ran 10k half and full marathons, I bought I sweet pair of Mizunos, that were regularly $120 for $10 at a thrift shop. The only kicker was that they were a .5 size too small. No worries, I thought, I'll make it work. Yea, my feet freaking HURT! Just like my back after I get my my bike after 35 miles. I did borrow a buddies 59cm Litespeed Hyperion and I could feel a difference. In fact, I have never owned a bike that actually fit me. I think I'll go with fit first, then material. Speaking of, That is a first purplefender. I've never seen steel do that. Thanks to everyone who contributed.