I've been riding a Nashbar "X" frame as my utility bike for 3 years now. Love it. The welds are big and ugly, and the paintjob is nothing to brag about, but it's a good frame that has been with me through many abusive miles.

There's also one thing it's done that my Red equipped CAAD9 hasn't: it's been on a podium. Granted, different kind of race, but still...only bike of mine to see a podium spot.

Aluminum, carbon, steel. Whatever. Most of us could never tell the difference. And at the end of the day to most of us it wouldn't make a difference. The mixed material frames do have some structural issues though.

I'm a big fan of Nashbar. If you like the frame, and the price is competitive, go for it. My "X" frame was perfectly chased/faced, well aligned...pretty much flawless out of the box.