Hi there Roninpro!

Glad to see that you're still amongst the living.

Yes! That information for the most part is true, aluminum can be constructed in such a manner that it can last for many years of service. However, everytime that it is used, it experiences cycles of stress. It's the stress cycles that brings it closer to its end. However, for most people, aluminum will serve them well. I've heard of aluminum frames that have lasted for more than ten years. Nonetheless, that's not ten years of continual service.

That really doesn't matter here, though. The point is that both aluminum and steel are great frame materials for bicycles. It's just that IMHO, steel is better. Also, from my experience, the prices of both steel and aluminum are comparable. I mean, there's expensive steel framed bikes and there are expensive aluminum framed bikes. I can't really see any difference there, unless we're talking about special grades of chromoly steel other than the usual 4130 type, like 853 and 631 for example. All of the chromoly grades of steel are stronger than regular carbon steel, or Hi-Tensile steel. Since they are stronger, their tubes can be butted, or shaped in a manner whereas the diameter of the tube is different at the ends, than towards the middle. Chromoly steel tubes, with thicker ends and thinner portions towards the middle, make for lighter bicycles. This allows the manufacturer's to make the bicycle, lighter than what it would be, if it had straight tubing. Chromoly tubing is therefore, made with much thinner walls than Hi-Tensile steel tubing.

Now with respect to handlebars. On one hand one might say, since you're accustom to straight or flat handlebars, maybe you should stick with that. On the other hand, you use to ride a tricycle. It may be time to move on! I personally, have four bicycles. Two have drop handlebars and two have flat ones. Drop handlebars, offer you more hand positions. If you're touring, or riding across states, or across the country, you'll really appreciate the luxury of having drop handlebars. Also, with drop handlebars, you can lean forward with your head tilted downward to assume a more aerodynamic and aggressive position to cycle, or you can just hold on to the hood ( the horizontals) and sit up erect, in a more relaxed riding position. That means, you could be riding along the boardwalk just taking in the sights and enjoying the cool breeze, in a relaxed riding position. However, when you get away from the boardwalk, if somebody's pitbull gets loose and starts to chase you, you'll immediately start pedaling very fast, you'll lean forward as you place your hands firmly onto the bottom ends, or hooks, of your drop handlebars. You'll therefore, be riding much faster, because of increased speed of pedaling, additional torque used by leaning forward, and the decreased wind resistance due to aerodynamic riding posture.

So, which type of bike do you think you'd prefer? ...Aluminum road? ...Steel road?....Aluminum hybrid?...or Steel hybrid?

- Slim