Originally Posted by
prathmann
Whichever is used on the bike you end up liking to ride the best. Good bikes can be made of either one, so choice of frame material would be way down the list of my priorities. More important would be that the frame geometry fits you comfortably and gives the type of handling characteristics you like, the component quality, that it'll accept the tire size you want and any desired accessories (fenders, racks, etc.).
+1
When you say "all else" in the aluminum vs. steel question, I think we need to split some hairs over what's included in that "all". The frame is arguably the most important component on the bike. The material a frame is made of is usually not its most important characteristic. Things like construction quality, geometry, tube thickness and shape, accessory mounting points, etc. are all important and can collectively overshadow material choice even if you're only considering the frame.
At the end of the day, either material will work and bikes at a similar price point will tend to have frames of similar quality. Ride 'em and pick one.