I had a Cannondale aluminum touring bike I loved. It was fast and very responsive and had a nice ride. I saw a Cadd 2 for sale with a frame that looked like it was torn like paper. I decided if i was going to ride with a loaded touring bike steel lugged frames are stronger. If it does break a local welder could weld it. I had been riding steel frames primarely before the Cannondale and I went back. Just my preference. I'm now riding a KHS touring bike chromoly lugged frame. Not quite as fast, but fast enough and feel safer.