I don't know it it will be all that expensive to grind and wield that plate. I do agree however the Aluminum has almost replaced steel in mountain bikes because they hold up better to the abuse MTBs get. That then makes them ideal as utility bikes. Now if I were touring in third world countries by bike steel might make sense but even there I am not sure. My nephew is just now getting into bicycles and so far is fond of old Schwinn 3 speeds. They were over the other day and his wife had just come home from her first MTB ride. Her brother in law is a big MTB guy and let her use a Top of the line MTB and she is hooked. After the ride they took the two bikes down to the beech for a ride together. Coming home they came to a long stairway from the beech up to the main highway. She picked up the MTB and almost ran up the stairs. He had to follow lugging the 35 pound 3 speed. I am willing to bet when they get her a bike it will not be steel.