Originally Posted by USAZorro
Frame weight is significant, but component weight will make a bigger difference.
That said, the ride qualities of different frames varies considerably. Good, light steel feels different than cheap, heavy steel, and is light years from "feel every bump in the road" aluminum. Generally speaking, a light steel frame feels much nicer than anything else (being an average weight rider who rides on decent roads).
I would like to see documented scientific proof that steel rides "better" than aluminum or that anyone can really feel the difference between materials when they are of the same design geometry and stiffness; such as typical racing bicycles.
I own many race geometry designed bicycles built with steel and aluminum frames and they feel the same to me. I notice the most difference in the ride feeling when changing tires or adjusting tire inflation.