I think I will have to pass! I remember steel rims from childhood...I will not go back to that! The first bike I had with aluminum rims/canti brakes I almost went over the handlebars first time I grabbed the brakes. OOPS!

My old "steel" rockhopper frame is classic. And it was $25 for frame, fork, headset, stem, bars, bar ends, and shifters (which I don't use). Couldnt pass up the deal, and If I could find new decals, I would get it blasted and powdercoated. I wouldnt put a steel fork on an aluminum road bike, though. Carbon fiber is better, IMO.

And remember, tires make a big difference, too. Cheap tires usually ride like bricks. Some expensive tires ride like bricks, too. I prefer a balance of supple casing and puncture resistance.