I've been running a thomson post in an aluminum frame for years without complaint. On the bike I just built up last month I installed a carbon post (Easton EC90) in an aluminum frame. The degree of flex and shock absorbtion is markable. I'm very happy with the new combo. The only issue I ran into was the need to carefully spread the seattube relief with a screw driver in order to insert the carbon post without scoring it. Didn't need any friction paste though. My only concern with the EC90 vs the Thomson Elite is that the Easton clamp is only 30mm long versus the Thomson's which is 40mm. As a clyde I value the extra rail support, but, the rails of the saddle currently on the bike are steel. So, hopefully won't be an issue.