Maybe it takes a long demo ride to see what carbon is all about. After a few miles of demoing a carbon bike at the LBS and near by bike path, well i just didn't get it and told them so. My two road bikes are steel touring bikes so maybe that has come into play, may need to ride side by side to see what the fuss is about.

My gut tells me that for the small amount of riding i do, it probably won't matter much. If your a recreational rider then it is about the joy of riding and getting exercise. It may be that a carbon bike will offer less exercise and kind of defeats the purpose? i.e. shaving some weight off the barbells to make it easier to lift LOL.