I prefer steel; I therefore ride a Jamis Coda Comp, among other steel bikes. I don't have a bad thing to say about the Jamis. After 1 year I replaced the tires (an annual thing for me), after two years I replaced the pedals. After three years I replaced the saddle (it started oozing this nasty gel stuff). I did cut down the bars, but I'm a chica. And I did put bar ends on and it's just perfect.
Leo, sorry to hear about your Matrix (the only alu bike I have). You had it set up so nicely last time I saw your posts.