If you haven't ridden a modern high-end aluminum ride, I'd really give it a try. I'll admit I was pretty prejudiced against Al since the last one I had, a 1990 Schwinn "paramount group" 564 that I really hated. It felt like it was going to rattle the teeth out of my head. I thought steel was the only material for me.

A friend talked me into giving the contemporary stuff another try, and I'm glad I did. I saw the frameset come up for a good price on Paceline and I jumped on it. Aluminum manufacturers haven't been sitting on their hands as carbon conquered the market. It's stiff and responsive, like a racing bike is supposed to be, but is not overly harsh, and I found it to be comfortable for 7 hours in the saddle.

Measures out at 16 lbs, 9 oz, and I wasn't being overly weight-weenie about it. And hey, the top tube is almost level!

Mile 37:


The Golden Eagle Ferry across the Mississippi:


Mile 104 recovery beer: