Originally Posted by
Lazyass
These modern butted, hydroformed aluminum frames are some of the best stuff out there. More durable than carbon, lighter than steel and just as smooth if not smoother. My '11 Focus is aluminum and it rides as smooth as any steel bike I have, but it's stiff in the right places (head tube, bottom bracket). And I love steel. They're way underrated..
I have always liked the shapes they are able to get with the hydroformed alum frames but haven't ridden one. I had a cannondale R800 with Alu frame and carbon fork that I loved....until I rode a steel bike and realized I didn't have to be jack-hammered on my local (crappy) roads. You comments intrigue me though and I might have to try one some day, or course my 09 Handsome Devil can take up to 47c tires so it would make a great gravel grinder/Monster Cross if I ever got the itch.
Nice bike btw and a heck of a deal.