I may have been off by a few years... but the general idea remains.

One can't say that aluminum frames are stiff, then hop on an early Vitus frame for a good stiff ride.

The Aluminum has been evolving quickly in design, form, and function, both to make stiffer main triangles, and allowing some compliance in the rear triangle.

And the aluminum is here to stay, even if most of the pro racers are still riding carbon fiber composite frames.

Thin tubes, thick tubes, oversized tubers... are all put there for a reason.