I like steel because for me, it's a smoother ride than aluminum; I don't feel every tiny bump. As a result, my bad back doesn't get worse. My Lemond came from the factory with drain holes (even though it never rains in Southern California :-) ), but it also came with rustproofing inside the tubes. If your steel ride doesn't have that, ask at the LBS: they will be able to do it for you or sell the rustproofing liquid. It takes two or three days to do.