Steel is good for looks and "rightness"
Alluminum bars are good for (typically) better hand postions and more choice in drop and width. I like the flatter top of alloy bars. My fixed had track drop on it and I couldn't keep my hands on the flats long because they sloped away so quick and kept my wrists at an odd angle.

Strength wise, there are a lot of guys more powerful than most people here racing on alloy bars. Tho the light ones all reccomend replacement every season or two.


As big as you are, do you have narrow shoulders? I would think a wider bar, than 42, would be more comfortable and let you breathe better.