I dunno if the assessment of aluminum is completely fair. It is true that aluminum has zero fatigue limit, meaning that if it flexes it will work harden, but most modern aluminum bikes are designed specifically to have no flex at all. Thus the very stiff ride...and some people like that. I had a dealer demonstrate the concept to me by laying a bare cannondale frame on the floor and standing on the chainstay. No flex. Do not try that with your steelie.