Steel frames dampen the road vibe more than aluminum because they are heavier. If you want a plush ride, go with a heavy frame; if you want a light frame, go with aluminum and accept the fact that you will feel more of the road. Having said that, despite what the steelisreal retrogrouches might have you think, steel and alu frames of equivalent weight will have pretty equivalent rides... except that the alu frame will have more lateral stiffness and be more efficient.

Ask yourself this: If steel is so great, why are the world's top bike manufacturers, from Trek to Colnago and back to Eddy Merckx abandoning it at the high end? And, if steel gives such a plush ride, why are bike manufacturers like this one offering steel frames with carbon stays to smooth out the ride?