Nika,
I ride a Trek Madone (carbon), Cannondale CAAD 8 (AL), and our T2000. I think the AL T2000 has an excellent ride, not harsh, plenty stiff, and light enough, I'm guessing around 40 lbs loaded. We also use a drum brake. The newer Treks now have a carbon fork and standard road brakes. But good deals on older bike can be found:
http://thebikerack.com/itemdetails.c...gId=39&id=4506