Originally Posted by
bigbossman
The flip side of a stiff aluminum frame is the ride quality.
I had a early 90's all aluminum Trek 1500. It was a fantastic riding bike, up to about 30 miles or so. Past that, it got very uncomfortable to ride. I couldn't imagine spending the day on it.
Newer aluminum frames ride significantly better - partly because the construction/geometry has evolved and has been refined, and partly because of the use of CF stays and forks.
I'll not ride a "vintage" all aluminum bike again, if I have a choice about it.
I have a 1990 C-dale ST600 touring bike with a 3.0 frame and a steel fork and find it quite comfortable to spend a day on. I don't know if it's the steel fork, long touring geometry, cushy terry liberator, but as a whole its a comfortable bike and I would recommend it. In fact I haven't ridden it for awhile so I'm out into the 100 degree day!