Here's my 2004 Masi Gran Crit, Alu with carbon seat and chain stays. I bought the frame and fork and built it up from there. It's my first Alu bike. I expected the "dead" feeling that I hear Alu can produce. At least in this bike, it feels quite "lively" and I'd favorably compare the ride to my Ciocc COM 12.5 (steel)that I really love.