I ride an aluminum roadie all over town. That's not what I was saying (don't know if your comment was directed at me). Aluminum is plenty durable and will get the job done. In fact, for quick jonts around town, I actually prefer aluminum.

But my point was that it's his first bike and getting started on a bike with no brakes, track geo is not a good idea. And it seems that the guy has no desire to hit up the tracks.