I've ridden all 4 materials and combinations of them with carbon. Here's what I found to be true for me:
1. Aluminum although light, is the most uncomfortable ride
2. carbon stays and fork improve aluminum frames
3. Carbon doesn't feel good to me at all. I like the weight but that's about all
I'm not convinced they will last as long as other materials
4. Steel rides great - I never rode a steel/carbon bike
5. Titanium is my favorite. Titanium/carbon - never did that one

I'm sure you can find a steel bike that will out perform a titanium bike. I'm sure you can find an aluminum bike that will out perform another material. So what does all this mean? You have to try as many as you can and decide for yourself. Then, I would recommend a custom bike if you can afford it because the fit, geometry, etc of your frame is the key!

And??

Actually, I meant to respond to another thread but screwed up and hit the wrong button. Sorry about that.

Well, as long as we’re talking about materials, I’d like to ask a question about aluminum. I’ve heard it’s more comfortable for heavier riders than for lighter ones. At the same time, I’ve heard it’s not the material that matters, it’s what’s done to it that affects ride quality the most. I’m starting to look at a new bike, and a lot are aluminum or aluminum/carbon which concerns me as I’m about 130lbs and my current bike (albeit a low quality frame and no carbon fork) rattles me around quite a bit. I’m looking for a pretty light bike, which seems to be where aluminum excels for the price.

Alu does not absorb shock well,
chromo-steel is flexy and way smoother.
alu if flexing will eventually fail, it lacks the tensile strength- properties you want for the smooth rides.
lighter is not smoother, opposite in fact.
40 lbs fs bike and you can ride over CHUNKS of stuff and hardly feel it.
18 lbs alu bike it feels like someone kicked you in the *$$.
I've not ridden carbon yet- no idea,
ti- for shure if you got the funds- very smoooth.

Hi,

I've always had a nagging question about all these materials, and it seems like the right place to ask it!

If steel/carbon/ti makes for a smooth ride through shock absorbtion, does that mean that your power is absorbed slightly through the bike? Or are modern bikes designed to counteract this effect whilst providing the absortion of vibrations only?

I have an all alloy bike, and it feels rough after an hour or so, but I wouldn't say it's something that I have really thought to be a problem. Is alloy longer lasting than carbon?

Nick.

Most would agree aluminum is a rougher ride. When aluminum combines with carbon, it improves the ride. It is my opinion an "alloy" bike will outlast carbon.

Alum,still and harsh for the most part.
Steel,smoother and a tad heavier but nowadays not enouth if you just ride.Like alum,beeter frame,less or no flex.
Carbon,smoother ride then steel but as above,frame built matters.Some stiffer then others.
Ti,best of everyhing as the pro's say,its their choice if they could choose.
If i was to look for a new bike today,it wouldnt be alum because i dont race and i;m older so i want less jarring ride.
Not steel because i have it already and it's nice,better then my 2 alum i had.
I would be looking at xarbon,Giant Tcr1,5200,roubaix carbon,supergo's brand bike,cervelo R2.5
Ti is bucks so litespeeds new one for $1999,after that i dont know,LeMond but its $$$.