I have ridden aluminum bikes, including my ‘Dale mountain bike. Aluminum can be pretty harsh compared to steel.
May I suggest a nice, used Ti frame. I had a Litespeed Classic Ti bike that I bought used. It was supremely comfortable. Unfortunately it did not fit me right so I had to sell it.
Yeah, old school Aluminum was harsh (as are many new AL bikes).
Ironically, Salsa says their newer aluminum bikes are less harsh than their Ti bike, so they discontinued the Ti.
Presumably if you form the Aluminum properly (and don't just butt together oversized round tubes) you can get a nice ride out of it.
@dkyser
I've always been attracted to the Genisis steel bikes (if you can get them where you live).
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/editor...-fer-20-361717