Originally Posted by
aspalmat
Thanks for all the feedback folks. I honestly don’t think my aluminum bike is overly harsh, just figured carbon would be a little more compliant. A new bike is not imminent, just collecting info.
Good to know that you have an open mind. My answer was intended to inform you that frame material does not determine the ride quality of any bicycle. It is entirely possible to design a carbon fibre bicycle frame that is so stiff that is unpleasant to ride on anything other than perfect roads. I own a steel touring bike that is unpleasant to ride with narrow tires. People who claim that steel bikes are forgiving have never ridden that bike. Frame design is much more important than frame material.