All though the years most of my bikes have been steel, a few aluminum. I've never been in love with the carbon/flat black/disc fad. But I've always wondered how they really ride. So when the price of this Podium went down to $1125 with a corporate discount plus another 25% off I couldn't pass it up. Pretty amazing ride. It's the same frameset being raced in the World Tour but it's as comfortable as an endurance bike. One that handles like a Ferarri. Even has room for 32's.