Originally Posted by
devilshaircut
Anyhow, there are a lot of good bikes under $1000 ... it depends on what *you* want though. Aluminum/steel? NJS? Track geometry?
Good point for sure. As far as material I really don't have a preference. My bike is aluminum with carbon seatstays and fork right now. I rode my coaches bike for a while (all aluminum, including fork) and the difference wasn't that jarring over the course of 22 miles. Long story short- material isn't a big thing and as others have pointed out, there are ways to adjust road feel other than frame material.
As far as geometry- I'm looking for something a bit more relaxed. Not hybrid relaxed but certainly more relaxed than a track bike.