One interesting thing is that, with the new popularity of wider, lower-pressure tires, aluminum is much less harsh than it used to be. I ride a 2001 Aluminum/Scandium alloy Eddy Merckx. I recently switched from 23mm to 28mm tubeless tires. I also put on new carbon bars, stem and seatpost. The ride is much more plush than it used to be, but just as stiff and responsive. I'm digging it.