Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
I have numerous steel bikes, including De Rosa, Eddy Merckx, Pinarello...
Steel has a smooth feel, but carbon fiber also mutes vibrations efficiently. My aluminum bikes ride smoothly and I like the extra stiffness aluminum offers.
Bike tires are probably more important that frame material if you are seeking a smooth ride. A plush 700x32 tire at 75psi on an aluminum frame will feel smoother than a stiff 700x23 tire at 105psi on a steel frame bike.
agree
I put a fair amount of miles on steel, aluminum, and carbon bikes
set up relatively similar - same saddle / bar tape (etc)
at my size especially - small frame size - the tires / tire pressure made more difference than the different frame material
in larger frame sizes this might not be the case (?)