I'm considering purchasing a 2003 Jamis Eclipse. Currently riding a Specialized Aluminum with carbon fork. Always heard that steel gives a better ride. Appreciate your input on aluminum vs. steel vs. carbon. The Jamis seems to be a particularly good buy right now with Reynolds 853 frame, full Ultegra and Ksyrium SL wheels. Thanks

i went from a vitus frame in 1983 to a jamis eclipse in 2001. i really liked it and had never ridden anything but steel, its ok, but i just picked up a van dessel frame and built it up for the same cost, with campy. the van dessel is a altec2 plus frame with carbon stays and full carbon fork. the van dessel rides smoother, and climbs and handles so much better, that my eclipses is now regulated to a beater bike. don't know about the longevity of al/c vs. steel. and the eclipse is a good rec bike, but for performance it can,t even touch my new set up. good luck