Carbon, Aluminum, Steel, Titanium. What frame material do I need?
There are many different materials bikes can be made from. Which one you choose is generally determined by your riding style and your budget.

Carbon Fiber bikes are generally very light, responsive and comfortable, but also are some of the most expensive models available. The ride feels very smooth because carbon minimizes road vibration.

Aluminum frames give you good handling and performance at a great price. Many higher-end aluminum road frames use carbon fiber for the front of the bike or "stays" (the rear portions of the bike frame) to improve ride quality. This can be a cost-effective alternative to a full-carbon bike.

Steel is the original bike frame material and still has a loyal following with veteran riders. While steel also offers a good ride quality at a relatively low price, steel frames are generally heavier than comparable aluminum frames.