Some quick notes:
- fit is important, try lots of bikes. Get the one you want fit properly.
- you'll get lots of gears.
You've had a single speed for years. If you'd been a mountain biker with gears, I'd say go for a triple-chainset up front, as it'd be more familiar territory to traditional MTB gearing strategies, but given your ride, you could go double or triple quite happily, I'd imagine. I went triple. The gearing strategy made more sense in my head, and the sissy in me appreciates having a granny gear.
- steel = making a comeback, not as harsh as Aluminum. Also (correct me if I'm wrong, someone), more expensive. Bit of a niche item.
- Aluminum = cheaper, harsher ride.
- Carbon = more expensive, more forgiving ride.
- Get at
least a carbon fork.
- Combination frames might be a cost effective way of getting a carbon rear triangle, and still aluminum front end.
- finally, fit is important.
- cool colours are important too, because they make you faster.
- fit is important.
- good road shoes, stiff sole, very important. Over long distance and
time, comfort and dispersing pressure appropriately makes a big difference.
- Careful with saddle choice, see previous note.
FWIW, I have an aluminum frame with a carbon fork, and it's a great ride. Just get out and ride a few different bikes to compare, see how they feel. That's my 2 cents.
