[RickC]

I'd vote for titanium too, as it seems to combine the strengths of steel and aluminum. I rode steel for years and now have an aluminum fat-tubed Cannondale.

Forgive the admission, but I'm a triathlete, so I'm not as familiar with road races as I might be. I see a big Criterium race in Downers Grove, IL every year and have been to races at the Northbrook, IL velodrome, so I'm guessing the lengths of the races you're in are about 20-40miles????

If that's right, then Al may not be a bad choice. I'm 5'11 and 155lbs. and my 1995 Cannondale R700 is very, very stiff. I couldn't afford Ti back then and had heard horror stories about Al's buzziness. I never noticed it on rides of less than 60-80 miles. For races and sprints, it might make sense and save you some money.

Having said that, during the year I trained for an Ironman (112 mile bike) Triathlon, I DID feel the buzziness and got some cushy (and heavyish) Spinergy RevX wheels (The big carbon X's). This made the ride very pleasant, and I still use them for training today.

I always admired Campy's history and prestige, but always opted for Shimano's (and Sun-Tour's an eon ago!) function/price/weight. I run mostly Ultegra and am very happy with it. I have funky Tri shifters so I can't help with the shifter debate.

Good luck and have fun shopping for bikes!!!