I took my aluminum cross bike to the beach on vacation last week.I rode everyday and kinda got used to it with the 28mm tires.Got home Saturday,rode the Luna Sunday on the club ride.3 pedal strokes intp the ride I said damn this is nice.23mm tires should ride harsher,but the Calfee rides better.
Story #2: A friend and I switched bikes on a ride.His is a Salsa Campeon(sp?) aluminum with a carbon rear end.It felt quick and responsive,but had the aluminum taste.THE NEXT DAY he tried to buy a Luna.Didn't want to wait,and ended up buying a carbon Giant.
As I write this,I'm considering replacing said al cross frame with a custom Tetra cross.