Latest Aluminium frames v CroMo

icarus

I've always ridden steel framed bikes, I tried an Aluminium framed bike a few years ago and just didn't like the feel of it. I can't really put my finger on it but the aluminium bike just felt harsher and not as plush, although that might have been forks etc

Is there a marked difference between the latest Ally frames and steel, especially on hardtails?

supersonic

Depends on how it is constructed. Generally, steel frames are a little more compliant, but they can still be bruisingly stiff, and alloy ones subtley springy. As ever, proof is in the riding.