I've riden Aluminium for the past 10 years (marins, cannondale, merlins), but have just got hold of a 94 lava dome and man alive; steel is something else. It might weigh a little more, but the feel is just so much more natural.
well all my Mountain Cycles are alloy,its the only way to make 'em. BUT my first "best"MTB is my Kona Cindercone which is steel and as a ride all day(maybe on skinny tires?)bike i would go for that.