can you use aluminum foil pan for baking scalloped potatoes ?
Yesmakes for easier clean up and transport if you're taking to a potluck.
Aluminum is lighter but some bike companies are designing frames with cromoly / steel that is light, they make the frames thiiner but strong to close the weight of an aluminum frameTry to canvass first to reputable bike shop, they will assist you on your needsBeware of some Bike dealers that the only thing in mind is just to sell w/o assisting you properly.
Go to a local bike shop, tell him you want a hybrid, and you got $250 to spendThey might make you a special deal on oneA hybrid is a cross between a mountain bike and a road bikeGreat for leisurely cruising and light off roadIf you have no luck with the LBS, go to a box store and try to find a Schwinn hybrid in the right sizeThey are good bikes for the moneyIf they won't let you ride it around before you buy it, make sure there'll be no problem with returning it if it doesn't work for you, and that they've got somebody to make minor initial adjustments after you've ridden it a day or twoLater, the LBS will be glad to fix 'bout anything that'll go wrong with itWhile you're at it, buy a floor pump to keep at home for airing the tiresSizing is VERY importantBe careful about that.
Have you considered going to a bike shop and looking at hybrid or commuter bikes? These will fall into price range (ieKHS, Fuji,etc.)Aluminum is generally lighter than steel but the components can make difference in the weight tooGo with a bike shop that way you will be buying from people who know what they are sellingA chain like Performance Bike is a good way to goThe prices are right and you can get a much higher quality bike for your money than you'll find at a department store, plus they give lifetime free adjustments and tuneups.
For weight savings, go with Aluminum, it is lighter than the steel, by a significant marginThat being said, steel will give a more supple and more pleasant rideAluminum bikes often can have a harsher ride due to the rigidity of the frame, just a characteristic of the metalSo there are trade offs for each varietyPersonally, I have a few bikes, and when I go for long rides, steel is by far my preference over AluminumI don't think you can go wrong with either, they both just happen to have their own distinct advantages.