Aluminum or carbon for a first road bike?

For most beginners, an aluminum frame with a carbon fork (such as the Tommaso Imola or Forcella) is the safer entry point: lower cost, easier to service, and forgiving when learning. Carbon makes more sense once you know your fit, ride 100+ miles a week, or specifically want vibration damping for long rides. Reviewers across r/cycling repeatedly warn against the cheapest aluminum bikes (sub-$350) because of poor assembly and weak components.