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I bought a whyte gisburn which is alloy. Really capable gravel bike and has rack mounts. Very pleased with it. After a year bought some hunt carbon wheels and this has taken it to another level. I’d not feel bad about getting the alloy version but budget some decent wheels in the near future.
But, for gravel use, or bikepacking, or anything where it might be treated a bit rough, I’d venture that an alu bike might be better suited.
Why?
Well, I’d be worried about gravel getting under the attachment points for frame bags etc and acting abrasively.
Although, now that i think about it, alu is just as likely to be damaged in the same conditions.
Titanium has to be the worst choice surely. It's expensive and you can't even get it repaired easily, unlike steel (though how many people really do that).
Having owned bikes in all four material I'd go carbon as the most comfortable bike I've ever owned was in that, though I'm quite short. I am very convinced that in under medium the lack of compliance in the rear triangle inevitably makes Al bikes uncomfortable, but that's likely me justifying personal prejudice
Having owned bikes in all four material I’d go carbon as the most comfortable bike I’ve ever owned was in that,
And I would go Titanium as that was the most comfortable bike I have owned. I also have never broken a frame riding gravel so mending it is a non issue.
However, I don't take much notice of the 1% difference that frame material makes and just buy the frame based on size/fit and function and don't care what it is made of