Inspired by a discussion among the aerobatic section of our flying club (with a 40-year old Citabria as a basic yet so far apparently very reliable "budget workhorse"): it appears that apart from a Decathlon there are no reasonable alternatives which would fit the bill, i.e.:
- not too expensive in purchase and maintenance,
- able to withstand the wear and tear of club life for a long time,
- suitable for aerobatics incl. instruction (just basic aeros in case of the Citabria),
- preferably tailwheel.
As there are obviously some experienced aerobatic GA pilots around here: are these two really the only types which correspond to the abovementioned profile?