High-end Aluminium, Is It Worth It? Trek Émonda ALR 5 Review

We all know carbon bikes are lighter, stiffer, faster and a million times better than aluminium ones, right? But what if we told you that last point isn’t always true.

The aluminium Trek Émonda ALR 5 is only 150g heavier than the carbon equivalent and it costs almost a third less, but most importantly, it performs pretty much the same on the road.

Senior technical writer Simon von Bromley has been reviewing the latest aluminium Trek Émonda to see how it compares to its carbon equivalents.

Are you in the carbon fibre camp? Let us know in the comments 👇

#Trek #Aluminium #review

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:12 Frameset
04:05 Geometry
05:11 Ride Impressions
08:21 Final Verdict

Credits:
Keystone / Staff Getty Images

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[bikeradar]

Can aluminium compete with carbon fibre?

[justsomedude]

I have an original version Emonda ALR from 2016. Fantastic bike and I have carbon bars and seat post and recently updated to eTap AXS (rim brake) and it is just an awesome ride. Bike weighs in just a few grams over 16 lbs

[Gendvlf]

Just purchased exact model very excited!

[konkretyn]

Thanks for the review!

I'm new to road cycling and I bought this bike about a month ago. So far I have no complaints.

Went for a couple rides both for distance and climbing. I'm probably too weak but I can't feel anything wrong stiffness-wise.

I also have no issues with the tires despite some rough surfaces, no punctures either. No idea what people are talking about with them being all "sluggish" or whatever.

Yes, surprisingly comfortable too and I seem to be getting along with the stock saddle.

Planning on getting the stem lowered and see if that makes it any better.

Perfectly happy with this one for now, though I imagine that over time, as I get stronger and more tuned in to the different ride characteristics, I will be better off on a stiffer carbon frame and wheels.

[thecappy]

Had my ‘12 Caad10 from new. Just upgraded to dura ace 9100 from 105. It’s a keeper.

[davekashuba]

Carbon frames are great, but there seems to be this perception that they are 10x better than any steel, aluminum or titanium frame. They aren't. I'd rather a good quality aluminum frame vs cheap carbon frame for the same price.

[sergeykuznetsov]

Last year, I bought a 2019 Trek Emonda ALR 5 Disc to enter the "serious" road cycling world. The bike offers excellent value for money with all the components an entry cyclist like me might need without unnecessary excesses. It's a nippy ride and aesthetically pleasing with its metallic purple and red paint scheme. My only niggle is that the next-generation ALR has a much neater internal cable routing, otherwise the bikes are very similar. I'm entering my first triathlon in about a year, so I'm finally fitting clip-in pedals and Zipp 303s to my ALR; however, it's a great ride even without those additions.

[paultushingham]

Aluminium is still cool..
Just purchased the Trek Checkpoint Driftless with mechanical 11 speed GRX.. no problems - comfortable and fun.
Cycling should be fun, and a bike should bring a smile to your face.. 😊

[chrisstrider]

Seems expensive for mechanical 105 and Alu you can get a good Canyon Vitus or Ribble Carbon for a little more

[luukrutten]

Excellent machine to upgrade to a crit racer. It looks great too.

[alydude]

I still have my Caad 8 105 in MINT condition with Zero problems! It’s amazing and I actually choose it over my Supersix evo

[lewism]

I bought one of these a few weeks ago to get back into the sport.

Had a few issues and ended up with an Emonda SL6 as a loan bike (carbon & ultegra) whilst mine was in the shop (Trek Westlake in California - great guys).

My main criticism of the alloy Emonda is the wheelbase is very short.
Don’t expect to be taking a low speed turn / u turn whilst pedalling as the front wheel will be obstructed by your feet. A real pain in the ass for track stands / trying to stay clipped in at stop lights.

The geometry is quite different to that of the SL5 / SL6
I find the alloy model a little bit more of a stretch in a 54.

A different set of bars / stem may do the trick.

Overall nice bike and the paint job makes it look a lot more expensive than it really is!

[wrongsend]

Invisible welding marks. Awesomeness to the highest level

[johnflynn]

Alu beats carbon all day long for the non pro rider - negligible stiffness or weight difference and don't have to x-ray it after a crash or drop to check for cracks. Plus if traveling by air a lot less to worry about regarding possible damage.

[andym]

I managed to get a Emonda SL5 with 50carbon bontrager wheels for £3000 all in

[byrondixon]

Being a bit of a lighter rider, I'd look at this bike as a light gravel bike if it could take 38mm tyres. It could potentially reduce the bike stable with a second set of wheels.

[EverythingWasGreat]

If the difference between ALR and SL is less than 100 g on the frame i guess the weight argument is out the window. All other components are just place holders on a shimano 105 and cast iron wheels.

[Ballerfella]

Great review. What kind of brakes hydraulic brakes or Mechanical?

[matthewmuente]

This is my first "real" high-end road bike. I love the colors, too. Love everything about it, except I must get used to the short wheelbase and twitchiness.

[BrettinLux]

I bought the exact same bike for my son and he loves it.I got to my bike last week and found I had a ou ture and decided to take his bike as we ride the same size.I’m currently on a Domane SL 6 and really enjoyed the racy geometry of this bike.This is a mid level race bike and definitely not a entry level bike.Just put some nice race wheels on it👍👍