So I recently decided to get my first proper road bike.
I've always been more of an off-road trail bike kind of person. My dad had a Scott hybrid which I rode a lot when I was in school and while in college, but it wasn't until I started going on rides with a group recently that I saw the beauty of road bikes.
Anyway, I'll get straight to the point, I've done a fair bit of research and have zeroed in on the Émonda. However, I've been breaking my head over whether to go for the ALR5 or the SL5, both have the same components and are 2024 models.
The price difference between the two is around $600 in my country.
Furthermore being an automotive enthusiast and a motorsport fan since my childhood, Carbon Fiber is something that brings up a lot of emotions (don't know if others can relate). Just the fact that owning a bicycle made out of something that is used in high end race machines gets me excited. Of cource, I'm aware it's of a lower grade, etc. etc.
However, all this being said, I like the colour scheme of the ALR 5 a but more. 🥲
https://www.trekbikes.com/in/en_IN/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road-bikes/%C3%A9monda/%C3%A9monda-alr/%C3%A9monda-alr-5/p/41426/
I've reached a stage of analysis paralysis and I can't seem to figure a way out.
Furthermore, online reviews have been so confusing!! I've seen people praising both the ALR 5 as one of the best aluminum road bikes and the SL5 as having a slightly more compliant ride, but the cost difference back then was around $1000.
I must also state that this is going to be my only road bike and that I do not plan on upgrading to another bike in the near future (10 – 12 years) and I already have a trail bike.
by Naythan17
2 Comments
Since you don’t plan on upgrading in the near future, absolutely get the carbon bike. You will be much happier.
My one question though, is have you considered how aggressive this bike is? It’s a pure race bike and will ride like one. If you’re not planning to race or chase KOMs, you might consider the Domane.
The bigger difference is geometry instead of carbon vs alloy, ALR if you are more flexible the domane is an all day riding bike especially for when you get older.