Trek Émonda ALR

Trek's Émonda ALR Disc Is a Sleek, Affordable Race Rocket

A smooth and stylee aluminum road bike that hauls ass at a great price

Price: $960 (frameset), $1,890 (complete with 105 build) Weight: 16.4 lbs (as tested) Style: Road race Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra R8020 (as tested) Frame Material: Aluminum Tire clearance: 28mm The right bike for: Rider looking for a fast, and fast looking, road bike but doesn't want to pay carbon prices.

You’d be forgiven for mistaking the new Émonda ALR for a full-carbon race bike at first glance. But it's not carbon: This is Trek’s newest aluminum road racing bike. With other brands producing popular race-ready aluminum frames–such as Cannondale's CAAD12 and Specialized's Allez Sprint DSW–it’s no surprise Trek updated its ALR frames for 2019 .

The Émonda ALR's aggressive geometry and reasonable price (five models priced $1,360 to $1,890) are certainly targeted at the budget minded who still want a performance race ready bicycle and the option to purchase the frameset ($960) opens the door for budget-friendly dream builds.

Trek Émonda ALR

Years of experience shaping and tuning aluminum, along with new alloys and manufacturing techniques, are allowing bike brands to offer aluminum frames that ride smoother than some carbon frames and cost less as well. With the new Émonda ALR, Trek hydroforms the size-specific tubes into complex shapes, which fit together so precisely that fabricators need less weld material to join them, which produces a sleek looking frames. The welds are so minimal, the Émonda ALR frame almost looks made of carbon.

On the pavement the ALR is no slouch. Overall, it's a smooth ride for an aluminum bike. The road buzz is damped, but on rough roads and longer rides it’s still apparent that this is an aluminum frame (the fork is carbon). Luckily Trek's engineers endowed the Émonda ALR Disc with room for wider tires (officially 25mm, but some 30mm tires should fit), allowing riders the option to smooth the ride with the addition of fatter rubber.

Trek Émonda ALR

The minimalist welds make the Émonda ALR's headtube look almost like carbon.

Trek Émonda ALR

Sensor Ready

The non-drive seatstay is provisioned for a Bontrager DuoTrap S sensor.

Trek Émonda ALR

Magic Paint

The Purple Flip paint takes on different colors depending on the light.

Trek Émonda ALR

Hidden From View

Housings and brake hose run inside the front triangle and out of sight.

Trek Émonda ALR

Modern Standards

The Émonda ALR disc uses the flat mount caliper standard and 12mm thru axles.

The Émonda Family

The Émonda ALR is offered in two models (ALR 4 and ALR 5), and two brake options (disc or rim).

The ALR 4 ($1,680 disc, $1,360 rim) features a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain, while the ALR 5 ($1,890 disc, $1,590 rim) comes with a Shimano 105 11-speed drivetrain. All other components are identical, which makes the decision-making process simple: Save 210 or 230 bucks, or spend the extra money to upgrade to an 11-speed drivetrain.

Trek also offers the Émonda ALR 5 Disc in a women's version . This bike features the same geometry as the unisex ALR 5 Disc (though the women's is offered in a 47cm and the unisex is not), but is equipped with a women's saddle, shorter stem, and narrower handlebar.

Trek also sells the Emonda ALR frameset in both disc ($960) and rim ($960) versions. The bike Bicycling received for testing was not a stock complete bike, but a flashy bike built up by Trek to celebrate the Émonda ALR's debut. The frame is shown in the Purple Flip colorway ( there's also a black option) and built with Shimano Ultegra mechanical shift/hydraulic brake groups, with high-end carbon Bontrager parts consisting of Aeolus XXX carbon wheels, XXX carbon seatpost, XXX carbon handlebar, and carbon-railed saddle.

A Lot of Bike for the Money

Trek Émonda ALR

The real selling point of this bike is its performance-to-price ratio. The ALR frame looks an awful lot like carbon, rides great, and costs less. For $419 dollars less than the most comparable carbon Émonda SL model, the ALR 5 comes out swinging with a race-ready package for someone looking for a quality ride without the intimidating price.

The Émonda ALR frames are quite light also. The disc frame weighs 1,131 grams, while the rim frame weighs 1,112 grams. This appears to compare very well with the carbon Émonda SL frame (disc 1,149 grams, rim 1,091), however the Émonda SL frame weight includes part of the seat mast system.

The Emonda ALR frame features internal cable routing through the front triangle, provisioning for the Bontrager DuoTrap S speed and cadence sensor in the non-drive chainstay, press-fit BB86.5 bottom bracket, 27.2mm seat post, and tapered headtube. Disc models use 12mm thru axles front and rear, and flat-mount brake calipers.

Émonda Geometry

The geometry of the ALR is the same as most of the Émonda carbon line. Trek uses its H2 fit, which is geared toward the everyday rider. This geometry falls between the race geometry you'd find on a bike like the Specialized Tarmac, and the shorter, more upright geometry of an endurance bike.

Trek Émonda ALR Geometry

I found the fit to strike the balance between comfort and race quite nicely. Trek's materials say the H2 geometry is a balance of stable-yet-responsive handling and as much as I get annoyed with marketing jargon, I would certainly have to agree with that.

I do wish Trek would also offer its most aggressive race geometry (it's called H1) in the ALR range (the H1 option is offered in Trek's Émonda carbon frames) for riders, like me, who prefer the lower, longer position it offers.

Émonda ALR Disc Ride Impressions

I can learn a lot about a bike by doing what I call the “up, over, and back” test. I take a bike on a ride that's very familiar to me: up the side of the mountain that's just out my door, down the other, and back again. Put to this test I discovered that, yes, climbing on the Émonda ALR still hurts the same as any other bike, so don’t expect any miracles in that regard. But the bike climbs quite well, while I wasn’t able to break any personal records, the bike still feels plenty at home when the grade pitches skyward. Our bike weighed in at 16.4 pounds, quite impressive for a aluminum bike with disc brakes.

After making my way over the top, the less painful/fun part of the test started. Next up, a high speed slightly twisty descent with fresh pavement. Here, the bike reacts predictably at high speeds without feeling terribly unstable even at speeds over 50mph; test passed. The bike is at home on twisty technical descents as well as wide open high speed rippers. While some riders still aren't sold on disc brakes, I’m a convert. Having the Ultegra stoppers affixed to the Émonda ALR was a welcome addition when it came time to not only stop but control speed into and out of corners, and the Émonda ALR feels solid under braking forces.

Trek Émonda ALR

On the road it is immediately apparent that this bike wants to accelerate. Once out of the saddle, the Émonda ALR reacts quickly and feels well connected to the pavement. This feeling of snappy acceleration can be at least partially credited to the 1,380-gram Aeolus XXX 2 Disc wheels that came on our test rig. With that said, the ALR feels solid under load. During all out sprints the frame feels just as a race bike should and responds with every pedal stroke. On the flip side, this Émonda ALR test bike rode a bit stiffly, even with the high-end carbon wheels.

Still, the Émonda ALR has all the ingredients of a good bike—sleek looks, solid performance, and a easier to swallow price.

3 Inexpensive Essentials For Your New Bike

Wahoo Elemnt

Track Your Rides

Wahoo Elemnt

Track speed, distance, and time then upload to Strava

$100 | Competitive Cyclist

Topeak Multi Tool

Adjustments On The Go

Topeak Mini 10

It's easy to carry and has a tool to fix common issues

$17 | Competitive Cyclist

Park Tool Mini Pump

Great for Midride Flats

Park Tool Mini Pump

Will fit in a jersey pocket or a bag to get you going again

$20 | Competitive Cyclist

Headshot of Trevor Raab

Trevor Raab is the staff photographer for Runner’s World and Bicycling , a CAT 1 cyclocross racer, and, occasionally, a product reviewer for the Test Team. He fits the typical “how I got in to bikes” story: his dad introduced him to mountain bikes when he was a kid, then he had a  stint as a skateboarder in high school, and since 2011 he’s been riding every sort of bike he can find.

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Trek Emonda ALR first-ride review: Light and fast, but best on smooth roads

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It wasn’t all that long ago that aluminum was considered largely obsolete as a frame material: too soft and heavy relative to carbon fiber, not as much zing or “life” as steel or titanium. But the material is nevertheless enjoying a strong resurgence, and Trek is the latest major brand to add fuel to that fire. The new Emonda ALR aluminum road family is reasonably competitive with carbon fiber in terms of weight and stiffness, and new manufacturing methods make it drop-dead gorgeous, too. It’s also comparatively cheap. But alas, there’s still a price to be paid.

The Emonda ALR by the numbers

On paper, it’s hard to argue with Trek’s new Emonda ALR.

At least as far as the scale is concerned, the Emonda ALR is nearly on-par with the carbon fiber Emonda SL. Claimed frame weight for the disc-brake is 1,131g, and 1,112g for the rim-brake edition — just 40g heavier than its fancier (and more expensive) cousin. And according to Trek, the Emonda ALR’s chassis stiffness figures aren’t far behind, either, thanks in no small part to the fact that its 300-Series Alpha Aluminum hydroformed tubes use nearly the same shapes as the upper-end Emondas.

trek emonda alr cable routing

Both rim-brake and disc-brake versions are on tap — naturally — and tire clearances are in-keeping with trends in the road space. Maximum official tire size on the rim-brake version is 25mm; 28mm for the disc-brake models. That sounds decidedly behind the times at first, yes, but keep in mind that Trek’s internal rating for maximum tire size is unusually conservative. Whereas most companies abide by international standards for clearance (at least 4mm of space on all sides of the tire at the closest point), Trek adds another 2mm on top of that, so comparing apples to apples, the rim-brake Emonda ALR will comfortably handle 29mm-wide tires, and the disc-brake bikes will fit 32mm-wide ones. Much better.

Handling-wise, Trek has carried over the same frame geometry as on the carbon Emonda models, which, in turn, were derived from the highly evolved figures of the long-standing Madone range. In other words, it promises truly neutral characteristics, with stable manners at high speeds, a seemingly contradictory willingness to carve through sinuous descents, and reasonable agility at low speeds without having the front end feel too floppy. Trek hasn’t changed its bread-and-butter road geometry much in ages, and that’s a good thing.

In terms of rider positioning, though, Trek will only offer the Emonda ALR in the tamer H2 fit with its slightly taller head tube. Riders who are specifically after a more aggressive posture will still need to look at the top-end Emonda SLR range.

trek emonda alr cable routing

Other features include partially internal cable routing (just through the down tube), 12mm front and rear thru-axles and flat-mount caliper interfaces on disc-brake models, quick-release dropouts and direct-mount caliper mounts on rim-brake models, PF86 press-fit bottom bracket shells across the board, tapered steerer tubes on the full-carbon forks, standard 27.2mm-diameter round seatposts with conventional external seatpost clamps, and a small pocket built into the non-driveside chainstay for Bontrager’s DuoTrap wireless speed and cadence sensor.

None of this sounds remotely groundbreaking. And the focus on stiffness-to-weight means there isn’t a smidgeon of aerodynamic shaping to be found here. There’s not a single mention of wind tunnels or grams of drag or yaw angles in any of Trek’s marketing collateral. In an ever-expanding world of sleek two-wheeled machines that are starting to look more like airplanes than bicycles, the Emonda ALR might seem like a throwback.

But oh, man, you just have to see the thing.

Invisible Weld Technology

The way aluminum bicycle frames are welded hasn’t changed much in decades. With few exceptions, tubes are mitered at the joints and held together in a jig for a close fit, and then the intersections are basically just melted together at high heat, with an additional bead of similar material — the weld bead — added on top for additional structural reinforcement. Sometimes welders take two passes over the joint, and sometimes it’s just one, and sometimes the bead is filed down for a smoother look. But by and large, the process is the same today as it was when people thought Jeff Bezos was nuts for thinking he could sell books over the internet.

Specialized legitimately moved things forward a few years ago with the introduction of Smartweld . Normally, those mitered aluminum tubes fit together kind of like how you would join empty rolls of paper towels together in a grade school art project, with the end of one tube carved out to fit tightly against the unaltered wall of the other tube.

trek emonda alr cable routing

But Smartweld is more like holding the bottom of two soda cans against each other. There’s a natural trough that the welding rod can fill, there’s more surface area to join together for better structural integrity, the weld itself is moved away from the areas of highest stress, the adjoining tube walls can be made thinner and lighter, and the resulting joint ends up more flush with the surrounding tube wall for a smoother finish. There’s more hydroforming work required to initially create that sort of interface geometry on the individual parts, but it’s a brilliant idea that Specialized has used to great effect.

Trek is now doing something similar, calling it “Invisible Weld Technology.” The concept is much the same, at least in terms of the weld joint geometry itself, but whereas Specialized moves the weld further up on the tubes, IWT uses the same weld location as a standard mitered joint.

Details aside, the result is visually stunning. For example, Trek has formed the head tube and top tube of the new Emonda ALR with the same shapes as the carbon fiber Emonda SL and SLR, and unless you look very closely, you can’t even tell where one part ends and the other begins; it’s truly seamless as far as your eyes are concerned.

trek emonda alr cable routing

Other areas of the frame are joined using more conventional welding techniques, and the Emonda’s press-fit bottom bracket shell is a far cry from the bulbous and hollow two-piece clamshell that Specialized uses on the Allez Sprint . But it’s important to note that Trek is just getting started with the IWT concept, and it’ll be very interesting to see where it goes from here.

Off-the-shelf, or build to suit

As good as the Emonda ALR platform sounds, Trek clearly isn’t interested in having it cannibalize sales from the carbon fiber Emonda families based on the build kits on tap. Just five complete models are available, all of which focus more on value than outright performance. Complete Shimano groupsets are featured throughout, along with hydraulic brakes for all disc-equipped models. The one exception are the Tektro brake calipers on lower-end rim-brake models, since Shimano doesn’t make a direct-mount caliper at that price point.

At the lower end are the Emonda ALR 4 and ALR 4 Disc, built with Shimano Tiagra and Bontrager Affinity TLR tubeless-ready aluminum clinchers. The rim-brake version costs US$1,360 / AU$1,500, and the disc-brake version (which won’t be brought into Australia) costs US$1,680.

At the upper end are the Emonda ALR 5 and ALR 5 Disc, built with the same Bontrager Affinity TLR tubeless-ready aluminum wheels, but with Shimano’s 105 groupset. Retail price for the rim-brake version is US$1,580 / AU$2,000, or US$1,890 / AU$2,400 for the disc-brake version.

There will also be a sole women-specific model, the Emonda ALR 5 Disc Women’s. Basic spec is unchanged, and it’s built with the same frameset, but touch points are altered to promote a better fit and feel. Pricing is the same as the standard Emonda ALR 5 Disc, but like the Emonda ALR 4 Disc, Trek doesn’t plan to sell it in Australia.

Trek still isn’t ignoring the performance potential of the Emonda ALR, either; there’s also a bare frameset available for riders that might want to do a higher-end build. Retail price is US$960 for either the rim-brake or disc-brake version, but neither will be imported into Australia.

Pricing and availability for other regions is still to be confirmed.

trek emonda alr cable routing

Bones, shaken

I rode a custom-built Emonda ALR for several hours on the roads surrounding Trek’s global headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin, where the rolling hills and seemingly endless expanse of sparsely populated roads provide plenty of opportunity to test a bike’s mettle. Rather than set us up on stock models, Trek went the DIY route, outfitting the frames with Shimano’s latest Ultegra mechanical groupset, low-profile Bontrager Aeolus XXX 2 carbon clinchers, 25mm-wide Bontrager R3 tubeless tires, and an assortment of Bontrager carbon fiber finishing kit. Total weight for my 52cm sample was just 7.4kg (16.31lb), without pedals, but with bottle cages and Blendr accessory mounts.

True to claims, the Emonda ALR felt satisfyingly stout under power, and plenty eager to squirt up short and punchy climbs. Front-end torsional rigidity is good, too, although not quite on-par with top-end carbon models, with some flex detected when you’re really wrenching on the bars.

trek emonda alr cable routing

As expected, handling is picture-perfect, like a well-trained horse that almost doesn’t require any physical input from its rider before doing exactly what you want it to. Set those numbers in stone, Trek.

But as pleasant as Trek’s home roads are, the asphalt is distinctly coarse and lumpy, and the pavement seams impossible to ignore. Trek has successfully showcased other bikes on this stage before, but for the Emonda ALR, it might have been better to choose somewhere with better-quality roads.

The Emonda ALR seems to put up a good fight against more expensive carbon bikes in terms of weight and stiffness, however it’s simply no match in terms of ride comfort. Even with the tires inflated to a modest 70psi or so under my 70kg body, the Emonda ALR offers a rough ride, with little vibration damping to speak of and plenty of impact harshness traveling up through the handlebar and saddle. If anything, it only highlights further the uncanny comfort of the new Madone .

trek emonda alr cable routing

That firm ride will certainly be viewed differently by different riders, and it’s important to note that frame compliance varies proportionally with frame size (and remember that I’m 1.73m tall, weigh 70kg, and ride a relatively small 52cm). Would a heavier and/or taller rider have a different experience? Maybe. But again, stiffness and weight still seem to me to have been the primary design objectives here, and frame compliance strikes me as falling further down on the list. Granted, switching to a more flexible seatpost and tires with more suppleness than the rather stiff-bodied Bontrager R3s of my test bike help, but there are limits to how much you can mask the inherent characteristics of a frameset. As is, the Emonda ALR wouldn’t be my first choice for a long day in the saddle on less-than-ideal road surfaces.

This isn’t to say that I wasn’t impressed with the Emonda ALR overall. I’m a big fan of aluminum bikes in general, and I’m definitely excited to see Trek (and others) devoting more attention to the genre. The Emonda ALR is light and stiff, and an unquestionably good value from a mainstream brand. Privateer racers will unquestionably find much to like here, as will anyone prioritizing stiffness and low weight, and living in areas with good-quality roads.

But just as perpetual motion machines, fountains of youth, and fusion reactors are still the stuff of folklore, the Emonda ALR isn’t quite a tale of getting true carbon fiber performance at aluminum pricing. If you enter into the arrangement with realistic expectations of what you might be getting, you’ll probably be happy with it. And as always, a test ride is probably a good idea before signing on the dotted line.

As much as some of us might like to believe otherwise, material properties are what they are, and as good as the Emonda ALR is, you still don’t get something for nothing.

www.trekbikes.com Disclaimer: Trek provided flights, accommodations, and loaner equipment for this event, and has previously advertised on CyclingTips.

trek emonda alr cable routing

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Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

Looking for a new bike to enhance your cycling experience? The Trek Emonda ALR 5 might just be the perfect choice for you.

With its lightweight frame and impressive performance, this bike has gained quite a reputation among cycling enthusiasts.

When it comes to road bikes, Trek is a brand that is known for its quality and innovation.

The Emonda ALR 5 is one of their most popular models, loved by both amateur riders and professionals alike.

Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

With its sleek design and advanced features, it promises to deliver a smooth and thrilling ride.

In this review, we will delve into the details of the Trek Emonda ALR 5, exploring its key features, performance on the road, and overall value for money.

Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a beginner looking to upgrade, this article will provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about your next bike purchase.

Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

– Lightweight frame: The Emonda ALR 5 features an Ultralight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum frame that provides a strong and durable foundation for a smooth and efficient ride. This frame is designed to maximize power transfer and responsiveness, ensuring a fast and agile ride.

– Carbon fork: The bike is equipped with a carbon fork that absorbs road vibrations and enhances overall comfort. This feature contributes to a more enjoyable and stable riding experience, particularly on rough or uneven surfaces.

– Shimano 105 components: The Emonda ALR 5 is equipped with a reliable and high-performance Shimano 105 groupset. This includes a 2×11 drivetrain, providing a wide range of gears for tackling various terrains. The Shimano 105 components ensure smooth and precise shifting, allowing riders to effortlessly switch gears and maintain optimal cadence.

Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

– Disc brakes: This bike is equipped with Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes, offering superior stopping power and control in all weather conditions. The disc brakes provide reliable and consistent braking performance, giving riders confidence and peace of mind during descents and sudden stops.

– Bontrager wheels: The Emonda ALR 5 comes with lightweight and durable Bontrager Paradigm wheels, which enhance overall speed and agility. These wheels are designed to roll smoothly and efficiently, allowing riders to maintain momentum and tackle climbs with ease.

– Comfortable geometry: The bike features a balanced and comfortable geometry that promotes a more upright riding position. This design ensures enhanced comfort and reduces strain on the rider’s back and neck during long rides.

– Versatile performance: Whether you’re racing, training, or simply enjoying leisurely rides, the Emonda ALR 5 delivers versatile performance. It excels in various terrains and riding conditions, allowing you to push your limits and achieve your cycling goals.

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Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

One of the standout features of the Trek Emonda ALR 5 is its frame.

Made from Trek’s Ultralight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, the frame is both lightweight and durable.

This allows for easy maneuverability and efficient power transfer, making it a joy to ride on any terrain.

The frame also features internal cable routing, giving the bike a sleek and clean appearance.

Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

Equipped with a Shimano 105 groupset, the Emonda ALR 5 offers precise shifting and reliable performance.

With plenty of gears to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect gear ratio for any incline or speed.

The Shimano 105 hydraulic brakes provide excellent stopping power, ensuring your safety on descents or in emergency situations.

Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

The Emonda ALR 5 also features Bontrager components, including the handlebars, stem, and seatpost.

These components are designed to enhance comfort and control, allowing for a more enjoyable ride.

The bike is also equipped with Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 700x28mm tires, which provide excellent traction and durability.

Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

Performance

One of the standout aspects of the Emonda ALR 5 is its ride quality.

Thanks to its lightweight frame and carbon fork, the bike feels incredibly smooth and responsive on the road.

Whether you’re sprinting on a flat stretch or climbing a steep hill, the bike delivers a comfortable and efficient ride.

Overall, the Trek Emonda ALR 5 is a fantastic road bike that offers excellent performance and value for money.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, this bike is sure to impress with its lightweight construction, smooth ride, and reliable components.

So if you’re in the market for a new road bike, the Trek Emonda ALR 5 is definitely worth considering.

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Trek Émonda ALR 5 2023

Trek Émonda ALR 5 2023

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Not so good

The Trek Emonda ALR 5 uses the latest aluminium alloy Emonda frameset, with aero tweaks and a geometry that matches other high-end performance bikes in Trek’s line-up. It showcases the fact that this material still has a place on the racing scene, offering up the sort of stiffness and ride comfort found with carbon, although this build is far from light.

> Buy now: Trek Emonda ALR 5 for £1,999.99 from Triton Cycles

For more options and for different budgets, check out our guide to the best road bikes , from £300 to over £13,000…

I'm a big fan of aluminium frames. When done well, using the right tubing and wall thicknesses, and with well-thought-out geometry, it can result in a bike with excellent ride feel and great levels of feedback – everything a fast rider or racer wants. Trek has done an excellent job with this new Emonda ALR, which ticks all those boxes.

Even with the 25mm tyres pumped up firm, the aluminum tubing shows no signs of harshness, with an almost steel-like ride feel to it; there is a certain smoothness to it.

2023 Trek Émonda ALR5 - riding 4.jpg

The frame is still incredibly stiff. Hard efforts out of the saddle don't show any signs of flex around the bottom bracket area, or anywhere else you might not want it. On the whole, it feels responsive and eager to get a shift on when you ask it to.

The only real fly in the ointment is the slightly lacklustre wheelset and the weighty tyres fitted as standard. Both take the overall shine off the performance, and contribute to the all-up bike weight of 9.1kg on our scales, so it's not exactly nippy off the line compared with bikes a kilo lighter.

2023 Trek Émonda ALR5 - riding 3.jpg

Swapping the Bontrager tyres out for some Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport Rs that were in for review dropped 320g from the overall weight, and helped to show just what this bike is capable of. Not just in terms of weight, either, but also better rolling resistance and grip.

The better grip lets you get the best out of the geometry, which is designed to be on the racy side without being overly aggressive. It's a nice balance.

On fast descents you can fling it into the corners and it'll hold its line without feeling twitchy or nervous. In fact, it feels pretty planted, but not at the cost of responsiveness or nimbleness thanks to the sub-metre wheelbase.

It's a confidence-boosting bike, easy to ride even if you aren't giving things your full attention. You don't have to be 'on it' the whole time to ride the Emonda quickly; it'll just as easily let you cover big miles without issue.

2023 Trek Émonda ALR5 - riding 2.jpg

Though the ALR has kammtail tube sections, and Trek makes some aero claims, I wouldn't say it feels exceptionally quick in a straight line; it doesn't have the sort of wind-cheating properties of properly aero carbon bikes.

That said, thanks to the riding position that's achievable given the reasonably low stack height, you can certainly get a shift on if you are trying to get out of the wind. It's certainly a bike you can race on, or just ride quickly without any competition involved.

Frame and fork

Trek uses its own range of aluminium grade tubing, which in the ALR 5's case is "ultralight 300 Series Alpha". And thanks to the hydroformed shapes, and what Trek calls invisible weld technology, it looks very much as smooth and shapely as many carbon frames on the market, especially around the head tube area.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - top tube decal 2.jpg

That smoothness is enhanced by the integrated cable routing, directed in through the head tube and headset before passing into the frame and exiting just below the bottom bracket.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - head tube.jpg

The welding only has a smooth appearance around the front area and the top of the seat tube, though; move further down where there are bigger loads being applied, such as at the bottom bracket, and the welds are much more pronounced.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - UCI sticker.jpg

The rear of the frame actually has quite a traditional look about it, with mainly round tubes and seatstays that aren't overly narrow or heavily profiled, like you might find manufactured from carbon.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - seat stays.jpg

You won't find any integrated seatclamps either, with the Emonda getting a round post and a clamp that sits externally.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - seat tube junction.jpg

As for finishing touches, it's just bolts for two bottle cage mounts and nothing else. This is a performance race bike after all.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - seat tube bosses.jpg

Tyre clearance is quite limited for a modern road bike at just 28mm. That's not a huge problem for me – 28mm is the maximum I use for this kind of bike – but with many of the opposition being able to take 30mm or even 32mm now, it's a little bit on the back foot.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - fork clearance.jpg

The carbon fork, an Emonda SL, blends smoothly into the frame and provides all the stiffness required for hard cornering without suffering from any kind of understeer at all.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - fork.jpg

For the bottom bracket Trek has specced a T47, a switch it made a little while back. In a nutshell, it uses the larger dimensions of a press-fit system, but the bearings are threaded into the frame rather than being pressed. This provides the stiffness and performance benefits of a press-fit system without the creaking issues that can result if dirt gets in between the cups and frame due to poor manufacturing tolerances.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - cable route.jpg

Geometry-wise, the Emonda ALR 5 uses Trek's H1.5 Race measurements, a balance of angles and dimensions that give the bike a performance edge without going too far into the twitchy, hard-to-handle realm of race bikes. It's the same as used on the higher-end carbon Emonda models.

trek emonda alr cable routing

Even though Shimano is 'charging' ahead with its electronic groupsets, and we've seen 105 Di2 become 12-speed, there is still a lot of life left in this mechanical setup. The shifting is great, with crisp and clean gear changes, and the shape of the levers lets your hands sit naturally and comfortably.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - lever.jpg

In terms of ratios, the ALR 5 comes with a 50/34-tooth compact chainset mated to an 11-30 cassette. That's a good spread of gears for all kinds of performance riding, with a 50x11 giving more top end than most people need, along with plenty of climbing gears at the lower end, providing you are reasonably strong and fit.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - cassette.jpg

The hydraulic braking performance is top notch too. With 160mm rotors front and rear, you can get it to pull up from high speed to zero with just two fingers whenever you want.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - rear disc brake.jpg

Finishing kit

Trek's in-house component and accessories brand, Bontrager, supplies all of the finishing kit found on the ALR.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - bars 2.jpg

The handlebar and stem are both standard alloy components with nothing flash when it comes to their design, but they do the job just fine.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - stem.jpg

The Comp VR-C bar has a 124mm drop, which is shallow enough that it can be used without the bend in your back needing to be too extreme. The overall width is matched to the frame size.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - dropbar and lever.jpg

The seatpost is alloy too, 6061 grade, and is 27.2mm in diameter. It comes with 8mm of offset and on this size bike it is 330mm in length.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - rear.jpg

The Verse Comp saddle is a little too plush for my liking; I prefer something with less padding for fast riding, but saddles are very much a personal choice. You might get on with it just fine.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - saddle.jpg

Wheels & tyres

As for the wheels, the Paradigm SLs are tubeless ready, and for a wheelset on a bike at this price point they aren't too bad in terms of weight at a claimed 1,800g.

Their shallow rim depth doesn't bring a huge amount of speed to the party, but they are stiff enough for spirited riding, and durability doesn't look to be an issue.

2023 Trek Emonda ALR5 - tyre and rim.jpg

As I've already mentioned, the tyres fitted aren't the best from a performance point of view. They are heavy at over 800g a pair, and with a limited thread count they have quite a 'dead' feeling to them.

Durability and reliability aren't an issue, so they are good training tyres, but they just hamper performance. An upgrade here will bring dividends to overall speed, with better rolling resistance and grip.

The ALR 5 is priced at £2,350, which is similar to Cannondale's highly regarded CAAD 13 : an aluminium road bike with a lot of pedigree. (Mat tested the CAAD13 Disc 105 in 2020.)

The latest model is similarly specced with a 105 groupset and alloy mid-depth rims, so it's no surprise to see a price virtually the same either: £2,300.

Specialized's alloy superbike, the Allez Sprint Comp , takes many cues from the carbon fibre Tarmac SL7 . Liam was impressed with it overall when he tested it last year , and Jamie has bought a frameset, which you can see in our YouTube video comparing it against the ALR 5 . It's much higher priced than the Trek, though, at £2,900, with a 105 groupset and DT Swiss wheels.

Merida has a range of aluminium Sculturas, with the 400 being the most expensive. It too comes with a 105 mechanical groupset and an alloy wheelset, but costs much less at £1,775.

The ride quality and geometry of the ALR 5 makes it a bike I'd highly recommend if you want to race but don't have a massive budget, or you just want a bike you can ride fast without getting beaten up, even on long rides. It's priced in line with key competition like the CAAD13 and is cheaper than the Allez Sprint Comp by quite a long way. Some might baulk at that price for an alloy bike, but there is no denying it has the characteristics to back it up.

The tyres hold it back a bit, but underneath is a comfortable alloy road bike with a great performance

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Trek Émonda ALR 5

Size tested: 56cm

About the bike

List the components used to build up the bike.

Hub front Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, CenterLock disc, 100x12 mm thru axle

Skewer front Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever

Hub rear Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, CenterLock disc, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12 mm thru axle

Skewer rear Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever

Rim Bontrager Paradigm SL, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21 mm width, Presta valve

Tyre Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x 25 c

Max tyre size 28c

Drivetrain -

Shifter Shimano 105 R7020, 11-speed

Front derailleur Shimano 105 R7000, braze-on

Rear derailleur Shimano 105 R7000, short cage, 30T max cog

*Crank Size: 47

Shimano 105 R7000, 50/34 (compact), 165 mm length

Size: 50, 52

Shimano 105 R7000, 50/34 (compact), 170 mm length

Size: 54, 56, 58

Shimano 105 R7000, 50/34 (compact), 172.5 mm length

Size: 60, 62

Shimano 105 R7000, 50/34 (compact), 175 mm length

Bottom bracket Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing

Cassette Shimano 105 R7000, 11-30, 11 speed

Chain Shimano 105 HG601, 11-speed

Max. chainring size 1x: 48T, 2x: 53/39 (Shimano), 48/35 (SRAM)

*Saddle Size: 47, 50, 52

Bontrager Verse Comp, steel rails, 155 mm width

Size: 54, 56, 58, 60, 62

Bontrager Verse Comp, steel rails, 145 mm width

*Seatpost Size: 47

Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2 mm, 8 mm offset, 250 mm length

Size: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62

Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2 mm, 8 mm offset, 330 mm length

*Handlebar Size: 47, 50

Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8 mm, 100 mm reach, 124 mm drop, 38 cm width

Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8 mm, 100 mm reach, 124 mm drop, 40 cm width

Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8 mm, 100 mm reach, 124 mm drop, 42 cm width

Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8 mm, 100 mm reach, 124 mm drop, 44 cm width

Handlebar tape Bontrager Supertack Perf tape

*Stem Size: 47

Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 70 mm length

Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 80 mm length

Size: 52, 54

Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 90 mm length

Size: 56, 58

Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 100 mm length

Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 110 mm length

Brake Shimano 105 hydraulic disc

Brake rotor Shimano RT70, CentreLock, 160 mm

Rotor size Max brake rotor sizes: 160mm front & rear

Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Trek says, "The Émonda ALR 5 gives you the sleek looks of carbon without the sticker shock. Its advanced alloy frame is built to perform, and pairs with disc brakes and a reliable Shimano 105 drivetrain to give it the race-ready edge."

It's a smooth looking bike with an excellent ride quality, and plenty of stiffness.

Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options

The range is topped with the ALR 6 at £3,150 and starts with the ALR 4 at £1,750. A frameset is available too, from £1,150.

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

It's a high-quality aluminium frame that looks smooth, just like a carbon fibre offering, and the fork is stiff enough for hard riding.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

The frame is made from Trek's 300 Series Alpha aluminium while the fork is full carbon fibre.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

The geometry is on the racy side, but just backed off enough to not create a twitchy speed machine.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

The height and reach figures are fairly typical for a race bike of this size.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Yes, the alloy frame has a great ride quality.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

With the oversized bottom bracket shell, and stiff tubing where it needs to be, all is fine in this respect.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Power transfer is good throughout the frame and fork.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? On the quick side.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

It has fast handling, but not so much so that it becomes twitchy or difficult.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

I wasn't a huge fan of the amount of padding on the saddle, although it is a decent shape.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

I found the wheels fine for out of the saddle efforts, and the same with the handlebar – I didn't detect any flex when really pulling on it.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

A change of tyres would improve overall efficiency a lot, by dropping weight and improving grip.

The drivetrain

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

Mechanical Shimano 105 is still an excellent groupset, with awesome shifting performance and braking power.

Wheels and tyres

Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so what for?

Decent enough wheels for the budget, and not too bad a weight overall.

Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so what for?

Entry-level tyres from Bontrager; an upgrade would benefit the bike immensely.

Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?

Personally, I'd change the saddle for something less padded, but on the whole, for the money it's a decent spec.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

The similarly specced Cannondale CAAD13 Disc comes in a few quid cheaper at £2,300, but Merida's aluminium Scultura range stops at £1,775 even though you get a 105 mechanical groupset and a spec similar to that of the Trek. Specialized's Allez Sprint is considerably more, though.

Use this box to explain your overall score

Thanks to the quality that can now be achieved by modern aluminium frames, this is a lovely bike to ride, with easily enough stiffness to match that of carbon machines in the real world. It is weighty, and it could do with a few component tweaks, but for the performance it delivers, for the money, it's very good.

Overall rating: 8 /10

About the tester

Age: 44   Height: 180cm   Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike   My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years   I ride: Every day   I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

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trek emonda alr cable routing

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

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>£2k for an aluminium frame?! In the same price bracket, actually cheaper, you can get a carbon frame for that money. Trek seems to be poor vfm really....

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Or steel (if you want). Having become quite inured to these prices, I was slightly shocked recently to see you can get a well-regarded steel-framed 105-equipped ride for £1000 less than this Trek. Not exactly the same sort of bike but - hydraulic brakes apart - you have to wonder where the price difference comes from. www.cyclinguk.org/cycle-magazine/bike-test-cannondale-synapse-sora-and-s...

Coming back to cycling after a number of years off I was shocked at the cost of bikes and in the end plumped for a £500 Triban RC500 from Decathlon, which I'm sure a lot of folks will turn their noses up at, but it's a great bike and does everything I need. But now I'm looking at a better bike the vfm range is incredible. Have to say Ribbles range is looking very attractive.....

I tried one in Decathlon couple of weeks ago and thought it was a great bike especially for the price, now 600 quid I think.

Hornet99 wrote: which I'm sure a lot of folks will turn their noses up at

Anyone who does that is a fool. https://road.cc/content/review/decathlon-triban-rc-500-disc-road-bike-25...

Hornet99 wrote: >£2k for an aluminium frame?! In the same price bracket, actually cheaper, you can get a carbon frame for that money. Trek seems to be poor vfm really....

Your starting point is that aluminium is necessarily inferior to carbon. I'm not sure that's always true.

While this seems expensive for a 105 11-speed bike, it's a Trek and they don't sell bikes cheaply. The ALR 4 with Tiagra is currently £1,575 (reduced from £1,750). That's quite a difference for one extra cog on the cassette. The frameset is £1,150. A Specialized Allez Sprint frameset is £1,800.

These brands spend a lot on marketing, sponsorship and R&D and that money has to come from somewhere. I wonder how the Trek ALR compares to a Giant Contend SL, Cannondale Synapse or Ribble Endurance AL.

If you compare it with the £4,500 Cervelo Soloist reviewed last week which has a low-spec wheelset, so you're looking at £800 or more on top to get something it deserves (no-one buying a Soloist will want those stock wheels). I'd suggest that is a far bigger rip-off.

There is talk of an oversupply of some models so there may be discounts if you shop around.

No mention of that colour scheme! 

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  • Emonda ALR Frameset

Trek Emonda ALR Frameset

Trek Emonda ALR Frameset

Emonda ALR frameset gives you the look and performance of carbon at an alloy price point that's far friendlier on the wallet. Shaped tubes and Invisible Weld Technology make this aluminum road bike frame the perfect starting point for a high-performance, high-value build. It's right for you if... You're building up a road bike for club rides or races, and you want an advanced aluminum frame with the sleek looks and handling characteristics normally found only in carbon models. The tech you get A lightweight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum frame with shaped tubes, Invisible Weld Technology for seamless joints, and internal cable routing. Includes a carbon fork with a carbon steerer and a headset. Built for BB86.5 bottom bracket and direct mount rim brakes. The final word Carbon looks and ride quality, aluminum price point. If you thought alloy couldn't contend with carbon in beauty and performance, think again. Emonda ALR is a value-minded ride that's perfectly comfortable taking a far more expensive carbon bike to the line. Why you'll love it - It climbs fast, corners on rails, and descends with confidence - It shares the geometry of our highest-end carbon Emonda race bikes, and it gives you a ride quality that stands up in every way to far more expensive carbon bikes - Internal cable routing extends the life of your cables and adds to the bike's sleek look - Like every Emonda, it's built to be the lightest and fastest in its class and it’s backed by our lifetime warranty

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Trek 2019 Emonda ALR

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Trek Emonda ALR Frameset Color: Radioactive Red to Marigold Fade

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COMMENTS

  1. Trek Émonda ALR Review

    Trek prices the Émonda ALR at $2,300 for the complete bike and $1,200 for the frameset. Trek confirmed that the Émonda ALR will receive an update to 12-speed 105 in the near future.

  2. Trek Emonda ALR Review

    The Emonda ALR frame features internal cable routing through the front triangle, provisioning for the Bontrager DuoTrap S speed and cadence sensor in the non-drive chainstay, press-fit BB86.5 ...

  3. Trek Emonda ALR first-ride review: Light and fast, but best on smooth

    The new Trek Emonda ALR is the most advanced aluminum road frame yet to come out of the Wisconsin brand - and furthers the argument that modern aluminum bikes can still compete with carbon fiber ones in many ways. ... Cable routing is internal through the down tube. All of the lines hug the frame nicely for a tidy appearance, but there will ...

  4. 2022 Trek Emonda Alr 5 cable routing : r/TrekBikes

    Cables run through the down tube (bare). You'll have to remove the spread freak routing guides on both ends. They come off around the brake hoses. pretty sure it's a 3 or 2.5mm hex key. This routing is SUPER annoying.

  5. PDF 2021 ÉMONDA SL/SLR

    221 Emonda SLR/SL assembly manual Table of Contents 1. Frames cable routing SLR 2 SL 3 2. Install common components Di2 Bar/stem wire routing 4 Handlebar & stem wire routing 4 Install the chain keeper 4 Install the steer stop 4 3. Route and install brakes Install the rear brake and brake hose 5 Install the front brake and brake hose 5 4.

  6. Trek Emonda ALR 5 Review

    One of the standout features of the Trek Emonda ALR 5 is its frame. Made from Trek's Ultralight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, the frame is both lightweight and durable. This allows for easy maneuverability and efficient power transfer, making it a joy to ride on any terrain. The frame also features internal cable routing, giving the bike a sleek ...

  7. Review: Trek Émonda ALR 5 2023

    The Trek Emonda ALR 5 uses the latest aluminium alloy Emonda frameset, with aero tweaks and a geometry that matches other high-end performance bikes in Trek's line-up. ... That smoothness is enhanced by the integrated cable routing, directed in through the head tube and headset before passing into the frame and exiting just below the bottom ...

  8. Émonda ALR Disc Frameset

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    Hi, I bought my first road bike, a Trek Emonda ALR 5 with 105 components and rim brakes, from my LBS last summer and love it. Having read about the bike in a comparison review recently I noticed that the bike could come fitted with 'internal cable routing'. My bike does not have this however. I was wondering if bikes are usually sold as two ...

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    Ultralight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, Invisible Weld technology, tapered head tube, internal cable routing, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle: Fork: Émonda ALR full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle: Frame fit: H1.5 Race

  15. Trek Emonda ALR Frameset

    The tech you get. A lightweight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum frame with shaped tubes, Invisible Weld Technology for seamless joints, and internal cable routing. Includes a carbon fork with a carbon steerer and a headset. Built for BB86.5 bottom bracket and direct mount rim brakes. The final word. Carbon looks and ride quality, aluminum price point.

  16. Émonda ALR Frameset

    21 Reviews / Write a Review. $1,149.99. Model 589000. Retailer prices may vary. Émonda ALR frameset gives you the look and performance of carbon at an alloy price point that's far friendlier on the wallet. Shaped tubes and Invisible Weld Technology make this aluminum road bike frame the perfect starting point for a high-performance, high-value ...

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  18. 2023 Trek Émonda ALR Disc Frameset

    Frame. Ultralight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, Invisible Weld technology, tapered head tube, internal cable routing, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle. Tire Clearance: 28c. Colors: Dnister Black; Era White. Fork. Émonda ALR full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle.

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    Model 570356. Retailer prices may vary. Émonda ALR 5 Disc is a light and responsive road bike with an advanced alloy frame that gives it the sleek looks and handling of a far more expensive carbon bike. Paired with big upgrades on parts, like a dependable Shimano 105 drivetrain and powerful hydraulic disc brakes that stop in any weather, this ...