A few months ago I purchased a Trek Emonda ALR frameset. Built it up with 105 Di2 group, 35mm deep carbon wheels with GP 5000 tires. This build allowed me to finish it off with bike parts that fit me, like, 165mm cranks, 40mm handlebars, carbon seatpost, and a nice saddle. So, what I ended up with is a bike that fits me well and I have full confidence in. I find it very fast on the flats, nice and snappy, climbs well, and safe on downhills. The bike feels super solid, something that a well designed alloy frame delivers. This is my second aluminum Trek. The other is a 10 year old Crossrip with AL frame (early version of Domane), set up for gravel. Ya, I'm super happy with these Trek aluminum frames!!!
@@hoizkiachaYa, I hear you. That is why I built the bike from frameset, to put I what I want, not what bike brands have in there warehouse. And ya, they are 400 mm.
I recently purchased a Trek Domane Al2 disk with 32mm tyres ...Claris was fine for the summer now winter is here and I'm using my indoor trainer more im upgrading it to 105 12 speed mechanical, Scribe carbon wheels. Red shift suspension seatpost and stem.. Continental 5000 28mm clinchers..... Beautiful bike.....
I got the Cannondale Optimo 1. It's fun, fast and light weight. It weighs the same as an equivalent carbon road bike with disc brakes but is significantly cheaper.
@@l.d.t.6327 It’s no more punishing on bad roads than my Isaac was but the fit is the best that I’ve had. I’ve only had one carbon bike (the Isaac) and it was extremely stiff but I still loved it.
@@sichen4224 yes and no, most people who choose aluminum are doing it b/c of longevity. No Chinese brand is coming with a lifetime warranty. Not to mention this is not my main bike. It was a projection and I kept the bike b/c it has great tire clearance. There will always be a better bike, the question is are you happy
I bought the Rose reveal AL: 28 mm tires, Shimano 105 ( Ultegra and Di2 group was possible as well) and integrated cables. Bike weigh is 8.8 Kgr. The Rose is amazing and a very good looking bike, I recommend it a lot. Great value for money.
I have 2 bikes. One is my favorite Cannondale CAAD 12 (Acid Red color) , 105 mechanical, RIM Brake which i have fitted with 50 mm Parcours wheel set and a Trek Aero Handlebar. It weighs 8.3 Kgs with Pedals, LIght mounts and Bottle cages. This bike cost me about $ 2000 and then i added another $2500 worth of upgrades on this. My other bike is a Canyon CFR SRAM Red eTap AXS , Ultra -Rare Toray MX 40 carbon, with 58 mm Zip NSW TL wheelset & DIsc Brake. Its a beautiful bike and weighs about 7.7 kgs with Pedals, Bottle cages and Light mounts. However Cannondale still says my hot favorite.
In regards to the CAAD, I’m actually a bit surprised that a 14 hasn’t shown up yet. I seem to remember the 12 and 13 releasing shortly after a new supersix. I just hope that Cannondale doesn’t leave their CAAD bikes behind. They have always been fantastic, top tier aluminium bikes, and I have loved the 3 and 10 that I’ve owned.
Had CAADs since the 2.8, (then a 3.0, then an 8, then a 10, and now a 13) - I race 'em and love 'em. I heard not so great things about the 13, but got a killer deal on one I couldn't resist and took a first place at a regional race ( I'm a senior...;-).. Have a S.S. Hi-Mod Evo too, and believe or not, the CAAD 13 feels faster....
Merida Scultura 400 disc version - full shimano 105 group set and hydraulic disc brakes that can accommodate 28mm tyres. Hard to argue with it for the price
To say Caad 13 has been superseded is silly. Its still one of the very best riding aluminum bikes out there. Maybe long in the tooth but nothing rides better still. Mason Definition deserved a mention as well.
@@linusowens2858 Just because something is older doesnt mean it's worse. My caad12 is more compliant than the current gen Emonda ALR on same tyres and wheels.
I finally jumped into the disc brake bike bandwagon a few weeks ago, I bought a brand new 2022 FELT VR60 8-speed aluminum frame. Some upgrade parts are now on its way. My other aluminum frame on-road bike is a 2011 Specialized Allez which already have more than 25k kms. on its clock.
I’ve had an Emonda ALR5, and thought it was great, would buy one again. An Allez was my first road bike, and also really like the CAAD bikes as well. Sure, I’ve ridden carbon as well and get the relative smoothness, but for whatever reason it is, it’s the alu bikes that have been most inspiring between the two.
The Specialized Allez Sport with Tiagra is £1,600.00 in the UK, for the same price you could have a Decathlon Van Rysel NCR CF (Tiagra) but a full carbon (!) frame. Before you make a decision, compare and shop around! And the mortals among us are not sponsored anyway.😁
I just got hold of a second hand 2019 Trek Emonda SKR in purple flip to match my Domane SL5. Love it & it plenty light enough & was cheap enough I’ll upgrade parts bit by bit with wheels on the wish list.
I bought a specialized allez last year, the last of the rim brake ones and I've never been so impressed with a "budget" bike, although I have since swapped out the wheels and bars
honestly i cant tell much of a difference between my winter aluminium bike and my carbon aero bike after riding for a few minutes. That emonda ALR is a beauty
I would see Standert Kreissage and Sticksage on a list like this. And Condor Italia RC. Much more special and rare. And great bikes. You only included the boring bikes form big brands here. That´s a disappointment, I feel that the cycling media does a real bad job on covering the alternatives to the big brands.
my pick landed on a canyon endurace al7. 105 11 speed disc and it cost me 1499€. has since had some things swapped like wheels, saddle and tires, but damn its a great bike.
Got to be the Edmonds ALR. I’ve had a Trek 1.5 since 2007 and it has done a great job as an upgradable frame set. Currently full Ultegra with some light wheels. It’s just the lack of tyre clearance that sucks on todays rubbish road surfaces!
I know, I'm just not a great fan of the extra complexity. Great on my MTB, but not sure I need the power on my road bike, but I'm going to have to upgrade one day!@@the.communist
In the US (and the UK perhaps) aluminum cyclocross bikes are a great option. They are typically spec'd decently since they are meant to be race bikes. But people are always selling them in certain pats of the country because they stopped racing (and might have had two bikes)...
Cannondale may have made the best in the 00’s, certainly long enough ago he shouldn’t keep saying it. They are not even made in the same country anymore.
Agreed, I have a Def2 and a CAAD12. Both nice, but different; I'd prefer to climb and sprint on the CAAD, then just go places in style on the Definition.
I find it weird that so many people dislike the CAAD13. Reviewers say it rides great. People who own them say they are good. I think most of the people disliking it mention the... dropped seat stays. A VERY odd complaint in 2024. I had a dropped seatstay aluminum frame from BMC back in 2009 and it was awesome. I'm sure Cannondale are figuring out how to get people to like it and perhaps that will include angling the top tube more so the top tube and seatstays meet at the same place (like a TCR) and people think it doesn't have dropped stays ( LOL)
Specialized continues to miss the point....🤔 At least Cannondale still smart enough to know few need the extra cost/complexity & weight of Disc brakes. Please stop with the scare mongering regarding lack of rim brake wheels too. I mean we know but be real/honest. PS: Trek still offers rim brake Emonda ALR too as well as others like Standert
Design an aluminum road bike frame with the following specifications: • Top tube and seat stays with a mutual frame node • Direct-mounted rim brakes (not the bottom bracket-mounted one) • Short seat tube • BB86 with a guaranteed dimensional accuracy of N7 (ISO 286-2) • Fully external cable routing • IS41 and IS52 headset • 27.2 mm seatpost • Separate seat clamp • Endurance geometry reach and stack • Official 32 mm tire clearance • Under 1250 grams for a medium 56 size
Yes, I was surprised that they didn't get a mention. I bought mine last year as it was the cheapest bike with full Shimano 105, rim brake (don't start)
Im interested in the Trek bikes but the Emonda AL frameset is not really a good value proposition. In fact, they are punishing you for picking the frame set over a built up bike... Trek built Emonda AL5 = £1850 Emonda Frame set = £1300 A 105 groupset is £400-430, Wheels £300-800+ (based on personal budget but you wouldnt kit an Emonda up with a £300 set of Mavics...), Seat post £50-60, Handlebars £50-79, bar tape £10-15, Saddle £30-200 (based on budget) and the list goes on.... By the time you complete your build and calculate the amount of money you put into building the bike, you might as should have gone with an off the shelf AL5 then sold off the stock wheels for £100-200 and bought a better set of wheels.
What about the Stevens Aspin? In my humble oppinion it's a high end aluminium road bike and one of the few with - tadaaa - rim brakes. I like it very much and Stevens gives you the opportunity to swap certain parts.
I just checked it out and wow, this is the first bike in a while that fascinated me! (I work on bikes, so the bar I set for bikes I can imagine owning is quite high) 8.1 kg with aluminium parts, Ultegra R8000 and it costs similarly to a TCR Advanced 2 (105 R7000 spec)! Its geometry chart is very info-packed too! (any geometry chart that includes standover height gets my thumbs-up) I've heard of Stevens bikes before, but you managed to re-trigger this memory in me. How long has this Aspin generation been around?
@@yonglingng5640 Thank you for your feedback. From what I understand, they redesigned the Aspin frame in 2018 and made it lighter than before. The TCR ADVANCED 2 doesn't seem like a bad option either.
@@hoizkiacha Indeed. In fact, I almost bought one in late 2020, but because I wasn't ready for carbon bike ownership, I dropped the thought. Now I want to see what the Aspin is really like. Although BB86 isn't my favourite BB standard, it wouldn't pose much of a problem for me since my crankset spindle diameter stays at 24 mm.
@@yonglingng5640 thanks cause this is important for me. The crankshaft spindle diameter must remain at 24 mm so that I can continue to use my left crank with power meter.
The old u s made cannandale 2.8 frames They were the best amazingly built response responsive to ride handled like a dream. I wish canada would make something like that again.
Yeah…this is why my newest bike is titanium. I like aluminum bikes, but they start to get toward ten years old and I just don’t trust the frames anymore.
For 90% of riders the Triban would be every bit as good as the others here. I've had bikes that some were faster than others but not so I was ever ahead of the usual guys when we went out in a group. I have a Giant Defy Advanced 2 and it's great but it would be no faster than the Advanced 3 which is much much cheaper due to group set etc. If I spent £10k on a Pinarello I doubt if I'd be half a mile per hour faster over 20 miles of normal riding.
caad13 has been left behind? bullshit, its one of the lightest and fastest out there, even rivaling their supersix. the vibration dampening is quite impressive as well.
I got a Giant Contend SL1 in April, I got it because it seemed a good specification (105), comfortable and robust, some of the roads in Yorkshire are awful. Overall I’ve been delighted with my purchase, the only negative was the punctures 3 within a month. I replaced the tyres and it’s been good to go since.
Contend here. Love it. 35 years on carbon, bought this out of curiosity. Sold all my carbon bikes soon after. Something about the feel of it just inspires confidence.
@@Chris-pt6hh 8.7 kg is mine (year 2022 which is the same as year 2024)... I wouldn't say it's heavy, the frame has 1710 g I think, which is not light by any means, but also not terrible. The fork has 390 g ... All you need is get rid of those default wheels and Lugano tyres... The easiest thing in the world is to upgrade a cheap bike. To upgrade an expensive bike, that's not that easy...
Well, you've done your best to advertise certain top end brands. May I say - 'Mein Got !' You English pay far too much for these top end brands, with claris g/sets. No mention of Merida bicycles. For example - Merida Scultura rim 400 with carbon fork & 105 g/set here in Melbourne Aust $1700 - that's about 850 English quid. You folk over there, on that tiny island, are being ripped off. Big time. Merida do an AL frame with carbon forks. Claris g/set $950 (460 quid) Merida is made in same factory in Taiwan as Specialised About time you folk start 'chasing the knowledge' - which is the opposite of smoke, mirrors & BS.
I have a CAAD12 and it's a bike I love but I sometimes get the urge to buy something shiny and new. Someone please talk me out of overspending on a new bike. Thanks! : )
Just keep asking yourself if you can ever outride your CAAD12. If I have one (I'd take rim brake), these would be my reasons to keep it: 1) Headset-related work is fast and easy thanks to regular internal routing 2) No proprietary cockpit 3) Compatible with any groupset (except Shimano Di2 and Campagnolo EPS if you want to run a BBInfinite one-piece BB, not applicable for CAAD12 Disc) 4) Classic Cannondale aesthetics (in my opinion, this is what made them stand out in the past) So, keep that CAAD12 until it breaks. If you want shiny and new things, spec it with high-end parts you want.
finished building caad9 with some brand new sram force 22 with dura ace 7800 crankset . and carbon wheels.lt weights 6.8kg.. oh i love this bike..plenty of stiffness.. rolls like butter
The modern bike industry is based on fashions, trends and fads. Consumerism, in a word. Don't let the shiny new bikes turn your head, stick with the bike that you love. Remember what a common experience is buyer's remorse, especially with high value purchases. You may buy a new bike and love it, but was it really worth all the extra money compared to your CAAD 12? 🤷🏽♂️
It's okay reviewing these bikes but non are available to buy unless you are extra extra large or extra extra small. We have a specialised dealer at Rutland cycling but they only have huge amounts of stock of huge ugly expensive electric bikes
A few months ago I purchased a Trek Emonda ALR frameset. Built it up with 105 Di2 group, 35mm deep carbon wheels with GP 5000 tires. This build allowed me to finish it off with bike parts that fit me, like, 165mm cranks, 40mm handlebars, carbon seatpost, and a nice saddle. So, what I ended up with is a bike that fits me well and I have full confidence in. I find it very fast on the flats, nice and snappy, climbs well, and safe on downhills. The bike feels super solid, something that a well designed alloy frame delivers. This is my second aluminum Trek. The other is a 10 year old Crossrip with AL frame (early version of Domane), set up for gravel. Ya, I'm super happy with these Trek aluminum frames!!!
How much is the tire clerance? And what tire size do You use?
I think its a nice setup
sounds good. I presume the handlebar is 400 mm. Thats exactly what I would need, but all bikes in my size come with 420 mm handlebars.
@@lukmanbinyahya clearance is 28 and I use a 28. I'm sure it can fit a wider tire
@@hoizkiachaYa, I hear you. That is why I built the bike from frameset, to put I what I want, not what bike brands have in there warehouse. And ya, they are 400 mm.
@@lukmanbinyahya32 mm slicks will fit but it is really tight.
Thank you for featuring MORE FRIENDLY bike price which are more reachable for me 😎👍 Hardworking lad here 💯
thanks cannondale for not being too greedy by still coming up with a rimbrake model in 2024 😊
I recently purchased a Trek Domane Al2 disk with 32mm tyres ...Claris was fine for the summer now winter is here and I'm using my indoor trainer more im upgrading it to 105 12 speed mechanical, Scribe carbon wheels.
Red shift suspension seatpost and stem..
Continental 5000 28mm clinchers.....
Beautiful bike.....
I got the Cannondale Optimo 1. It's fun, fast and light weight. It weighs the same as an equivalent carbon road bike with disc brakes but is significantly cheaper.
interesting bike. Rim brakes is all I need. :)
Got the Optimo 4, about to put scram force and new wheels on . Rimbrake is a great travel bike, or if you never ride in the rain. Disc is to much fuss
Cannondale Caad 12. Traditional geometry, lightweight, comfy and just begs to be hammered on.
Still riding my cadd 12 with mechanical durace and Williams wheels
Very true. I love my CAAD12. For my type of riding I will not change it for anything else.
Caad 12 = comfy?
I'd like a 12 for the road, running Topstone for gravel and road atm.
@@l.d.t.6327 It’s no more punishing on bad roads than my Isaac was but the fit is the best that I’ve had. I’ve only had one carbon bike (the Isaac) and it was extremely stiff but I still loved it.
2024 Trek Domane Al 2 is under 16 pounds with scram rival and carbon wheelset. This build has made me rethink if I need anymore carbon bikes
Can you post a link to the Domane AL 2 that's under 16 pounds. You made my ears perk up when I read this.
until one day you look at Chinese brand XDS or CAMP, same price with full carbon T800 all the way to the rim
@@sichen4224 yes and no, most people who choose aluminum are doing it b/c of longevity. No Chinese brand is coming with a lifetime warranty. Not to mention this is not my main bike. It was a projection and I kept the bike b/c it has great tire clearance. There will always be a better bike, the question is are you happy
I think you're mistaken.
I bought the Rose reveal AL: 28 mm tires, Shimano 105 ( Ultegra and Di2 group was possible as well) and integrated cables. Bike weigh is 8.8 Kgr.
The Rose is amazing and a very good looking bike, I recommend it a lot. Great value for money.
I have 2 bikes. One is my favorite Cannondale CAAD 12 (Acid Red color) , 105 mechanical, RIM Brake which i have fitted with 50 mm Parcours wheel set and a Trek Aero Handlebar. It weighs 8.3 Kgs with Pedals, LIght mounts and Bottle cages. This bike cost me about $ 2000 and then i added another $2500 worth of upgrades on this. My other bike is a Canyon CFR SRAM Red eTap AXS , Ultra -Rare Toray MX 40 carbon, with 58 mm Zip NSW TL wheelset & DIsc Brake. Its a beautiful bike and weighs about 7.7 kgs with Pedals, Bottle cages and Light mounts. However Cannondale still says my hot favorite.
In regards to the CAAD, I’m actually a bit surprised that a 14 hasn’t shown up yet. I seem to remember the 12 and 13 releasing shortly after a new supersix. I just hope that Cannondale doesn’t leave their CAAD bikes behind. They have always been fantastic, top tier aluminium bikes, and I have loved the 3 and 10 that I’ve owned.
Had CAADs since the 2.8, (then a 3.0, then an 8, then a 10, and now a 13) - I race 'em and love 'em. I heard not so great things about the 13, but got a killer deal on one I couldn't resist and took a first place at a regional race ( I'm a senior...;-).. Have a S.S. Hi-Mod Evo too, and believe or not, the CAAD 13 feels faster....
Merida Scultura 400 disc version - full shimano 105 group set and hydraulic disc brakes that can accommodate 28mm tyres. Hard to argue with it for the price
To say Caad 13 has been superseded is silly. Its still one of the very best riding aluminum bikes out there. Maybe long in the tooth but nothing rides better still. Mason Definition deserved a mention as well.
Also like they say uts been left behind but how? In what way do they see it lacking? My CAAD13 rips and I don't know what they're talking about
@@linusowens2858 Just because something is older doesnt mean it's worse. My caad12 is more compliant than the current gen Emonda ALR on same tyres and wheels.
Yup, I still love my CAAD12, as good as anything out there. He is pushing us to get a new bike.🙄
The CAAD13 is still the best AL bike on the market. Don’t know what he is talking about. Maybe they should ride the bikes first!
@@ccadp1219 absolutely. They just think newer is better...
i love my CAAD Optimo - with the right parts i went sub 7 kg
I finally jumped into the disc brake bike bandwagon a few weeks ago, I bought a brand new 2022 FELT VR60 8-speed aluminum frame. Some upgrade parts are now on its way. My other aluminum frame on-road bike is a 2011 Specialized Allez which already have more than 25k kms. on its clock.
I’ve had an Emonda ALR5, and thought it was great, would buy one again. An Allez was my first road bike, and also really like the CAAD bikes as well. Sure, I’ve ridden carbon as well and get the relative smoothness, but for whatever reason it is, it’s the alu bikes that have been most inspiring between the two.
The Specialized Allez Sport with Tiagra is £1,600.00 in the UK, for the same price you could have a Decathlon Van Rysel NCR CF (Tiagra) but a full carbon (!) frame. Before you make a decision, compare and shop around! And the mortals among us are not sponsored anyway.😁
I would get a CAAD 13 by far. No one even close
I'm on a budget, and I'm just riding for exercise and fun. So, this is a helpful list for me. Thanks!
I just got hold of a second hand 2019 Trek Emonda SKR in purple flip to match my Domane SL5. Love it & it plenty light enough & was cheap enough I’ll upgrade parts bit by bit with wheels on the wish list.
I bought a specialized allez last year, the last of the rim brake ones and I've never been so impressed with a "budget" bike, although I have since swapped out the wheels and bars
Still waiting for anything better than my CAAD 10, still the best alu frame out there IMO (apart from the potentially annoying BB30)
You will wait forever. I doubt anything gonna beat it.
Yea I’ve still got a CAAD 10 with 105 groupset with the awful BB30 bottom bracket. Don’t think I will ever sell that bike and it’s indestructible.
screw together token BB or similar fixes that issue!
@@abedfo88 I'd run a BBInfinite, with steel bearings.
If the CAAD14 was simply a re-release of the CAAD10 with more tire clearance, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
honestly i cant tell much of a difference between my winter aluminium bike and my carbon aero bike after riding for a few minutes.
That emonda ALR is a beauty
I would see Standert Kreissage and Sticksage on a list like this.
And Condor Italia RC.
Much more special and rare.
And great bikes.
You only included the boring bikes form big brands here.
That´s a disappointment, I feel that the cycling media does a real bad job on covering the alternatives to the big brands.
my pick landed on a canyon endurace al7. 105 11 speed disc and it cost me 1499€. has since had some things swapped like wheels, saddle and tires, but damn its a great bike.
I can't seem to get a Canyon, the availability changes every day, it's very frustrating
I bought an Orbea Avant H30 not so long ago. Very comfortable. Too much snow for it these days, though. Come spring ..
Got to be the Edmonds ALR. I’ve had a Trek 1.5 since 2007 and it has done a great job as an upgradable frame set. Currently full Ultegra with some light wheels. It’s just the lack of tyre clearance that sucks on todays rubbish road surfaces!
If u want good tyre clearance on road bike you need to go discs
I know, I'm just not a great fan of the extra complexity. Great on my MTB, but not sure I need the power on my road bike, but I'm going to have to upgrade one day!@@the.communist
ALUMINIUM for the win in 2023❤
In the US (and the UK perhaps) aluminum cyclocross bikes are a great option. They are typically spec'd decently since they are meant to be race bikes. But people are always selling them in certain pats of the country because they stopped racing (and might have had two bikes)...
I'd say Most Common rather than Best. Mason Definition is probably the best off the peg aluminium bike out there.
Cannondale may have made the best in the 00’s, certainly long enough ago he shouldn’t keep saying it. They are not even made in the same country anymore.
Columbus Altec 2 Mega Tube ... Have 3 in the garage , 1999 to 2005 frames , still as fast as my modern Carbon bikes !
Agreed, I have a Def2 and a CAAD12. Both nice, but different; I'd prefer to climb and sprint on the CAAD, then just go places in style on the Definition.
I wish they still made quality carbon bike like these aluminum bikes.
Three brands make up eight of the nine best bikes of the year? How stupid is that????
What about the Van Rysel EDR AF105????
I find it weird that so many people dislike the CAAD13. Reviewers say it rides great. People who own them say they are good. I think most of the people disliking it mention the... dropped seat stays. A VERY odd complaint in 2024. I had a dropped seatstay aluminum frame from BMC back in 2009 and it was awesome. I'm sure Cannondale are figuring out how to get people to like it and perhaps that will include angling the top tube more so the top tube and seatstays meet at the same place (like a TCR) and people think it doesn't have dropped stays ( LOL)
Specialized continues to miss the point....🤔 At least Cannondale still smart enough to know few need the extra cost/complexity & weight of Disc brakes. Please stop with the scare mongering regarding lack of rim brake wheels too. I mean we know but be real/honest. PS: Trek still offers rim brake Emonda ALR too as well as others like Standert
I have the cannondale CAAD 10, extremely impressive bike.
Domane AL 5 Gen 4, Just waiting for my local bike shop to get one in stock
I remain with my CAAD 10
If it ain't broke....
I am missing the Cube Attain series here, which are great value and feature a wide range of group sets.
Caad 10 for those who buy used. 28c fits easily.
Whats about Rose Race bikes are they good too?
Design an aluminum road bike frame with the following specifications:
• Top tube and seat stays with a mutual frame node
• Direct-mounted rim brakes (not the bottom bracket-mounted one)
• Short seat tube
• BB86 with a guaranteed dimensional accuracy of N7 (ISO 286-2)
• Fully external cable routing
• IS41 and IS52 headset
• 27.2 mm seatpost
• Separate seat clamp
• Endurance geometry reach and stack
• Official 32 mm tire clearance
• Under 1250 grams for a medium 56 size
My Allez 2016 w/ Shimano 105 5800FD full only less than 1000 pound.. still ride well...
Merida Scultura is the best value for money.
Yes, I was surprised that they didn't get a mention. I bought mine last year as it was the cheapest bike with full Shimano 105, rim brake (don't start)
Completely agree, I bought a Scultura 400 disc and it’s great
Radon R1, MMR Grip 00 tend to be bit cheaper with full hydraulic 105 groupset
@@imranr99 - Rim, FTW
Im interested in the Trek bikes but the Emonda AL frameset is not really a good value proposition. In fact, they are punishing you for picking the frame set over a built up bike...
Trek built Emonda AL5 = £1850
Emonda Frame set = £1300
A 105 groupset is £400-430, Wheels £300-800+ (based on personal budget but you wouldnt kit an Emonda up with a £300 set of Mavics...), Seat post £50-60, Handlebars £50-79, bar tape £10-15, Saddle £30-200 (based on budget) and the list goes on....
By the time you complete your build and calculate the amount of money you put into building the bike, you might as should have gone with an off the shelf AL5 then sold off the stock wheels for £100-200 and bought a better set of wheels.
A company makes the most money by giving you the most difficult decision.
You forgot to mention Raamwerk (for 2024 and beyond!)
What about the Stevens Aspin? In my humble oppinion it's a high end aluminium road bike and one of the few with - tadaaa - rim brakes. I like it very much and Stevens gives you the opportunity to swap certain parts.
I just checked it out and wow, this is the first bike in a while that fascinated me! (I work on bikes, so the bar I set for bikes I can imagine owning is quite high) 8.1 kg with aluminium parts, Ultegra R8000 and it costs similarly to a TCR Advanced 2 (105 R7000 spec)! Its geometry chart is very info-packed too! (any geometry chart that includes standover height gets my thumbs-up)
I've heard of Stevens bikes before, but you managed to re-trigger this memory in me. How long has this Aspin generation been around?
@@yonglingng5640 Thank you for your feedback. From what I understand, they redesigned the Aspin frame in 2018 and made it lighter than before. The TCR ADVANCED 2 doesn't seem like a bad option either.
@@hoizkiacha Indeed. In fact, I almost bought one in late 2020, but because I wasn't ready for carbon bike ownership, I dropped the thought. Now I want to see what the Aspin is really like. Although BB86 isn't my favourite BB standard, it wouldn't pose much of a problem for me since my crankset spindle diameter stays at 24 mm.
@@yonglingng5640 thanks cause this is important for me. The crankshaft spindle diameter must remain at 24 mm so that I can continue to use my left crank with power meter.
@@hoizkiacha You're on Stages or 4iiii?
Alley sprint, easy choice 🔥
What happened to the Giant Contend AR 1?
5:53 Belíssima bike ❤
I have Trek AL 3
The old u s made cannandale 2.8 frames They were the best amazingly built response responsive to ride handled like a dream. I wish canada would make something like that again.
Taiwan made far more reliable caads.
I really cannondale bring out the caad 14 this year with a modern look including integrated cables.
A good alu frame needs to be compliant n light, triple butted
Integrated cables? Yeah, they'll probably do that fashionista stuff..... 🤣
@@spdaltidSo much bunk.....
2 aluminum frames cracked on me in the past 5 years.
What you do with the bikes? How you use them?
Fatty
Yeah…this is why my newest bike is titanium. I like aluminum bikes, but they start to get toward ten years old and I just don’t trust the frames anymore.
@@HgftghfJumps off rooves 😂
My 2019 Giant TCR SLR2 will smoke em all baby!
How bout listing where they are manufactured?
caad13 still the best
For 90% of riders the Triban would be every bit as good as the others here. I've had bikes that some were faster than others but not so I was ever ahead of the usual guys when we went out in a group. I have a Giant Defy Advanced 2 and it's great but it would be no faster than the Advanced 3 which is much much cheaper due to group set etc. If I spent £10k on a Pinarello I doubt if I'd be half a mile per hour faster over 20 miles of normal riding.
Caad 12 the best, rim.
What are the best AL bikes? Put all major brands' reasonable al bikes. hmm content that's
taste the same as that one from a decade ago
do you have news about caad 14? 😁♥️🙏
No mention of Standert?
Probably too expensive for many or most.
@@yonglingng5640 When you compare the price of the frameset to others in this video they are similar
@@yonglingng5640 And the video is called "best aluminum", not value for money
Anyone has experience with the BMC Teammachine ALR?
caad13 has been left behind? bullshit, its one of the lightest and fastest out there, even rivaling their supersix. the vibration dampening is quite impressive as well.
Standert Kreissage RS
Gian Contend SL Disc anyone?
i guess its who pays the reviewer the most. that giant contend sl has a 105, better than most mentioned here.
I got a Giant Contend SL1 in April, I got it because it seemed a good specification (105), comfortable and robust, some of the roads in Yorkshire are awful.
Overall I’ve been delighted with my purchase, the only negative was the punctures 3 within a month. I replaced the tyres and it’s been good to go since.
Friend of mine bought Contend Aluminium - very good bike, especially after 50% discount 😊
Basically an alloy Giant Defy, I have a 2018. Great value but I don't particularly care for the conduct braking system it came with in those years
Contend here. Love it. 35 years on carbon, bought this out of curiosity. Sold all my carbon bikes soon after. Something about the feel of it just inspires confidence.
The trek domane al
Забыли про Merida Scultura 300-400
No Scott ??
Nice bike
You did forget a big one... Scott Speedster.
That's a heavy boi
@@Chris-pt6hh 8.7 kg is mine (year 2022 which is the same as year 2024)... I wouldn't say it's heavy, the frame has 1710 g I think, which is not light by any means, but also not terrible. The fork has 390 g ... All you need is get rid of those default wheels and Lugano tyres... The easiest thing in the world is to upgrade a cheap bike. To upgrade an expensive bike, that's not that easy...
I'm InLove 😍
upgraded with disc brakes xD
Trek domane 5 cat 4
Well, you've done your best to advertise certain top end brands. May I say - 'Mein Got !' You English pay far too much for these top end brands, with claris g/sets. No mention of Merida bicycles. For example - Merida Scultura rim 400 with carbon fork & 105 g/set here in Melbourne Aust $1700 - that's about 850 English quid.
You folk over there, on that tiny island, are being ripped off. Big time.
Merida do an AL frame with carbon forks. Claris g/set $950 (460 quid) Merida is made in same factory in Taiwan as Specialised
About time you folk start 'chasing the knowledge' - which is the opposite of smoke, mirrors & BS.
I have a CAAD12 and it's a bike I love but I sometimes get the urge to buy something shiny and new. Someone please talk me out of overspending on a new bike. Thanks! : )
Just keep asking yourself if you can ever outride your CAAD12. If I have one (I'd take rim brake), these would be my reasons to keep it:
1) Headset-related work is fast and easy thanks to regular internal routing
2) No proprietary cockpit
3) Compatible with any groupset (except Shimano Di2 and Campagnolo EPS if you want to run a BBInfinite one-piece BB, not applicable for CAAD12 Disc)
4) Classic Cannondale aesthetics (in my opinion, this is what made them stand out in the past)
So, keep that CAAD12 until it breaks. If you want shiny and new things, spec it with high-end parts you want.
@@yonglingng5640 Cheers, thanks : )
finished building caad9 with some brand new sram force 22 with dura ace 7800 crankset . and carbon wheels.lt weights 6.8kg.. oh i love this bike..plenty of stiffness.. rolls like butter
@@davidgoon1978 Your cockpit, seatpost and saddle are carbon too?
The modern bike industry is based on fashions, trends and fads. Consumerism, in a word.
Don't let the shiny new bikes turn your head, stick with the bike that you love.
Remember what a common experience is buyer's remorse, especially with high value purchases. You may buy a new bike and love it, but was it really worth all the extra money compared to your CAAD 12? 🤷🏽♂️
Orbea Avant H40
Canyon😄
specialized diverge
Allez ratained the ability to fit racks? It has not even seatstays mount bosses!!!!!
none of them. Ribble Endurance Al
I would buy a vanrysel edr af 105 or ultegra
ah yes Bikes that you cannot find on stores.
I will never ever buy this overpriced Specialized crap!
It's okay reviewing these bikes but non are available to buy unless you are extra extra large or extra extra small. We have a specialised dealer at Rutland cycling but they only have huge amounts of stock of huge ugly expensive electric bikes
Trek
light carbon killers ? ha
this list is false without giant contend
Light 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Disk brake *pukes*
cycling industry BS
The fact that aluminium bikes are unrideable without a carbon fork says it all.
High end alloy simply doesn’t match even the lowest tier of carbon.
Lmao low end carbon is shit. Heavier and more dead than good aluminium.
Bollox
So you would rather have that Allez then a ‘basic’ carbon TCR? Marketing is a fine art.
Since when is the TCR low end carbon?
@@quynho5265 fair point. With low end I meant cheapest carbon from giant, canyon, cube etc.
I wouldn't take Specialised due to their inclusive advert.