Source
r/bicycling•
Yellow_guy

New Bike Day. Trek Emonda ALR 5

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I've been looking for a new (first race) bike for a couple of months and yesterday I bit the bullet. After several tests on bikes from Giant, B'Twin, Cube and Specialized I decided to get the Trek Emonda ALR 5. This bike just had a great feel from the start. I love the low weight and the riding position and the 105 groupset is perfect for my needs. It wasn't the cheapest option but I feel this bike can serve me well for a long time.

I know some racers might object but I decided to go for Shimano A530 SPD pedals. It gives me the option to use regular shoes for short rides and I can also use my MTB shoes if I want to. I'll try out the stock saddle first to see if it fits me, otherwise I'll swap that later.

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Posted Jun 2, 2017, 3:31 PM UTC

1213
Mbenzbis•

I picked up the ALR4 (Tiagra) this spring. It's absolutely one of the best bikes going for the money. Even my Tiagra version is light and responsive. And the smooth welds make it look so sweet! By the way...I never swapped out the stock saddle. It's really pretty good.

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SolutationsToTheSunWisconsin, USA | 2015 Specialized Secteur Sport•

I test rode the ALR4 this past weekend and it absolutely blew me away. I can't believe how light and nimble it felt!

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Yellow_guyOP•

By the way...I never swapped out the stock saddle. It's really pretty good.

That's my first feeling as well but I also know that after a couple of hours that feeling can change quickly :-)

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ronin_99•

Congrats! I did a frame up build with the Emonda ALR. It's some of the best aluminum out there!

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Yellow_guyOP•

I can totally understand that, it's a great base to build an amazing bike on. I lack those skills so I went with the total package :-)

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Mbenzbis•

I'm about 500 miles in and so far , so good

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Iammattieee•

Test rode the ALR5 at a trek shop here in Virginia and absolutely loved it. Had the 105 shifters, and the thing was super light and silky smooth while riding. Unfortunately I had a budget of $1000 for my first rode bike and went for a specialized allez sport. Enjoy your bike and take care on your many many many blissful miles you will get out of it.

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Yellow_guyOP•

Thanks, I liked the Specialized too and might have made the same choice on the same budget. I'm sure yours is just as enjoyable, both are great bikes.

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g_wrexTennessee, USA (Trek Emonda ALR 5 2016)•

Adore mine. Has done everything I've asked of it, gravel and dirt roads, long climbs and descents, commuting, racing. My only gripe was with the stock wheels, couldn't keep mine true whatsoever. But don't have stock wheels anymore so no more gripes.

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Yellow_guyOP•

Wheels might be my first upgrade too. Which wheel set have you chosen and why? I know it's probably the weakest link on the bike but I haven't got enough experience to really know the difference of an upgrade.

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g_wrexTennessee, USA (Trek Emonda ALR 5 2016)•

I bought fancy carbon wheels because I'm a fred, Boyd 44mm Clinchers to be precise. Mavic Ksyriums or Shimano Ultegra wheels are both solid "cheaper" options for factory wheels. Your best option might be to go to your local shop and see what kind of wheels they could build for you in your price range, generally the best value when it comes to wheels!

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Yellow_guyOP•

Thanks for the tip, highly appreciated.

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FSR20072016 Trek Emonda SL6 / 2017 Vitus Energie / 1986 Raleigh Record•

Very nice!

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