Originally Posted by cicatrize

I might be a little biased, but the ALR is a ridiculously nice bike for the money. On my 60cm frame with mtb pedals installed, the bike (ALR 5) weighed right about 20 lb stock when I brought it home. The full 105 5800 gruppo is so smooth and provides great braking. If you really liked the 56 ALR, try another H2 bike from Trek in a 54 and see if you like it. If so, it sounds like that might be a good choice for you. I don't really think there's anything comparable (components-wise) at $1600. The CAAD10 and Allez are great, but you won't get full gruppos. The Madone 2.1's only advantage over the ALR is the internal cable routing, which...whatever. If you're really vain, it might matter. Other than that, the components and frame are much better on the ALR than the Madone 2.1.