therh

Hello,

I have been comparing bikes around $1,500-$1,750 and have narrowed it down too the Trek ALR 5 (105) and CAAD 12 105 (Non-Disc).

Here are some things I have noticed:

Pro's of the ALR:

Full 105 Group Set (STI, Brakes, Deurailers,, and Cassette.)

Bontrager components.

Emonda heritage

Pro's of CAAD:

EVO geometry

105 Cassette, 105 STI, and 105 Derailleur.

Currently the ALR is $1,380 and the CAAD is $1,650.

I am looking to do group rides, neighborhood training. Also I will be riding on fairly smooth black top, pavement, and some slightly rough (40+ year old black top).

I am getting back into cycling after 5 months after a hiatus from a surgery I had. That said I will not be putting in more than 15 miles per ride. Before I had to stop I was riding a 2011 Fuji Roubaix (Tiagra), and doing 30-45 miles each ride at a 17-19 mph pace.

All thoughts are welcome, to what you think about the bikes on similarities, as well the pros and cons.

Thanks,
RH

isuckatbiking

People love the CAAD, whether its the 10 or the 12. To my knowledge, the geo on the CAAD might be a bit more aggressive.

I bought an ALR because I love the styling cues on it, Its a bit more minimalistic. I'm sure both bikes would be great for you though.

Sy Reene

On a related note.. https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...s-alr-5-a.html

therh

It seems that he bought the ALR, and there are some pretty good points as the ALR is not a relaxed nor pure race geometry like the CAAD.

Something that thread did not answer for me, unless I missed are a few things:

Is the ability to use a ANT+ sensor frame an advantage?

What are the differences in the cranks between the pure Shimano and the FSA/Si?

How durable is paint to rock chips and other debris between Trek and Cannaondale?

And, even though the wheels with each are not top spec, what is a better wheel set?

Thanks

Emonda

I say Emonda because Bontrager has great components, it's FULL 105 (just feels more whole, not really a difference in performance), but most importantly the $$ savings. That's a pretty big discount you can put into other stuff. They're fairly equal bikes. The CAAD 12 is just newer so it's getting press right now. I'm pretty sure if the Emonda was just released against a 2 year old CAAD12 we'd be seeing the same reports.

macca33

The CAAD12 is the pick - without doubt...

therh

Exactly, full 105 group set and full Bontrager finishing kit is a savings, as I would like full Shimano as the group set, and Bontrager components are readily available.

Simply said, I would be more than satisfied with the bike "out of the box". The only thing I would change is the bar tape, and change it to Fizik 3 mm Performance, as that is what I've been running for years.

ljp3

With these two bikes the geometry is the only thing that should tell you which bike to buy. As far as cost, you are looking at $270 over what 3-5 years, hopefully longer?

Cannondale CAAD12 105 review - BikeRadar USA

"The new si crankset tips the scales at 735g complete with fsa chainrings: the new si crankset tips the scales at 735g complete with fsa chainrings.
The new Si crankset weighs just 735g complete with FSA chainrings. This isn't as light as its SiSL2 and SiSL predecessors, but the hollow-forged alloy construction – a process Cannondale pioneered before Shimano – results in a weight of just 735g complete with the FSA chainrings. This is lighter than Ultegra and even SRAM's carbon Force."

I couldn't find a direct comparison of the new SI to the 105 but I have yet to hear anyone offer a reason to think the SI is so inferior to 105 that it should be a reason to not buy a bike that fits you otherwise. I have had a version of Tektro brakes and I didn't like the feel of them. I eventually did change them out after a year but changing to SwissStop pads did help.

arya

Hi, i just have the same question here.

The Trek Emonda ALR and CAAD12.

the disadvantage is, i have a small body, my height is just 163 cm or 5'4"

I tried the CAAD12, but in my local shop they just have the 48 and 50 size. The 48 is pretty big for me, my seat post and my handle bar is almost the same height.

But, how about the impression of driving the CAAD12 and Trek Emonda ALR? can you describe it to me?

zymphad

I had to laugh at Emonda heritage. A bike introduced in 2014 hardly has heritage.

CAAD on the otherhand has heritage, introduced around 1992, I don't think anyone is going to argue against Cannondale being pioneers in use of AL in race frames.

Aside from that, I don't think any of us can tell you what you like. Buy what you like. Personally I would be interested in which has most tire clearance and try to ride 28mm tires on 'em for your kind of riding.

From maintenance perspective, I prefer the Emonda. External cable routing, easier to install, replace, and overall smoother. Emonda uses BB86, which is a Shimano standard, easier to source, cheaper to source, etc.

In terms of group, again I prefer the Emonda, I don't care for Cannondale's crank, FSA chainrings, I'm a Shimano fanboy. Never liked FSA/Cannondale cranks, don't like their latest either. Shimano cranks for me, shifting perfection, reliable 24mm steel spindle, stiffest, and to me, best looking cranks.

While I love the idea of CAAD 12, Emonda has the preferred geometry for me. I'm not in the market for a race frame, I have zero interests in crashing in a crit, and having a hospital visit for fractured pelvis and collar. I digress, Emonda looks like it has a overall well balance geometry for comfort and performance. CAAD 12 probably has a more compliant and responsive ride, but I prefer the taller HT and sloping TT of Emonda.

arya

So your opinion is I get the most advantage of bike like comfort and performance if I choose the Emonda ALR> Because I like climbing and flat tracks too. And sometime take a long trip with my friends.

But if i have a riding on the flat road all the time and speeding frenzy, i must choose the CAAD12, right?

vinuneuro

They look at the ALR and CAAD. CAAD12 frame is on another level compared to the ALR and almost every other aluminum bike.

garysol1 

And why is that?

zymphad

I'm saying get what you want is most comfortable, I wouldn't focus on which is the fastest. For compliance and comfort, yes CAAD 12 may have a edge, but you can quickly eliminate that with a good choice of tires and right pressure for you. I was saying for me, I'm not that interested for a straight tube geometry like CAAD12, I like the sloped tube, H2 larger headtube design of the Emonda. That would be my choice. I don't ride for competition, it's just to be outside, enjoy cycling, enjoy the views, I don't want to think about lower back ache for that extra bit of aero positioning.

I believe as you get better at cycling, whichever you are most comfortable with, is the bike you will perform the best on. So if the CAAD 12 is most comfortable get it. If Emonda is more comfortable, get it. Whichever makes you want to jump on the bike and go.

Bikeracer123

Having ridden both, the Caad 12 is by far a better ride.
May I also recommend the Fuji Roubaix or the Jamis icon

arya

Okay, i will try that bikes first before i buy it.

I think I will get Emonda ALR instead of CAAD12, because I'm beginner on road bike. I just retired from MTB, and try a new sensation.

Thank you for answering my question.

PS: in my country, it is hard to lending the bike for trial. They afraid if I can't handle the ride. So i just can see and touch. But not ride them unless I already paid that.

arya

Dan you tell me more about Emonda ALR and CAAD12? Iike a comparison. How anput the stiffness, the handling, the position when on dropbar, and about the acceleration.

Because I'm blind, I can't try them in my country unless I paid first.

Bikeracer123

The Emonda was a good riding bike but compared to the Caad 12, it just felt sort of boring and not as lively as the Caad.

WhyFi

Like legally blind? If so, major kudos to you for the perseverance.

arya

Okay. Thank you for your information. It helps me a lot.

arya

No, it was just a phrase...

gsindela

I know this is not a direct comparison, but the results of this test are relevant to your inquiry:
Best road bikes under $1000 - BikeRadar USA

gsindela

Hate to throw a wrench in your process, but if I were in the market for a new bike today, I would wait for the Canyon offerings. Although, will admit you'd be hard to go wrong with your two choices.

PS - I'd also browse the Focus closeouts at adrenalinebikes.com - good bargains to be had there.