dallastx

Hi, This is my first post, so pls. ignore any posting noob errors.

My LBS has a Trek ALR 5 for 1350$ and an S6 for 2000$. This is going to be my first road bike and I'm planning to do occasional weekday rides and during the weekend. I'm not planing to take part in any races and the main purpose of the bike is going to be to get a little more fit. S6 comes with an Ultegra groupset/ 300 OCLV carbon, whereas the ALR is equipped with 105/ 300 series aluminum.

I would not be upgrading any group-sets or customizing it too much. Even though I feel that the ALR best suits what I'm looking for, the S6 seems to be better bang for the buck, is that correct?

I'm hoping to get some exert advice from you guys. Thanks!

GlennR

The ALR is a great bike and in general, I feel the ALR is a better frame than the S. Nothing wrong with 105 but Ultegra is a bit more refined. And then at 50% more for the S over the ALR.... i'd go with the ALR and bank the saving. If in a few years you decide to get a better bike... you have some money in the bank.

BenPS

^agreed. or take that money and spend it on wheels

dallastx

Thank you for the info. So you think paying 650$ for the Carbon and Ultegra is not worth it for the purpose that I'm looking for??
The Ultegra & Carbon thing really attracts me to the S6, but I read somewhere that ALR aluminum is better than S Carbon.

Bikeracer123

Alr is better, it is lighter and rides better.( I have ridden both)

dallastx

Thank you very much for the info. This is what I wanted to know. Thanks.

Pb_Okole

Get the ALR6. You get the ALR frame with the Ultegra components and better wheelset than the ALR5. Win, win.

GlennR

Makes sense.

dallastx

I'll check it out. I don't think they have any promotions going on for ALR6; But I'll check it out. Thanks.

softreset

Honestly (this coming from someone who works at a Trek shop) I'd evaluate the time of year. It's the middle of June, 2017s are already coming out or otherwise announced. You've got new Domanes, possible spec changes with Emonda and with it may come price changes.

I definitely agree that the ALR 5 with 105 @ $1350 would be my choice over a $2000 S6. But at the same time, if the ALR gets a spec change or the S6 gets an overhaul in a few weeks... then what? Maybe it'll be a better value, maybe it won't.

Regardless, I think it's important to keep that in the back of your mind. Every year in mid-June I have customers on the fence. Some wait and are rewarded, others wait and hate the new colors and then the old colors are out-of-stock in their size.

GlennR

When the 2017s come out they will only be more expensive. I say, grab the same when you can. Are you sure they have your size?

Last year I wanted a Trek DS 8.6 and had to settle for a 8.5 since they couldn't get my size.

leicanthrope

Groupset being equal, I'd vote for the ALR frame versus the S frame.

softreset

How do you figure? The new 2017 Domane lineup just got released, they got a spec bump and a price drop (some at several hundred dollars). Domane ALRs excluded.

side_FX

Oooooh how I relate to this. Paralysis by analysis. I can't make a decision

dallastx

When do you think the new Emonda ALRs would start getting out?

softreset

Don't know. When they originally launched there was speculation that there was going to be other models that never game out (including one with Dura-Ace Di2). I think they had them going all the way to the ALR 9 or ALR 10. But they only did the three models plus frameset.

Trek's been releasing new 2017 bikes each week now (Domanes & Silques) announced this week, but they were available last week. I think a new Fuel and Remedy as well this week or last.

I suspect the Emonda will be between now and TDF start so I gotta believe it'll be something soon, but it's also possible that it could just be new colors.

rimarco

I've had the ALR 5 since September 2015. It rides and handles very well. This was my choice of first road bike after a long decision making process. My budget was under two grand and my LBS got me a deal for $1375! I would suggest at the least to upgrade the seat post to a carbon one. It made a difference in the ride quality. Good luck!

dallastx

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.

af2nr

You can get a SL5 for $1999 right now. I only noticed because I got a Trek email and LBS email about specials, the LBS had it on closeout for $2079 yet Trek has it for $1999. I previously had a SL6 and have considered the SL5 at that price after spending a year using the 5800 105 on my CX bike it seems like a good deal.

GlennR

GCN does a head to head Trek Emonda ALR6 vs SL6


Conclusion:
Given the same groupset and kit, the carbon is better.
Given the same cost, the aluminum is better.

softreset

Careful, warehouse inventory on the SL5 is pretty much vaporized on all the 'popular' sizes. Same with the ALR6. The good news, that means new model(s) for TrekWorld.

RNAV

Neat video, though the OP is looking at the S6 -- not the SL6 in the video. Having ridden an Emonda S, and owning a SL8, I can say there's a pretty significant difference between the S and SL frames, with the SL being noticeably better. So, ALR vs. SL? Go for the SL.

Given that there's hardly any appreciable difference between 105 and Ultegra, I'd totally go with the ALR5 over the S6 in the OP's scenario. Once one gets over their hang ups on frame material, it's easy to realize that ride quality is 95% tire selection & pressure.

Steelerfan14

I really wanted the SL5 but couldn't find one in my size at the lbs that now sells trek. I went to my normal bike shop that lost its trek dealership and he had a few treks left over that he had to get rid of. Got my ALR5 in blue for $1025. Can't complain

dallastx

That is a great price for ALR5, my LBS has it for $1350+

deapee

Not sure what the above poster means by Ultegra being more "refined" -- but I can't tell a difference between 105 and Ultegra except I have a little bit of extra cash in my wallet at the end of the day if I go with 105.

I don't think you can go wrong with either to be completely honest...it will be years before you could even possibly need an upgrade from either.