Trek Émonda ALR 6 2018 Review

Does it still count as aluminium, or is it on another level? The Trek Émonda ALR 6 is the highest-quality aluminium racer in Trek’s portfolio. Its striking, authentic pro design will seduce you, but can the performance keep up with the superb looks?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The best aluminium road bike you can buy – four bikes under € 2,500 in review

For the 2018 season Trek presents a versatile version of the Émonda. We’re intrigued by the fact that there are two carbon versions of the Émonda — the SL 4 and the SL 5 — which are actually cheaper than our aluminium test bike. Does the higher price of the aluminium model mean it also performs better?

The frame of the Émonda ALR 6 is made of 300 Series Alpha Aluminium. According to Trek this is the highest-quality aluminium in their line-up, and it allowed them to build the lightest aluminium frame ever designed by Trek. Like Specialized’s Rider First concept, the hydroformed tubing of the Trek is adapted to each individual frame size to ensure a balanced performance across sizes. Trek usually divides their geometries into H1 and H2 riding positions.

Whilst the frames with H1 geometry are slacker and longer, the H2 geometry makes for a more upright, yet sporty, riding position — and the ALR 6 is based on this. The 86.5 mm-wide bottom bracket housing is wider than standard BSA versions and is designed to make for a stiffer ride — especially when pedalling out of the saddle and on powerful startups. As a special feature Trek integrates their in-house Bontrager DuoTrap sensor into the left chainstay. This can be connected to all common cycling computers via ANT+ or Bluetooth technology and measures both cadence and speed. The Trek also features a complete Shimano Ultegra R8000 drivetrain and aerodynamically-optimised Bontrager Aeolus Comp wheels with deep 50 mm rims. Whilst the frame has enough room to accommodate tires of up to 28 mm, Trek delivers the ALR 6 with a set of Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite 25 mm tires. Bontrager’s 27.2mm carbon seatpost and Pro aluminium cockpit complete the spec. The ALR 6 weighs 8.13kg in a size 56 and costs € 2,299, which is just € 200 less than the ROSE XEON RS with Ultegra Di2.

The Trek Émonda ALR 6 in detail

Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra R8000
Wheelset Bontrager Aeolus Comp Tubeless Ready
Brakes Shimano Ultegra
Tires Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite
Weight 8.13 kg
Price € 2,299

The geometry of the Trek Émonda ALR 6

The Trek Émonda ALR 6 feels comfortable straight away. The conservative riding position of the H2 geometry relieves your neck and back muscles without giving you the feeling of sitting on a randonneur. The nimble acceleration of the ALR 6 tells us that the heart of a genuine racer is hiding under the matte black paintwork. The Trek picks up speed rapidly, but struggles to keep up with the much lighter ROSE or the superb acceleration of the Cannondale. It’s when you’re riding on your own and fighting against the wind that the ALR 6 shows its true strengths.

  But that is an aluminium bike, right?

The sporty yet slightly upright riding position leaves plenty of room for movement, whilst the aerodynamic wheels deliver maximum speed in the flats. On rough tarmac you’ll also enjoy the perks of the filigree seatstays. Even though the frame of the Trek doesn’t offer as much compliance as the ROSE, the highly flexible carbon seatpost conveys good levels of comfort even when riding long distances. The mechanical Shimano groupset shifts with precision — and although the clicking noise of the shifter echoes through the tubeset and carbon fairing on the alloy rims, this noise makes you feel like a pro. As soon as the road gets steep and you begin to climb, the stiff BB area withstands even the most powerful out-of-the-saddle power bursts. The nimble character really impressed us on the uphill, but unfortunately the handling feels unbalanced on descents — here you really notice the relatively long head tube and the short top tube. The rear-heavy weight distribution requires a proactive riding style and a firm hand to control the “light” front end on fast descents. If you ride the Trek within its comfort zone, you can relax and cruise down the hill with confidence. Whatever speed you’re carrying, Shimano’s Ultegra brakes will impress you with tons of power and great modulation.
The craftsmanship on the Trek is top-notch, so good in fact that it will take you a while to believe it’s actually made of aluminium. The overall look combined with the gorgeous wheels can easily compare to bikes which are twice as expensive. We believe that a complete internal-cable routing setup would suit the gorgeous overall aesthetics much better than the partial routing Trek used.

Conclusions

The Trek ALR 6 is a fast, nimble racer with superb all-round characteristics. If you’re unlikely to sign up for sprint races, but are looking for a lively, well-specced bike for long-distance marathons, the Trek might be just what you’re looking for. If you’re after a pro look at a fair price, this is a very exciting option.

Uphill | Downhill | Sprint

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For more info head to: trekbikes.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The best aluminium road bike you can buy – four bikes under € 2,500 in review

All bikes in test: Specialized Allez Sprint Comp | Cannondale CAAD 12 105 | ROSE XEON RS Ultegra Di2

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl