Trek Emonda ALR 5 Disc

What a beautiful bike to look at and what a fine bike to use. Thanks to the alu frame, I dare to use it for commuting as well. But make no mistake, it is only 113 grams heavier than the carbon variant. For the price, you really do get a very good bike. Moreover, thanks to the modern geometry and thru-axles, you have the option to turn it into a real racer with a nice carbon wheelset and fast tyres.

Pros & Cons

The bike looks beautiful and bold in this 'azure fading to living coral' livery. Distinguish yourself from all the dark shades on so many road bikes. This bike looks like carbon with its very good and precise finish without the familiar weld beads. The ALR5 accelerates quickly and feels feather light. Out of the corner you're quickly back on pace. It is a smooth match between frame and shifting group. 105 is an excellent choice. The handling is smooth and sharp. It lends itself perfectly to climbing, racing or just endurance. So last week's Vael Ouwe ride was very satisfying. After several carbon bikes, I can honestly say that you don't come off as inferior with this bike. On the contrary, in fact. This is my first purchase from Mantel. I was helped super by Pim in Arnhem. He measured and adjusted the bike and me well. He also found a solution for sleeping hands by adjusting the switches turned inward. Want a bike that gives the most bang for your buck in this category? Then the émonda alr5 is the best choice. Want to do this in a fine shop? Mantel Arnhem will help you on your way.

Pros & Cons

The road bike is a real eye-catcher if you like it sober. There are still a few weight tuning options, so you can get under 8kg. For me, the key selling point: unlike carbon, aluminium can be reused.

This bike is a lot lighter than my old one, glad I bought it

Pros & Cons

Delivered in a giant box, just handlebars to straighten and done. Nice looking bike, balanced appearance, sober in construction and colour and colour transitions. Full shimano 105 fittings (apart from the hubs). Feels stiff and solid despite its light frame. Minus points: small scratch on angled tube (not big enough to fall over, but still). Actually delivered with one spacer too few to properly adjust headset (either expander needs to be deeper). Luckily still have spacers lying around, fork tube shortening is for later. Grease/paste was used between stem and handlebars, but no grease was used on stem bolts. Wheels pinged when first ridden. I know they are factory wheels, but as a wheel builder I checked the spoke tension all around. Fairly low tension and quite some imbalance in spoke tension across the spokes. But let's wait and see how this holds up in the future. Despite these flaws, I am very satisfied with this purchase, but we'll have to wait and see if this is confirmed in the future.

Pros & Cons