Best aluminium road bikes in 2024

The benefits of aluminium road bikes

Why choose aluminium road bikes?

Choosing an alloy road bike makes sense for various reasons like cost, durability, repairability, comfort, versatility, weight, and overall performance. And alloy bikes are just getting better and better. It's evident that top-quality aluminum bikes can certainly surpass certain rivals with carbon frames. Which is why aluminum remains an excellent material for crafting bicycle frames.

Discover the best aluminium road bikes in 2024

So, in today's article, we're excited to go through what we believe are 5 of the best alloy bikes you can get in 2024. Whether you're new to the biking scene and working with a budget or seeking a new companion for your racing adventures, this article is for you!

Specialized Allez Sprint Comp

Let’s start with the Specialized Allez Sprint Comp. The latest version shares similar characteristics to the Tarmac sl7 such as identical geometry, similar aerodynamic tube shapes, exceptional handling and a high level of stiffness thanks to both hydroforming and smartweld techniques.

With these two techniques, Specialized created a one-piece bottom bracket and downtube for improved peddling efficiency and power transfer, their most advanced headtube and put it all together using smartweld for increased overall stiffness and lighter weight.

The bike also takes the internal cable routing system from the Tarmac SL7 for improved aerodynamics and for that sleek look and it comes with disk breaks only. Additionally, the Shimano 105 groupset with hydraulic disc brakes, a 52/36t chainset, and an 11-28t cassette offers excellent value for the price.

The bike comes with 26mm tires by default but has a 32mm tire clearance. The frame itself also allows for great upgrade possibilities. For instance, you can prepare it for endurance rides by using larger tires or opting for a wider-range cassette if that's your preference.

With all this in mind, the Allez Sprint can easily keep up with many carbon bikes out there when it comes to speed. Weighing 8.68kg in Size 56 and costing 3,500 dollars you ca not wrong here.

Cannondale CAAD13

Cannondale claims the CAAD13 to be the "ultimate alloy race machine." It boasts dropped chainstays and a D-shaped seatpost, enhancing comfort.

The frame is constructed with Smart Form C1 premium alumminium which cannondale claims to be the lightest aluminium on the market and incorporates hydroforming with truncated aerofoils, ensuring a speedy performance.

Sharing its geometry with the SuperSix Evo, the CAAD13 maintains easy steering and a quick response to pedal input. The dropped rear stay design and ample space for larger tires create a perfect balance of stiff efficiency and unmatched comfort in an alloy road racer.

The CAAD13 comes in a wide range of models, featuring both rim and disc brake options, Shimano Tiagra, Shimano 105, and even 105 Di2, along with a women's specific model. All these models are available at various price points, starting with the Disc Tiagra model at approximately $2,000 and reaching the 105 Di2 model at approximately $3,500.

With its compact crankset and aggressive geometry, the CAAD13 continues to demonstrate that aluminum can compete and even outperform carbon. Given Cannondale's reputation as aluminum pioneers, you can't go wrong with an alloy bike from the brand.

Trek Émonda ALR 5

The Émonda ALR 5 is an impressively lightweight, speedy, and enjoyable aluminum road bike designed for conquering climbs and sprinting to the finish line.

Constructed with Trek's lightest, top-notch Alpha Aluminum and featuring Kammtail aerodynamic tube shapes and hidden cabling, the Emonda ALR breaks the stereotype that alloy bikes have to be uncomfortable and slow. Considering the price - 2.300 dollars equipped with Shimanos 105 12-speed groupset and hydraulic disk breaks - its performance is tough to match.

The latest model also adopts Trek's sportier H1.5 geometry, similar to the one found on the professional Gen 7 Trek Madone aero bike. The bike provides a a great blend of stiffness and ride comfort comparable to carbon, although it's not as light. Nevertheless, its appearance resembles a carbon bike, thanks to the meticulous hydroforming of each tube and Trek's 'invisible weld' technology.

If you are willing to pay a little more - 200 more to be exact - you can opt for the Trek Emonda ALR 6 equipped with Shimano electronic groupset 105 Di2, which is a really great option.

Canyon Endurace AL 7

The Canyon Endurace AL 7 is marketed as an endurance road bike, but it definitely has a sporty DNA. It is a bike that offers an impressive value-for-money specification and delivers a ride quality that surpasses even some carbon road bikes.

Weighing in at 9.4kg for a size medium, it features Shimano's 12 speed mechanical 105 groupset and is priced at 1.699€. When you check out the frame, one of the first things you'll notice is the tidy and seamless weld junctions.

Canyon simply states that they file and sand away any rough welded parts to achieve a smooth and pleasing look – and it certainly does the trick. The Endurace is equipped with wide road tires for enhanced grip and comfort on the pavement. If you desire even more comfort and off-road traction, the bike offers 35mm of clearance, allowing you to ride on chunkier all-road tires.

The bike even provides mounting options to attach a top tube storage bag. Taking this into account, along with its tire clearance, the Endurace leans a bit towards a gravel bike – aligning with the industry trend of incorporating more and more gravel features into endurance bikes. However, the Canyon Endurace 7 remains one of the most enjoyable road bikes in its price range.

Mason Definition 3.0: The Ultimate All-Around Road Bike

The bike stands out as the ultimate all-around road bike, delivering an excellent ride quality and a versatile geometry that excels at both high speeds and leisurely cruises. It's a true jack-of-all-trades, mastering sportiness, all-season utility, long-distance journeys, AllRoad versatility, and overall performance.

While sharing the geometry of the Columbus steel version, the Resolution, it manages to offer a sportier feel, ensuring comfort during extended rides and reliability.

Available in eight sizes ranging from 48cm to 62cm, the Definition comes in various builds and is fully customisable on the website. SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo provide options for both electronic and mechanical shifting, with Campag's Ekar even offering a 1x setup.

The price will vary on what components and specs you chose to costumize your bike with the cheapest - meaning equipped with mechanical Shimano 105 - coming in at 3000 dollars including shipping to Germany for example. You can also opt for a 'rolling chassis,' which includes the frameset and wheels, or choose the frameset-only option. The bike boasts wide tire clearance, accommodating up to 35mm. Despite this, the Definition remains a highly comfortable racer, thanks to its ability to handle high-volume tires.

So, will you embrace alloy excellence?

And that wraps it up. Our lineup of the best alloy bikes in 2024 comes to a close. Which one is your favourite alloy bike - let us know in the comments. I trust this article provided some inspiration if you are considering a new road bike, particularly in the alloy category.