Sam is a lot more forgiving than I would be regarding the shortcomings of the Emonda ALR frameset. The exposed headset bearings would be unacceptable to me. It's not a nit; shame on Trek for selling the frameset with that issue.
You can use a different stem set up. The integrated set-up using the blender stem is the way to go. Sam should have read the frameset manual. Trek gave two options - default or integrated.
After watching this, it’s clear this is not a premium aluminium frame. I’ve seen £300 decathlon bikes with a lot better finishing than that. If I had a frame for those issues at that price, it would have been returned.
@@coreyallert1482Allez 105 is the same price and far better finished. Giant TCR 105 can be had for less and it’s Carbon. Orro do a 105 carbon bike for less as well, so do Vitus. Regardless is Decathlon can finish a £300 bike properly, Trek should be able to finish this one properly.
@@Ryan.T89 Allez sprint Comp is 2499 on sale regular price 3000. Allez sport is 1800 endurance geometry bike with tiagra. TCR Advanced Pro 1 is 2900 on sale from 3700 and has off brand cranks. TCR advanced disc 2 is on sale for 1900 from 3000 Emonda ALR5 is 2299 retail. At best we can complain about trek not having sales going on
@@coreyallert1482sale or not, you can still pick up a better bike for not much more. It’s a case of you get what you pay for. If you want cheap then buy a Trek and live with the low quality of it.
The exposed headset bearing and sharp metal where hydraulic hoses need to run are unforgivable errors. How the heck can a major manufacturer put out a frame like that? That's disgusting, especially considering they want over a thousand pounds for a frameset. I was aiming to buy one of these, seriously reconsidering now
My big brother bought one. The frame's rear brake mounts were not aligned properly. So, the bike shop got a replacement in. The replacement came in the exact same way. They had to modify the mounts to get the brakes to mount properly and align. He kept that bike maybe a year and sold it. I didn't pay attention to the fork. My guess is that is was designed for the carbon bike frameset and they just moved it over to the ALR.
@trekbicycles really ought to get together with their supplier, Cane Creek to make some weather seals for that headset. I can see the bottom bearing as well. Regarding the sharp chainstay end inside the BB shell, your mechanic should have used a dremel to blunt that edge, then chased the threads and faced the shell.
On the headset: some Giant TCRs suffer from the headset gap. Do use grease to ‘cover’ it. All in all, though, I am quite disappointed to see such quality coming from ‘premium brand’ like Trek
I have the ALR in the Era White colorway and noticed the bearing, fork and BB issues. Other than the fork looking a little weird the bike is great to ride.
I expected a video with dull arguments like "I don't like the colour" and such, just to make a typical approach to that type of clickbait content. But this video shows that there are pretty serious concerns, which I would take for granted if someone does not like and critiques them as the presenter did in this video. I like it that the content is not nitpicky, like a lot of such titled videos.
Almost as bad as the headsets on those Specialized Future Shock Roubaix and Diverges. Those things are always loose, and they always rust out. One of my customers who rides year round (central texas so no snow or salt) has to get a new Roubaix headset every four or five months!
@@prestachuck2867I had a customer who rode one of those through a wet winter and it was in for bearings every month. A great frame ruined by the stupid headset design.
I have one of those built up with 105 as a winter bike. It’s not only cheaper than this build it’s lighter too. Unbelievable bike, and I ride it to work everyday so I’ve a fair few miles on it.
@@colnago6501If you say so, but on my Allez sprint the forks, wheel and headset fit correctly. The cable routing was perfectly aligned and easy to do as well because it wasn’t an after thought.
My Cannondale CAAD 13 has a sharp reinforcement plate just above the BB inside the down tube so the internal routed brake cable was rubbing on this and almost cut through after a few thousand kms... Disappointing. I had to get a file in there and take the sharp edge off and I'm not convinced it won't again. I'd probably have to put some foam around the brake cable to be 100% sure...
@@RyonBeachner i know at first it sounds funny, but its pretty testament to how good the allez frames were back in 2013 to 2015, that specialized was willing to attach an s-works tag to some of them.
Did they change this frameset recently? I have a 2022 Emonda ALR rim frameset that I built myself. It didn't have these fit and finish/quality control issues. The fork is different, but the seat clamp is the same.
0:38 Even if the edge of headset cap is well sealed, there's still the gaping hole for cables, just like most of the hidden cable design which creates many spots for water and dirt to enter or accumulate. That's why I detest hidden cables through the head tube, they are a mess to deal with in many aspects. 3:00 That is quite an alarming issue. Who knows whether the inside of BB shell will damage the brake hose in a factory-built bike? The downfall of the industry is unstoppable, which I don't care as my next frame will be either NOS or customized.
Oh man! I was thinking to buy a frameset. That exposed head bearing is a turn off. I still love my Caad13 but I wanted something new. Hopefully Allez Sprint will be back in stock.
I had a trek domane sl5 it was like riding a tank compared to my trusty 2014 TCR. in the end I sold it and don’t miss it a bit. I bet is bike is even heavier avoid like the plague
Why did you not send the frame back at point of build? both issues appear unacceptable and the bike shop should have contacted the manufacturer. Maybe you did?
I've put almost 18K on mine since i build it, May last year, I enjoy it to bits. Yes there are some things that could be done better, but not deal breakers. I've seen far worse carbon frames.
Wow, harshest bike review I’ve seen in ages, and I have to say that’s a GOOD thing as usually we only hear how stupendous everything is (as many of these are sponsored)
Exposed headset? That would drive me nuts every time I looked at the bike if it were mine. Shame on Trek for making a frame that's worse than cheap Chinese bikes.
All sound like none issues to me. Easy remedies. More grease and more cleaning for the headset. Don’t fuss over the fork just know that it’s a proper fork from higher end models. BB area you can route the cable outside below BB anyway and you can take precaution to protect the hose. Easy!
Shouldn’t have to apply more grease. If a £300 decathlon bike can have a headset that fits properly, so should Trek. You assume the fork is from a higher end model. You you look it up is made in the same mould but not the same way to cut costs. If it’s designed to run through the BB you shouldn’t have to route it any other way, as the BB area should be finished properly. Again a low end decathlon bike manages this ok, so Trek should be able to as well.
Made by Giant - down to a budget. I was in the trade until 2016. Bikes then were better quality, much better value and looked far better. Trek had a sub-weight-limit carbon Emonda with mechanical Ultegra for £2K. Of course, there were no discs then, and cables had easy to manage routing. Drab looking, over-priced and over-complex bikes, which have also got heavier, seem to be the norm now. This must be because today's riders have voted for such with their wallets. The big brands don't make bikes that nobody would buy, do they?
1) Black Electrical tape 2) That's how many aero forks are... look at more bikes to learn this 3) OMFG, serious? 4) I guess? Maybe? 5) Didn't like the color of the bike HE CHOSE. OMFG this guy
So one of the most expensive aluminium frames on the market is ugly and mechanically inferior, but you love it? Tell me you didn’t pay full retail without telling me didn’t pay full retail!
1) Thanks for sharing! I had never notice the folk/frame inconsistent shape, now I can’t stop looking at it……. 2) Trek please pay your outstanding invoices to Cycling Weekly to prevent this type of content in the future😂
I've concluded the people who truly love disc brakes, don't work on bikes, and don't care about throwing away money to have someone else maintain and adjust their disc brakes on a constant basis.
Oh shit did Trek pull their funding for cycling weekly? 😂
Too right, what a random and confusing video...
😂😂😂😂
Sam is a lot more forgiving than I would be regarding the shortcomings of the Emonda ALR frameset. The exposed headset bearings would be unacceptable to me. It's not a nit; shame on Trek for selling the frameset with that issue.
And the brake cable rub...wtf
Exposed headset bearings in the UK winter is a terrible idea
Never mind the brake hoses literally escorting water into the head tube. 😂
it looks like he really got a fork from another bike.
You can use a different stem set up. The integrated set-up using the blender stem is the way to go. Sam should have read the frameset manual. Trek gave two options - default or integrated.
After watching this, it’s clear this is not a premium aluminium frame. I’ve seen £300 decathlon bikes with a lot better finishing than that. If I had a frame for those issues at that price, it would have been returned.
Aside from Canyon or decathlon it’s probably the cheapest bike you can get with 105 these days so I can understand some misses here
@@coreyallert1482Allez 105 is the same price and far better finished. Giant TCR 105 can be had for less and it’s Carbon. Orro do a 105 carbon bike for less as well, so do Vitus. Regardless is Decathlon can finish a £300 bike properly, Trek should be able to finish this one properly.
This is indicative of the state of the cycling industry.
@@Ryan.T89 Allez sprint Comp is 2499 on sale regular price 3000. Allez sport is 1800 endurance geometry bike with tiagra. TCR Advanced Pro 1 is 2900 on sale from 3700 and has off brand cranks. TCR advanced disc 2 is on sale for 1900 from 3000
Emonda ALR5 is 2299 retail. At best we can complain about trek not having sales going on
@@coreyallert1482sale or not, you can still pick up a better bike for not much more. It’s a case of you get what you pay for. If you want cheap then buy a Trek and live with the low quality of it.
The exposed headset bearing and sharp metal where hydraulic hoses need to run are unforgivable errors. How the heck can a major manufacturer put out a frame like that? That's disgusting, especially considering they want over a thousand pounds for a frameset. I was aiming to buy one of these, seriously reconsidering now
My big brother bought one. The frame's rear brake mounts were not aligned properly. So, the bike shop got a replacement in. The replacement came in the exact same way. They had to modify the mounts to get the brakes to mount properly and align. He kept that bike maybe a year and sold it. I didn't pay attention to the fork. My guess is that is was designed for the carbon bike frameset and they just moved it over to the ALR.
I prefer the 2022 rim brake version of the Emonda ALR in radioactive red to marigold fade.
Me too
You definitely dropped the ball as far as color. The white one looks much better.
@trekbicycles really ought to get together with their supplier, Cane Creek to make some weather seals for that headset. I can see the bottom bearing as well. Regarding the sharp chainstay end inside the BB shell, your mechanic should have used a dremel to blunt that edge, then chased the threads and faced the shell.
On the headset: some Giant TCRs suffer from the headset gap. Do use grease to ‘cover’ it. All in all, though, I am quite disappointed to see such quality coming from ‘premium brand’ like Trek
I have the ALR in the Era White colorway and noticed the bearing, fork and BB issues. Other than the fork looking a little weird the bike is great to ride.
I expected a video with dull arguments like "I don't like the colour" and such, just to make a typical approach to that type of clickbait content. But this video shows that there are pretty serious concerns, which I would take for granted if someone does not like and critiques them as the presenter did in this video. I like it that the content is not nitpicky, like a lot of such titled videos.
For me the headset situation is unacceptable
Almost as bad as the headsets on those Specialized Future Shock Roubaix and Diverges. Those things are always loose, and they always rust out. One of my customers who rides year round (central texas so no snow or salt) has to get a new Roubaix headset every four or five months!
@@prestachuck2867I had a customer who rode one of those through a wet winter and it was in for bearings every month. A great frame ruined by the stupid headset design.
Excellent, honest review. More like this please!
I'd say the headset is a defect........
Almost as if it’s been built up with the wrong bearing thickness…
Should have bought the old rim brake ALR in the purple, same weight for the standard bike more or less
Would take the specialized allez sprint over this one anyday
I have one of those built up with 105 as a winter bike. It’s not only cheaper than this build it’s lighter too. Unbelievable bike, and I ride it to work everyday so I’ve a fair few miles on it.
You're having a laugh! The welds on the Allez Sprint are an abomination!
it's a big middle finger to the slick feminine carbon frames @@colnago6501
@@colnago6501If you say so, but on my Allez sprint the forks, wheel and headset fit correctly. The cable routing was perfectly aligned and easy to do as well because it wasn’t an after thought.
My Cannondale CAAD 13 has a sharp reinforcement plate just above the BB inside the down tube so the internal routed brake cable was rubbing on this and almost cut through after a few thousand kms... Disappointing. I had to get a file in there and take the sharp edge off and I'm not convinced it won't again. I'd probably have to put some foam around the brake cable to be 100% sure...
Just get the emonda slr solved all the issues 😂
How does this ride compared to your Allez S-Works? Is this bike representative of progress? (Di2 notwithstanding)
Allez S-Works. LOL.
@@RyonBeachner i know at first it sounds funny, but its pretty testament to how good the allez frames were back in 2013 to 2015, that specialized was willing to attach an s-works tag to some of them.
@@RyonBeachneryes. There was an S-Works allez frameset. Not the allez sprint but the version that looked more like a tarmac.
When you spend $6000 on a $2000 bike
You say that but then you can get a rockhopper for $1500. The frame is also aluminum
I have none of those issues with my 2021 ALR5. Not sure if you received a janky frame set or if Trek has dropped the ball in the last couple of years.
I believe 2021 bike is different.
2021 is different afaik, the one with the press fit bb
one of standard colourways for the full build ALR is bright blue and orange...
Did they change this frameset recently? I have a 2022 Emonda ALR rim frameset that I built myself. It didn't have these fit and finish/quality control issues. The fork is different, but the seat clamp is the same.
Great vid which exposure saddle mount are you using ? 😊 Pete
0:38 Even if the edge of headset cap is well sealed, there's still the gaping hole for cables, just like most of the hidden cable design which creates many spots for water and dirt to enter or accumulate. That's why I detest hidden cables through the head tube, they are a mess to deal with in many aspects.
3:00 That is quite an alarming issue. Who knows whether the inside of BB shell will damage the brake hose in a factory-built bike?
The downfall of the industry is unstoppable, which I don't care as my next frame will be either NOS or customized.
Thank you so much for this genuinely informative video - it's quite rare to see such a frank appraisal these days
Oh man! I was thinking to buy a frameset. That exposed head bearing is a turn off. I still love my Caad13 but I wanted something new. Hopefully Allez Sprint will be back in stock.
alot of bike colors are lacking today, i want a yellow.
So effectively the five things you hate about your Trek Emonda ALR are as follows: frameset, frameset, frameset, frameset and frameset.
Hate is a strong word. However, I certainly wouldn’t have bought one.
Sooooo the grouoset wheels and tyres are great just a pity about the frameset……
Its interesting that my 2019 alr disc doesn't have any of these issues.
Paint it orange and black🟠⚫️
This is my next bike if they can provide a crazy paint job.
I had a trek domane sl5 it was like riding a tank compared to my trusty 2014 TCR. in the end I sold it and don’t miss it a bit. I bet is bike is even heavier avoid like the plague
If was a Chinese bike this would be unforgiven, but it's a overpriced trek, so ..... Yep overpriced
Condor Italia RC disc, now that a better looking start for a bike build.
Why did you not send the frame back at point of build? both issues appear unacceptable and the bike shop should have contacted the manufacturer. Maybe you did?
His friend build it...
I would say those forks look like ones for the 2023 model still
I've put almost 18K on mine since i build it, May last year, I enjoy it to bits. Yes there are some things that could be done better, but not deal breakers. I've seen far worse carbon frames.
Now do the same for the likes of SL8 etc ...
what gloves are those?
Trek domane MKIV has the same issue with the headset bearings :(
I think the headset should be a defect, be a useless winter bike here in the uk
You can upgrade to a blender stem with integrated cable and properly covered headset. This isn't a proper set-up.
What is the build ?
i mean theyre not gonna make a custom fork for this, its an off the shelf part
Wow, harshest bike review I’ve seen in ages, and I have to say that’s a GOOD thing as usually we only hear how stupendous everything is (as many of these are sponsored)
Those are not small issues. That's the problem. The bar has been set way too low as to what is acceptable.
I wouldn’t respray it I’d sell it. All these defects are enough to spoil your enjoyment of it. Respraying is for bikes you love and keep forever
Moral of the story, don't look too closely at your bike 🤣👍
Exposed headset? That would drive me nuts every time I looked at the bike if it were mine. Shame on Trek for making a frame that's worse than cheap Chinese bikes.
Valid niggles all!! I could forgive them since the bike performs well... but yeah, I'd expect better finishing from Trek.
seatclamp looks 80's :)
Looks great
These issues are not acceptable considering the price of the bike.
1999 U.S. Postal livery.
Shit headset, shit bottom bracket, shit front wheel fitting, and your problem is paint?
All sound like none issues to me. Easy remedies. More grease and more cleaning for the headset. Don’t fuss over the fork just know that it’s a proper fork from higher end models. BB area you can route the cable outside below BB anyway and you can take precaution to protect the hose. Easy!
Shouldn’t have to apply more grease. If a £300 decathlon bike can have a headset that fits properly, so should Trek. You assume the fork is from a higher end model. You you look it up is made in the same mould but not the same way to cut costs. If it’s designed to run through the BB you shouldn’t have to route it any other way, as the BB area should be finished properly. Again a low end decathlon bike manages this ok, so Trek should be able to as well.
Decathlon does a verter job!
Sorry but the front end of that bike looks a mess (fork, head tube, stem stack) not something I would put up with on a new bike.
Just save up for an emonda SLR
Made by Giant - down to a budget. I was in the trade until 2016. Bikes then were better quality, much better value and looked far better. Trek had a sub-weight-limit carbon Emonda with mechanical Ultegra for £2K. Of course, there were no discs then, and cables had easy to manage routing. Drab looking, over-priced and over-complex bikes, which have also got heavier, seem to be the norm now. This must be because today's riders have voted for such with their wallets. The big brands don't make bikes that nobody would buy, do they?
that mic make his voice too sharp.
I would not bother with a respray. Just sell it and move on.
Max 28mm tyres on this, makes it instantly out of date.
Should have bought a Tarmac SL8
Trek bikes: fancy looking at the expense of bad QC, heavy AF bikes and the worst value for money in the industry 😂😂😂
Buy a more expensive frame 👍😎
The word hate is strong not shtrong
1) Black Electrical tape 2) That's how many aero forks are... look at more bikes to learn this 3) OMFG, serious? 4) I guess? Maybe? 5) Didn't like the color of the bike HE CHOSE. OMFG this guy
The paint job looks to have quite a bit of orange peel. Should be a better finish than that.
To 2nd 3rd etc Its a Trek!
So one of the most expensive aluminium frames on the market is ugly and mechanically inferior, but you love it? Tell me you didn’t pay full retail without telling me didn’t pay full retail!
Why can’t these guys build their own bikes? Russell should be making this video, not this guy who is just a spectator.
1) Thanks for sharing! I had never notice the folk/frame inconsistent shape, now I can’t stop looking at it…….
2) Trek please pay your outstanding invoices to Cycling Weekly to prevent this type of content in the future😂
My goodness.
Too expensive for what it is and I just hate disc brakes.
a bike I would never buy plus bcc, giant, orbeo and lots more
paint a new bike = no warranty
haha things he hates about it, bought it anyway - poor Russel not a fan of the Trek then!
My sub-$1000 Chinese open-mold frame has far better fit quality than this Trek.
nice
Just buy a SLR Madone
I've concluded the people who truly love disc brakes, don't work on bikes, and don't care about throwing away money to have someone else maintain and adjust their disc brakes on a constant basis.
That is a very ugly bike. At least the aluminium frame is recyclable.
Rim brakes for the win..... AGAIN.🤨
Pointless video
If I'm paying 2024 bike prices, I expect all these little niggles to have been ironed out at the R&D stage. Book your ideas up trek!