Quick Tech Specs

• Frame: Trek Émonda ALR5 2018 — Alpha Aluminum 300 Series
• Fork: Émonda full carbon fork
• Groupset: Shimano 105 R7000 11-speed (with Ultegra front derailleur upgrade)
• Crankset: 50/34 compact
• Cassette: 11-28 (original spec)
• Wheels: Bontrager stock alloy wheels
• Handlebars: Upgraded to 38cm alloy
• Stem: Shortened to 80mm
• Saddle: Upgraded to Selle Italia SLR Boost

Why I Bought This Bike

I picked up this bike second-hand when I was just getting serious about structured training and endurance cycling. Over the past couple of years, I’ve logged around 6000 kilometers, both outdoors and indoors. This bike became my entry point into the world of road cycling, eventually fueling my bigger endurance goals like preparing for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

Fit & Adjustments Along the Way

When I bought it, the size 56 seemed right according to most sizing charts. But as I’ve logged more time and learned more about my fit, I’ve made some small but meaningful adjustments:

• Handlebars: Narrowed down to 38cm for better comfort through the shoulders and wrists.
• Stem: Shortened to 80mm to bring the bars a bit closer, improving comfort on longer rides.

These simple tweaks have made a big difference both on the road and during long indoor trainer sessions where small discomforts get magnified over time.

Ride Quality & Handling Impressions

Simply put, the Émonda ALR5 has been a great ride. The aluminum frame is lively without feeling harsh, and the carbon fork helps soak up some of the rougher road vibrations. Whether climbing, descending, or cruising along endurance pace, the bike feels stable and confidence-inspiring — especially in crosswinds where stability matters.

The Shimano 105 R7000 groupset has performed flawlessly. Shifting remains crisp even after thousands of kilometers, and I’ve had no major issues or breakdowns. For an amateur cyclist balancing training with work and life, that kind of reliability is invaluable.

Maintenance & Durability

One of the standout qualities of the Émonda ALR5 has been how easy it is to maintain:

• Regular chain cleaning, cassette checks, and brake pad swaps have kept it running smooth.
• The aluminum frame shows no signs of fatigue, even after some wet rides and many sweaty indoor sessions (though I’ve learned to religiously wipe things down afterward).
• After some time, I upgraded the front derailleur to an Ultegra version for slightly smoother front shifts.
• I also swapped out the saddle for a Selle Italia SLR Boost, which has greatly improved comfort on longer rides.

Everything on this bike is approachable with basic tools and a bit of patience, which has allowed me to keep maintenance costs low while building mechanical confidence.

Lessons Learned for Future Bike Purchases

If I had to do it again, I’d likely consider sizing down to a 54cm frame. Over time, I’ve realized my riding position leans more towards endurance comfort rather than aggressive race posture. That said, the size 56 has served me very well and allowed me to grow into the sport without major fit issues thanks to some cockpit adjustments.

Final Thoughts: A Fantastic First Road Bike

As a first proper road bike, the Trek Émonda ALR5 has been exactly what I needed: reliable, affordable, easy to work on, and simply fun to ride. Most importantly, it’s helped me rediscover the simple joy I felt riding bikes as a kid — which is really what keeps me motivated through hours of training.

For anyone considering a second-hand entry into road cycling, I can wholeheartedly recommend this model as a trustworthy companion for both serious training and casual weekend rides.

Note: This post is part of my ongoing gear series where I share honest reviews of the equipment I use while balancing endurance cycling with real life. I aim for gear that not only performs but fits into a sustainable and long-term approach to the sport.