db209

I have been riding a hybrid for a while and now want to buy a road bike. I like the look of the Anyroad Comax 2017 because of the relaxed geometry, tyre clearance for rougher roads and the extra set of brake levers. However, this is a carbon bike and I have no experience using carbon before. Should I go for an alloy bike instead? They don't have the alloy Anyroad's in Australia.

Trek ALR 5 looks great but looks like the geometry will be a lot more aggressive and I prefer a more upright position. You think I should get this instead and get some spacers put under the stem?

I don't plan to race or anything. I like long rides by myself just for fitness.
Both are roughly the same price.

lsberrios1 

The anyroad is cool but it's more of a gravel / adventure bike. The ALR is mostly an aluminum race bike. You should maybe take a look at an endurance geo road bike. Something like a Roubaix, Domane or Defy. They are 99% as fast as the race bikes with a little bit more compliance and taller headtube.

For that money I'd probably opt for a last year's Roubaix SL4 sport with carbon frame and shimano 105. Out of the two you mentioned I'd go for the Emonda just because it's a road bike vs the gravel.

HTupolev

I love my ALR 5.

But.

These are two wildly different bikes, and if the Anyroad is the sort of bike you want, definitely go with it.

And there's nothing wrong with CF.

BluFalconActual

I just rode an Emonda yesterday. It is more "relaxed" than the h1 Emondas, but it is still a far cry from upright. I agree something like the Roubaix would be the way to go. They had one at my local bike shop for 1600.

zaxmalloy

You can't really lose.

I'm currently test riding similar bikes - I have a carbon road bike and an aluminum fat bike but "need" a bike that can be versatile commuter, limestone trails, etc. But instead of aluminum, I am between steel and carbon so think I'm down to the Anyroad CoMax and the All City Space Horse Disc. Two different experiences - the Giant is lighter, faster and more agile. It has the Shimano 105 groupset - same as on my road bike. Also, for commuting, I really like those extra brake levers. The Space Horse feels more planted and sure (being steel) and the ride is steady and sure-footed - you get the feeling it would be better than the Anyroad for sheer cruising, but hills are not going to be it's best thing.

I'll be interested to see which you choose and why...

zymphad

Blend the two and get a BMC Roadmaster 02

Symtex

Let me chime in as a AnyRoad Comax owner. The relax geometry of the Anyroad if fantastic but once you get above 25km/h, You won't like it as much. The wind resistance will remind you that you are not in an aero position. That being said, the bike is very solid, you can go anywhere. The only downside is the wheel/tire are very heavy on this bike.

I just came bike for a 25km gravel ride with it and it feel great. You cannot go wrong with that bike.

Ilbiker

+1 on the Roubaix. Love mine, approaching 2K miles with no issues. Just ordered some new rubber today. I also test road the ALR5 and 6. They were very nice rides, just preferred the Roubaix. Strictly personal choice. Don't worry about CF vs alloy. I ride everything from smooth asphalt to not so nice country roads, haven't asspoded yet.

Bikeracer123

Emonda alr or domane alr?

db209

Thank you for the replies. I tried the Anyroad and it felt great. I am going to try out a Roubaix this week. I only have access to the 2017 models though. The suspension on the front seems to get mixed reviews but I will see if I like it.

Emonda

I am worried about cracking it since I am a new rider.