Originally Posted by
returnoftheyeti
I have a 2018 Tarmac, carbon, 105 groupset, rim brakes, fully stock for that year. I also have a 2020 Allez, aluminum, 105 groupset, rim brakes, fully stock as well.
Ok, so they are not “stock” both bikes have been to the same bike fitter, have narrowed handlbars, a different stem. But, essentially these 2 bikes are identical, except one is aluminum and one is carbon. Same geometry, same wheelset.
I rode 5000 miles last year, most, but not all, on the Tarmac. I just took the Allez out for its first 70 mile ride. The results? Its not as stiff as the Tarmac, but other than that, the ride experience was the same. My time for the route, which I have done several times on the Tarmac, was essentially the same time.
I bought both for different reasons at different times. Both bikes were discounted from MSRP.
I love my Tarmac, and it is, and will be my primary bike. But the Allez is no slouch. Both are amazing bikes.
Back in 2015\2016, I was looking at the Emonda SL and was ready to pull the trigger on it, and that same year, Trek came out with the Emonda ALR. I was not even looking at them as an option, that was, until I actually rode it. The ALR felt just as nice as the SL, was lighter than the SL, and cost less than the SL. Win, Win, Win. I put some carbon bars and seat post, picked up some carbon wheels and the bike rides like a dream. I have bought and sold 7 or 8 bikes since I bought that ALR, but I still have that ALR and I will never get rid of it. Within the last year, I upgraded wheels to go tubeless and in Nov, I replaced the 11 speed mechanical shifting and upgraded to AXS. This is just a bike I love to ride and generally have put more miles on it, than I put on my carbon frames, but that is ok, I don't mind have a "secondary bike" that is more like a primary bike. Some people don't understand n + 1, but that is also ok, they don't need to.