CARBON FIBER vs. ALUMINUM ROAD BIKES (WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?) 

Anyone else starting to hate the term “entry level” bike manufacturers and retailers ramming the term down our necks like we are all aspiring to be some sort of professional! Some people haven’t the money for 10k bikes, some people cycle purely for enjoyment not to race or aspire to race! The cycling industry is becoming heavy with marketing BS

We're at the point where $2800 gets you four year old 10spd Tiagra (they added disc option in 2019, but it's based on same eight year old 4700 groupset released way back in 2015)... yikes.

I'm old, so rode some nice steel framed road bikes in the past. Don't do road bikes anymore, as the aero oriented position is too stressful for my old joints (neck and shoulders). But I still ride mountain bikes, full squish and hard tail, as well as some semi and short wheelbase recumbents. They're all made of aluminum (except for my SWB Barcroft titanium). I really love high quality metal framed bicycles. They might weigh a bit more than carbon, but are more durable, and work wonderfully in non-racing scenarios. If I had some extra money, I'd buy that aluminum framed Specialized bike right now, even at my 71 year handicap. BTW, I also resent having lower quality components put on aluminum framed bikes. There's absolutely no real reason for that, other than to push folks into the carbon fiber options.

Back in 2016, I almost pulled the trigger on a Trek Emonda SL , the ALR had just come out, and I decided to take it for a short ride. That bike rode just as smooth and comfortable as the SL and it was a fraction of the price. With the money I saved, I put on a carbon bar and seat post and it made the ride just a bit smoother. This has been one of the best bikes I have ever owned and I recently upgraded it to Force eTap AXS since it does not have internal routing and it is also rim brake. Even though I have a high end carbon frame with electronic shifting, I still love riding this bike and put thousands of miles a year on it. Weight sits right at 16 lbs.

I have a aluminum gravel bike. I have replaced the aluminum seat post with a carbon seat post, and the ride has improved substantially. The tires make a big difference also. As for the carbon frame, it will depend on the design and what carbon is used.

A lot of manufacturers will have the same group set on their high end aluminum and entry carbon bikes (trek uses 105 on both) with anywhere between $700 and $1000 between the two. For my money and type of riding, I’ll take the aluminum and save the money for Fondo entry fees or upgraded wheels.

Agree 💯 I will never go back to alum. But for $1200 bike + $800 set of carbon wheels, you will be very happy with that entry level Specialized. These days with alum technology, you cant even tell they're alum anymore. Tube shapes look great, the bike is beautiful. You will feel limited by the gear range down the line though, as your fitness improves. Great video!

I really like these side by side comparison videos. Great stuff.

Once you go carbon you don’t want to go back. I can somewhat agree to that. However, I own both, carbon and alIoy bikes. When it comes to alloy bikes like The CAAD or Allez Sprint, both keep alloy alive. Just build it however you want it. You’ll still dominate a carbon bike.

In 2006 I bought my first aluminium bicycle, a giant OCR 2. This replaced a 20 year old steel Reynolds 531. I expected the aluminium frame to be harsh…cause I read that is what aluminium feels like….so wrong, it was super smooth. Came with tiagra9 speed. Kept it for 10 years, replaced the wheels and groupset with Campagnolo Centaur 11 speed. Brilliant in a word. A few new chains is all I have done to this latest addition. The cycling world is full of BS marketing.

I used to say always go for the carbon ones mainly because they absorb road buzz better and they are snappier (zippy!). But after I test rode the new 2022 Allez Sprint, holy smokes! My perspective changed! I’d go for the 2022 Allez Sprint over the Tarmac easily. Money saved and can be used to spent elsewhere like better components, Trainer Road subscription or coffee 😉

I think if you want a western brand aluminium bike the decathlon rc500/520 is a good choice. Cheaper than $1000 and around the same weight and you get sora/105

When I worked at a bike shop I would recommend a Reynolds 853 for the following reasons: very strong material to weight ratio, comfortable and it's ideal for folks that are new to road biking or accident prone.

Specialized should offer frame only option, that way you can spec it however you want. That’s what I did with my allez back in 2015

If you're an absolute beginner, go for the more robust aluminum frame. Simply because you will crash...several times. This aluminum frame can be upgraded as well. I have the 2019 Allez Sprint Disc and prefer it over a carbon frame because i'm a heavy rider.

The $1,200 Sirrus XXL 2018 serves me well. I was and am an amateur, but I thoroughly enjoy facing inclines with the bike. When I lived in a city commuting with groceries on my back, I loved simply lifting the light framed bike when entering a subway station’s stairs. The Sirrus endured three collisions with cars, and it still keeps trekking!!! Love it!

Great advice. Thank you 😊👍🏻

The Allez is an excellent entry level bike. I started with a 2005 Allez Elite with a 105 group set that served me well for over 12 years. I now ride a 2017 Tarmac Comp with Ultegra group set. No disk brakes. It is very light and nimble. The Tarmac definitely has a different feel; more responsive; and very fun to ride.

When I got back into cycling I bought a 2012 Trek madone 4.7 still have it. Great bike although I have upgraded to a Blanch infinito DI2

I had a 2012 Allez Sport with 9 spd Sora. Compact 50/34T crank and 11/28T cassette. Honestly, it would be no problem to ride in A groups with that even today. Law of diminishing returns has been the same for at least a decade. That Sora groupset shifted fine even compared to my R8000.

I don't think anyone will tell me that they will run out of gear with the Allez a 50/11 is more than enough for a beginner heck its good enough to win even cat 5 crits, unless you have big downhills and spin out, but even then you'd go pretty fast. The Allez is a clear winner here, just take the extra money and put some Hypers or dtswiss aluminum shallow wheels and you will already be within 0.6kg of that old tarmac. Its a no-brainer.

I still own a 2014 Specialized Allez Race DSW. It's an aluminium Tarmac SL4. Perfect secondary bike at 7.7 kg.

Absolutely nothing wrong with Claris - had it on my old roadie that I now use as a tourer, shifts on the button! I do prefer the tiagra on my new setup it is much more snappy and it helps to have the extra gear range but that Alu setup is perfect for most people - had mine for 6yrs before I went for an upgrade.

Why not compare against the new Allez Sport with the Tiagra group set? Seems more of Apples 2 Apples to me on the topic of Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum. Then the discussion becomes is it worth $1000 to pocket the difference or to use the $1000 for improvements/upgrades (e.g. wheels,105 groupset, etc). What's a better bike then? What would you choose with a $2800 budget?

How bout a video on that elves bike with the valar wheels that was behind the bikes when you were weighing them

sorry about my mic, and also if you have any questions about this topic please feel free to ask me in the questions down below

Wish you could make more comparisons and thoughts about

Great video as always. Just wanted to point out that the entry level carbon frame here isn't that much lighter than that aluminum frame. It is entry-level after all. The real difference is in the components and wheelset. Claris is two- tiers below Tiagra. If you built them up the same, you'd probably hardly know the difference. With that said, I'd still buy the Tarmac. It's better sorted. Then again, some carbon wheels with a carbon cockpit would do wonders to that Allez for around the same money. Decisions, decisions.

I would consider titanium bike instead

So if someone has decided to get to that $3,000 mark would you suggest an allez sprint comp that comes with 105? Or still the sl6?

How would you compare Specialized Allez with Van Rysel AF900? It’s priced at 1$499 and comes with 105 and carbon fork (UCI approved too)

Both nice bikes. I would get the Allez Sport (with Tiagra). Of course these two bikes have quite a different geometry. That to me is more important than the material. Although I would then still be in doubt what to choose. My current bike is quite 'middle of the road'. So which way do you go; more racy or more all round and practical.. Compliancy and handling are more a matter of design, construction and geometry than material. That Tarmac is heavier then my 2012 bottom of the range Titanium bike with cheap components...

For someone who’s 220-280Lbs the carbon bikes are not advised, right? There has to be a weight limit or some sort of diminishing returns.

2 of my 3 aluminum MTBs the frame has cracked. Salsa Spearfish and Specialized Chisel. Not catastrophic failures, but found during inspection. 🤷🏻‍♂️ On other hand been been riding a Jamis Icon (aluminum) since 2015 .

hydraulics should be standard in a $1200 bike

Wow crazy price for sl6 3000$ and no 105 ? , hmmm New propel advanced entry lvl same price with 105 on it , and look more modern and faster :)

the new trek emonda alr is just 35g heavier than the sl frame set tho what are your thoughts on this?

If i had 1800 i would get a caad. That was my first race bike and absolutely loved it.

A couple of comments... first, this comparison of frame materials would be much fairer if the bikes were equipped with the same components. Yes, the carbon fiber bike still would be lighter and more comfortable, but the overall performance of the two bikes would be much closer. Also, this review got me to thinking about how bicycles have advanced over the years. My first adult bike was a Schwinn LeTour, purchased new in 1975 for $175. Today, adjusted for inflation, that bike would cost just under $1,000. The Schwinn had a lugged steel frame with straight gauge tubing (i.e., the tubes were not butted to save weight). The wheels were equipped with steel rims (heavy!). It had a 2 ring chainset mated to a 5 cog freewheel. That bike probably weighed close to 30 pounds (even so, the frame cracked after only six years of use). The Specialized Allez is light years ahead of the Schwinn -- in every way, including weight, comfort, range of gearing, braking and shifting. And all for only about $200 more (in 2023 dollars).

I prefer mechanical shifting to electronic. Not everyone prefers electronic.

I switched from aluminum road bike (aluminum frame, seatpost and fork(😮!)) to carbon frame, seatpost and fork aero bike. Tyres from 25c to 30c. Difference is night and day in comfort especially I can feel it after long day in saddle. My aluminum frame 7005 was from 2005 and had 1" headset - no upgradable to carbon, also no more than 25c. I love carbon but it is crazy priced

Crazy that Specialized killed the Allez by adding disc brakes lol. Thankful I got the last model of the Allez Elite Rim Brake. Disc for Dirt, Rim for Road.

I was there in 2014, I suggest starting with the best frame you can get, later frame upgrading will cost you much more if you go for aluminium first, I have done that and I wish I would have spent 800.- more and gotten carbon frame from the start. Carbon is just much more zippy and difference in harshness and vibration is mind boggling, would not believe it…

$2800 USD is getting close to $3000 USD. $3000 USD gets me a 12spd Winspace T1500 custom built with LTWOO full hydraulic mechanical shifting RX series sporting Lun Road series carbon wheels.

I have a 2012ish Allez Sport frame that I have outfitted with Shimano Ultegra 10 speed and Roval wheels (don't remember which model) that weighs 19 lbs with cheap pedals and a 2012ish Tarmac frame with Shimano Dura-Ace 9speed and Mavic Ksyrium wheels that has been on 3 other framesets that weighs 15.8 lbs with pedals. Granted these are older model frames and gruppos, but aside from the weight difference, the ride quality of the 2 frames are quite similar. That hourglass shaped seat stays that Specialized had back them was fantastic! I've also had a Trek 5200 and Madone both of which rode great, but I can't say definitively if the ride quality was that much better than the Allez. I also had a Cannondale R800 from 2000 with 105 components and a beautiful paint scheme that was super harsh. Ultimately a test ride over the same crappy roads will tell you all you need to know.

One heeeeeeck of a cable loop on that SL6's rear derailleur 😂

Not sure if any beginner will even consider bike for 3000$ as this is not entry level bike

Ridden both on non competitive levels...Allez Elite, and Secteur were great Alu bikes....Felt and even Norco full carbon are lighter, quicker to get going yes, but overall, never had any issues riding the Alu products, and had a steel frame at one point. The young fit riders can make carbon zoom along, as for us old geezers, ride what you enjoy...that will mean both..if you can afford to have them...One thing for me was that I stayed with rim brakes....never went gravel...that, like disc brakes has been a road bike sales game....ride on all, be safe first

I think its a massive misconception that this and that material rides such and such way. All materials can be made to be compliant and or stiff/racey it all boils down to geo and design. I think as you see prices rise for carbon and its getting silly, i think you're going to see more and more alloy bikes flood the 2-3k perhaps even the 4k markets

I think for entry level bikes it shouldn't be advised to look at a premium manufacturer like specialized. Ive seen some bulls road bikes for 1200$ that come with 105. You dont get that on a 2800$ specialized.

I've got a '22 Allez Sprint I built with 50mm carbon wheels on 240 hubs, Rival / Force AXS with a Quarq PM and SWorks everything else. It weighs a hair under 19 lbs in a 54. It cost me about $5K to build which isn't bad for carbon wheels, AXS and a power meter. I run tubeless 28s at ~60psi on it. Anyone who's ridden an Allez Sprint will tell you that it's extremely responsive, not "sluggish". It's very comfortable on beat up Illinois pavement... likely because comfort is much more driven by tires than frame material. The Allez Sprint has the exact same geometry and aero capabilities as the Tarmac. My point is that none of what you're saying is "inherent" in aluminum.

Hey GC. I have a full 11sp 105 kit. I’m looking for a second bike. My dally ride is a carbon gravel bike. I want endurance geo and 32c tires. Do you think they will sell the allez frame or should I get the $1800 version and bolt my parts on it. Then change the wheels when I get the chance.

am i that rear breed rider? I had a Felt AR5 carbon everything. I sold it went and bought a Merida reacto 400 Aluminum frame as my daily.

The thing that sucks like you said, you have to get carbon to get higher groupset

Can you give an opinion on the lifespan of an aluminum bike? I have heard various numbers bandied about so am interested in what you have to say. Thanks!

I ride an alloy bike can only fit 25c tires. Let me tell you alloy beats you up when youre older, im ready to spend money on a cannondale synapse 4 carbon next year...😊

A $2800 bike is not twice the price of a $1200 bike. Think you might need to check your math.

the carbon one without pedals weighs at 8.7kg?! wow my bike is at 8.3kg on 6061 T6 alu frame with cyclo computer mount and pair of head tail light price at 700 USD. nice design though.

I dont think specialized have ever offered a cheap bike except the rim brake models.

This is a great topic for a video !! .. but I feel you went all over the place instead of answering the question posed. Eg why muddy the waters by comparing an endurance bike with a race bike.. compare the Sprint to the Tarmac or the Allez Sport to the Roubaix base. Put the savings of the alloy Sport into a set of wheels and tires - then compare $X Carbon Roubaix vs $X Alloy Allez Sport. Specialized makes excellent alloy frames - compare that to their lower tier carbon. Please redo this video!

Can i use a 11 speed cassete on those wheels (1200$ bike one)?

If your not racing go with cheaper bike

I just started with a Windsor 2.0 I know it’s gonna get me laughed at in these comments, but I love it so far and am already shopping for an upgrade 😂

Aluminum frame, higher level group set, better wheels, 32mm tires. Better running, more comfort, probably similar weight and price to the carbon bike here. Also more durable. And btw there is no science to say 28mm tires are faster than 30s or even 32s, especially on rough roads where lower pressure = better contact with the road ie more traction.

I won't want to buy it when it has a carbon fork. My last aluminium mountain bike frame broke. I still could drive it for more then 5 km until I found out it was broken. When you just start and you fall, maybe in the winter when it in some places it is slippery. Remember broken carbon doesn't hold and if you frond goes. It does break your fall it gives all the why. When you start I would go for a old steel or full aluminum. So when you have gotten a few rains and slippery roads you know what you can handel.

There are a few generalities that may or may not be true. 26mm tires faster than 30? Maybe, it depends. Aluminum frame harsh ride? Maybe, aluminum can be comfortable though, depends on the bike.

Buy a bike that you can afford and with specs that match your capability..If you imagine yourself enjoying this hobby/sport in the long run, it would be cheaper to spend on a pricier bike now than to buy a cheaper one and keep upgrading it..Ride safe everybody!

If on a limited budget would you get more value from a carbon bike as is stock or upgrading the allumiam bike you already have with better carbon wheels, tyres and groupset.

About "anyone who ever went from an aluminum to carbon bike says the same thing: "I'm never going back". ehhh. That's a strong exaggeration. I've used really good carbon frames. After years of carbon only, I got a cheap aluminum Felt cyclocross bike as an all-rounder road/gravel/fire roads bike, and it works great. Now I have a cheapo carbon fiber road frame that is not cutting it, and i'm thinking about upgrading to a CAAD13. People in the bike industry who ride both the Supersix evo and the CAAD13 have said that if they rode one of those without looking down at the frame, they could not recognize whether they're riding the SSE or CAAD13. (and the SSE is a REALLY F'ING GOOD carbon frame)

Party Pooper Comment . . . both are disc brakes, not worth it! I'll see myself out!

I would vote the alloy frame and spend the spare cash on the wheels and tyres.

I bet the bike with 30c tires rides better (is more comfortable) than the bike with 26c tires... No matter the frame material.

My £900 gravel bike, pinnacle arkos from Evans Cyclea with tiagra and disc brakes is lighter than that allez. Rediculous prices feom specialized with no justification for it.

A twenty-two pound road bike was a good light bike in the seventies.

I've had this bike for several days now and I have not had problems with it so far. ru-vid.comUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv The handlebars, seat+ seat post, pedals, and front wheel were detached for shipping. It was easy to reassemble, but I did need to go out and buy a set of tools in the metric system to reattach parts. Use lubricant (WD-40 works well) on screw threads and hinges before re-assembling.(NOTE: Do Not Throw Away Any Of The Packaging Until After Assembly Because Some Of The Packaging Contains Small Parts That You Will Need To Reattach Parts!!!)Took it to a bike kitchen for fine tuning afterwards, and for refilling the tires (they'd lost some air during shipping) and then practiced riding on it. It fits me perfectly at 5'4" with the seat at the lowest possible setting--would not recommend for anyone shorter, as it may be difficult to get on and off the bike without assistance of some kind. The aluminum body is beautifully welded together--the only thing that irks me somewhat is some of the plastic parts, but oh well. Not too experienced with bikes (haven't owned one in years) but if you're not willing or are unable to spend $600+ on another bike, I would say this is a good way to get started. Just check everything before you go out riding--air levels in the tires, wobbling of the seat, handlebars, or pedals, loose screws/parts, you know, as it will happen over time. Common sense. Good luck to ya, and hope my review helps.

A "high level" aluminum was always better than the cheapest carbon bike, back in the day. Before you could get claris to dura ace in aluminum bikes and still be cheaper than the cheapest carbon build. Often times it made sense to get 105 or ultegra aly bike instead of paying $1000 more for a carbon bike with tiagra.

"much more longer". You don't need the 'more'. smile emoji.

High-end aluminum frames are a good starting point because it's easy to upgrade components as your ride and taste changes. The Allez, Trek ALR series and CAAD comes into mind.

The one sad thing is, that the 2020 SL6 Sport for the same price had the 105 groupset. So basically they just downgraded that model

And to think I got a new carbon giant tcr with carbon wheels, ultegra, and a power meter for $3500. $2800 for tiagra is a joke 🤣🤣🤣

It's a shame that these brands don't make frames as good as the Italian grandmaster.. Fausto Coppi K3 (special one off Columbus Tubing) the best aluminium frame ever made by the Giovanni Pelizolli Mr Ciocc himself, started aluminum frames back in the 80/90s.. I still ride this sexy beauty everyday, its now 25+yrs old, rides like a Japanese Bullet Train superfast, and smooth and silky as a Ferrari.. Ive had plenty of carbon frames too.. It's a shame that these newbies will never get to ride classics..

Are the wheels not the same? Aside grom tires obviously

beginner cyclist + hydro disc brake + emergency full brake = emergency room.

8 speed at 11-32 will be the same as 11 or 12 speed 10-34 ???????? And 3 pounds difference is not worth 1500 dollars more !!! In my opinion

Go with aluminum and enjoy the riding, comfort from frame is not given by any material, who ever told you this BS then he should show since behind it (and there is no)...comfort comes from: 1) proper geometry 2) good tires and proper pressure (high TPI and latex) 3) good saddle (example fizik ) 4) adding gel pads to your stearing second thing what speaks for aluminum is it serves you livelong, carbon max 5-7 Y (especially if you low level carbon and PF BB)...never use any carbon parts on gravel/cx bike if you riding them as MTB.. Price, just idiot will give more as 2500eur/$ for the bike..and just stupid person will buy carbon, especially for gravel/cx AND claris is fine, you dont need more..everything else is just BS

Aluminum also give you peace of mind from damage when you are a fat or tall 100kg+ rider. I just don't want to deal with fragile carbon warranty none sense.

I don’t think it’s worth it at all. Using the money saved on the frame, upgrade your wheels, tires, brakes and drive train to better lighter components. Take the money that’s still left over and go out to dinner at a nice restaurant.

Ask me if I would go back top aluminum after riding carbon. I'll answer, "No. I'll take steel." If I were advising a new road bike rider, I'd say buy a used steel or aluminum bike, get a proper fit, and see if you really like road bike riding. But remember, this bike is for finding out if you like road bike riding, not if you like this bike. For a rider who's got enough road bike experience to know he or she is going to stick with it, I'd say test ride as many different bikes that fit into your budget as you can, and make a choice. There's a lot of potentially misleading talk here. Our host keeps saying the carbon bike is xxxx but the aluminum bike is xxxx, especially in terms of geometry and componentry, as if every carbon bike and every aluminum bike fits those descriptions. He only briefly specifies that he's comparing two specific models, not carbon and aluminum generally. A new rider is very likely to miss that point and only hear the unintended generalizations.

1200 dollar and 8 speed claris? Specialized is really way too Farrogant

Buy it nice or buy it twice

I'd say go 2nd hand.

I’m too poor to afford carbon fiber (or even a nice aluminum bike), but I’m also casual. My aluminum road bike is still a good enough bike for me.

I’ve got a carbon fiber bike now and the difference is minimal IMO

makes no sense to buy these tanks for 1-2k, just go with a rim brake bike with 105 or ultegra and 50 percent lighter. these bikes are a perfect example of how the bikes are getting worse. theres no way these bikes are faster or better than bikes from 20 years ago that cost the same price. my first bike was pantani's tour winning alloy bianchi with ultegra its cost about 1800 (that frame spec'd lower wouldve been under 1500) and would shit on both these bikes in every way especially aesthetics.

Buy the 1200 AL bike and swap to a nice 1000 wheelset - that’ll bring the cost to 2200 - and it will torch the 2800 CF bike with the stock crap wheelset.

I'd say this has more to do with disposable income vs bike quality. The $2800 carbon bike is not $1600 better than a $1200 aluminum bike. I'll give a few hundred but not $1600. But if you can afford it and it's worth itto you, by all means, go ahead.

Aluminium. Not aluminum.

Depends if you’re a crasher 💥

Get the Tarmac SL7. The hype is real, you won't be disappointed.

My 1989 steel Bianchi is lighter than the SL6… disc don’t belong on road bikes lol