I got a used 2016 Alpha 1.1 to get into road riding this year, hoping to save up to a AL4 Domane. Saw this today and wanted to get some opinions. It’s the Gen 4 disc in my size. Is the upgrade worth it from what I’m coming from and how much would I be missing out on compared to the AL4 if I’m never going to race and go up to 20 miles and less than 2 hours in the rural Midwest?
by Bailstorm
4 Comments
Save up for a carbon bike (new or used). I just got my first one for $700 (carbon s works sl1) and it is GAME CHANGING. Better in every aspect and worth the wait!
Aluminum frames are fine, they’ve been around for a long time, but since aluminum fatigues really quickly when flexed, they have to be really stiff in order to last. Carbon frames can be really stiff as well, but they can be designed to flex in certain directions in order to increase the comfort of the rider, and carbon has the added benefit of dampening high frequency vibrations caused by road impacts. I’ve had both, and was really proud to have one of the OG Klein frames from the 80s, but my goodness that thing was painful on long duration rides. If you’re only going to ride 20 miles max, this may not bother you as much, but IMO you’ll be much happier, and much more likely to increase your ride length and duration, on a carbon frame.
Feels like a solid deal- I’m in the bay and buying a new Domane for about this price.
Sold tons of AL domanes and never had anyone complain. As far as a starter bike goes I think it’s absolutely a good deal.