Trek has called its new Emonda ALR "lightweight aluminium perfection" and says it aims to deliver sleek looks and ride quality that can easily compete with more expensive carbon offerings. This weight wise newest Trek Emonda ALR is definitely a good rival.

For a size 56cm the rim brake version weighs 1112g. The disc version weighs 1131g for the frame and Trek claim the Emonda ALR is one of, if not the, lightest aluminium bike on the market.

The company explains such groundbreaking results with a special optimized structure, which via hydroforming, has allowed the Trek engineers to manipulate, stretch and design complex shapes from the 300 series Alpha aluminium.

Emonda ALR is claimed to provide great ride quality as well as a stable structure and a carbon-like aesthetic. That also presupposes that each tube in the frame can fit to another perfectly, resulting in less material being required around the welds. Undoubtedly, such quality solution saves weight without losing strength at the joins. The welds are so minimal, that the Émonda ALR frame almost looks made of carbon.

Trek event created a name for such effect - "Invisible Weld Technology" that ultimately increases the surface area of the frame which adds to strength and cuts down weight.

Trek came up not just with one, but several option for this new bike. Consumers can purchase both rim and disc brakes, and choose male and female models. The bikes are only different in terms of touch points and the frame stays exactly the same following the most recent research that suggests bike sizing is determined by height and weight rather than gender.

The geometrical designed is based on Trek's H2 formula to ensure a more "relaxed" fit. That means the front of the bike is slightly higher in a more endurance style. H1 is more aggressive and racier, and can be found on the Emonda SLR, the top end carbon version of the bike raced by the professional cyclists.

Trek Emonda ALR soaks up the road buzz perfectly with hardly any of that broken surface vibrating through the handlebar or saddle. On the pavement the ALR is no slouch. Trek's engineers also endowed the Émonda ALR Disc with room for wider tires, allowing cyclists the option to make the ride even smoother by adding fatter rubber.

The Émonda ALR's has not only an innovative and lightweight construction but also a reasonable price. Five models priced $1,360 to $1,890 are certainly targeted at the budget minded who still want a performance race ready bicycle and the possibility to buy the frameset ($960) opens the door for those who are seeking budget-friendly options.