Best aluminium road bikes: Lower-priced performance bikes

The best aluminium road bikes can offer the performance of a carbon bike, but usually at a lower price. Many have frame weights that are similar to or lower than comparably priced carbon fibre bike frames as well, making them some of the best road bikes for their price.

It's been over 25 years since aluminium supplanted steel as the material of choice for performance bikes. Although it was quickly superseded by carbon fibre for the highest spec bikes, brands have continued to develop aluminium bike frames, with the result that the best aluminium road bikes available today are lightweight, comfortable and even include aero features. 

Aluminium frames are cheaper to produce than carbon ones as well, so the majority of the best budget road bikes are also made of the metal. Given that the framesets tend to be cheaper, it's often easier to balance the cost of a bike overall. 

Here's our pick of the best aluminium road bikes for performance that are available and below that is a buyer's guide for how to choose the best aluminium road bike for your needs.

Best aluminium road bikes you can buy today

While the previous iteration of the Allez Sprint modelled itself on the now-extinct Specialized Venge, focussing on fast and hard crit racing, the current model has mellowed and matured into a more all-around bicycle. 

The geometry is based on the Tarmac SL7 (it's identical), rather than the Venge, so the handling is sublime but never twitchy. The new integrated downtube and bottom bracket make for an exceptionally efficient pedalling platform, and the Shimano 105 groupset is spot-on for the money.

With a few componentry swaps the frameset provides a tempting platform for making the bike your own. Why not try some bigger tyres for endurance rides, or aero wheels for race day?

Interested? Our Specialized Allez Sprint Comp first ride review can give you more info.

Cannondale's CAAD frames have long been considered the gold standard in aluminium race bikes, and the latest iteration the CAAD13 builds on that legacy. 

The geometry matches the SuperSix Evo, and the CAAD13 retains the light steering and crisp response to pedal input. Dropped chainstays and a D-shaped seatpost greatly improve comfort, and Cannondale has used hydroforming to incorporate truncated aerofoils to help the frame slice through the wind. 

The American outfit is now only offering the CAAD13 in disc builds, either with Shimano 105, or Ultegra, but there is a women's spec bike.

Check out our first look at the Cannondale CAAD13 Ultegra for more details.

When you think Emonda, the first thing that comes to mind is the feathery light carbon frame that even gets lightweight paint in the name of shaving grams. While the ALR version is pudgier than its carbon companion, the bike is no slouch when it comes to performance. 

Trek's latest update of the Emonda ALR sees the bike get hidden cabling and aero tube profiles, making it even more like the WorldTour-level carbon version of the bike. 

The Emonda ALR is one of those bikes that show alloy bikes don't have to be uncomfortable, and for the price, the performance is hard to beat. The new model gets Trek's racier H1.5 geometry as seen on the pros' Gen 7 Trek Madone aero bike. 

Giant has scaled back its alloy offerings, yet the Contend is one of the few survivors. Categorised as an 'all-rounder' the Contend occupies the entry-level of Giant's drop bar range. 

With an upright geometry, Giant has used some of its manufacturing wizardry, and the D-Fuse seatpost to produce a surprisingly compliant frame. It's not a race bike, but the compact rear end gives it a snappy engaging feel, while the handling is manageable, even for inexperienced riders; the Contend could serve as both a commuter and weekend rider for those who need multi-purpose affordability.

By selling direct to the consumer, Canyon can offer prices that other brands struggle to match, without sacrificing an ounce of quality. With a full Shimano 105 drivetrain and hydraulic brakes (if you opt for discs) on the top-spec build, the Endurace rolls on DT Swiss E1850 wheels, with Canyon providing the rest of the finishing kit.

The Endurace features steep head and seat angles, however, the stack and reach plant the rider in a neutral riding position; making for a roadie that's agile and responsive, but won't leave your lower back and neck requiring attention from a physio. 

The disc version has ample room for fat tyres, and the lack of a brake bridge also allows the chainstays to flex more freely. Both versions are noticeably devoid of fender mounts, so it might not slot in well if you live in a wet climate.

Niche UK brand Mason has been making waves for a few years now, offering high-quality frames with all-round geometries that don't break the bank. 

For the second generation of the Definition, Mason updated the frame to take 12mm thru-axles and flat-mount disc brake calipers. This involved a complete redesign of the rear end for a new dropout that didn't add weight or change the ride quality. The frame itself is made from quality Dedacciai alloy tubing and is finished with the brand's Aperture 2 carbon fork. 

Available in a range of 1x and 2x drivetrains, each Definition comes with Hunt 4Season V2 Disc wheels, a Deda cockpit and a Fabric saddle, although you can customise the build to your heart's content.

Another consumer-direct brand, Rose, offers serious value for money with the Pro SL Disc. The frame itself is made from 7005 T6 alloy and features triple-butted, hydroformed tubing throughout. The brake-bridge-free lowered seat stays afford the tubing oodles of vertical flex, while the carbon fork at the front does well to eat up vibration coming through the bars. 

Labelled as a marathon bike, the Rose Pro SL disc offers steep angles and a relatively compact rear end for precise steering, while a few mm of stack is added in the front to relieve the pressure on your lower back and neck. 

For the money, you get a full Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, DT Swiss P1800 Spline wheels and a Ritchey finishing kit. Rose stopped importing to the UK after Brexit though.

How to choose an aluminium road bike

The considerations when choosing the best aluminium road bike for your needs are similar to those for a road bike made of any other material, so take a look at our buyer's guide to the best road bikes for more, if you're not sure what type of bike you need. 

Here, though, are a few considerations that are specific to aluminium road bikes.