2013 trek alpha 1.5

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2013 Trek 1.5 Road Bike Review by Scheller's

2013 trek 1.5 road bike comes with 100 series alpha aluminum.

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Trek 1.5 road bike review

The Trek 1.5 is designed to be solid and dependable option for the new road cyclist, that will feel equally at home on a commute as a long Sunday ride

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If you are looking for a first road bike or solid winter steed, this is a quality frame that will last the course and not let you down. The geometry is very relaxed, with this bike better suited to all day comfort and less flexible riders. The ride is smooth, but the brakes and a couple of other minor details let the overall package down when we consider the price.

Smooth ride

Accelerates well

Tiagra shifting is good

Tubeless ready rims

Lifetime warranty on the frame

23mm tyres not 25mm

No 32t cassette

Boring styling

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Trek frames are synonymous with quality and their faith in the product is backed up by life time warranty. The frame is Trek's top drawer 'Alpha aluminium' whilst the fork is carbon fibre. In order to test the Trek 1.5 we have been riding it throughout winter, on commutes and longer training rides.

>>> The best cheap road bikes ridden and rated

The One series is Trek's base level frame and would potentially suit a large number of cyclists. If you are in the market for your first road bike, a dependable winter bike, or just something for epic sportives that won't break the bank, the Trek 1.5 is a great option. Hinting at this versatility is the inclusion of eyelets on the stays and forks, to aid the fitting of mudguards. There is also loads of mudguard/tyre clearance under the brakes. But, if you are flexible, or have good core strength you may find the upright posture this bike encourages limiting when you want to get lower and more aero.

 Geometry

The geometry of the Trek 1.5 is relaxed. For those new to cycling, this means that the horizontal reach from the saddle to the handle bars is shorter and the vertical height of the handle bars is higher. Rather than a super aggressive flat back like Bradley Wiggins , this enables the rider to sit more upright, in a more relaxed position.

This makes it ideal for new riders, who are yet to develop the core strength and flexibility that makes an aggressive position more sustainable. Our 58cm test model came with 44cm bars, which although less aerodynamic than a narrower bar, they may help add stability to overall handling to less confident riders.

>>> Complete buyer's guide to road bike groupsets

The Trek 1.5 comes fitted with a range of components. The shifters and derailleurs are Shimano Tiagra , but the chain set is FSA Vera and the brakes are unbranded callipers. We were hugely  impressed with the quality of the shifting on this bike. The FSA chainset works well in this regard with little or no flex, to hamper shifts.

We felt that the brakes let the bike down. The unbranded callipers didn't feel as responsive or stable as a Tiagra or Shimano 105  calliper. The lack of strength translates to less braking power and compromised modulation. That considered, the first thing we would upgrade on this bike would be the brakes. This is disappointing when we consider the overall price.

Our test model featured 23mm Bontrager R1 tyres. These rolled nicely and were puncture free for over a few weeks of winter riding and commuting on roads strewn with potential puncture hazards. We would have preferred to see this bike come fitted with 25mm tyres as they are stronger and can aid comfort. We do however like that Trek have equipped the bike with tubeless ready rims . Using tubeless tyres could reduce the risk of punctures.

>>> Guide to road bike tyres

The Tiagra rear cassette is 12-30t. With professionals even adopting 32t cassettes on steep mountainous days, it would be nicer if the Trek came with either a 12-32t cassette or a medium length cage rear derailleur, which would allow a 32t cassette to be fitted. Being a short cage derailleur, it is designed to only go up to 30t. This is in contrast to other bikes in a similar price range, such as the Giant Defy 3 and B'Twin Alur , which both have 32t cassettes as standard.

Ride and handling

Our favourite thing about the Trek 1.5 is the ride handling. Use of round tubes helps contribute to stiffness, whilst the carbon fork offers some dampening. The ride is very smooth, with the frame doing an excellent job of ironing out imperfections and bumps. Considering how well the frame absorbs road buzz we were pleasantly surprised to find that the bike is no slouch when you want to accelerate out the saddle either.

Compliant frames can often feel spongy when you give it the beans, but the Trek 1.5 quickly gets up to speed without any fuss. Wheels on bikes in this price range can often be bargain basement, with spokes that feel as if they are made of cooked spaghetti, but we were pleasantly surprised by the Bontrager wheels on this bike. They compliment the frame well and don't sacrifice ride quality.

Overall, the bike feels nicely balanced, with the weight centred. This is noticeable when riding uphill or track standing. Our 58cm test weighed in at a respectable 8.7kg without pedals. Cornering can feel a little tame, but will always be the case when a bike has a high front end. A lower front end enables you to lower your centre of gravity to a greater degree.

Whilst colour is subjective, we feel the Trek is rather boring to look at. The first thing that draws your eye to a bike is the way it looks and the Trek looks pretty utilitarian. Don't expect to cop admiring glances at the cafe stop. That said, plenty of us value function over form.

For more information, head over to Trek .

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Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.  

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2013 Trek Alpha 1.5

• Serial: TBI-2193 WTU020C5302H
• Manufacturer: Trek
• Name: Trekster
• Model: Alpha 1.5
• Primary colors: White and Blue
• Frame size: 54CM
• Wheel diameter: 700 C
• Frame Material: Aluminum

Distinguishing features

It's a lightweight Aluminum frame with carbon fork. Bontrager components (wheelset, saddle, seat post) with Shimano Tiagra shifting system.

Drivetrain and brakes

• Front Shift And Brake Lever Tiagra ()
• Rear Shift And Brake Lever Tiagra ()

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Trek 1.5 review

Build your road confidence

Joby Sessions

Guy Kesteven

Trek haven’t changed their entry-level road frame much for the past couple of years, but there are plenty of riders who want ‘sit up and beg’ comfort and relaxed handling in a road bike style, so there’s no reason they should. It wouldn’t be our first choice for more competitive work though.

Ride & handling: Comfortable enough for long rides and ideal for building confidence

There’s a fair amount of sideways flex in the Trek 1.5's tall head tube and narrow-stance fork if you bully rather than coax the steering. Starting with a downer on one small aspect of the handling is slightly unfair though, as the rest of the ride is unfailingly friendly and easy to live with.

Even Trek’s race bikes have a reputation for being more relaxed and surefooted than others and with a higher bar position and more centralised weight the 1.5 is even less threatening on descents or twisty lanes. High levels of vibration absorption in the slim, tall tubes reduce the chatter and ragged traction effect that can throw you off-line in rough conditions.

The tall cockpit height and shallow handlebar create a comfortable position when your hands are hooked into the more secure position of the drops, making the Trek a great confidence builder for those who don’t generally like to push their trust in tarmac traction. More accessible hand positions and the impressive amount of comfort for a mid-price alloy frame also make the 1.5 a welcoming place to be when you’re heading into work or putting in the long miles at the weekend.

The upright position means plenty of breathing space too, which, combined with the low complete bike weight and the extra-large rear cog on the cassette, means it cruises up steep hills surprisingly easily. Start applying pressure though and it’s less convincing. Flex from the crankset combines with a soft overall feel from the chassis – particularly when bracing bar against pedals – to take the edge off your effort before it reaches the road.

The upright position that saves your spine from too much strain but also prevents you from really putting your back into it or escaping from headwinds when you need too. However, keep your pedal revs high and your pedal pressure down and it’ll spin along quite happily. If you do use it for racing, you’ll find the fatigue reduction during the ride a bonus when you get to the run.

Chassis: Simple but relatively lightweight frameset builds a similarly light bike

Trek base the 1.5 around their H2 geometry, a higher fronted, more upright version of their H1 competition positioning. That’s the reason behind the very tall, slim head tube which is increased in effective height even further by the deep external cups of the FSA Intellaset headset on this build. Quite what extra intelligence it adds we weren’t able to confirm, but it certainly gives the bike a high brow.

There doesn’t seem to be much elaborate thinking in the tube shapes, with a round-to-straight top tube and only very slight shaping on the down tube. The D-section-to-round chainstays and oval-to-round seatstays finish at plain chunky dropouts, although the pearl and blue-black paint finish adds a dash of decorative class.

While Trek haven’t gone overboard on the external detailing or tube shaping, frame weight is still perfectly reasonable thanks to unseen butting that removes excess metal from the tube walls. Utility use is definitely still on the agenda though, and commuter use is certainly possible with rack and guard mounts at the rear and mudguard eyes on the slim crowned, carbon-legged fork.

Equipment: Square-taper crankset is a disappointment at this price

It seems that the £800 bike club is operating a strict “if you ain’t wearing Shimano Tiagra, you ain’t coming in” door policy this year. While the Trek will get past the bouncers outside, a close look at the FSA Vero compact chainset makes entry through the component ‘velvet rope’ less likely. While square-taper internal bottom brackets tend to last well, they’re also prone to more creak, flex and eventual removal trauma than external cups are.

There’s loads of mudguard/fat tyre clearance under the deep drop brakes though, and cartridge pads keep them reasonably sharp in feel despite the longer arms. While the ride position is far from aero, the Bontrager rimmed wheels get fashionable bladed spokes. They also use a new Clix skewer system and the front hub uses a larger than normal cam offset and a big locking collar, which means no more messing about with skewer wind-on/wind-off, which is great for cold-fingered puncture fixing or new riders. The ‘Plus’ puncture protection on the Bontrager R1 tyres should mean flats are less likely in the first place, though.

The Bontrager Approved gear is the lowest grade of named components, but it all does a decent job. The shallow compact bend makes the dropped section on the handlebar more useable but the long stem doesn’t have an entirely positive effect on handling – it has a tendency to lurch around at really slow speeds, so be careful if you’re chasing your tail on a quick turnaround.

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Trek 1.5 C (2013) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

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Things We Like

• Fantastic frame fit
• Excellent componentry
• Light weight and durable frame

Things We Don't Like

• Narrow Saddle

Frame is light but without compromising on stability and strength.

The carbon front fork drastically improved ride experience by absorbing minor vibrations and shocks.

Smooth 2x10-Speed Drivetrain

Responsive Caliper Brakes

Entry level Road Bicycle wheelset

Technical Specifications

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Trek is without a doubt one of the biggest names in the cycling industry. Their top of the line road and mountain bicycles have made a name for themselves with tremendous performances at tours worldwide. Trek's entry level range of road bicycles is no different. And so we figured this might be the ideal brand to start our reviews with. Meet the Trek 1.5 C 2013 Road bicycle; an entry level road bicycle that, Trek claims, gives you the riding experience of a pro tour bicycle. Here's our complete lowdown

• Fantastic frame fit that could work for you irrespective of your cycling experience. Newbie or veteran? It doesn't matter.
• Excellent componentry. The Tiagra compact coupled with the 10 speed cassette makes riding a dream.
• Light weight and durable frame. The 100 series alpha aluminium and carbon fork help give you a smooth and responsive ride.
• The ride can be a little hard on bumpy roads. Wear a pair of cycling shorts to improve your ride. But if you're not going to take advantage of the performance aspect of the narrow saddle, we'd recommend a saddle change to up the comfort.

Frame, Fork and Design

To start off, you can almost instantly notice that Trek has maintained their high standard when it comes to quality and style. With a gorgeous colour combination and impeccable finish quality, the frame looks like a work of art. Trek uses their light weight 100 series alpha aluminium frame that keeps the bicycle lighter without compromising on stability and strength. We took the bicycle down a route we've done many times and the carbon front fork drastically improved ride experience by absorbing minor vibrations and shocks. And while we had amazing weather to test the bicycle, the frame does come equipped with mudguard mounts that can help you enjoy your ride irrespective of the weather. The cable routing made it convenient to carry around when we needed to take it up or down a flight of stairs.

Comfort and Fit

As far as the fit and comfort are concerned, I had absolutely no qualms. Trek's H2 Frame fit finds the perfect balance between an aggressive riding position and a comfortable upright cruising position. The head tube is a little taller and gave me a slightly more comfortable riding posture. This can reduce strain on your back and neck if you're relatively new to roadies. The saddle can feel a little hard when you ride on bumps. But this is the case on most road bicycles. There are many advantages to a hard narrow saddle compared to a wide cushioned saddle. So if you're kitted up right and the roads are good, this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

The Trek 1.5 C comes with an entry level road bicycle wheelset. If I were to upgrade any component on this bicycle, this is what I'd start with. Putting on a good set of wheels can do wonders to your riding efficiency, especially if you're looking at participating in local races.

Drivetrain, Brakes and Shifters

The bicycle features the Tiagra Compact crankset(or Tiagra Double). This means the crankset has only 2 chain rings, 50t and 34t, as opposed to the standard 3 chain ring crankset. Believe it or not, the larger 50t chainring coupled with the 10 speed cassette was more than sufficient for our test ride. To be honest, I didn't even miss the extra chain ring. And the 34t chainring provided perfect assistance on slow climbs as well. This combination should have you covered on most rides; whether you intend on riding fast or taking it easy. In addition to reducing the weight of the bicycle a tiny bit, another advantage of having just 2 chainrings is that the wear on the chain reduces and the damage caused by cross chain is greatly lowered. The Tiagra STI (Shimano Total Integration) Brake levers and shifters worked great. Needless to say, they proved to be very responsive and comfortable. The gear indicators were easy to see while riding as well.

1.5 2012 vs 1.5 C 2013

If you've already got yourself the Trek 1.5 2012 model, we'd suggest giving this one a miss. Apart from the colour and finish, there's practically no difference between the two versions. The massive price difference is the result of the import duty hike on bicycles and bicycle parts that was introduced in 2012.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy riding this bicycle. I was able to ride fast when I wanted to and also felt really comfortable when I took it easy. And with the option of upgrading components around this fantastic frame, IŠ—Èd say this bicycle is a winner.

Prices are subject to change by the brand, without due notice

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At a glance

Rocketing down serpentine descents, flattening hilly centuries, and leading the group ride; Trek’s 1.5 C does it all and more. Its Trek Alpha aluminum frame and carbon fork are light, stiff and velvety smooth for all-day comfort. The Bontrager wheels slice through the air and effortlessly accelerate out of turns quickly. Plus, the wide-ranging 20-speed Shimano drivetrain means you have the gears to get up the steepest hills and dual-pivot brakes ensure safety and confidence on the way back down. You’ll also love the fine Bontrager stem, bar, seatpost and saddle that make every ride a great ride.

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Q: how much is a 2015 trek 1.5.

A 2015 Trek 1.5 is typically priced around $1,100 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

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2013 Trek Alpha 1.5

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Trek 1.5 worth upgrading?

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Hello everyone, I'm a new road cyclist; in May of this year I bought a 2013 Trek 1.5. Since then I've put about 1500 miles on the bike and have completely fallen in love (more than I could have ever imagined) with road cycling. I recently upgraded the wheels (mavic open pro/shimano ultegra) which after some initial skepticism I've come to realize was worth every penny. When I bought the 1.5, I wanted to spend enough money to make sure I got a decent bike that I could grow with, but not so much that if I didn't get serious about cycling, it wouldn't feel like a huge waste of money. So my question for those more experienced than myself - would it be worth upgrading my 1.5 and if so, what upgrades? Or would it be better to just save my money, ride the bike for another year or two and buy a much better overall bike? thanks!  

Financially, you should only upgrade what you don't like; what you need to upgrade. The 1.5 has 10-speed Tiagra and is a decent bike for the money. You could spend a lot and get 105 or Ultegra and barely notice any difference. You could spend a lot and get carbon bits to shed some weight and barely notice any difference. You could double what you paid for the bike and not make it twice as good. Maybe 10% better but not twice as good, and for that much money you could have bought a higher model with carbon frame originally. If you built a bike piece by piece it often will cost 2 or 3 times as much as buying one whole, especially when you watch for sales. Only replace what you don't like. Save your money for a better bike later. Edit: Spend your money on high-quality shorts and shoes; those upgrades are usually worthwhile.  

what you said makes a lot of sense. I'll be honest, there's a part of me that wants to upgrade just for the fun of it and because I'm excited about cycling things being shiny and new to me. I think patience and only buying things that transfer makes sense. Oh, and I did also buy new shoes and pedals recently in addition to the wheels.  

mann2 said: Hi there. A couple of my friends started out on Trek 1 series and both of them still use them till this day (it's been a couple of years since they got them). That said, I'd recommend that you just save up and get a whole new bike. BUT, if your timeline is a few years, then it might make sense to upgrade some bits and then carry them over to a new bike. Top of mind are the following: Wheels - (You always need better wheels) Group - Tiagra is competent but there are lots better groups out there Saddle - The correct saddle choice makes a night/day difference Click to expand...

mann2 said: There are so many things you can do at this point but in general just ride the heck out of your equipment now. Good luck! Click to expand...

For 99% of cyclists the difference between a 1.5 and a 2.3 is zero. The cost difference is about $1000. Upgrading isn't worth it. Going CF is worth it, though. When you get a 4.5 or 5.2, keep your 1.5 for hauling (you can't put racks on CF bikes), touring, and foul weather.  

Just ride your Trek, upgrade your contact points (tires, bibs, shoes, gloves, saddle, etc) if you haven't already. Nice pair of shoes, shades and a new kit always spice things up. Not sure where you live, but autumn is right around the corner, maybe spend some cash on some cool/cold weather cycling gear. When you do upgrade, keep the trek as a bad weather/backup bike, it really is a solid bike. It is always fun when you can go into your garage and ride a different bike just for the heck of it, or lend one to a friend or family member that is visiting or curious about cycling.  

You've already done all of the upgrades worth doing. If you're riding 2 hours up comfortably on your present saddle, there's no reason to upgrade. Saddles are personal, and there's no guarantee that a higher priced one will make your ass any happier--and it might even make it unhappy.  

I agree that the bike is as far as it should be taken until things break or wear out. Upgrading components is chasing phantoms. I own bikes across the range from Sora to Dura-Ace. Well maintained and tuned, every one shifts well--smoothly, crisply, quietly, predictably. If I shift like a peasant, I can make even the D-A emit embarrassing noises, so components aren't the issue. Expanding your wardrobe is a good idea, especially with cooler weather coming. Plenty of opportunity to spend money on warmers and jackets and tights, oh my. I didn't think I'd make it past October or so. Turns out, I like cycling straight through the winter. You might too. (Alternatively, there are trainers or rollers.) Days are getting shorter too. Think about lights, so you aren't restricted to cycling on the weekends. Get good lights that help you see as well as you can in the car, and a good taillight that can be seen a good quarter to a half mile back without having to go, oh yeah, there it is. (Again, trainers or rollers are an alternative.) Upgrading your skills is always something that's both fun and useful. Maybe it's time to pick up a cheap used bike that needs some TLC to learn repair and maintenance skills. Or maybe time to join a club and learn group riding skills. These were all things I did in the autumn of my first season.  

I have a 1.5 that I bought last year. I was in the same situation as you and I wasn't sure if I was going to like road biking. Needless to say I feel in love with it. The only thing I did to it was upgrade the wheels and tires. I rode the heck out of it and put over 5000 miles on it in a little over a year. Instead of spending a bunch of money on upgrades, I saved my money up and just upgraded to a new Madone 4.5 in July. I think that was a wiser move than dumping a bunch of money in an entry level aluminum frame bike.  

I wouldn't upgrade the components. Heck I probably would not have done the wheels. Best single upgrade for the money is tires, particularly if you still use the stock Bontragers. After that, I would save my money for a better bike, as others have said maybe spend on shorts and shoes. If you feel you want to keep the bike a long time then maybe a carbon fork. Otherwise just enjoy what you've got. It is an excellent entry level.  

Not worth upgrading. You'll wind up paying top dollar for the parts and still be stuck with an entry level frame. Your best bet would be to save up , trade up, or simply purchase a new bike. I would ride it as is, until that time. The sole exception might be adding clipless pedals if you don't already have, or changing the seat , assuming its not comfortable.  

I have the 2010 1.5 and still use it as a commuter and winter bike. I wouldn't upgrade anything other than the saddle and pedals as mentioned already. Better to save up for a new higher end bike...  

Have a 1.1 and looked at the 1.5 at my lbs....gotta say with 10 spd tiagra I'm not sure there is a better value in the trek road bike lineup. Lusting after a synapse carbon 5 myself but giving thought to the 1.5.  

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2013 Trek 1.5 H2 (Triple)

An aluminum frame general road bike with mid-range components and rim brakes. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

1.5 H2 (Triple)

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Trek Alpha 1.1 Review

November 18, 2022

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Alpha 1.1 was an entry-level road bike built from 2011 - 17.
• Trek Bicycle Corporation is headquartered in Waterloo, Wis.
• The Trek Alpha 1.1 was one of the best values for the money.

‍ One of the best entry-level bikes that Trek ever made was the Alpha 1.1. Even though Trek no longer produces this gem, the bike still has plenty to offer.

Made from 2011 - 2017, the Trek Alpha 1.1 sought to attract a new generation of riders to the love of cycling. The Alpha was the least expensive of the Trek lineup, which helped it achieve a reputation for being a great value. The bike was known for being lightweight, fast, and very durable.

Battling years of negative press, Trek Bicycle Corporation found itself in full-blown damage control in early 2010. Their alleged involvement in doping plagued them (which their team leader, Lance Armstrong, admitted to using a couple of years later), coupled with a very public lawsuit over the leadership of Lemond Cycles had left a sour taste in the hearts of the public. To counter its tarnished public image, Trek introduced an entry-level bicycle to try and attract new riders. Their mission was to produce a higher quality road racer without the expensive price tag. So, to accomplish this task, Trek applied its research data and design experience to the task and worked with its far eastern counterparts to produce a lightweight, durable bike that could go very fast.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ What’s So Special about the Trek Alpha 1.1?

The Trek Alpha is now only available used, mainly on eBay or with some bike dealers who have a good consignment program.

The Alpha 1.1 was a Quality Build.

Even though the 1.1 was designed at Waterloo, Wisc (where Trek headquarters are located), the bike was not assembled inside the US. While many Americans prefer items produced in the good old US of A, the fact that Trek continued to use its factories in China and elsewhere isn’t necessarily wrong.

For years, Trek had depended on these builders to consistently produce many high-end premium road racers. Using these same workers meant that the bikes would likely show a high degree of excellence, precisely what Trek needed to combat an increasingly agitated riding community.

The frame was made from aluminum tubing with an attractive glossy finish. Even though carbon fiber was becoming all the rage for high-end performance bicycles, aluminum was a much cheaper resource. The primary benefit of an aluminum frame is that it provides excellent strength qualities while at the same time costing less, meaning that the bicycle price can be contained. Trek used its extensive racing research to push the aluminum frame to the limit, keeping the weight down while still holding onto the structural rigidity needed for most riders.

The folks at Trek must have felt pretty good about the frame because they offered a lifetime warranty with every purchase, which was virtually unheard of at the time.

The Trek Alpha 1.1 utilized the traditional H2 top-tube sloping, which is supposed to be the optimal riding position (according to Trek’s research). The steep upright angle of the tube enhances the rider's overall comfort, making it easier for cyclists to stay on task and enjoy the ride. The designers knew that the more comfortable the ride, the longer a cyclist would stay on their bike, which is precisely what the company wanted. The design shows how committed Trek folks were to fashioning a bike to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Shimano Claris shifters and derailleurs provide the effective movement of gears when needed. Most bike reviews indicate the ride is soft, with no issues moving up and down hills through the gear ratios. While the eight gears might have been less than a professional racer would use, it is more than adequate for normal cycling. (The aluminum frame adds extra weight that might create issues for riders attacking inclines).

The wheels are Bontrager AT-750 double-walled alloy rims with 700c x 25 tires. The narrow tires lend themselves to increased speed and reliable handling when navigating corners.

Interestingly enough, the Bontrager is Trek’s primary tire supplier, and the tire is manufactured in Waterloo, Wisc. The Alpha 1.1 also has room for wider tires for additional grip on wet or muddy surfaces. There is also room for a rear rack or mudguards should their installation be necessary.

The shifter and rear brake cables are run alongside the downtube and provide effective braking and shifting. Most professional bikes run the cables inside the center tube to minimize wind drag and increase aerodynamics. However, the Alpha 1.1 seems content to run the brakes alongside the tubing rather than inside. (My preference is inside the tubing, as an integrated cable system, but this requires additional attention during the manufacturing process and increases the cost). Trek went with a parallel cable system to save dollars during the manufacturing process, and this is a win for the casual rider, who isn’t worried about shaving second off a stage time.

The seat is also a Bontrager Affinity which is soft enough to add comfort without discomfort on longer rides.

The Alpha 1.1 was the Least Expensive Bike Trek Made.

When it was introduced, the Alpha 1.1 was offered as the best value in bikes. Trek saw a need to create a market for new riders. By keeping the manufacturing costs to a minimum (including cheaper labor costs overseas), the company decided to pass those savings along to potential buyers.

The bike was priced well below the $500 mark, which made it easily affordable for most families. Now, the average American who felt the urge to channel their inner Lance Armstrong could have a bike similar to the Trek-Segafredo pro team used.

The Alpa 1.1 Performed Very Well

It didn’t take long for the researcher of the Alpha to discover that those who purchased the bike and rode it loved it. The reviews recognize that the short wheelbase made for a bike that was quick enough to chew up the pavement, handle well while cornering, and stay in control on the wet or less-than-perfect pavement.

The earliest renditions of the Alpha 1.1 had an aluminum fork and frame that tended not to dampen the bumps and jolts of imperfect road surfaces. While carbon forks and frames do a better job smoothing out the pavement, this complaint was not enough to make riders consider other models or take the Alpha off their list. However, the later model year Alpha (2017) shows a Trek carbon fork, which helped with some of the complaints about the ride. (Again, my preference here is to have an adjustable fork that allows the rider to quickly switch to suspension settings to handle rougher terrain, but this was something the folks at Trek were unwilling to do on their early road racers).

There have been some complaints as to the weight of the bike, but these were primarily complaints by riders who were used to riding a carbon-fiber frame. For these riders, the bike’s ride might seem chunky, particularly on steep inclines, where the additional weight can quickly come into play. Even though the bike may be harder to move uphill than other competing road bikes, the ride is just about what you might expect for its price point.

Why Did Trek Stop Making the Alpha 1.1?

For several years, the Trek Alpha 1.1 was a trendy bike for the company. Still, unfortunately, after the initial excitement for the bike wore off, Trek realized that buyers were flocking to other competitors producing better bikes. The emergence of smaller bike companies pushed Trek to drop Alpha 1.1 in favor of other lines, such as the FX series or the Emonda lineup.

At about the same time, Trek and Segafredo partnered to sponsor an International Racing Team. In 2022, the team has over 31 riders on the men’s side and 14 riders on the women's. The teams dominate the racing circuit and are almost always on the leaderboards.

Where Can I Purchase an Alpha 1.1?

Even though Trek still carries an image of the 1.1 on its website, the bike is not available to be shipped from the company. The only way to secure an Alpha 1.1 is through eBay, or another online site selling used bikes.

• A very reasonably priced entry-level bike
• The bike is well-made, with a lot of research behind it
• The company has an incredible resume in road racing
• Aluminum frame holds up well
• Perfect looking bike.
• No longer being made
• Trek losing ground to other competitors
• Click on Ebay to find out the latest price.

What kind of Bikes is Trek Making Now?

Even though Trek no longer produces the Alpha 1.1, the company still has a wide selection of bicycles for every discipline. The company makes a Marlin series, an excellent beginner bike for mountain and trail riding. Trek suggests the Edmonda series or the FX-1 for an entry-level bike for road riding. Trek also has a large selection of electric bikes. The FX+ is priced at around $2500, while the Domaine+ SLR retails for around $8500. which are not cheap but are great rides nonetheless. Here are some of our recommendations for the best bikes for entry-level riders in the Trek lineup.

• Entry Level Road/City Bike - FX 1
• Mountain Bike - Marlin 7
• Electric Bike - FX+
• Boy’s Bike - Roscoe 20
• Girl’s Bike - Wahoo 24

For more information on Trek bicycles, see the manufacturer’s website.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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