Since carbon became the sole material from which to make a competitive racing bike, steel has forged a second life for itself. Defended by beardy types who’ll chew your ear off about its unique ‘feel’, it’s not just for touring either, there’s even been a renaissance in building fast bikes from the stuff. But what about aluminium?
If steel is vinyl, outmoded but charming and with a few undeniable advantages, then aluminium seemed in danger of becoming an eight-track cassette tape.
An unloved evolutionary steppingstone doomed to the charity shop of history.
Despite its ubiquity, aluminium enjoyed only a brief reign at the top. For around a decade from the mid 90s to the early ‘00s it was the material of choice, with Miguel Indurain winning the Tour de France aboard an aluminium Pinarello for the first time in 1995.
Yet by 1998, only three years later, Lance Armstrong would be winning on a carbon Trek OCLV Madone.
Supplanted by more space-age and adaptable carbon fibre, for years aluminium found itself consigned to brand’s entry level machines.
However it’s now enjoying a late flourish, with new manufacturing methods once again making it a viable choice for race winning bikes.
Potentially stiff, zippy, and very light, should you fancy seeing what the fuss is about we’ve rounded up nine of the best aluminium road bikes you can buy in 2018.
The best aluminium road bikes of 2018
Kinesis Aithein EVO, around £730, (frame only)
Image 1 of 9
British based Kinesis has been working with factories to produce top-end aluminium frames for decades. The result of its accumulated knowledge is the very speedy Aithein.
An ideal privateer racer, its fast geometry is well suited to the knockabout world of criterium events. With competition ready stiffness it’s still forgiving enough for longer rides thanks to thin seat stays.
Recently updated it now features a revised downtube with internal gear cable routing and increased space for wider 28c tyres.
Buy the Kinesis Aithein Evo from Pro Bike Kit
Read more: Bike we like - Kinesis Aithein Evo
Specialized Allez Sprint Comp, around £1,600
Image 2 of 9
In 2015 Specialized created a limited edition aluminium S-Works Allez. Partly conceived as a method of experimenting with advanced welding techniques that could then be trickled down to its mass market machines, its unique construction still informs many of the production methods used across the brand’s range of alloy bikes.
While this rare beast has now been retired, its spirit lives on in the Allez Sprint. A cheap and furious racer it combines a flat aero sculpted seat tube and matching carbon post with a head down racing position, leaving it a set of fast wheels away from a podium finish.
Buy the Specialized Allez Sprint Comp from Rutland Cycles
Read our full review: Specialized Allez DSW SL Sprint Expert review
Cannondale CAAD12 Red Etap, around £4,800
Image 3 of 9
Cannondale was famous during the 90s for its slinky looking CAAD frames. Still objects of lust for a particular vein of bike nerd the new CAAD12 is likely to have wider modern day appeal.
Weighing a scant 1,098 grams for the frame, it’s lighter than most carbon competitors while its ultra thin tubing also provides a ride far smoother than you’d imagine possible.
Clearly not built by a Luddite, the top spec model comes kitted out with carbon rims, a SRAM electronic groupset, and a truly lustrous paint job.
You can find a review of its budget sibling here: Cannondale CAAD12 105 review
Check out the CAAD12 Red Etap at Cannondale
SEE RELATED:Best road bikes 2018
Bowman Palace R, around £695 (frame only)
Image 4 of 9
Based out of London Bowman makes a small range comprising three unique bikes. The year-round stainless steel Layhams, the chunky tyre and disc equipped Pilgrim, and this aluminium racer, the Palace.
Named after South London's famous Crystal Palace criterium races, its geometry is suitably snappy. Designed with a seat tube that flares towards the bottom bracket to create a solid pedalling platform the seastays are squished almost flat to provide comfort.
Now on its second iteration it also includes removable cable guides for clean electronic drivetrain builds.
Check out the Palace R at Bowman
Read more: Bike we like - Bowman Palace:R
Mason Definition Red Etap, around £4,995
Image 5 of 9
It’s possible to buy a Mason Definition for a couple of grand less than this top spec build, but because this is a list of the best, not the most sensible, here it is.
Made of custom formed Dedacciai triple-butted aluminium and sporting a matching Mason Aperture2 full carbon fork its frame is hung about with the very best kit, including a specially developed Mason x Hunt disc-specific carbon wheelset.
Designed for speed over long distances it features rack mounts and clearance for full mudguards and 30c tyres.
Check out the Definition Red Etap at Mason Cycles
SEE RELATED: Best aero bikes 2018
Canyon Ultimate Al SLX 8.0 Aero, around £2,449
Image 6 of 9
Direct to consumer brand Canyon always works the spec of its bikes hard. The brilliant value Ultimate Al SLX 8.0 eschews carbon in favour of a balanced kit list, top tier Shimano Ultegra groupset, and an unbelievable race ready wheelset.
Not that its slippery aero frame is a compromise. At 1,170 grams it’s lighter than many company’s carbon offerings. Still the Ultimate Al’s stand out feature has to be its 62mm deep Reynolds Strike SLG Carbon hoops.
Retailing for a cool £1,350 by themselves it’s remarkable to see them included.
Check out the Ultimate AI SLX 8.0 Aero at Canyon
Cube Attain SL Disc, around £1,299
Image 7 of 9
With a head-up position, hydraulic disc brakes, and space for wider tyres the Attain is an endurance machine. Yet with mid-depth rims and svelte carbon bladed fork to absorb vibrations it’s not one to hang about either.
Sitting at the top of Cube’s aluminium hierarchy the frame is made of double butted 6061 T6 heat treated aluminium and feature smooth welds which are both stronger and more aesthetically pleasing.
With bolt-through axles it’s also sure footed across a range of surfaces.
Buy the Cube Attain SL Disc from Wiggle
Condor Italia RC, around £800 (frame only)
Image 8 of 9
London cycling stalwarts Condor produces its range in Italy. The race-orientated Italia RC is a legitimately fast bike with a moderate price tag, ideal for regular racing and fast training.
Featuring an asymmetric down tube with a flattened profile to resist twisting it should be happy to get thrown about.
Coming as a frame-only Condor will help build the bike up to match your requirements, and can also call on the experience of its in-house fitters to get it spot on.
Done up in deep two-tone blue it’s also gorgeous to look at.
Merlin ROC 105, £899
Image 9 of 9
Sold and branded by UK-based Merlin Cycles, but actually constructed by noted Belgian manufacturer Ridley the ROC is built around a very light and fast riding frame.
Billed as a sportive bike, but actually more of an out-and-out racer it zings along thanks to very thin tubing. Despite this it remains stiff, and with a short head tube and steep head angle also provides for quick direction changes.
A well matched mid-depth Fulcrum Racing Sport wheelset and Shimano 105 groupset round out the package.
Buy the Merlin ROC 105 from Merlin Cycles
Read our full review: Merlin ROC 105 review