Venice Beach, California’s BlackHeart Bike Co is launching the sibling to their Road Ti in the new Road AL. And it’s launching this new steed at this year’s Sea Otter Classic. So, we’ll be sure to sweep their booth by and take a few pictures of it up close and personal.
Back in January this year, BlackHeart released the Gravel AL, so it makes sense to add an aluminum-framed road rocket to the high-end aluminum line of bikes. As mentioned before, the Road AL is “a mirror image of the successful Road Ti”, but at a lower price point. Plus, it comes with BlackHeart’s signature custom Cerakote paint program.
BlackHeart designed the new Road AL around the theme, of energy, saying that the new Road AL is a “purebred metal race bike designed for anything from local crit races to late-night bodega runs with friends”.
Sharp geometry and the ENVE In-Route fork mean a bike that “tracks perfectly through corners, inspiring confidence while riding on the edge”. For the rider who is a speed enthusiast, the new Road AL gives away very little to bikes that cost twice as much.
Aluminum Frame
The new Road AL’s frame is made of premium 7005 double-butted aluminum and delivers an “impressively smooth ride”. it includes some aero touches as well, like integrated routing, custom aero Kammtail downtube, a custom flared top tube, and dropped seat stays. A T47 threaded bottom bracket, round 31.6mm seatpost, and SRAM’s UDH rear derailleur hanger complete a modern aesthetic.
Customize Your Ride
BklackHeart Bike Co. knows its riders like to stand out and customize their bikes to reflect their individual style. So, BlackHeart offers every frameset and full build with a custom Cerakote frame paint. Riders can choose from the 137 H-Series colors for the frame and logo. The fork can be color-matched as well for an additional $200. BlackHeart believes that this is the best value custom paint available on the market.
Road AL Geometry
Sizing
Road AL Retail and Detail
- $1,999 frameset including custom Cerakote frame/logo paint
- +$200 for color-matched fork
- Framesets include frame, ENVE In-Route fork, seatpost, seatpost clamp, headset, thru-axles, and spare SRAM UDH rear derailleur hanger
- Customizable builds start at $3,999
- 8 sizes fit riders from ~5’0″ to ~6’7″
- Electronic only groupsets
- 34mm tire clearance
- Weight (Complete Build): 16-20 lbs depending on spec
Dr. Thomas Hughes is a UK-based scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to readers. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
