BlackHeart Road Plus AL Review: Cycling Weekly Calls It "An Underbiker's Delight"
"An Underbiker's Delight"
Our Road Plus AL just got put through its paces by Anne-Marije Rook at Cycling Weekly and the verdict is in: 4.5 out of 5 stars, with high praise for its ride feel, versatility, and value as a quality aluminum road bike.
Here are the highlights from her full review, and what makes it a standout example of what a premium aluminum frame can do. Read the full review here.
The Verdict
Cycling Weekly's Anne-Marije Rook called the Road Plus AL "an underbiker's delight," noting it's lively enough for the group ride yet comfortable enough for long days when the route takes an unplanned dirt detour.
At $1,699 for the frameset, including an ENVE In-Route fork, seatpost, and headset, the review positions the Road Plus AL as a strong starting point for riders who want a quality build without the carbon price tag.
Why an Aluminum Road Bike?
Aluminum has a reputation for being stiff and harsh, but modern aluminum frames, like the Road Plus AL's double-butted 6066 aluminum construction, are built specifically to counter that. The review highlighted several details that set it apart from a typical alloy frame:
- Snappy, responsive ride feel without sacrificing comfort on long rides
- Up to 42mm tire clearance, giving room for light gravel and mixed-terrain riding
- Respectable weight, Cycling Weekly's test build: SRAM Red AXS, ENVE SES 4.5 wheels, 38mm tires, pedals and bottle cages came in at 18.2lb (8.26kg).
- Fender mounts, making it commuter- and winter-ready
- Universal standards (T47 bottom bracket, UDH derailleur hanger, 31.6mm seatpost), so the bike stays serviceable and future-proof
Built for the 90%
As BlackHeart founder Zach Lambert put it in the interview: the best bike is the one that gets ridden, not the one that sits in the garage. The Road Plus AL was designed around that idea, bikes for riders chasing friends on weekend rides, not just chasing podiums.
FAQ
Is the Road Plus AL a good bike for gravel riding?
The Road Plus AL is built 70% for road and 30% for gravel, with tire clearance up to 42mm (35mm max with fenders). It's designed for road-first handling with enough versatility for light gravel and mixed-terrain rides.
How much does the Road Plus AL cost?
The frameset starts at $1,699 and includes an ENVE In-Route fork, seatpost, and headset. Complete builds start at $3,999 for SRAM Rival AXS XPLR but there are options for stock builds or custom builds depending on what groupset, wheels and other finishing kit you want to opt for.
Is aluminum as good as carbon for a road bike?
A well-built aluminum frame can rival a carbon frame with a lower-end build. Cycling Weekly's review of the Road Plus AL makes the case that a quality aluminum frame paired with premium components can rival a lesser carbon setup at a similar price.
What sizes does the Road Plus AL come in?
The Road Plus AL is available in eight sizes, from 46cm to 62cm, in three standard colorways: Lunar Frost, Frozen Berry, and Dark Magic. Custom paint is available in the U.S.
How does the Road Plus AL compare to the Specialized Crux DSW?
Cycling Weekly named the Crux as the closest comparison. Its frameset is $1,799 with 47mm clearance and leans more gravel. The review gave the Road Plus AL the edge on the road.
What's the difference between the Road Plus AL and the Allroad AL?
The Road Plus is 70/30 road/gravel with 42mm clearance. The Allroad is 50/50 with 40mm (or 650b x 50mm).
Does the Road Plus AL come with a warranty?
Yes, every BlackHeart frame, including the Road Plus AL, comes with a lifetime frame warranty.
Read the Full Review
You can read Cycling Weekly's complete review, including their full ride impressions and comparison to other aluminum bikes on the market, here: Cycling Weekly: BlackHeart Road Plus AL Review
Ready to build your own? Shop the Road Plus AL →
If you have questions about fit, build options, or which version is right for you, feel free to book a Perfect Fit consultation, it's a free 30 minute 1:1 call with one of our team → Learn more.
