trek domane slr 2015

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Trek Domane SLR – first ride review

Trek up the ante with supreme comfort on all-new domane slr.

The Trek Domane may not have been the first endurance bike when it was launched in 2012 but it played a pivotal role in defining the genre of comfort-focused race bikes. Now Trek are back with the Domane SLR and have upped the ante once again. It’s an exceptionally comfortable machine – but one which, in its Pro Endurance geometry, retains the handling and responsiveness of a true race bike.

– Trek launch Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed –

Trek launched the Domane SLR in Kortrijk, Belgium, and we were there to first hear what the Wisconsin-based firm had to say about the bike and then ride it for ourselves. If you missed our launch report from Kortrijk, you can find the full tech story behind the Domane SLR here . However, let’s quickly recap on the Domane SLR’s most important features.

The Domane SLR uses a trio of technologies to improve comfort. The IsoSpeed decoupler on the original Domane used a pivot to isolate the flexing seattube from the toptube but that design has been overhauled on the SLR, which now uses two seattubes: the first extends from the seatmast and is allowed to flex independently of the second, conventional seattube, which joins the downtube and toptube as a traditional seattube would. The flexing tube is essentially a leaf spring design and is anchored to the fixed seattube by by a bolt (the lower water bottle bolt) at the bottom, and a pivot within the IsoSpeed decoupler at the top.

What’s key, however, is that the level of compliance is now adjustable. Loosen that bottle cage bolt with a 4mm Allen key, move the slider (up to increase the firmness of the rear as less of the rear seattube is allowed to flex, and down to increase compliance), and re-tighten the bolt. It’s very simple to do and takes seconds – take a look at the video below from when we changed the setting midway through our test ride.

Trek have also introduced IsoSpeed to the front, in an attempt to overcome criticism that the front of the old Domane felt comparatively harsh, compared to the plush rear. The IsoSpeed was a victim of its own success, in a sense; it was too good. On the Domane SLR, there’s a decoupler within the headtube which allows the fork steerer (which, like the previous Domane, already has an asymmetric design and reversed dropouts to help it to flex) to move fore and aft, while remaining anchored to the headtube to ensure there’s no ill-effect when it comes to handling. There’s also a new handlebar, called IsoCore, which has a layer of rubber buried within the carbon fibre lay-up to help soak up road vibrations before they reach the rider’s hands.

Other features found on the frame include hidden mudguard mounts, an integrated chain catcher, integrated DuoTrap speed/cadence sensor, direct mount brakes and a ‘Control Centre’ to house the battery for electronic drivetrains, cleverly hidden under the water bottle mounts on the downtube.

Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, Koppenberg – and a caveat

Our 85km loop took us over three of the Tour of Flanders’ most iconic climbs: Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg and the Koppenberg, providing a relatively short but solid test of the Domane SLR’s capabilities.

It was on these roads that Fabian Cancellara rode the new Domane SLR to second at Sunday’s Tour of Flanders , while Spartacus claimed victory at Strade Bianche in March, in what was his first competitive outing on the bike, having once again played an important role in the Domane’s development.

Speaking of Cancellara, our test ride – and the initial impressions we formed as a result of it – comes with one important caveat. Trek will offer the Domane SLR in two geometries: Endurance and Pro Endurance, and we rode the latter. It’s the geometry used by Cancellara and his Trek-Segafredo team-mates, with a longer reach and shorter stack height – making for a more aggressive fit and having an impact on the bike’s handling, making it quicker and more responsive, while, on the flip side, the slacker Endurance geometry will bring more a more relaxed position and more sedate handling.

As it stands, the Domane SLR will initially come in five builds (three with rim brakes, two with disc brakes) and all will use the standard Endurance geometry, with the Pro Endurance geometry available only if you buy the Domane SLR Race Shop Limited frameset or use Trek’s Project One custom programme.

That aside, our test bike was equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace groupset and Bontrager’s excellent Aeolus 3 TLR tubeless-ready wheels, wrapped in 28mm Bontrager R3 tyres. Trek have significantly increased the tyre clearance on the Domane SLR. Whereas the old Domane could only take (by Trek’s recommendation) 25mm tyres, the rim brake version of the SLR comes with 28mm as standard, while disc brake models are equipped with whopping 32mm tyres. It’s a smart move, bringing (potentially) even more comfort and making best use of the bike’s versatility (there are mudguard mounts, too). Trek see the Domane SLR as a bike capable of going anywhere a gravel bike can, but with road bike handling and geometry. As an aside, if you want to go even wider, it looks like there’s room, but 28mm/32mm for rim/disc brakes is the widest Trek officially recommend.

Class-leading comfort

Based on our test ride, the (Pro Endurance) Domane SLR achieves a rare trifecta: supreme comfort, exceptional stiffness and race bike handling. The biggest compliment you can pay the Domane SLR is it offers a rare level of comfort without losing any performance edge. That, for us, is the trick with any endurance race bike; equally at home at the pinnacle of the sport in the Classics as for regular riders on the rough roads of a UK road race or sportive.

Trek say the Domane SLR’s adjustable rear IsoSpeed offers 14 per cent more comfort than the original in its lowest (most comfortable) setting, while the ride is said to be 25 per cent firmer on the highest setting. We started our first ride close to the highest setting but, even then, it was immediately evident that the Domane SLR serves up an extremely comfortable ride, particularly through the rear IsoSpeed.

The first climb we took on was the Oude Kwaremont. It’s the longest climb in the Tour of Flanders and one of the roughest, too, with the cobbles on the bottom half in particularly poor condition. Here the challenge is picking a line to avoid your front wheel dropping into one of the huge gaps between cobbles, and staying clear of the slick mud caked across the road by vehicles clearing up after the race.

When riding on the cobbles, there’s still a discernible difference in the comfort served up by the front and rear of the bike. That will always be the case – there will always be a limit as to what can be achieved at the front on rough cobbles, without affecting the handling or resorting to a suspension system. However, the Domane SLR undoubtedly softens things up – riding on the cobbles here was a significantly less jarring experience than our previous visit – and that was nicely amplified through the rear of the bike when we dropped the IsoSpeed to its lowest setting for the Paterberg and Koppenberg. The difference isn’t night and day, like switching from a road bike to a full suss mountain bike, but it is tangible and noticeable.

Even with 28mm tyres and the rear IsoSpeed on its lowest setting, the Domane SLR feels anything but sluggish zipping along in a fast group, though we need to spend more time on the Domane SLR, on a range of rides, roads and terrain, to understand the nuances of particularly settings across the range offered, and really see what effect the rear IsoSpeed’s adjustability has on stiffness and comfort.

– Related reading: What makes a Classics bike? –

The cobbles of Flanders and Roubaix are at the extreme end of what a rider’s likely to see on the Domane. They will always be uncomfortable, to a degree, and with bikes like this it’s about trying to reduce that discomfort – and the Domane SLR works very hard in taking the edge off, and is impressively effective in doing so – but it’s on more ‘regular’ roads that we began to understand just how smooth the SLR is. And by ‘regular’ we mean roads which include anything from pristine asphalt, to cycle lanes, to broken tarmac with occasional potholes and cracks in the road. We’re looking forward to seeing where the Domane’s limits are, particularly with those wider tyres fitted.

It’s a little cliché to say how an endurance bike ‘floats over the road’ but that is genuinely the best way to describe the sensation of the Domane SLR. The 28mm tyres help, of course, but it is incredibly smooth through the rear IsoSpeed, and the overall ride does feel significantly more balanced than the previous Domane. Balanced doesn’t necessarily mean equal, in terms of front and rear compliance, but there isn’t an obvious sense of detachment between the two ‘halves’ of the bike.

We still need to spend significantly more time on the Domane SLR to truly understand the benefit of the front IsoSpeed and IsoCore handlebar, and run some back-to-back testing on our local lanes, which are far from smooth. However, the times we hit cracks and bumps on the road in Flanders which would have rattled through other frames and into the rider, the SLR handled them noticeably well and stopped any jarring shocks getting through. If you want numbers then Trek say the IsoCore handlebar, which will be available as an aftermarket option from June, offers a 20 per cent improvement in compliance over a stock carbon ‘bar.

It’s also worth saying the Domane’s level of comfort may not be for everyone. The IsoSpeed technology isolates the frame from the road – it gives it that ‘floating’ feeling – but it means you don’t get much feedback from what’s going on beneath you, until things get really rough, like on cobbles. The Domane SLR goes about its business in a calm, muted manner, unlike any other bike we’ve ridden – whether that’s a good or bad thing ultimately comes down to what the rider wants from their bike.

Race bike stiffness and handling

That aside, the Domane SLR still has a genuine performance edge. Any time we were drawn into putting significant force through the pedals, whether during a short sprint or trying to bend the cranks just to keep moving on the 20 per cent gradient of the Paterberg, the frame didn’t waver, even in the ‘softest’ rear IsoSpeed setting. The Domane SLR may be built with comfort in mind, but the tube profiles, with the super-wide downtube, 90mm-wide bottom bracket shell and oversized E2 headtube, are all designed for power transfer. Cancellara didn’t seem to have any problems at Strade Bianche or the Tour of Flanders.

In its Pro Endurance geometry, the Domane SLR retains the handling of a race bike, too. It’s stable over longer stretches of cobbles but remains quick and light up front. The frame feels taut and responsive to input, whether through the legs at the bottom bracket or hands on the ‘bar. Again, that’s with the Pro Endurance geometry, but when we get a Domane SLR in for a full test it will likely come with Trek’s more relaxed Endurance geometry, so we’ll see what effect that has on the stability, handling and feel of the bike. Again, whether that’s a positive or negative effect depends on the end user, but at least Trek recognise that and offer the option of both. Some will appreciate the relaxed nature of the Endurance geometry, while others will crave the aggressive of the Pro Endurance setup.

For now, signs are positive on the Domane SLR as a truly first-class endurance bike. It’s a genuinely innovative machine and, at this early stage, one which looks to set the bar in terms of comfort. We’ll deliver a full, long term review once one arrives in the RCUK office.

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First Look: Trek Domane SLR

Trek’s endurance bike gets smoother, thanks to a new front IsoSpeed system

First launched in 2012, Trek’s Domane endurance bike has become the brand’s most popular road bike. Its signature detail was the IsoSpeed Decoupler, a seat tube which can bend farther and more easily than a traditional seat tube/seat post system, for increased compliance. That detail helped make the Domane a very smooth riding bike, and it was paired with more stability and a more upright riding position than a traditional race bike.

Four years after its debut, the Domane gets an overhaul. The new Domane SLR is smoother and more adjustable and has better tire clearance and a few other new tweaks.

Front IsoSpeed While having additional rear compliance is great (and effective), the previous Domane—without a complementary system up front—had an imbalanced ride. The rider's hands felt noticeably more shock than the butt.

The new Domane’s front IsoSpeed system should help balance the ride. And the front system is full time, working if the rider is seated or standing—rear IsoSpeed only works while the rider is seated.

Front IsoSpeed is part of the frame—specifically, the upper headset assembly—and not part of the fork. Like rear IsoSpeed, Trek calls it a decoupler. Though it was no doubt a significant engineering challenge, it seems rather simple: The upper part of the fork’s steerer sits in a sleeve that can rock fore and aft. This allows the fork's steerer to flex along its length in response to impacts more than it could with a traditional upper headset assembly. The sleeve is anchored by a pair of axles, and rotates on a set of ball bearings. Motion is restricted to fore/aft movement only, and Ben Coates, Trek’s road product manager, claims the system does not affect front-end stiffness or steering precision.

Trek’s literature claims front IsoSpeed increases “the vertical compliance of the front end of the bike by 10-percent compared to a traditional road bike." While the front IsoSpeed surely adds weight, Coates says the new Domane frame is the same weight as the old, which would meanTrek carved weight out of other areas of the frame, though where exactly that happened was not specified.

     RELATED: Trek Domane 6.9 Disc Review

IsoCore Trek’s Bontrager division contributed to the new Domane with a handlebar technology dubbed IsoCore. Sandwiched between the layers of carbon-fiber composite is a layer of thermoplastic elastomer. This layer reduces high-frequency vibration by 20 percent compared to a standard handlebar, Trek’s press-release states, and according to Coates only adds about 20 grams to the handlebar (claimed weight for a 42cm width is 249g).

If this sounds somewhat familiar, it’s because IsoCore sounds a lot like Counterveil, which is found in the frame and fork of the excellent Bianchi Specialissima .

For further cushioning, the IsoCore bar uses Bontrager’s existing EVA foam IsoZone padding on the tops and drops.

So far, only one IsoZone bar has been announced. Selling for $325, it’s offered in 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46cm widths, all with 123mm of drop and a rather rangy 93mm of reach. The bar uses a variable radius bend, and the drops flare slightly .

The IsoCore handlebar and front IsoSpeed work together to cushion the front end. According to Coates, front IsoSpeed handles the harsh peak inputs—the big stuff—while IsoCore takes up the smaller stuff like “normal road feedback.”

Adjustable Rear IsoSpeed At the rear, the Domane SLR’s IsoSpeed system is the same in spirit as the original Domane’s, but executed differently.

The new Domane’s seat mast is separate from what would normally be considered the seat tube. The mast attaches to the frame at two points: at the top tube/seatstay junction with an axle that allows rotational motion (the IsoSpeed Decoupler), and at the back of the seat tube, behind the lower seat tube water bottle mount.

Between the seat mast and seat tube is a gap. Below the IsoSpeed Decoupler, the saddle’s down-and-back motion in response to bumps is translated to forward movement: The seat mast flexes into the gap, towards the seat tube. 

Inside the gap is an adjustable slider which controls the amount of flex. The stiffest setting is when the slider in its highest position; here the vertical compliance is about the same as Trek’s Emonda SLR lightweight race bike (which does not have IsoSpeed). In the softest setting, slider at its lowest position, the new Domane SLR is about 14 percent softer than the original Domane.

Adjustment is simple enough to do mid-ride. Loosen the mounting bolt on the lower seat tube water bottle cage, move the slider to a new position by hand, and tighten the bolt (5.2Nm)—done.

In addition to letting any rider customize the ride, the adjustment is also a benefit to cyclists on the fringes of the weight spectrum. The old Domane was one-size-fits-all; larger riders probably found it too bouncy, while smaller riders probably didn’t realize the full benefit of the system. The adjustment should provide those riders with a better experience.

Improved Tire Clearance Like the previous edition, the new Domane SLR is offered in both rim and disc-brake versions, and both of the new frames offer improved tire clearance.

The rim-brake version now uses direct mount brakes  (which offer more clearance than center-mount calipers), and officially has clearance for 28mm tires; unofficially, it can take even wider.

The disc version can officially handle 32mm tires (again, unofficially it can accept wider).

Both versions carry over the hidden fender mounts from the original Domane.

Fabian’s Bike: The Domane SLR Race Shop Limited The Domane SLR RSL (Race Shop Limited) is the descendant of one of our favorite Treks—in fact, one of our favorite bikes ever—the Domane Classics.

The RSL frame borrows attributes from the standard Domane—the longer wheelbase and lower bottom bracket (which both improve stability), and the smoothness offered by the IsoSpeed—and adds it to a frame designed for a pro’s low and long riding position. The standard Domane’s geometry—Trek calls it “Endurance Geometry”—has taller stack and shorter reach than a race bike, for a more upright fit.

The SLR RSL has very short head tube (the 54cm Domane SLR RSL is 103mm; while the 54cm Domane SLR is 160mm), longer top tube, and shorter trail—what Trek calls “Pro Endurance” geometry. Unless your fit has significant saddle-to-bar drop, just walk on by: The low-trail geometry is optimized for the weight distribution of a low front end.

There’s more that sets the SLR RSL apart from the standard Domane SLR. The RSL is made in the USA at Trek and uses a higher grade 700-series carbon; the standard Domane SLR is made in Asia of 600-series carbon.

In a twist, despite the higher grade carbon, the SLR RSL frame is about 300 grams heavier than the regular Domane SLR frame. The extra weight is for a reason: stiffness. “The RSL bike is… built to Fabian's exact standards for the cobblestones,” said Coates. The Domane SLR RSL is Trek’s stiffest carbon race bike: stiffer than the Domane SLR, Emonda SLR, and the Madone. Though “significantly stiffer,” says Coates, the RSL has the same vertical compliance as the standard Domane RSL frame.

The Domane SLR RSL will only be offered for rim brakes, and is only offered through Trek’s Project One customization program. Only 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62cm sizes are offered, four fewer than the Domane SLR. Expect to pay about $1000 more for the RSL than a standard Domane SLR.

     RELATED: 2015 Editors’ Choice: Trek Domane Classics

Other Details The Domane SLR’s fork is all new. Beyond the new brake-mounting, the fork is lighter and restyled.

From the Madone, the Domane SLR inherits the Control Center, a hatch in the down tube which, on Shimano Di2-equipped bikes, provides access to the battery.

The Emonda provides the inspiration for the Domane SLR’s new internal routing system. Two drivetrain entry ports sit on top of the down tube, which have interchangeable chips to accommodate different drivetrains: for SRAM eTap wireless drivetrains , both ports are covered.

Disc versions of the Domane SLR use the sleek Flat Mount standard for caliper attachment, and 12mm thru axles front and rear.

Models and Availability The new Domane SLR with rim brakes, in standard and RSL versions, is available now through Trek’s Project One customization program. Complete bikes, and disc models, will be available later this summer. The Domane SLR is offered in 44, 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62cm frame sizes.

Stock models offered are:

• Domane SLR 6 $5000: Shimano Ultegra mechanical, Bontrager direct-mount brakes, Bontrager Paradigm Comp tubeless-ready wheels

• Domane SLR 6 Disc $5500: Shimano Ultegra mechanical, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes , Bontrager Affinity Comp Disc wheels

• Domane SLR 7 $6000: Shimano Ultegra Di2, Bontrager direct-mount brakes, Bontrager Paradigm Comp tubeless-ready wheels

• Domane SLR 7 Disc $6500: Shimano Ultegra Di2, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager Affinity Comp Disc wheels

• Domane SLR 9 eTap $11,000: SRAM Red eTap , Bontrager direct-mount brakes, Bontrager Aeolus 3 tubeless-ready wheels

• Domane SLR frameset, for rim or disc: $3000

First Impressions Trek shipped me a Domane SLR RSL shortly before new Domane’s official release. Because of limited time on the bike, I only have initial impressions, not fully formed opinions.

The roads around me are not great, so I have lots of holes, heaves, bumps, and patches to challenge any bike’s claims of compliance. Plus, the (now) old Domane is my current ride, so I’m quite familiar with how it performs.

I set the rear IsoSpeed in its softest setting, because it seems silly to not take advantage of all the compliance available.

The Domane SLR exceeded my expectations of smoothness. I sought out and pointed it towards nasty sections of pavement I usually steer around, and giggled as it gobbled them up. The bike floats over bumps like it has much wider and lower-pressure tires , but unlike a bike with fat rubber, the Domane SLR is light, positive, and quick like a race bike.

The SLR RSL frame is very stiff in the bottom bracket area, and the front end is as direct and sharp as a top race bike should be: I could not notice any detrimental handling effects from the front IsoSpeed. The RSL version is very definitely a capital ‘R’ race bike , but a very smooth one.

I was worried that all the additional smoothness might make the bike feel lifeless, but those worries were unfounded: The bike is lively, fast, and very entertaining. The low-trail front end feels a little busy at first, but the sensation dissipated after an hour or so.

I’m hesitant to assign credit for the smoothness to any specific part of my review bike: Besides the IsoSpeed front and rear, it has the IsoCore bar, 28mm tires (I ran pressures in the mid-70 psi range), and the beautiful-riding Bontrager Aeolus 3 wheels. They all likely contribute, and as a system it’s quite wonderful.

I’m going to keep riding this bike to see how my opinions form with more time on the bike. I also hope to ride the standard Domane SLR. But if things continue on the same track, I feel like Trek’s most popular model deserves to get even more popular.

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Trek Domane SLR review

Slider down the side of seat tube lets you alter the ride quality

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Test bikes come and go here at Cycling Weekly, but the Trek Domane SLR was a bike that I kept coming back to throughout the summer between testing other models, long after I’d formed a definitive opinion on it and had finished making my notes. The ability to change the bike’s ride characteristics using a little slider on the side of the seat tube might sound gimmicky, but you can’t argue with performance. This is a bike with a rear end that can be compliant to smooth out rough roads, or stiff for efficient power transfer when riding in the saddle. This is complemented by technology at the front of the bike that while non-adjustable still manages to smooth out vibrations without detracting too much from a design geared towards racing. If you’re after a bike that will put you at the front of races and keep you comfortable on six, seven, eight-hour rides, then the Trek Domane SLR is hard to beat

Incredibly versatile

Comfortable on long rides

Great power transfer

Excellent wheels

Tyres cut easily

No adjustability on lower models

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Over the last few years, the original Trek Domane has established itself as one of the leading endurance bikes on the market.

Now Trek has released a new model, with a standout feature that sets it apart from everything else available today.

The standout feature of the Trek Domane SLR is the adjustable rear IsoSpeed decoupler. In effect the bike has an extended seatpost that sits behind a cut out seat tube, with the two attached using a pivot bolt at the junction with the seatstays and the top tube, and a second bolt that also doubles as the bottom bottle cage bolt.

This apparently gives the new bike an adjustment range of 20 per cent of compliance. This means that the bike can go from being as stiff and relatively uncompliant as Trek’s other race bikes, the Madone and Emonda , to being up to 14 per cent more compliant than the old Domane .

Adjustment is done via a slider which runs between the two tubes: move the slider to the top to get a stiffer, less compliant ride similar to the Madone and Emonda, and move it to the bottom to get the most comfortable rider that the Trek Domane SLR can offer.

A similar IsoSpeed technology is used at the front, where the fork steerer tube is isolated, allowing it to rotate independently. This means a front end that is, according to Trek, 5-10 per cent more compliant than that of its predecessor.

Aside from IsoSpeed there are a number of extra comfort features built into the new Trek Domane SLR. First up are the IsoCore handlebars, which have a rubber compound woven into the carbon-fibre to dissipate road vibrations, meaning a claimed 24 per cent benefit over aluminium bars and 20 per cent benefit over standard carbon bars.

The bike also has a new IsoSpeed fork (with 12mm thru-axles on the disc brake versions), with the positioning of the dropouts apparently increasing compliance by 7 per cent compared to a standard road fork.

Other than the IsoSpeed technology, the Trek Domane SLR comes with a whole host of other features that come together to create what Trek reckons will be its most versatile road bike ever.

For all that talk of extra compliance and comfort, Trek has also redesigned the down tube of the new bike, giving it a curved look and making it wider, apparently meaning better power transfer.

Specification

Our Domane SLR test bike came with a top-end build that meant a Shimano Dura-Ace groupset with rim brakes rather than discs.

For those deciding whether to make the switch, there are a big selection of disc brake bikes throughout the Domane range, but it is good to see that Trek, unlike Specialized with its new Roubaix, is still giving customers a choice of which braking system to go with.

The wheels were a pair of tubeless-ready Bontrager Aeolus 3 clinchers topped with 28mm Bontrager R3 Hardcase Lite tyres. While the wheels were excellent, providing a fast yet comfortable ride, the tyres cut very easily and would be the first thing we would change.

I came to the Trek Domane SLR with two preconceptions; firstly that it is an endurance bike, and secondly that the slider was a gimmick. On both counts the bike proved me wrong.

The difference in the ride between having the slider at the top and having it at the bottom is profound. Move it all the way to the bottom and you get a super-comfortable endurance bike with a compliant rear end that is the equal of any other endurance bike on the market.

I’ve ridden this bike on the cobbles of Flanders , and with the slider at the bottom it was seriously smooth, while the IsoSpeed system at the front helped to keep my hands and wrists in decent shape, even while riding without gloves.

But move the slider and the Domane SLR is no longer an endurance bike. Back in Blighty, and with smoother roads and faster rides on the agenda, I moved the slider all the way to the top and turned it into an out-and-out race bike.

Power transfer through the bottom bracket and rear end is absolutely superb, with the bike rocketing along even with the 28mm tyres.

At the front, when sprinting I didn’t experience the handlebars bobbing up and down as expected, although I can’t claim to have fully pushed this to the limits as I’m a relatively light rider.

In practice I found myself generally setting the slider at its mid-point and leaving it there for most rides, but it’s always nice to have the option to switch things up or down to create a horse that will run well on any course.

How to ride the cobbles

I’m torn over the value on offer by the Trek Domane SLR. Seven thousand pounds is a lot of money to spend on a bike, but the Trek goes a long way to justifying that price tag with the ability to double up and perform just as well in a road race as it would on a 200km Audax over sketchy lanes.

My frustration is that the slider that makes this bike so versatile is only available on top-end Domanes — the most affordable bike with this technology costs £3,600 and comes with basic alloy wheels and second-tier Shimano Ultegra .

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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Trek Domane SLR

56 centimeters.

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After riding Trek’s newly redesigned Domane over the Flanders cobbles in the Spring of 2016 (far less artfully than Fabian Cancellara, who raced both Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix on it), it was easy to laud the adjustable rear IsoSpeed decoupler and the new head tube decoupler because I had just ridden a an excellent but stiff race bike on those same cobbles only days before — and it shattered my neck and shoulders. The Domane was a revelation with its decouplers that smoothed out Flanders’ roughest cobbles, and after several months of testing it on home roads in Colorado, I maintain that revelatory praise. The Domane is an excellent bike for everyday riding and even certain types of racing because it quiets harsh chatter without sacrificing race geometry and handling.

In fact, Trek may have made the most comfortable race bike on the market today. The rear decoupler is adjustable so you can go from super squish to a more refined, subtle compliance. It’s a nice upgrade over previous Domanes, one that allows for quick adjustment by loosening a bolt at the bottle cage mounting position, though once you find your sweet spot, you’re probably not likely to adjust this too often. It could come in handy, though, if you commit to a race like the Flanders Sportive, which is undoubtedly rougher than your home roads.

The most impressive part of the Domane, though, is the balanced feel front to rear. You will, of course, have to dial in the rear decoupler to your liking to achieve that balance, but once you find it, you’ll feel that the bike works as a more complete system throughout. Previous iterations of the Domane benefitted from the decoupler in the rear, but the front still had that immutable feel any race bike has. You wouldn’t ride a mountain bike with just rear suspension and nothing up front, would you? The new Domane applies that logic to the road so you get compliance consistently front to back.

If it’s all about comfort, why bother touting this as a race bike? Simply put, comfort is faster. I managed to go over a minute faster up Oude Kwaremont on the Domane because all that back-shattering ruckus from the cobbles died in the decouplers rather than in my body. Yes, moving parts can translate into power lost to flex, but in this case, the benefits in comfort, control, and stability vastly outweigh any pedaling power lost to the system.

It’s purpose-built in that sense, yet on smooth pavement the bike feels more aggressive than previous iterations. The geometry isn’t particularly race-oriented: a 175mm head tube length (pretty long for a size 56 centimeter), 78mm BB drop (pretty big, great for stability but not for quick steering), 420mm chainstay length (pretty long), 71.9-degree head angle, and 61mm trail. That leads to some steering vagueness, though Trek did manage to improve handling substantially from previous years’ Domanes. So we’re still talking about an endurance bike here, but you won’t feel like you’re sitting on grandpa’s cruiser either. Our test bike was the Race Shop Limited (RSL) version, which features the Pro Endurance Geometry: a shorter head tube, longer reach, and shorter stack height. That makes for a very race-oriented bike that felt much more eager and agile, so if the typical endurance fit isn’t your bag, check out the Pro Endurance Geometry to get lower and longer. As someone who prefers an aggressive ride, I highly recommend it.

Yeah, you could probably take it to a crit and it’d be the most comfortable crit you’ve ever raced. But like previous versions of Trek’s cobble bike, the new Domane still has a fair amount of flex in the front end (.61mm of deflection at the head tube), which is ultimately most noticeable when you’re really wrenching on the handlebars during a sprint, or gritting it out on a 30-minute climb in the mountains. You want that flex on rough roads or gravel sections, and especially on cobbles, but not so much during hard efforts on relatively smooth pavement. If your ride involves a few sections of pavé or dirt roads, the Domane is a dream. If your idea of a fun Saturday ride is grinding it up successive 30-minute climbs, you’ll probably want something stiffer.

The Bontrager Aeolus 3 TLR wheels with 19.5 millimeter inner rim diameter provided an excellent foundation for a wide tire profile. That allows you to tailor your tire pressure for the conditions and get as much traction as you need when the road turns ugly. Bontrager’s IsoCore handlebar, which has a layer of damping material inside of it, helps take care of some of the high-frequency chatter too. The whole parts package complements the overall goal of the Domane, which is to increase comfort and stability.

Ultimately, it’s important to note you’re not getting a full-suspension bike here. You’ll still feel bumps and you’ll still feel connected to the road. But when you hit the really rough stuff, the Domane SLR makes the hard impacts disappear, allowing you to power up and charge through with more steering confidence and less impact on your body. If your weekly rides include some dubious pavement or no pavement at all, you’ll be right at home on the Domane SLR. Trek has thrown down the gauntlet with this one.

Several builds and configurations will be available from Trek: Domane SLR 9 eTap, $10,999 Domane SLR 7 Disc $6,499 Domane SLR 7 $5,999 Domane SLR 6 Disc $5,499 Domane SLR 6 $4,999

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unprecedented 10-year deal with canyon\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/mathieu-van-der-poel-10-year-canyon\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel signs unprecedented 10-year deal with canyon\"}}\u0027>\n mathieu van der poel signs unprecedented 10-year deal with canyon\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"watch: can ted king return to the front of the pack","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/ted-king-unbound-gravel\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/ted-king-unbound-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"watch: can ted king return to the front of the pack\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": 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\"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/cyclist-fighting-for-his-life-after-contracting-flesh-eating-disease-from-saddle-sore\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"cyclist fighting for his life after contracting flesh-eating disease from saddle sore\"}}\u0027>\n cyclist fighting for his life after contracting flesh-eating disease from saddle sore\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"torbjorn andre r\u00f8ed triumphs at mid south debut","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/torbjorn-andre-roed-triumphs-at-mid-south-debut\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/torbjorn-andre-roed-triumphs-at-mid-south-debut\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"torbjorn andre r\u00f8ed triumphs at mid south debut\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/torbjorn-andre-roed-triumphs-at-mid-south-debut\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"torbjorn andre r\u00f8ed triumphs at mid south debut\"}}\u0027>\n torbjorn andre r\u00f8ed triumphs at mid south debut\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tadej poga\u010dar buries everyone in avalanche of attacks at volta a catalunya","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-buries-everyone-in-avalanche-of-attacks-at-volta-a-catalunya\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-buries-everyone-in-avalanche-of-attacks-at-volta-a-catalunya\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar buries everyone in avalanche of attacks at volta a catalunya\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": 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\"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/nonbinary-field-at-mid-south-grows-by-60-percent-li-king-wins\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"nonbinary field at mid south grows by 60 percent; li king wins\"}}\u0027>\n nonbinary field at mid south grows by 60 percent; li king wins\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"next-gen xplr patents for 4-piston flat mount brake caliper and linkage fork intrigue","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/next-gen-xplr-patents-for-4-piston-flat-mount-brake-caliper-and-linkage-fork-intrigue\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/next-gen-xplr-patents-for-4-piston-flat-mount-brake-caliper-and-linkage-fork-intrigue\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"next-gen xplr patents for 4-piston flat mount brake caliper and linkage fork intrigue\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/next-gen-xplr-patents-for-4-piston-flat-mount-brake-caliper-and-linkage-fork-intrigue\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"next-gen xplr patents for 4-piston flat mount brake caliper and linkage fork intrigue\"}}\u0027>\n next-gen xplr patents for 4-piston flat mount brake caliper and linkage fork intrigue\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"crash-fest at \u2018mini-paris-roubaix\u2019 prompts reaction from cpa: \u2018was it a cyclocross race\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/crash-fest-at-mini-paris-roubaix-prompts-reaction-from-cpa-was-it-a-cyclocross-race\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/crash-fest-at-mini-paris-roubaix-prompts-reaction-from-cpa-was-it-a-cyclocross-race\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"crash-fest at \u2018mini-paris-roubaix\u2019 prompts reaction from cpa: \u2018was it a cyclocross race\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/crash-fest-at-mini-paris-roubaix-prompts-reaction-from-cpa-was-it-a-cyclocross-race\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"crash-fest at \u2018mini-paris-roubaix\u2019 prompts reaction from cpa: \u2018was it a cyclocross race\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n crash-fest at \u2018mini-paris-roubaix\u2019 prompts reaction from cpa: \u2018was it a cyclocross race\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"think gravel cycling is a recent phenomenon a 60-year-old frame says otherwise.","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-culture\/first-gravel-bike-john-finley-scott-cow-trailing\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": 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deals","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-rise-of-professional-cyclings-mega-contracts-whats-driving-the-big-buck-long-term-deals\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-rise-of-professional-cyclings-mega-contracts-whats-driving-the-big-buck-long-term-deals\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the rise of professional cycling\u2019s \u2018mega-contracts:\u2019 what\u2019s driving the big-buck, long-term deals\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-rise-of-professional-cyclings-mega-contracts-whats-driving-the-big-buck-long-term-deals\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the rise of professional cycling\u2019s \u2018mega-contracts:\u2019 what\u2019s driving the big-buck, long-term deals\"}}\u0027>\n the rise of professional cycling\u2019s \u2018mega-contracts:\u2019 what\u2019s driving the big-buck, long-term deals\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"will the van der poel-philipsen bromance survive alpecin-deceuninck\u2019s milan-san remo success","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/will-the-mathieu-van-der-poel-jasper-philipsen-bromance-survive\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/will-the-mathieu-van-der-poel-jasper-philipsen-bromance-survive\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"will the van der poel-philipsen bromance survive alpecin-deceuninck\u2019s milan-san remo success\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/will-the-mathieu-van-der-poel-jasper-philipsen-bromance-survive\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"will the van der poel-philipsen bromance survive alpecin-deceuninck\u2019s milan-san remo success\"}}\u0027>\n will the van der poel-philipsen bromance survive alpecin-deceuninck\u2019s milan-san remo success\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"a super domestique in rainbow bands: mathieu van der poel delivers for jasper philipsen","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/super-domestique-rainbow-bands-mathieu-van-der-poel-delivers-jasper-philipsen\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/super-domestique-rainbow-bands-mathieu-van-der-poel-delivers-jasper-philipsen\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"a super domestique in rainbow bands: mathieu van der poel delivers for jasper philipsen\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/super-domestique-rainbow-bands-mathieu-van-der-poel-delivers-jasper-philipsen\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"a super domestique in rainbow bands: mathieu van der poel delivers for jasper philipsen\"}}\u0027>\n a super domestique in rainbow bands: mathieu van der poel delivers for jasper philipsen\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>terms of use >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>site map >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.

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Review: Trek Domane SLR Disc is a Smooth Affair

When it’s Spring Classics season, the WorldTour turns to equipment that can handle the extra abuse. Certainly, wider tires are in order, but many teams turn to another bike in their quiver as well. For Trek-Segafredo , that bike is the new Domane SLR. In 2016, Fabian Cancellara rode the new Trek Domane SLR to the top of the podium at the “World Gravel Championships” otherwise known as Strade Bianche. Now, we can all ride the new Domane SLR in both rim and disc brake variants. I’ve been on the SLR Disc for over half a year and I’ll confess, it is one smooth operator.

2017 Trek Domane SLR Disc Features:

• OCLV 600-series carbon fiber layup
• Power Transfer construction
• Adjustable IsoSpeed decoupler in seat tube
• IsoSpeed decoupler in head tube
• Hidden fender mounts
• 32c tire clearance
• 12mm thru-axles front/rear
• Flat-mount disc brakes
• Internally-routed cables for electronic or mechanical cables
• Di2-friendly “Control Center” battery compartment in downtube
• DuoTrap sensor mount in chainstay
• Weight: 16 lbs (56cm, as shown, no pedals or cages)
• MSRP: $2999 (frame only)

Smooth-talking IsoSpeed

Having briefly ridden the previous Domane, I knew heading into this that the Domane SLR Disc would be a different breed. While the first-generation model was comfortable, it lacked spunk and character. The SLR aims to change that by not only providing an even smoother ride, but by making things racier and more playful at the same time. Those characteristics can be difficult to combine, but this concoction is working well for Trek.

The Domane SLR is the bike that most cyclists should be riding. It’s fast, it’s fun, it features a friendly geometry and it’s wicked-smooth. I’ve ridden a handful of great endurance bikes, but the SLR has the unfair advantage of essentially being a full-suspension road bike.

That “suspension” is what Trek calls IsoSpeed. In the rear it’s an adjustable IsoSpeed decoupler and in the head tube, it’s a fixed-position IsoSpeed decoupler. These two systems work together to deliver smoothness in all conditions.

Looking at the geometry, the Domane SLR does have a bit longer wheelbase and also a touch longer chain stays (420mm) than the competition. For the most part, you’d never notice but it does explain some of the minor nuances I’ve found throughout my testing.

With the adjustable rear IsoSpeed decoupler, I did a back-to-back identical circuit ride (descending, climbing, flats and gravel) in the stiffest and softest modes and here’s a summary of how it turned out.

• Minimum IsoSpeed (Firmest): Racier, you do notice the chatter more, a touch more responsive on seated climbs, but certainly more micro-chatter reaches your backside over time.
• Maximum IsoSpeed (Softest): Much smoother on chipseal, low-speed rough terrain and on gravel roads. You do notice just a touch of flex on seated climbs — hardly noticeable.

Ultimately, it’s player’s choice here and it’s certainly easy to swap settings. I suspect most people will find a setting they like and leave it there as I did. To change it, requires an Allen key and a torque wrench. Simple undo the uppermost bottle cage bolt on the seatstay and slide the adjustment up or down. The Domane includes a torque wrench to cinch it down properly, but I’d suggest picking up something like the Park Tool adjustable torque wrench .

A sore back’s best friend

In the fall of 2015, I suffered a severe back injury while racing cyclocross. The resulting disc herniation has taken well over a year to heal and may never be the same. Needless-to-say, that may very well be my last cyclocross race, but thanks to the Domane SLR, I can keep riding quite comfortably.

From the outset, I knew that the SLR would be something special. I also knew that many other cyclists endure back pain to be able to continue riding. So, for those of us who have or have had back injuries, the Domane should be the bike of choice. That said, don’t peg it as a gentlemen’s cruiser bike because it can respond when pushed.

All around the Wasatch

Like all my test bikes, the Domane SLR Disc was hauled up and around every major climb in the area and ridden long and hard. While the Domane isn’t as responsive as the Pinarello Dogma F8 , it’s no slouch. And, while it may not climb quite as well as a Cannondale SuperSix , it remains very efficient.

My custom build hits the scales at exactly 16 lbs., which is quite good (in spite of IsoSpeed and such) and on par with the lightest disc brake bikes on the market. A lighter set of carbon clinchers could help drop the weight into the mid-15 lb. range and would likely liven things up a bit more, but a quality set of alloy clinchers will suit the Domane just fine.

My ride menu always consists of climbing and, of course, subsequent descending. But, for this bike, I also threw in a bit of gravel for good measure. During my test period, I paired the Domane with both a set of Easton EA90 SL’s with Zipp Tangente Course 25c tires and Mavic Ksyrium Pro Disc Allroad wheels with 28c Mavic Yksion tires. Both are modern tubeless wheelsets that were well-suited for this bike. That said, I think my ultimate setup would be the Bontrager Aeolus 3’s .

My custom build consisted of a full SRAM Red HRD kit, which is about as light as you can get as far as disc brakes go. And, I did have it set up with the new Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-CF bars, which are the perfect match for this bike in terms of comfort and performance.

For my initial rides, I kept the IsoSpeed in its factory setting — about 2 inches from the bottom. I was impressed by how chip-seal disappeared and potholes felt less pothole-ish. Then, after some head-to-head tests, I ended up settling on the lowest (softest) setting because that extra dose of smoothness comes with no significant penalty, so why not?

As far as climbing goes, the Domane does quite well. Again, it’s not a svelte climbing bike and the IsoSpeed decoupler does flex ever-so-slightly with every pedal stroke. But, the stiff chassis efficiently takes every pedal stroke and transfers it to the wheels. I have found that the front end does wander a smidge on climbs, but it’s much better than the original Domane and nothing to be concerned over. Just give it a little more gas and it straightens right out.

One of the best improvements over the previous-generation Domane is how nice it feels while climbing out of the saddle. The previous model got all wonky when rocking side-to-side on steep ascents, but the SLR does none of that.

Most people will buy the Domane for all-day comfort and supreme descending confidence and they won’t be disappointed. There is no fazing this bike at all. It corners admirably and responds well for an endurance bike. Nobody’s going to describe the handling as razor-sharp or crit-worthy, but it’s quite predictable and smooth at all speeds and over the roughest of pavement

Disc brakes deliver increased tire clearance (up to 32c), but I was only able to test it with 28c tires. At that width, gravel riding was still fantastic, but I imagine it would be even better with wider rubber. That said, I never shied away from a good gravel sector and found the IsoSpeed platform to shine.

• Comfort in spades thanks to dual IsoSpeed decouplers
• Unbelievably-light frame considering all the technology
• H2 geometry provides a great fit for the rest of us
• Clean cable routing
• 12mm thru-axles are the right standard
• Unflappable at speed
• Feels natural during standing climbs/sprints
• You won’t feel beat up after long rides
• External front brake routing makes removal a breeze
• Handling could be crisper
• Be sure to use a Shimano rotor lock ring on front hub (DT-Swiss style rubs on fork)

The Bottom Line: Trek Domane SLR Disc

The Domane SLR Disc is sitting atop the current crop of endurance road bikes. What sets this one apart is just how fast and responsive it remains. Both IsoSpeed decouplers deliver suspension-like performance with zero weight penalty in an confidence-inspiring package.

Buy Now:  Visit TrekBikes.com

Without question, the all-new Trek Domane SLR Disc frameset knocked it out of the park. As far as endurance platforms go, there's no touching the Domane's overall smooth ride and confident handling. I could personally go for a touch sharper handling, but most riders will love every bit of how it performs.

• Ride Quality 10
• Descending 9
• Pedaling Efficiency 9

• X (Twitter)

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. With extreme attention to detail, he has been a technical product manager for top 10 web properties, eCommerce businesses and SaaS companies for 20+ years. The combination of outdoor experience and technical savvy gives him a unique perspective that is channeled into every gear review. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground. (Note: Jason receives sample products in exchange for authentic reviews. He is not paid, nor influenced to share anything other than his honest opinions.)

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Any personal experience on the new 2017 Specialized Roubaix to compare?

Not yet. I expect to have one in for review sometime this summer.

Could you expand a bit more on your thoughts on why the Shimano rotor lock ring is needed? Just got this bike, want to take all precautions.

Gladly. I had the DT Swiss rotor lockring originally and it rubbed the inside of the fork leg. With the Shimano lockring, that doesn’t happen. The DT Swiss one is about 5-8mm thick at the outermost part whereas the Shimano one tapers down and clears the leg.

Amazing bike. I love mine!

Any of you rides the Checkpoint? Comparison of ride qualities? Thoughts?

Not yet, but we are planning to get one in for review. Stay tuned.

Why does the Checkpoint not have front iso speed? Would it be a good addition to the Checkpoint? Is the Redshift stem better?

Good question regarding the omission of IsoSpeed front on the Checkpoint. It does seem like a big miss. But, gravel bikes do have larger tires, so maybe Trek was counting on that providing the cushion.

Yes, the Redshift Shockstop stem is legit and could really replace what the IsoSpeed would do up front. And, it’s adjustable. Worth a look and would be a great addition to any gravel bike.

Hi Jason – I have a herniated disc (L4/L5 I think). I’m currently riding an Emonda SL but just found a good deal on a Domane SLR frameset and was thinking of scooping it up. I’m curious if over the long run you’ve noticed any appreciable benefit of the Isospeed for your herniated disc. Appreciate any input – thanks.

First off, I feel your pain. It took me about 18 months before I felt normal again. I was so grateful to have the Domane during that recovery period. Without it, I would have had a hard time getting back on the bike.

The difference between the hardest and softest setting is very noticeable and I just kept it as soft as possible. If you’re going to get back on the horse and want to remain on something long-term, the Domane is a great one to ride. I no longer have the Domane, but have found the BMC Roadmachine 01 to be a great option as well.

Take it easy and good luck as you recover.

Thanks for that reply. Mine is more of a chronic issue (degenerative disc disease), so unfortunately it’s less recovery and more just dealing with it and trying to accommodate for it. I’m going to give it a try and see how it feels. Thanks.

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Trek Domane SLR 9.9 Project One first ride review

Eye-burstingly expensive but bum-coddlingly comfortable

Rob Spedding

Incredible levels of comfort, potential gravel-dabbling versatility and the adjustable IsoSpeed system is genuinely useful

Very expensive, even for base-level models

The third generation of the Trek Domane carries the revised rear IsoSpeed layout first seen on the new Madone , has massively increased tyre clearances, features neat integrated storage, and has a host of aero-improvements that make it a true — and truly comfortable — super bike.

• The 2020 Trek Domane gets more aero, more adjustable and goes disc-only
• Trek’s cheapest ever Madone is here
• Best road bikes 2019: how to choose the right one for you

2020 Trek Domane SLR9.9 Project One key specs

• Updated frameset with top-tube mounted IsoSpeed system
• Semi-internal cable routing
• SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset
• Bontrager Aeolus XXX 4 wheelset
• Bontrager R3 28mm tyres
• Project One bikes start at £9,650 / €10,500

More comfortable, more aero, more faster-er

The headline figures for the new Trek Domane SLR are impressive — Trek claims the bike is up to 27 per cent more compliant than the previous flagship Domane, “one minute per hour faster” than the last model and the top-end Project One version we were given to test around the roads of Padova, Italy, has a £9,650 / €10,500 ($ N/A) price tag.

I’m not expecting you to feel sorry for me but that last figure is actually one of the problems with bike launches — we get to ride the toppest of top-spec machines and, with few exceptions, they’re always impressive. And Trek will be pleased to hear that their flagship Domane Mk. III is impressive.

I’m going to start with the faster claim. While not an overtly aero bike in the same vein as the Madone, Trek has generally cleaned up the Domane to make it more slippery.

There’s nothing instantly obvious — no Kammtail seat tube, air-slicing fork designs or minuscule clearances between tyre and frame. Cables, however, are now almost entirely internal which will go some way to reducing drag.

Almost entirely internal? Trek has opted to only internalise the cables from the top tube back, which is something that I’m happy to support. Should you want to swap your bars or, you know, travel with your bike, there’s no battling with a complicated, proprietary internally-cabled stem and bar system.

Is this setup faster than the last Domane? Well, the external ‘cabling’ on this rider surely negated any aero gains from the bike but, I was lucky enough to ride last year’s Madone SLR at its launch and that, genuinely, felt like a rocket ship. Even when I was feeling rinsed, I’d look down at my Wahoo and be amazed at the speeds I was sustaining.

The Domane didn’t quite perform such miracles and doesn’t have the same accelerative oomph as the Madone but, honestly, it feels fast enough, not least for an endurance bike.

Our test model was rolling on Bontrager’s excellent Aeolus XXX 4 47mm-deep aero wheels — these are stiff, stable and quick and complement the frame well.

We’re used to bike brands telling us how their latest and greatest bikes are lighter than ever before but the new Domane has put on around 200g over the previous iteration, but then the same — at the very least — can probably be said for me compared to when I rode that Madone.

I can’t say that the Domane felt like a slouch on the climbs — I did and our Italian ride guide Allesandro will vouch for that — but it isn’t necessarily designed to be a KOM-killer in the same vein as the Emonda . You’ll have to wait for the climbing verdict of someone far skinnier for a definitive view of the Domane’s ascending attributes.

Tyre-wise, you can fit rubber up to 38mm-wide on the new Domane with 4mm of clearance on either side, and all bikes below the 9.9 we were riding will ship with new 32mm tyres.

It’s de-rigueur to point a comfort bike at potholes and the Domane, with its front and rear IsoSpeed, does a truly excellent job at soaking up all but the biggest hits

These, claim Trek, roll faster than narrower tyres in almost all conditions and help contribute to the Domane being their most versatile road bike ever. Could the Domane be a road and gravel machine rolled into one? Certainly, the journalists who took the Domane on a hard, fast and technical gravel ride seemed impressed.

For the road ride, we were running standard 28mm rubber and this was in no way detrimental to the Domane’s main selling point — its comfort.

• Best road bike tyres in 2019: everything you need to know

Okay, the Italian roads we were riding were, on the whole, pretty good but there were still opportunities to test the bike’s compliance. It’s de-rigueur to point a comfort bike at potholes and the Domane, with its front and rear IsoSpeed, does a truly excellent job at soaking up all but the biggest hits.

The star of the Domane’s cushioning show is the adjustable toptube IsoSpeed damper... you can tune your Domane from racy stiff to smooth operator in just a couple of minutes

When we did encounter a rutted, broken asphalt descent the Domane handled it with aplomb — the compliance encourages you to descend faster and brake later than you might on a more rigid machine.

The star of the Domane’s cushioning show is the adjustable toptube IsoSpeed damper, which debuted on the Madone in 2018. Undo a couple of allen bolts below the top tube and a slider is revealed — move it forwards and you add more flex, backwards and the bike stiffens up.

As with the Madone, this really does work and there’s a tangible difference, meaning you can tune your Domane from racy stiff to smooth operator in just a couple of minutes. It’s worth mentioning that the top tube-mounted IsoSpeed system is only available on SLR models, although the SL’s will inherit the tuneable seatpost IsoSpeed currently found on the outgoing range toppers.

The front end IsoSpeed isn’t tuneable but does a good job of isolating shocks through the bars and the bars themselves are carbon IsoCore models. These have a layer of elastomer within the carbon which Trek says adds another 20 per cent of cushioning to the front end.

Elsewhere, our test build was decked out with SRAM’s Red eTap AXS 12-speed groupset . We love it, simple as that and, of course, the fancy Project One pearlescent paint is always a hit with any MAMIL who once lusted after a TVR Chimera .

2020 Trek Domane Mk. III early impressions

Obviously, we want to spend a lot more time on the new Domane and will be getting our hands on one back in the UK soon but first impressions are good.

It’s an excellent bike that does a very good job of catering for both fans of speed and connoisseurs of comfort. Of course, we’re also keen to test the more affordable — though the base Tiagra-equipped model comes in at a pricey $2,499 / €2,299 / £2,100 — 2020 Domane SL models as these are likely going to be more relevant to more riders. Watch this space.

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Shop new & used Trek Domane bikes and framesets at TPC - The Pro's Closet. Find reviews, specs, weight info, prices and size charts on various models (SL 7, SLR) and popular model years. Read our Trek Domane Quick-Take Review below.

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Trek Domane - Weight, Specs, Price

Trek domane 3rd party reviews, trek domane size chart, 2022 trek domane review - a tpc quick-take.

• IsoSpeed Technology: A standout feature, the rear IsoSpeed decouplers absorb fatiguing road chatter. They make the ride unmistakably smooth, like riding on a cushion of air.
• Storage integration: The built-in storage compartment on the down tube is genuinely useful. It beats having to strap a saddlebag to the frame and clutter the bike.
• Versatility: Generous tire clearance (up to 38mm without fenders) and the overall design mean the Domane is adept at handling both tarmac and light gravel. It opens up avenues for exploration beyond the usual road routes.
• Endurance geometry: Maintaining the spirit of the Domane lineage, the 2023 version offers a comfortable, upright riding position suited for long rides.
• Weight: (18.5 lbs size 56cm) The Domane, with all its tech and features, is on the heavier side, especially in its base models. This might not be a concern for the casual rider, but weight weenies might raise an eyebrow.
• Cost: The technology packed into the Domane makes it a bit pricey. While you get a lot for your money, it might be overkill for those not intending to utilize all its features.
• Aero compromises: Compared to race or aero road bikes, the Domane doesn't cut through the wind as efficiently. It's built for comfort over speed, and it shows.
• Over-engineering for some: While tech enthusiasts might rejoice, the myriad of features could be overwhelming for someone looking for a simple endurance experience.

Bottom Line:

• Rider Notes

2015 Trek Race Shop Limited Domane Koppenberg Edition Frameset

A carbon frame endurance frameset.

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Last updated 29 June Not listed for 2,454 days

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2024/03/21 00:36

【TREK】サイズそろっています！GEN4.DOMANE SL5 105在庫あります。 by: 奥平総帆

第四世代となりより軽く、洗練されたDOMANE SL5 GEN4。11×2速105搭載でお得になっています。

• 1.1 コンセプト：いつまでも楽しめるロード 
• 2.0.1 入荷サイズ
• 2.2 非調整式ISOSPEED
• 2.3 ダウンチューブ内ストレージ
• 2.4  タイヤクリアランス
• 2.5.1 シートポスト形状
• 2.6 コンポーネント

DOMANE SLとSLRシリーズとは

コンセプト：いつまでも楽しめるロード  .

メーカサイトには、「トレックの中で最も幅広く楽しめるロードラインが、より軽く、より速く、そしてより高性能に進化。新型Domane SLとSLRは、Domaneの特長である一日中続く快適さはそのままに、表彰台の頂点に立つために新たに設計されたレース仕様のディテールを備えています。」

TREK DOMANE SL5 GEN4

50：160～165ｃｍ向け 52：165～170ｃｍ向け 54：170～175ｃｍ向け 店舗にてワイズロード オリジナルの身体計測システム、バイオレーサーにて適正身長を割り出します。

￥525,690（税込） →ASK

先代から続くエアロにこだわったフレームは各所がKVF形状、よりスペックを煮詰めることで空力性能の向上を実現しております。 さらに300ｇの重量減に成功しており、完成車のカタログ重量が56フレームで8.9ｋｇと9ｋｇ以下まで抑えております。 カーボン素材はDOMANE SLではコストと乗り心地がバランスよく設定されたOCLV500が採用されています。

非調整式ISOSPEED

ISOSPEEDとは、シートチューブを他のパイプと独立させることで積極的にしならせることでサドルに伝わる振動を軽減させる機能となります。 前作のSLRはこのしなりを調整することが出来ましたが、第四世代からは調整機構がなくなりシンプルに軽量化されました。 さらにフロントのISOSPEEDが廃止されることでよりシンプルな形状となっております。

ダウンチューブ内ストレージ

第三世代DOMANE SL・SLRから採用されたダウンチューブ内ストレージは健在、専用携帯工具、チューブやボンベ、タイヤレバーをすっきりと収めることが可能です。 サドルバッグやツールケースがいらなくなるので見た目もスッキリできます。 　

※画像はDOMANE SL6

前作からのキープコンセプトです。 DISCロードの時代となり、タイヤクリアランスを38ｍｍまで広げられるフレーム形状を作れるようになっています。 ここまで太いタイヤを入れれば、順グラベルライドもいけます。 逆に軽量リムに細いロードタイヤを履かせれば本格的であり、なおかつ乗り心地の良いセミエアロなロードへと早変わりです。 太いタイヤを履かせるため、チェーンステーは420mmと少し長めになっているので、EMONDAやMADONEに比べると安定性に振った設計となっていることがわかります。

空力性能を向上させるために、新しく設計されたステムからワイヤーがまとめてないそうされています。形状も滑らかで出っ張りが極力少なくなっています。

エアロを意識したD型のKVF形状の細くなったシートピラーは調整幅も広く、しなりやすい形状です。

エアロカバーを外すとサドル高を調整するためのネジ穴が出てきます。

SHIMANO 105 搭載2ｘ11速と油圧ブレーキにより快適にライディング可能です。

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Steven Sitler Archive

The truth about moscow, blog & mablog: “the high mountain air of public calumny”, blog and mablog | september 7, 2015.

The High Mountain Air of Public Calumny Those who believe themselves to be hep to my tricksy ways might have surmised that I orchestrated this entire recent flap about Steven Sitler because Randy Booth and I recently put out a book entitled A Justice Primer . But whether you are disposed to believe me or not, that was a total coincidence. In this book we address biblical principles for evaluating charges that are brought against someone, anyone. The book is, I believe, quite a necessary resource for good-hearted Christians everywhere — who regularly see defamatory information scrolling by in their Facebook feed. There is even a chapter entitled “Trial by Internet,” which concludes with this sage advice: “Never get into a braying contest with donkeys” (p. 160). Coincidence? Or a masterpiece of publishing guile and cunning? You decide. Nancy and I have been quite blessed by all the believers who have checked in with us to see if we are doing okay, and who have let us know they are praying for us. We really appreciate it, and are doing quite well, thank you. This is not our first rodeo, and we have previously had numerous occasions to see how God uses this kind of situation for blessing in our lives.I thought I would put together a short list of seven ways this kind of thing can be used for good. Of course, the real list is much bigger than seven, but this is what I thought of this morning. Here are a few ways we see blessing, and look for more blessing to follow. These points come in no particular order. This kind of controversy gives me opportunity to hold up A Justice Primer and say, “Did you know that we have this new book out?” Have I already mentioned the book? I forget. Either one of my girls could have had a big country hit if they had wanted — Colporter’s Daughter . This kind of controversy has a winnowing effect. “For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized” (1 Cor. 11:19, ESV). When something like this happens, it really is revelatory. People come out of the woodwork in very interesting ways, and often they don’t seem to be aware that they are doing so. They “like” articles and posts they shouldn’t, and don’t seem to be aware that what they are doing is quite visible and consequential. Perhaps you knew someone was bitter, but not that bitter, or ungrateful, but not that Or perhaps you had no idea. But uproars like this give people an opportunity to declare themselves, which they then do. When you run your little flag up the flag pole, it turns out other people can see it. This kind of controversy reveals those who have true wisdom also. In line with that winnowing effect, it is a joy to see parishioners and friends who “get it,” and who articulate the truth with grace and verve. They know, for example, the difference between assertions and demonstrations, between yelling and proof. As one of our more astute parishioners illustrated for us, they know when there is a real problem and when the Internet is just throwing poo into the ceiling fan. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for the community of saints we have here. This kind of controversy reveals to young men who are preparing for ministry the true nature of gospel ministry. From a distance, certain kinds of “mercy ministry” look wonderful, appealing, and, if you are a hipster, sexy. Everybody likes mercy ministry, and everybody detests those white bread churches that won’t do mercy ministry. Everybody is all about mercy ministry until the meth heads and sex offenders start showing up at church.  “Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:12–14).

These people Jesus was thinking of . . . I wonder what they smelled like. I wonder what their sexual histories were like. I wonder if any of them would be invited to fill out a golf foursome that a well-connected minister had arranged with some Chamber of Commerce leaders. No, this passage is talking about low-lifes, and you can’t minister to them without risking being lumped in with them. You glutton. You drunkard. You protector of pedophiles.

• This kind of controversy gives me an opportunity to extend an unacknowledged good to certain of my adversaries. Jesus says to bless them, and this is one way to do it. In this last round of poo-throwing, quite a sinister construction was placed on a comment I made a number of years ago — “I am a pastor. I cover up sin for a living.” But some of the disgruntled people who are out there yelling about this are some of the very people I would refuse to tell stories on. And despite their current animus, they don’t need to worry about it; this is not a veiled threat. I would rather die than use information gleaned in the course of pastoral ministry against them in the course of a public fight (1 Cor. 9:15). But I can go so far as to say that among those who are going after me for “protecting” Steven Sitler are some people who are receiving far more protection from me than he is. In the nature of the case, his sins were criminal and therefore public, and have to be discussed publicly. But when certain folks join forces with those who hate the fact that I “cover up sins for a living,” I do want to catch their eye, nod slightly, and enjoy with them a moment of shared irony.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt. 5:11–12).

And Jesus doesn’t say we are to be a little bit glad. He says exceeding glad. He says that we are to go around the corner, get out of their sight, and do a little jig. In this case, Nancy — a Puritan jewel — celebrated by buying me a nice bottle of Laphroaig.

Spurgeon once put it this way: “The more prominent you are in Christ’s service, the more certain are you to be the butt of calumny. I have long ago said farewell to my character. I lost it in the early days of my ministry by being a little more zealous than suited a slumbering age. And I have never been able to regain it except in the sight of Him who judges all the earth, and in the hearts of those who love me for my work’s sake.”

• This kind of controversy gives us an opportunity to anticipate the next wave of blessing in store for us. As mentioned above, this kind of thing has happened before, and every time it has happened, it was right on the threshold of great blessings for our church and community. This is how God gives His gifts to us. This is the kind of gift wrap He uses, and we recognize it by now. We know the shape of the box and know what’s coming. In one of our previous uproars, a package full of scurrilous charges against me was delivered to our front door, hundreds of pages, and these charges were every bit as energetic as they were erratic. As Nancy and I were talking about it, I said to her, “This is my big promotion.” And it was.

The High Mountain Air of Public Calumny

Monday, September 7, 2015 By Douglas Wilson 276 Comments

Those who believe themselves to be hep to my tricksy ways might have surmised that I orchestrated this entire recent flap about Steven Sitler because Randy Booth and I recently put out a book entitled A Justice Primer . But whether you are disposed to believe me or not, that was a total coincidence. In this book we address biblical principles for evaluating charges that are brought against someone, anyone. The book is, I believe, quite a necessary resource for good-hearted Christians everywhere — who regularly see defamatory information scrolling by in their Facebook feed. There is even a chapter entitled “Trial by Internet,” which concludes with this sage advice: “Never get into a braying contest with donkeys” (p. 160).

Nancy and I have been quite blessed by all the believers who have checked in with us to see if we are doing okay, and who have let us know they are praying for us. We really appreciate it, and are doing quite well, thank you. This is not our first rodeo, and we have previously had numerous occasions to see how God uses this kind of situation for blessing in our lives.

I thought I would put together a short list of seven ways this kind of thing can be used for good. Of course, the real list is much bigger than seven, but this is what I thought of this morning. Here are a few ways we see blessing, and look for more blessing to follow. These points come in no particular order.

1. This kind of controversy gives me opportunity to hold up A Justice Primer and say, “Did you know that we have this new book out?” Have I already mentioned the book? I forget. Either one of my girls could have had a big country hit if they had wanted — Colporter’s Daughter .

3. This kind of controversy reveals those who have true wisdom also. In line with that winnowing effect, it is a joy to see parishioners and friends who “get it,” and who articulate the truth with grace and verve. They know, for example, the difference between assertions and demonstrations, between yelling and proof. As one of our more astute parishioners illustrated for us, they know when there is a real problem and when the Internet is just throwing poo into the ceiling fan. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for the community of saints we have here.

4. This kind of controversy reveals to young men who are preparing for ministry the true nature of gospel ministry. From a distance, certain kinds of “mercy ministry” look wonderful, appealing, and, if you are a hipster, sexy. Everybody likes mercy ministry, and everybody detests those white bread churches that won’t do mercy ministry. Everybody is all about mercy ministry until the meth heads and sex offenders start showing up at church.

6. This kind of controversy gives fuller meaning to the communion of opprobrium that faithful ministers of every age share. Jesus says that we are to rejoice when people revile us, in part because of the company it puts us in.

And as another Puritan once put it, he had learned the art of living in the high mountain air of public calumny.

7. This kind of controversy gives us an opportunity to anticipate the next wave of blessing in store for us. As mentioned above, this kind of thing has happened before, and every time it has happened, it was right on the threshold of great blessings for our church and community. This is how God gives His gifts to us. This is the kind of gift wrap He uses, and we recognize it by now. We know the shape of the box and know what’s coming. In one of our previous uproars, a package full of scurrilous charges against me was delivered to our front door, hundreds of pages, and these charges were every bit as energetic as they were erratic. As Nancy and I were talking about it, I said to her, “This is my big promotion.” And it was.

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Yesterday was the Moscow premiere of Star Trek into Darkness and in attendance were J.J. Abrams, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto , and Alice Eve .

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Couldn't be happier

"I couldn't be happier. Easy deal, came in a couple of days. Only had to put on the bars and front wheel. Thank you, Trek!" -Rick

Best packaged bike

"Hands down the best packaged bike I've ever had shipped." - Ronald

Incredibly impressed

"I want to let you know how incredibly impressed I am with my entire Red Barn Refresh bike purchase experience...one of the best buying experiences I've ever had." - Jim

Accessories