trek domane al 3 disc test

Review of Trek Domane AL 3: Endurance Road Bike for Long Days

A high-performance road bike perfect for long weekend training rides, group sportives, or amateur competitions.

Domane AL 3 serves as an ideal upgrade for those planning to take their cycling more seriously.

It could also work as a good starter bike although its price range is on the slightly higher end.

If you want to start extending your time in the saddle and do some longer rides while maintaining comfort, the Domane AL 3 will be a good fit.

It’s a quality piece of equipment for the price.

Trek Domane AL 3 Quick Overview

Trek domane al 3 sizes, is it worth the money, is the trek domane al 3 right choice for you.

Seasoned riders will immediately recognize the stability and build quality of the Trek Domane AL 3.

It’s a clear step up from your standard road bike, with higher-grade components and professional assembly.

It delivers a noticeably more competitive feeling than most bikes in its price range while keeping the geometry relaxed enough for a comfortable ride.

Overall, the Domane AL 3 feels like the perfect long-distance training bike for serious cyclists.

Frame : 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, DuoTrap S compatible
Fork : Domane Carbon, fender mounts, alloy steerer
Front Derailleur : Shimano Sora R3000
Rear Derailleur : Shimano Sora R3000, 9-Speed
Number of Gears : 18
Rear hub : Formula RX-142 alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle
Rims : Bontrager Affinity Disc or Bontrager Paradigm SL, both tubeless ready 24-hole, 21mm
Tire Size : 700x32c
Weight : 22.71 lbs / 10.30 kg

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The Trek Domane AL 3 is a slight upgrade from the AL2, with better quality Shimano components and lower overall weight.

It also benefits from Trek’s DuoTrap S compatible 100 Series Alpha aluminum frame and an IsoSpeed carbon fork.

Endurance geometry frame

The Domane AL 3 is built around Trek’s lightweight 100 Series Alpha aluminum frame to provide a stable and comfortable ride over long distances.

Built for endurance, the Series 100 Alpha frames are stiff and responsive, instilling confidence in the rider.

The top tube is angled just enough to put the rider in a strong forward position without being overly aggressive while the seat tube angle strikes a balance between power and comfort.

Frame sizes range from 44cm (women) to 61cm, so they should fit riders of almost any height.

The smallest 44cm model on the women’s Domane AL 3 has a 65.7cm standover height, with an 84.2 cm standover height on the largest unisex model.

Carbon Fork

Trek have complimented their fabulous 100 Series Alpha frame on the Domane AL 3 a carbon fork and headset.

The addition of a carbon fork helps to reduce weight and provide a much more comfortable ride.

Trek Domane’s carbon fork has a unique dropout placement to optimize the wheelbase combined with a tight rocker cup for precise placement. The slightly wider fork fits a 5x100m QR and includes convenient fender mounts for those wet-weather riders.

Shimano Sora Groupset

The Domane AL3 is fully kitted-out with Shimano’s Sora R3000 groupset which provides the derailleurs, shifters, chain, cassette, and cranks.

On the rear cassette, you have nine cogs ranging from 11T to 32T and on the front crank, a 50T, and 34T.

While Sora is one of the most widely-used Shimano gearing sets for road bikes and has been trusted for years, it would have been nice to see a Tiagra groupset on a bike of this price.

However, considering the high-performance frame and quality assurance that Trek provides, the overall package still offers good value for money.

Some gearheads might consider an upgrade but the Sora system works perfectly well in this instance.

DuoTrap S Compatibility

Trek’s own line of Bontrager DuoTrap S digital sensors offer some of the best data measuring tools available.

Forget strapping on clumsy sensors to your fork with zip ties, the DuoTrap S screws subtly to the inside of your chainstay and sends data wirelessly to your phone or bicycle computer.

The DuoTrap S supports both ANT+ 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth signals so you can send data to both your phone or a Trip 300 cycling computer.

Blendr Compatible Stem

Trek’s Blendr Stem which is part of its Bontrager components range provides a way to attach accessories securely to your handlebars.

The stem is compatible with a variety of Duo Base attachments that fit phones, lights, satnavs, computers, and cameras.

Rather than using up space on your handlebars by trying to squeeze in third-party attachments, the Blendr stem places your accessories directly into the handlebar stem.

The tight and secure attachment method ensures your devices are safe on even the roughest of terrain.

There are 7 sizes of Domane AL 3 available from riders 4’11” to 6’3″

44 : 4’11” – 5’0″
49 : 5’1″ – 5’4″
52 : 5’4″ – 5’6″
54 : 5’6″ – 5’9″
56 : 5’9″ – 5’11”
58 : 5’11” – 6’1″
61 : 6’1″ – 6’3″

The Trek Domane AL 3 is not the cheapest bike in the range of aluminum frame road bikes with Sora components.

If you aren’t picky about build quality and materials you could certainly find something cheaper.

However, unless you are willing to fork out the extra for a full carbon frame you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better bike at this price.

It’s incredibly lightweight for a non-carbon frame and carries the undisputable Trek stamp of quality.

Yes, for a similar price you could get a bike with disc brakes or a Tiagra groupset but you would be sacrificing on quality elsewhere.

Overall, the Trek Domane AL 3 delivers value for money.

Check out our other reviews on Trek Domane bikes : AL 2 , SL4 , SL 5 , SL6 .

Related: Trek Bikes Explained – In-Depth Overview

It’s affordable while still offering everything a rider needs in a competitive road bike.

The Domane AL 3 is a good bike for that upcoming cyclist looking to go the distance and spend some serious time in the saddle.

Sure, it’ll do you fine for the occasional weekend ride but for the money you’ll want to get a decent amount of use out of this bike.

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6 thoughts on “ review of trek domane al 3: endurance road bike for long days ”.

Very useful review. At the time of this post, there are two more offerings in the Domane AL line: the Domane AL4 (upgrades shifting and adds hydraulic brakes) and the AL5.

I’m thinking of getting this for my first road bike; currently riding an Aventon Level.2 (electric) and Trek Verve 3. (hybrid) I’m thinking this would raise my average speed by at least 3 mph compared to the Verve 3. Verve 3 would then become my gravel bike.

I’m in decent shape, but got dropped immediately on a group ride last weekend, even by older riders. I could only keep up with the fatties on road bikes.

Hi Jeremy, thanks for your comment! You’re right, the Domane would definitely add at least 3 mph compared to the Verve 3 and likely more with a bit of structured training. Enjoy!

Brilliant article i have a giant rapid 2 2017, am looking at getting this one for sportifs, would this be an upgrade on my giant rapid which is a quick commuter

Thanks, Derek! The Domane would be a huge upgrade, you’d be riding much more efficiently and achieving a higher average speed.

Hi, I recently purchased a domane al3 and I am looking into purchasing an indoor trainer for it.. I am new to cycling and do not know a ton about indoor trainers.. do you know of a type/brand that fits this specific bike that you would recommend? Thanks, Sam

Hi Samantha, Here is a link to all our posts related to indoor trainers . You might find one that fits your needs.

2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc Review

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc might just be the bike for you. But before you make a purchase, it’s important to know all the details about this bike.

Trek is a well-known brand in the cycling world, and the Domane AL 3 Disc is one of their latest models.

This bike is designed for riders who want a comfortable and versatile ride without breaking the bank. But does it live up to its promises?

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc and evaluate its features, performance, and overall value.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this review will help you decide if this bike is the right choice for your needs.

The Trek Domane AL 3 Disc is a road bike that has been designed to provide a comfortable and efficient ride on long-distance journeys.

With advanced features and a sleek design, the 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc is a bike that is sure to impress riders of all skill levels.

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc is a high-quality road bike that provides a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced features and components.

With a lightweight 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame and carbon fork, this bike is built for speed and agility, while the Tektro mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in any weather condition.

– Lightweight 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame with a carbon fork for a smooth ride.

– Tektro mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power in any weather condition.

– 2×9-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain featuring a 11-32t cassette and compact 50/34 chainrings for smooth and efficient shifting.

– Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels for a fast and stable ride.

– IsoSpeed technology for a more comfortable ride.

– Compatible with DuoTrap S for easy tracking of your ride data.

– Ideal for road riding, commuting, and fitness training.

– Fender and rack mounts for versatility.

Frame and Design

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc features a lightweight and durable aluminum frame that has been optimized for endurance riding.

The frame is designed to absorb road vibrations, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on rough terrain.

The bike also features a carbon fiber fork featuring IsoSpeed tech that further enhances the bike’s ability to absorb shocks and vibrations.

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc comes equipped with a 2×9 Shimano Sora groupset that provides smooth and precise shifting through the 11-32t cassette and 50/34 compact crankset.

The bike also features Tektro mechanical disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power, even in wet conditions.

The bike’s wheels are Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels wrapped in Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 700x32mm tires that provide a stable and responsive ride.

One of the standout features of the 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc is its comfort.

The bike features an IsoSpeed fork that allows it to absorb more road vibrations.

The bike also features a Bontrager Verse Comp saddle that is designed to provide comfort and support on long rides.

Performance

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc is a bike that is designed for performance.

The bike’s lightweight frame and components allow it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed on flat roads.

The bike’s disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, allowing riders to descend hills with confidence.

Overall, the 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc is an excellent road bike that is designed for endurance riding. With advanced features and a sleek design, the bike is sure to impress riders of all skill levels.

If you’re in the market for a new road bike, the 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Disc is definitely worth considering.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek Domane AL 3 review

A lot of road bike for not so much money

A ride reminiscent of Trek’s carbon Domane model, fantastic value, luxurious touches, good looks

Stopping power let down by sub-par brake pads

Among sub-$1000/£1,000 road bikes, Trek’s Domane AL 3 offers a fantastic, but not perfect, road bike capable of pleasing both neophyte and seasoned cyclists alike. Its aluminum frame, carbon fork and Shimano Sora running gear take you anywhere a more expensive might, but with more money left over for mid-ride snacks , riding accessories or investing in bitcoin.

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Latest, lightest and most aero get the most attention in the world of cycling, but what about a bike for the average rider who isn’t interested in taking out a second mortgage in order to buy a bike?

Thankfully, budget bikes are alive and well. And Trek’s Domane AL 3 represents one of the best sub-$1000/£1,000 bikes on the market.

Trek Domane AL 3 frame and fork

The Domane AL 3 is an aluminum steed with endurance geometry and rim brakes. (While disc brakes are increasingly popular on road bikes, in this price point, you’ll get a lot more for your money if you stick with rim brakes) Trek’s Alpha Aluminum frame is the heart of the bike.

With sculpted tube shapes, a threaded bottom bracket, clean external cable management and a 27.2mm seatpost, the Domane frame ticks a lot of boxes for those in search of an easily serviceable bicycle.

Interesting derailleur cable routing, with both front and rear derailleur cables going to the non-driveside of the down tube, keeps the bike looking clean, especially in profile. At the front of affairs is the IsoSpeed Carbon fork, though with an alloy steerer, that Trek claims absorbs road vibrations more than other designs.

The frame and fork both feature healthy tire clearance around the stock Bontrager T2 28mm tires. I would guess a pair of 30mm tires would fit with ease. This would enhance the bike’s already smooth ride and lend increased confidence to newer riders and those looking to take in a few dirt segments.

While not quite as efficient at absorbing bumps as the Domane SLR — Trek’s more expensive carbon version — the AL 3 is comfortable. The endurance geometry delivers predictable handling that likes a wide, sweeping cornering technique. While hard pedaling efforts certainly don’t seem wasted, the bike’s extra heft reminds you that this is no flyweight. Better to diesel your way on the Domane AL 3, than it is to thrash around.

Fender mounts front and rear make the Domane an ideal commuter or wet-weather bike. Rear rack mounts further that versatility.

Running gear

Shimano’s Sora group delivers big on quality shifting and looks. While the 18-speed group is several steps below its more premium groupset siblings, the budget group sees many trickle-down features, such as shifter ergonomics and a super-stiff crankset.

Heck, Sora’s STI brake/shift levers even get reach adjustment to tailor the fit for larger or smaller hands.

The gearing range is what we’ve come to expect on endurance bikes, with a 50/34 compact crank and an 11-28 cassette. If you’re accustomed to an 11-speed group, you may notice the larger jumps between cogs, but, on the whole, shifting is good both front and rear.

A great upgrade though would be a set of nicer cables. Most bikes arrive with bargain basement cables and housing. To improve nearly any bike on a shop’s showroom floor, consider slicker, higher quality options.

While the drivetrain impressed, the bike is let down by lacklustre brakes. Trek’s spec-sheet lists them simply as 'alloy dual-pivot'. No brand name and described so abstractly that they seem to have been an afterthought.

A set of better brake pads would likely remedy the situation as the brake action felt fine. But that would raise the cost of the Domane AL 3 closer to $1,000.

Bontrager, Trek’s house brand, handles the wheels, a set of aluminum clinchers. Unexpectedly, the rims are tubeless ready, a nice option for those in areas where punctures are frequent. Sealed bearing hubs keep the wheels rolling and a pair of Bontrager T2 28mm tires adorn the rims.

The zero-setback, alloy seatpost, 31.8mm handlebar and stem are all aluminum Bontrager models. All are wonderfully functional, with plenty of comfy hand positions on the variable-radius handlebar and an easy-to-adjust seatpost.

The Bontrager Montrose Comp is a well-cushioned model but it just didn’t suit me. As is often the case, expect to swap it before you leave the dealer.

Aesthetically speaking

The matte Quicksilver finish on the Trek is attractive. The silver and blue play well together and luxurious handlebar tape with subtle blue accents completes the package. The AL 3 is also offered in a black/red combo.

The frame and fork also wipe up very cleanly, unlike some matte paintwork I’ve encountered over recent years. The joints on the aluminum frame may have been a bit big, but certainly didn’t venture into chunky territory.

While many sub-$1000-bike reviews are aimed at beginner cyclists, there is every reason for veteran riders to also consider Trek’s Domane AL 3. With its fender mounts and affordable drivetrain it would be an ideal winter training bike or handily replace a tired steel bike from the 90s.

The handling is made for long days in the saddle and the bike looks far nicer than its price tag would indicate.

I love how normal the Domane is. It uses an 1 1/8” threadless steerer tube, a threaded bottom bracket, quick release dropouts and fork ends, 31.8mm handlebar, 27.2 seatpost diameter, external cable routing, standard brake caliper mounting. This makes it extremely serviceable — for new cyclists and mechanics alike — with parts that are prevalent and easy to replace or upgrade.

Aluminum has gotten a bad rap over the years, but it still delivers exceptional value and, in the case of the Domane, a great ride.

The Domane AL 3, with a set of better brake pads, democratizes the joy of cycling, making it more approachable than ever.

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"Its crazily versatile, it can be so many different things which is so cool that it then rides so much like a road bike. I was really blown away."

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Trek Domane AL Disc 4 review: An astounding and affordable all-roader

Trek's new entry-level road bike combines an endurance fit with sporty handling and a whole bunch of versatility..

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I simply love that some of the most interesting and versatile road bikes on the market currently sit at the budget end of the spectrum. And that’s exactly the case for Trek’s new Domane AL Disc, an all-road-esq bike based around a budget-minded aluminium frame.

Much like Trek’s more premium carbon fibre Domane offerings, this new aluminium version aims to offer plenty of versatility via combining (super-)wide tyre clearance with a comfortable fit and a sporty road-bike feel.

Put another way, the new Domane AL Disc slips snugly in between two other aluminium drop bar bikes in Trek’s range. There’s the more expensive, road-focused, and performance-oriented Emonda ALR ; and there’s the road-leaning gravel bike that is the Checkpoint AL . And I truly believe a bike like the Domane AL Disc is the right choice if you can’t decide between these two. That of course assumes you can actually find one to buy.

At our recent Field Test the Victorian High Country’s endless alpine roads and gravel paths were the perfect place to cap off our testing of Trek’s latest affordable road bike. Let’s dive in.

Budget frame with all the right bells and whistles

Story highlights.

What: Trek’s new entry-level and versatile road bike. || Key updates: Overhauled geometry to match carbon version, wide tyre clearance, disc brakes, plenty of mounting points for accessories, 32 mm tyres as stock.|| Weight: 10.45 kg (without pedals, 54 cm frame size) || Price: US$1,600 / £1,350.00 /AU$n/a || Highs: Huge tyre clearance, unique geometry is great for the purpose, quite comfortable ride quality, easy to service and upgrade, rides lighter than it feels to pick up, Shimano Tiagra just works, rim width, quality thru-axles.|| Lows: Basic and heavy frame, making the bike tubeless requires new tyres and a handful of parts, extremely heavy wheels (especially given the bike’s price), handlebar drop shape is too compact.

Like the Checkpoint AL, the new Domane AL Disc is built with Trek’s Alpha 100-series aluminium. Trek has kept rather quiet about the specifics of this tubing, but effectively it’s the company’s most affordable material blend with simple straight gauge tubes and only minimal smoothing (or none at all) of the welds throughout the frame.

However, while the material may be price-point-oriented, the general construction is still quite impressive. The tubes have been formed into shapes to closely mimic those of the carbon Domane, the top tube is curved and flattened, while the down tube is almost rectangular in shape. Meanwhile, the chainstays have been dimpled to the extreme in order to provide an elegant sufficiency of tyre clearance.

Up front there’s a fork with carbon fibre blades, but the rest of its construction, including the tapered steerer, is aluminium. With a modest build the Domane AL Disc frame and fork aren’t light and you can expect the frame to be well in excess of 1,400 grams. And there’s just no pretending this is a lightweight road bike once you add in a budget-minded build, wide tyres, and disc brakes.

Despite that basic frame construction I was left positively surprised. I had expected a frameset that did almost nothing to assist with ride comfort, and I was wrong. Instead the Domane AL Disc did a respectable job at numbing vibrations and taking the edge off larger impacts.

A big part of that ride quality is the result of a frame that’s more flexible – this bike does have a little more sway in key areas versus more premium offerings. I didn’t find this to impact on handling, but along with the high bike weight it creates a ride that feels less eager to jump forward with bursts of power.

As stock, the Domane AL Disc is fitted with 32 mm tyres, and without question, these go a long way to making the bike feel as smooth as it is.

Impressively the Domane AL Disc can go wider again. Trek officially suggests the frame can fit 35 mm tyres front and rear, just shy of the 38 mm figure it achieves with the latest carbon Domane. But as usual, that quoted figure is on the safe side, so much so that I managed to fit measured 42 mm Continental Terra Trail tyres into the frame front and rear, and the only touching point was the Tiagra front derailleur. And I’d bet a new Shimano GRX front derailleur and matching offset crank would fix this clearance limitation.

The wide tyre clearance is matched with some adventure-friendly mounting points. In addition to the regular two bottle cage mounts inside the frame, there’s a third mount under the down tube. There are mounts for a Bento-type bag on the top tube. There’s a rack mount at the rear in case you plan on commuting or touring. And there are mounting points for full-length fenders front and rear, with the rear using a removable seatstay bridge for a cleaner look in case you only ride in fine weather.

The frame’s front triangle features internal cable routing for a clean look, with those cables then being run externally past the bottom bracket. That bottom bracket is a standard 68 mm English threaded variant, while the regular round 27.2 mm seatpost with external clamp is equally as common and easy to upgrade. Huzzah!

Another neat trick found on many of Trek’s bikes is a space in the left chainstay for an integrated “DuoTrap” speed and cadence sensor. It is, however, sold separately.

High-end geometry

Trek offers this bike in seven frame sizes, all of which feature a modern take on a relaxed endurance-type fit. The stack figures offer a less aggressive riding position without placing the handlebars excessively high to negatively impact handling. The reach figures are kept shorter than the status quo which only assists in a more casual fit that should feel comfortable for most and confident once off the tarmac.

Much like Trek’s existing Domane carbon bikes , this budget model offers geometry designed around the use of larger 32 mm tyres which would otherwise raise the bike’s height. This is most evident by the significant 80 mm of bottom bracket drop, a figure that’s lower than many gravel bikes (including Trek’s own Checkpoint).

I found that bottom bracket drop quite noticeable. Where it can feel like you’re sitting on top of a number of endurance-type road bikes, it actually felt like I was in this one. The whole bike just felt lower to the ground, more stable, and more confident through corners. And that lower centre of gravity also made the bike feel like it’s lighter than its actual mass. However, do be careful of the lowered pedal clearance through corners if you’re used to a taller-standing bike.

The head angle (71.3º for a 54 cm size) is also more in line with what you’d expect of a stable gravel bike versus a road bike. However, Trek has matched this with a longer-than-most 53 mm fork offset which helps to speed up the handling. The result sees the trail figure – a good indication of how quickly the bike steers – kept closely comparable to sportier road bikes. For example, the tested 54 cm sample offers a 61 mm trail figure with 32 mm tyres. And despite its wider tyres and relaxed fit, this still feels like a road bike.

That slack head angle, long fork offset, and 420 mm chainstay length all work together to elongate the wheelbase to over a metre. And while the trail figure may be quite sporty, there’s just no hiding the sheer amount of stability on tap here.

The Domane AL Disc loves to go fast, but it just needs just that little more forewarning to get it turning. This somewhat slower attitude is exactly what most newer riders need and the result is likely to be a safer-riding bike. Meanwhile, that added front centre length provides generous toe clearance to the front wheel.

A weight that aligns with the price

OK, so the new Domane AL Disc ticks a lot of boxes, but it’s worth reiterating that it’s most certainly made to a price, and the needle on the scale will attest to that. With the only carbon fibre on the entire bike found in the front fork blades, this Domane AL Disc 4 (US$1,600 / £1,350.00 /AU$n/a) test sample weighs 10.45 kg without pedals. That’s not at all a small figure for a road-going bike.

Trek offers the same Domane AL Disc frameset in two cheaper models starting from US$1,050 / £800.00 / AU$1,400, however, both of those feature mechanical actuated disc brakes. Those in certain countries will have access to a model priced above the one I tested: the Domane AL Disc 5 which features Shimano 105 shifting and brakes and sells for US$1,800 / £1,600 / AU$n/a.

As tested, the AL Disc 4 features a full Shimano 2×10-speed Tiagra drivetrain and matching hydraulic brakes. And while the groupset is fairly weighty, its shifting and braking performance far surpasses its price point. Shifts are positive, fast and consistent. The affordable components mean that upkeep isn’t painful on the wallet.

Gearing wise there’s an 11-32T cassette at the back, with a compact (50/34T) crank on the front. This is plenty of range for general rolling hills, however there were times that I wanted an even lower gear for getting the weighty bike up excessively steep inclines. It’s worth pointing out that the more expensive Domane Al Disc 5 (with an 11-speed 105 groupset) comes with a 11-34T cassette, and I feel that size is a much better match to a bike rolling on bigger 32 mm tyres. Thankfully the stock Tiagra derailleur can handle an 11-34T cassette and so making the switch is a relatively low-cost upgrade.

The braking performance from the Tiagra hydraulic disc brakes leaves little to complain about. The light lever feel and clear power modulation are significant improvements over the mechanical brakes fitted to cheaper models in Trek’s range. I understand this will upset those who use mechanical disc brakes, but I believe this aspect alone is worth spending more for.

The rest of the build comes from Bontrager, Trek’s own component and accessory brand. All the pieces proved to be well suited and reliable choices for the bike’s intended purpose.

Clearly built to take a beating, the stock wheels are anything but light. I weighed them at 2,270 g for the pair (1,050 g front, 1,220 g rear) which makes them the heaviest road wheelset I’ve seen in recent memory. At the centre are basic cup-and-cone loose ball bearing thru-axle hubs (made by Formula) and straight gauge spokes. On the outside sit aluminium rims with a surprisingly modern 21 mm internal width and tubeless compatibility (required rim strips are sold separately). Weight aside those are two good things.

Those wheels may be tubeless compatible, but the provided Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite tyres are not. These feature a wire bead construction, good puncture resistance, and also carry a fair bit of weight in the process (460 g apiece). A bunch of the bike’s testing was done with Continental GP5000 TL 32 mm tyres, and not only did these knock about 200 g from the bike, they provided a noticeably faster-rolling and smoother (as a result of the more supple tyre construction) ride.

I’d say keep the Bontrager tyres if you plan on commuting, touring, or gravel riding with this bike, but consider swapping them out to a more premium offering if you’re seeking speed on the road.

Bontrager’s own alloy handlebar and stem work just fine, although much like I mentioned in our Field Test review of the Emonda SL 6 Pro , I did find that my wrists would contact the top of the handlebar when riding in the drops. Similarly, the provided aluminium seatpost is wonderfully reliable and easy to adjust, however it does nothing to aid in seated comfort. More comfort awaits through an upgrade to an intentionally flexible carbon seatpost.

Bontrager’s own saddle gave little to complain about with a non-offensive shape matched with a good balance of softness and support. And I quite liked the grippy, thick and rubberised bar tape used here.

Finally it’s worth mentioning that the tested Domane AL Disc 4 is available in three frame colours, and even the boring black option isn’t so boring. Kudos to Trek there for keeping things fun for all.

Make it what you want

Trek doesn’t have a whole lot of competition in this space at the moment when you consider that enormous tyre clearance, accessible geometry, and the relatively affordable asking price. The obvious competitor is Giant’s Contend AR , a bike I’ve reviewed and praised highly before. There’s also the new Orbea Avant to consider (a bike I tried and failed to get for review). From there the list gets pretty thin, at least for now. I’m betting we’ll see many more options in this versatile all-road space follow in mid-2021.

Despite its significant weight being a shock for the asking price, I really enjoyed riding this bike. It’s proof that good geometry and a decent ride quality matter more than anything else. So much so that I tried to buy the test sample with plans of maxing out the tyre clearance and building myself a go-anywhere thrasher drop-bar bike.

However, those plans were foiled as Trek desperately needed the bike back due to pandemic-based consumer demand. I’ve since heard from a few sources that demand is greatly outpacing supply for the new Domane AL Disc, and that leaves me feeling happy-sad. I’m happy knowing that many likely newer cyclists have already ordered this great bike, but sad to think that many others will miss out.

For more information, visit www.trekbikes.com .

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Trek Domane AL 3 Gen 3

AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 44cm, 49cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 61cm

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

Frame 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal routing, fender mounts, DuoTrap S compatible, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle
Fork Domane AL carbon, tapered alloy steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle
Hubs Formula RX-142 alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle
Wheels Size: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Paradigm SL, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, Presta valve; Size: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, Presta valve; Size: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Paradigm, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, Presta valve
Spokes 14g stainless steel, black
Tires Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x32mm
Chain Shimano Sora HG53, 9 speed
Crank Size: 44, Shimano Sora R3000, 50/34 (compact), 165mm length; Size: 49, 52, 54, Shimano Sora R3000, 50/34 (compact), 170mm length; Size: 56, 58, 61, Shimano Sora R3000, 50/34 (compact), 175mm length
Bottom Bracket Shimano RS500, 68mm, threaded external
Front Derailleur Shimano Sora R3000, 31.8mm clamp
Rear Derailleur Shimano Sora R3000, mid cage, 34T max cog
Shifters Shimano Sora R3000, 9 speed
Brakeset Tektro C550 mechanical disc brake, dual piston, flat mount, 160mm rotor
Handlebar Size: 44, 49, Bontrager Comp VR-S, alloy, 31.8mm, 81mm reach, 118mm drop, 38cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Comp VR-S, alloy, 31.8mm, 81mm reach, 118mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 54, 56, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 42cm width; Size: 58, 61, Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 44cm width
Saddle Size: 44, 49, 52, Bontrager Verse Comp, steel rails, 155mm width; Size: 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Verse Comp, steel rails, 145mm width
Seatpost Size: 44, 49, Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2mm, 8mm offset, 250mm length; Size: 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2mm, 8mm offset, 330mm length
Stem Size: 44, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length; Size: 49, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 52, 54, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 56, 58, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length; Size: 61, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 110mm length
Headset FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: How much is a 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Gen 3?

A 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Gen 3 is typically priced around $1,449 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Gen 3?

The 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Gen 3 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size 2023 Trek Domane AL 3 Gen 3 should I get?

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