Seems like a very nice bike. Not surprised about the Tiagra groupset. Had it speced on my recent bike (2019 Checkpoint ALR 4) and it never caused any issues. Since it’s 10-speed it is easy (and cheap) to upgrade with a GRX rear derailleur and a similar crankset. Will give you more ”gravely” gearing and the support of a clutch to limit the chain whipping the stays. Nice review as always 👍🏻
Great review as always! I just don't get one thing: Trek's claiming that gen 4 frame and fork are half a pound lighter but looking at specs, gen 3 weights less! :) And this cable integration on lower priced bikes is a crime. I own gen 3 Domane AL 3 and after upgrades the bike weights 8,9 kgs and is dream to ride.
@@JG...... Yep, I kept only the frame. The rest is Fulcrum lightweight wheels, carbon seatpost from Enve, San Marco Aspide seat (106 g), carbon handlebars, Juin Tech hydro mechanical brakes and changed whole mechanical groupset to 105 (compact, 11-34). Tyres are Schwalbe GOne. Without pedals and bootle cages I got 8,9 kgs. Just by removing the stock wheelset you'll save at least 500 grams.
Yes off course if you're starting from the scratch. In my case, I had all the upgrade parts on my previous bike which I swapped with Trek and sold the old bike for almost the original price with lower spec'ed components. Maybe I've just been lucky... 😂🤗
Your assessment of the GR1 tires was maybe a bit kind to Bontrager…I found them to be pretty awful and making the switch to Specialized Pathfinder Pros completely changed my bike (a Checkpoint, but the sentiment would be similar). Trek would do well to have a competitor in the stock tire category. OR, Bontrager could just get out of the tire game altogether so Trek could source a better OE tire.
Been looking for a new bike to replace my old 2015-16 commuter (Triban 540) and the Domane takes top position out of all the other candidates. Maybe Im approaching the bike with rose tinted goggles on but I remember when $800-1300 used to get you a 105 groupset equipped bike. Tiagra has come a very long way in the last decade though. Looked at the AL5 but that costs $2500 here and there is no way im paying that for a ALu bike let alone a commuter that's going to be seeing the worst of the weather. At least Tiagra should be harder wearing.
The great thing about this bike is the geometry. Most "endurance" carbon bikes are dull. Since its made from aluminum it is stiff. I believe that comfort comes from wheels and body position. It's perfect for 🦖 people.
i think it'd be awesome to have sram apex axs on it. no need to worry about routing shifter cables. no need to buy front derailleur. front 42T and rear 44T should let you climb any road surface. i hope there is a frameset option. the 60-bolt rotor is kind of let down or at least i think it's easier to get centre-lock rotors.
Thank you for your wonderful review! It was very helpful. So, I have a question... Is there any possibility of it being released in Japan? Thank you for your reply.
On one side I agree, however atleast here in the Netherlands the 105 di2 full groupset is now on sale for €950. The cheapest Trek Domane is the AL2 for €1200 with all the same components besides groupset and bottom bracket. Would probably buy the AL2 and upgrade to 105 di2 for it's compatibility with higher end groupsets.
@@GravelCyclist Low miles definitely make it a keeper! : ) I knew someone that bought one of the backup cars from the "Stringray" TV series which was filmed here in BC. It was mess in terms of the modifications they made to the car, but it looked cool. I have no idea if he kept it as he was flipping vettes trying to get to an early model convertible Corvette which was his dream car.
I commented on the video you made earlier on the carbon Trek Domane. Maybe last year??? I have an open mold frame that is very similar to the same geometry as the Domane. With 40mm tires I get toe strikes with real tight turns. Which I rarely make a turn that tight, I do run my cleats all the way back (road shoes if I use my MTB shoes it’s worse) and wear a size 13 shoe. As a gravel bike the Domane would be a short wheelbase.
For certain, the Domane AL or its carbon brethren, are not fully fledged gravel bikes, but they work well enough in this capacity. Thus, I chose to show that functionality with the new variant of the AL's increased tyre clearance, in real-world riding scenarios. This was a short-term vs my usual much longer-term review, but I didn't pull any tight turns to experience toe overlap issues. Thank you.
This looks like it could make a good cyclocross bike. You might want to throw on a GRX 400 46/30 crankset and some CX tires and be ready to race. Hmmmmm.... EDIT - Sweet Vette!
Hello, on the old Trek Domane AL2 or AL3 Gen3 the tyre clearance on website is declared 35mm, is possible to fit 38? A reseller told me he putted 38 mm on the old gen3. As confirmed 38 on the new one, have you tried on the Gen3 to fit a bigger tyre? This question because I am evaluating a trek AL2 or AL3 Gen3 or the new gen… thank you!
I cannot answer by my own experience, yet, but I ordered a Trek Domane AL5 Gen3 a minute ago and hope to receive it in a week. I assume that a 38 will fit in the rear as I read s.o. else reporting this. Probably it will make a difference what tyre model you choose as some are narrow, some are wider than spec'd.
@@kiwi22207 dude, i want the AL 5 with this colorway jesus lol, not really wanting that matte black, even if it does look clean. This with the gravel tires is nice!!
Al5 mutch better and the gearing is better with 12 speeds and a 34 tooth cog on the back so 1 to 1 gear ratio bloody handy on the steep stuff as these bikes are not the lightest!!!.
