NEW Trek Domane 2023: It's Better, but is it still Relevant? 

I think a better question is, for the vast majority of cyclists, whether racing bikes are still relevant, given most of us don't race. And neither do many of us still retain the flexibility to take full advantage of them. The comfort afforded by endurance bikes, particularly on longer rides, seems far more paramount than finishing your ride a few minutes faster.

I am a Trek dealer in New York City. We sell, by far, more Domane than Emonda and Madone put together. David, for sure, Endurance/"All Road" bikes are getting squeezed on either side, however, the Domane is the best, "Real Person" bike. Not overly racy, nor is it a bicycle version of Ewan and Charlie. It's the road bike for most of us. I, for one, love this bike. Ain't jus' sayin it, honest! :) Thanks, David!

THE reason to buy a Domane is the relaxed geometry. Unless you are getting paid to ride, your 'speed' means nothing. Being more relaxed and upright makes longer days SO much more ENJOYABLE. Which is what is really important.

Endurance bikes still are the best option for most riders due to their geometry more applicable to riders who haven’t got the body mass of Kate Moss or an FTP of 300w. Race bikes still have aggressive geometry which means sore neck and shoulders for most. Race bikes if you race and endurance for the rest.

I ride 80% road 20% gravel but I wouldn't purchase an Emonda because the head tube is too short for my liking (30 mm shorter). I wouldn't purchase a pure Checkpoint as the head tube is even shorter than the Emonda and the reach is longer than both bikes. The Domane is perfect for this 62 year old who isn't getting more limber with age, only worse. Endurance bikes are perfect and I hope they continue building them. Great video and your question is a great talking point.

Endurance bikes are absolutely relevant, from a geometry standpoint. Most of us are not suited for long and low race bikes. For me, even my Domane ALR is still a tiny bit too short and too low (given my short arms and bad back)

I think endurance bikes will stay sort of relevant for genral public due to geometry. Racing geometry is getting so aggressive these days that only really fit people will fit ( no pun intended). An if you're not interested in gravel the endurance may be the way to go. I'm on that situation since the geometry of my 10 years old TCR is more similar to todays Defy than the new TCR.

A great review, as always. SLR 6 with Shimano 105 for USD$8000. The top model SLR 9 with SAM RED USD$13200. The world has gone made.

I remember when you couldn’t get a TREK bike for pre embargo testing. Now yow you have the only one in the UK. Not early, but still a privilege to be amongst the first. I haven’t seen anyone else review it yet.

I have a 2020 SL6 and it rides like a dream! the frame geometry fits like a glove, better than and with zero touch point modifications that I need to (or have needed to) on my full on race bikes. Gravel bikes are toads, the bigger tires don't 'plane' above smooth roads like a proper road bike. My Domane glides over the pavement with ease unlike a gravel bikes I have ridden (Diverge) and climbs like a mountian goat and is super comfortable despite being a few pounds heavier than my other road bikes. 50+ mile rides at a whim and I feel great at the end of the ride! Endurance bikes have a future because they are road race fast and they're a lot more comfortable than say a Madone. Endurance bikes are fast bikes for regular people.

I have a 2022 SLR Domane and a 2020 SLR Emonda. I live in the San Francisco Bay area where the roads are poor, and in my area, the gravel is too rocky for your average gravel bike - more mt. bike terrain. That said, I've fitted out my Domane with tubeless Gravel King SS tires (32C on the front, 35C on the back.) My Emonda has tubeless Conti 5000 tires both 32C, though the bike isn't specked for that large a size but they fit fine. For long distance riding 60-100 miles (100 to 160km) I prefer the Domane. When I'm hammering with my club mates, and the rides are shorter, I prefer the Emonda. On a long ride, say a century...I feel pretty beat at the end when using the Emonda, where as the Domane is very plush, plush enough that I notice the difference between the two on longer rides. I'm 65 years old and have been riding for years. I average 200 miles (320km) per week. Prior to Covid, I was still racing and if I start racing again I will use the Emonda. But if you have rough roads, and you like long even paces rides, the Domane is king. So after a long winded comment, I believe endurance bikes are still relevant and I'm fortunate that I have both an Emonda and a Domane.

I’ve been riding my Gen 4 Domane SL6 eTap for about 3 weeks, the bike is amazing. I’m a 55 y/o - I’m a petite 208 pounds 😂 I bought this bike because I enjoy the endurance geometry, I upgraded from a 2019 Gen 3 Domane SL6, the new bike is lighter and rides faster and still extremely comfortable. I ride around 250-300 miles a month, usually in 20-30 mile chunks and for me it over delivers, it’s really fun riding this new bike. I think this bike fits a broad range of cyclist, let’s face it we all can’t ride in the Tour de France 🇫🇷. But when your riding this bike you almost feel like you are, SRAM drivetrain is awesome and works flawlessly, I’m running the Bontrager R3 tires tubeless 32c and they are great so far. I have to tip my hat to Trek they made a comfortable endurance bike, that can stand up to anything with your average Joe behind the bars.

GCN Tech just did (9/8/2022) a poll question asking what type of bike geometry is preferred. Race or endurance and the results from the viewers was 62% preferred endurance geometry to 38% for race geometry.

The Domane is a popular bike in Wisconsin, Trek's home state, as it allows for exploring our lumpy roads and occasional gravel bike trails w/o feeling beat-up at the end of the ride. My 2020 SL7 is by far the nicest bike to ride that I've ever owned in 35+ years of cycling. The Gen 4 model addresses the one issue I have with my Gen 3, that being the seat post mast allowing water into the frame.

For those of us that don't race or aren't comfortable with the head-in-your-crotch style of riding necessitated by low stack height road-race bikes, the endurance bikes offered are not only relevant, they're damn near a necessity. Riding twenty-five to fifty miles with friends to grab a sandwich and a coffee then returning home on roads that while still paved are far worse than even our broken-up interstates is better done with a touch of comfort on an endurance bike than a touch of cramps on a race bike.

I have both a Giant Revolt advanced Pro gravel bike and a Giant Defy advanced Pro endurance bike and the similarities between the two bikes are huge. The Defy feels faster and more agile but on Strava the times between the two bikes are very similar. As for endurance bikes I still feel there relevant as I’d gladly swap the Defy for a TCR if it wasn’t for the more stretched out position which kills my neck :(( when your older David you might well see the benefits of a less aggressive position.

I have a Domane with two wheelsets. Currently running 32c GP5K on the road wheelset and 38c GravelKing SS+ on the "gravel" wheelset. I'm not doing tons of big chunky gravel or long runs of single track but I've been pretty impressed by the capability of the bike.

Great videos today. I’m a Big fan of Trek I’ll have the One behind you thanks. Keep up the good work 👍👍🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

I sold my Pinarello endurance bike to buy a Giant TCR. I’m very happy with the switch, I go much faster now and I’m not experiencing fatigue more than before. I actually find the TCR more enjoyable

I’ve been riding a Domane since 2017 and it’s perfect for urban riding (NYC) and anything from short after work rides to weekend century’s. Average speeds from 15 to 20mph depending on distance and elevation, which I think covers most use cases and rider types. That said…I replaced stock alloy wheels with Hunt 50mm carbon and saved about 1lb, but still around 17lbs with cages and power meter (Assioma duo) pedals, which is at least 1lb heavier than it should be in a damn size small frame! 🤯 For someone like me who does a wide variety of surfaces from smooth tarmac to hard pack gravel and urban pothole broken pavement, it’s great. It climbs and descends fine, not super fast straight but again, fine. Can put down close to 1,000 watts and the frame doesn’t feel like it’s torquing or flexing (and if so, very very little). For 99% of recreational riders, a Domane SL with carbon wheels and 105 mechanical is enough, 99% of the time.

David, you have the best content of this type on RU-vid. Good job. Keep up the great work.

Owner of a Domane SL7 2021 eTap SRAM Force- Im very pleased with the bike. I changed tires from 28 to 32 so it can be now used as allround bike, long distances/endurance,taking the hills very well,light gravel as well.All good :)

I have a 2021 Domane SL5 & I love it. I’ve been riding a Domane sense 2013. I’m not a racer I just enjoy riding. So I’m interested in the new Domane. Can’t wait to throw my leg over the saddle .

This seems like more of an 'every dude' bike as opposed to a Madone and I'd love to try one -- even with balloon tires, the Madone will be a challenging ride for most people due to the lower stack height and aggressive geometry. One of my (minor) gripes with Trek is the garish, comically large logo on the downtube and yes, I have a Trek but an older, more modest generation. They should have a "subtle logo" option liike that pretty new Madone in your shop (better keep that locked up well!).

I've got a 2022 Domane SL 5 and in my gravel set up, I am running Paradigm Comp 25 wheels with GravelKing SK 38mm tires. My aero set up includes Aeolus Pro51 wheels with GP5000 32mm tires.

Endurance bike to me is still relevant. I have a 2022 Domane AL2 the comfort got me back into road cycling again after not riding road since 2016

Hi David, due to the availability issues many brands suffer lately, I spend last months watching a lot of review videos on your channel…looking for the ultimate, suitable bike for myself but seems I still haven’t found it. During these months of reviewing I decided that it should be an endurance bike for me. Longer rides on the flat Dutch roads and occasionally on the Italian/abroad gravel. Would love to see Trek offer a 1x setup on the Domane…but they don’t…😏 Keep up the good work on your channel and get the 2023 Domane quickly 😉😃 on the road for a real review!

Love my domane since its the more road-focused gravel bike in my opinion. Everything is one by and for the 20-30% of gravel I do, having a spare set of wheels with 40c tires to put on is a great all-rounder bike. With a slammed -10 degree stem, you can get a plenty aggressive sitting position for the road to get nice and aero.

A brilliant review David! I love what you do - keep up the greatness! I was looking at getting the previous Domane LT+ at one stage but the cable routing and rear isospeed made me turn away, so I agree with the point you made.

David, I think you are looking at Endurance road bikes from the wrong angle, they are more than wider tyres it's the geometry that makes them an endurance bike a shorter top tube a higher stack etc. whether they continue to be relevant depends on market forces I guess.

I ride a DOMANE . I run 38 mm Gravelking Slicks, tubeless. I absolutely love it.

I have 2020 Domane SL5 and love it. I ride it every day if weather allows. The only upgrade I made was a saddle swap to specialized power mimic. This bike will stay with me for years to come :)

I like my endurance bike (Giant Contend AR 1) with various upgrades like carbon handlebars and custom alloy wheelset because the geometry is more comfortable (I am middle aged) and I like the 32c tubless tires to prevent flats. It has endurance gearing (11-34 and 50-34) which helps on the hills even if it isn't as fast. It allows me to ride on rougher pavement and light gravel and make my rides more adventurous, trying new routes.

I have a 2021 SLR Domane and it all depends on the season for me. I run 28mm tires in the spring and summer and I’ll occasionally go to either 32 or 35mm during the cooler seasons. Been very happy with it

I have ridden the Emonda and Domane and loved both of them, for what they were designed for. The Emonda was great for climbing in the hills around Los Angeles, and the Domane was great for the 235 mile tour I did this past weekend. Yes, you can customize a road or gravel bike to get close to an endurance bike, but you still have to customize it (more cash out of pocket). My Domane is still running on all factory components. No customization (of frame or components) needed.

I have a 2021 Domane SL5. Doing about 100-150 miles of riding a week on tarmac with the stock setup and I think it rides exceptional. Done a small amount of gravel with 32mm hybrid tires and it was okay. Thinking 38 or 40 mm gravel tires would help. Overall, my version of the Domane is great for the rode and can handle light gravel stuff without an issue. My thinking the endurance bikes will be around for a long time because they are for everyday riders and the long distance riders.

I got my Domane in 2020 and rarely use big tyres (38mm) but it is useful. Primarily for road backpacking however I’ve now got a separate gravel bike so for anything rough that gets used. I normally ride the Domane with 32mm GP5000 STR’s, fine for long days, club ride but also the club TT’s and Crits!

I like the top tube mounts. I have marred my paint on my SL6 because of my top tube bag. I use it for longer rides (60miles+) to store lip balm, wallet, gels, sunscreen, etc.

David, you make a great point about the endurance vs gravel differentiator - Domane vs Checkpoint - one is mostly road with some gravel and the other is mostly gravel with some road. I'm perfectly happy to be in the Domane camp with 80% road use with the occasional gravel riding. My goal is to acquire a second set of wheels where one set will have gravel tires mounted, the other with road. I plan to rid myself of the MTN Giant hardtail I've had for a couple of years. Yes, I believe endurance bikes will remain relevant due to geometry and the vast number of older riders who seek the comfort for long days over tarmac.

I think they're still relevant. I own a 22 Domane SLR and a 22 Madone SLR and a '17 Salsa Warbird for gravel. For shorter rides where I want speed, I'll take the race bike, but I do endurance work on weekends of 100+ miles, even did a 200 miler this past year. My Domane is hands down more comfortable on anything beyond 2 hours in the saddle. If you're just riding around doing under 50 miles on your rides, what ever - Get the bike you want... But if you're not being paid to ride like a pro and you're riding 5-14 hour rides, endurance bikes certainly have a place and I feel they're the right tool for the job in that circumstance. I run 32mm wide tires on my Pro 3V wheel set (37 mm depth / 25 mm inner width) and 28's on my RSL 37's.

Endurance bikes are the best pick especially if you can't follow (n+1) formula. They are basically good bikes for the road and good enough for majority of the gravel riding and anything in between (like CX:). I'm personally riding on a budget: simple Fuji Sportifwith up to 38mm tires that allows me to ride anything from group rides, centuries, gravel, local mtb trails and CX and it's all for the fracture of the price of nowadays endurance bikes😃👌🏼 Long live the endurance bikes🤘🏼

Been selling bikes 17 years. This year's hot bikes Cannondale Topstone and alloy Domane along with carbon Domane however lack of stock hitting the carbon market hard. Could sell them week in week out. Diverge popular too. Accommodating an aging bike buying market. Kids are not buying bikes.

I am glad they updated the IsoSpeed as you mentioned, I've adjusted twice when I first got the bike and have not touched it. I would consider getting the frameset and moving over my current setup from my current Domane versus buying the full build. edit: I happened onto one of these in the SLR 7 eTap that dropped into my lap. Rides like a dream.

Currently running 2022 Domane with both front and rear isospeed. Love the bike. I am older and enjoy long rides 30 mile runs. Love the endurance series. Buddy riding a Specialized Roubaix, also enjoys the endurance geometry and ride. Hope the companies continue with the endurance style frames.

I think that endurance road bikes are still the sweet spot for many cyclists who ride primarily or exclusively on the road. Race bikes usually have aggressive geometry that most of us don't find as comfortable and won't take much advantage of the aero improvements with that body position. New endurance bikes are giving plenty of clearance for wider tires so going to a gravel bike isn't needed if not venturing off road and needing even more clearance. I find the Domane to be comparatively expensive and instead chose to order a Fairlight Strael steel bike that ends up pretty close in weight (sub 9kg) to the Domane and considerably less expensive at a similar spec (Ultegra Di2).

I feel like Domane is a quiver killer, would be for me. Over the years I slowly migrated from pure gravel rigs to a more sportier gravel bikes wit clearance up to 40 mm and their great. For anything more I have a hardtail and a fullsusser. I’d like meself a Domane. Only problem, there is no Trek dealer in my country and I will not be bothered to import myself, because then the field turns immensely wider so to speak. Looks good though, the Domane.

I feel they definitely still are relevant as road conditions, especially back roads are in bad shape and the wider tires do afford a bit of security and comfort for these conditions. Also as others have mentioned the ergonomics of an endurance bike are very welcoming especially to us riders that are in our senior years. Comfort over rides speed.

Yes, absolutely! I just got an SLR7 with Aeolus RSL 51 wheels and RSL Aero handlebars. Couldn't be happier!!!!

SLR Damane 2020 which I LOVE! I ride country roads in the US midwest and every summer there is fresh gravel dumped on these road and the tires I put on are 38s. I love them and notice they are much more stable on those roads with and without gravel and I feel safer and the tires filled to 65 psi makes for a comfortable ride. I had to ride my older FX/3 recently for a week and I could not believe the difference, all the bumps and road vibration is much more tiring, as is the heavier bike generally.

love the top-tube storage on longer rides. keep some extra gels or gummies in there for easy access. some thought that it is even an aero advantage.

I remember in one of your videos early this year, you were highlighting that there would be more endurance or all road bike being pushed to the market this year.

I went to a custom built 2019 Orbea Avant endurance bike for the upright riding position. I am in my mid 50’s and race bikes are just uncomfortable. My last race bike was a 2019 Specialized Venge, it was fast but not fun on long rides. My recent purchase is a 2022 3t Exploro Racemax with 650b and its great for gravel and some pavement. I feel like there is still a need for endurance bikes but would like to try the Orbea Orca to see if it’s comfortable on long rides. Long rides for me are 70 to 100 miles.

I have a 2021 Domane SL5 with Bontrager Pro 51 wheelset riding on 28mm Gatorskins. The wheelset is a MAJOR speed upgrade and I prefer the 28 over the 32 mm. I love the bike and have ridden 108 mi in one day as well as 65 milers on Skyline Drive in Front Royal, VA. I'm considering upgrading to the 2023 SL6 with Di2 as I ride a lot. Good video too.

I have a 2021 Domane SL 6 with Zipp 303s and 28cc Pirelli Race TLR tires. Its phenomenal. My first time with 28cc on this bike

Many people have said it already, but geometry is key on this. I'm ~188cm tall, am all leg, and have wide shoulders. These newer race bikes with really aggressive geometry are just tough for me to ride and I don't necessarily want my gravel bike to double as my road bike. The geometry of these bikes may mean they don't have the sick looks of a race bike, but you're only as fast as you can somewhat comfortably ride a bike.

I use my 2019 Domane as a gravel bike. Done 1000 km of rough gravel riding with no issues. Running Bontrager GR2 tyres in 40 mm and still enough clearance -never had an issue. Agree that front Isospeed is more of a gimmick than real benefit. That D shaped seat post is a real hassle. Can't fit any dropper post.

I have the previous generation Domane with SRAM components and have not been able to use 38s. I do use my bike with 35s on light grave and and they work fine.

I value the comfort of endurance bike geometry on modest 40 - 50 mile rides. A lot of people in my local cycling clubs value the comfort of endurance bikes on group rides, I am 65 years old, in decent shape but I value the more relaxed comfort the geometry offers as well as compliance from a well designed carbon fiber bike. I love the sport of cycling and love it. more when I can do it 'comfortably'.

Endurance road bikes are relevant and it's obviously not just about tire clearance, its about geometry. I think a bunch of consumers want a fast light pure road bike with a geometry a bit less aggressive than one used by a 25 year old pro rider. For gravel I have a gravel bike. It is a different animal. In fact, companies would be advised to make more bikes along the lines of a Canyon Endurace. Once you get a little older you'll understand (or maybe not since you once shilled ceramic bearings for the steerer tube). And companies need to know that relevance to a pro rider in a single race shouldn't necessarily drive all their decisions on what bikes they will actually sell to people who are actually paying for their bikes. Fortunately Tek seems to get this.

I love my top tube bag and my next bike will absolutely have a dedicated mount. I’m done with Velcro. I don’t understand why such a simple feature is not standard on an endurance bike.

Have the 2020 sl 5. Used it for touring, bikepacking, grand fondos, crits, gravel races, and commuting. It's even a size too small but idgaf it's so damn comfortable and versatile

Most riders get a race bike because that is what the pros ride. They think...I just have to have one of those because that is what so and so is riding. Unless your serious about racing, most riders should get a endurance bike. I would love to have a Trek Domane.

David, as a Belgian, you need to tell me the story of your tshirt! Great overview of the new Domane, hopefully you'll get one to test soon, already looking forward to your ride-review of the Madone.

2020 Domane SL7 here, I run 30mm road tires and 35mm gravel. The bike is a tad heavy, but it absolutely suits my needs wonderfully. I've bike packed with it as well. Not sure there is a need for the rsl pro version, however, for consumers, I suspect the diet the Domane received, is going to make the new model a great option for endurance and recreation riders.

Still rocking a 2013 Domane here. Still seems relevant. Still love riding it.

GCN did a survey and endurance bikes came out on top, so I presume that is what most people (non-racers) want.

Really enjoy the Domane bike.. I believe the bike is the perfect mix of comfort and speed. I usually put on 32 on my Domane bike... I find that width allow a good bit of give and speed on road and allows light gravel. This year grabbed a AL Domane for commuting to work... 1500 miles so fare... super comfortable position and ride quality with speed

I just got my domane this month and I love the relaxed geometry on it. I tried a gravel bike 3 months ago and I didn't like the very aggressive riding position on it (Cube Nuroad).

Endurance bikes fall in the sweet spot for me. Generally riding loops 30-100km directly from my house in the suburbs, average quality tarmac with some of my routes going over 15-35 km light gravel sections occasionally. I ride a Domane and its giving me juste the right performance when i feel like pushing for a good segment time, just the right confidence when hopping across those gravel sections and most importantly, allows me to still sit down for dinner after a 100+ km afternoon ride. If I bought a gravel bike, I would have to load it up in the car and drive to gravel-land to have fun, much like I already do for mtb.

I have a 2022 Domane SL5 and love it. The only thing I've changed is my tire size, 700x30 from 32 and it's great.

I'd say this is a better 'all round' bike than the Canyon earlier reviewed...... And to answer the question - Yes, these bikes are really what the majority of riders should be riding, especially if you ride on the awful roads of the UK. Comfort is king. I'm on my 4th Domane, and they've all managed gravel, even the rim braked versions. This is on my radar....

I just bought my second Domane. My first was an ALR electric, it got stolen off my Saris bike rack a few weeks ago. The second that I just purchased is a SL 6 Gen 4. I’m sold, it’s a great riding bike for those of us that don’t race and just want to go out for a 20 mile ride without feeling like the bike is to slow, to heavy, not fashionable or lacks technology. My ALR road like a Cadillac, heavy and smooth. In two plus years of riding that I used the electric assist maybe 3 times. The bike really didn’t need electric assist. The Fuza motor worked well when I turned it on, but it’s not for everyone. My SL6 Gen 4 is a different ride. It’s carbon fiber with electric shifting. It rides light and strong. The shifting is quick and light regardless if you are putting all your weight on one pedal or coasting down hill. The electronic shifting is really nice. It also has ISO speed which my ALR didn’t have. That’s a nice touch as well. The bike rides light, smooth and fast! For those who say the Damone is no longer relevant, I say give me something better and I’ll drop $5000 on it, because I haven’t found a better bike yet! I hope this post helps those that are thinking about buying a Damone. Go ride one, form your own opinion!

An endurance bike is the perfect bike for me so I certainly hope they stay relevant! I want the all day, many kilometer comfort an endurance road bike geometry offers but I don't need nor want a gravel bike because there are very few gravel roads where I live and even fewer that are worth riding.

I have two wheelsets (with 32mm tyres and 40mm tyres) on my Canyon Grail and I am very happy with the performance. But for me as a customer its good to choose from a full range of choices. So i hope endurance bikes stay relevant to offer opportunities for every kind of requirements, we live in flatlands, in the Mountains or something in between.

Well I am never sure what makes a good bike, but I think its always the one that works best for the individual. The fits are always a mystery process that seems to have to be designed individually for all the variations in a persons structure. Finding the fit is almost impossible as the body changes faster in time than the bike. I have found a few fits in my life , one Italian bike,one French bike,Seven bike ,older Domane, (new one could not ride) and a Canon bike. I have changed over time and the bikes stayed the same.

As an enthusiast in my 50s who does some sportives, but otherwise rides from central London to and beyond the M25 or takes his bike up to his native Yorkshire, the Domane is the right bike for me. I have the front end low, with a longer 120mm stem, so you could argue I should go for an Emonda or Madone, but I like the comfort from the Isospeed and 32mm tubeless tyres.

would love to get an unbiased comparison between the 2023 domane and roubaix; i have an older roubaix and really enjoy the future shock but looking to upgrade to e-shifting sometime and I like the domane's internal storage + additional tire clearance; also the future shock makes the bike a little more annoying to travel with so if I could get a smooth ride without the future shock that would be preferred

Definitely relevant. For my next bike I am confused between Domane or Defy!

I have the 2020 Domane SLR! I fit 40mm Zipp Gravel tires, with Cushcore tire inserts. Really like the current model, but yeah a bit heavier than I’d like, although the SLR with a high end component build and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 V wheels it’s not too bad. Will likely get the new Gen 4 frame if I can get the SLR, which doesn’t seem to be avail. RSL is limited to 35mm tires, so would like the SLR which has 38mm max. 40’s will fit pretty easily though.

Yes, endurance bikes are still relevant to me.

As a senior citizen rider, I am keen to know if a 2023 Domane+ LT (e-bike) is due soon and if it will get similar upgrades

Ridding a 2022 domane sl6 with 25s and tunes. Very fast. Will switch to 32s tubeless this winter. Not as fast but safer. Very happy with the bike. Not without problems but still pretty nice. Looking at a felt fr advance 105 bike. Will probably jump on that next month. There's no hurry, nobody is looking at felt 105 right now. I am. I think it's a great bike with NO features! Just a good bike 👍

I really liked this review and was wondering if I could get some advice. I’m 15 and getting into road riding with my dad. I’m trying to choose a bike close to 2000 usd. I’m going to use it for my main goal right now which is a ride that’s got a lot of climbing (11ft elevation gain over 103 miles) but also want to be able to throw cross tires on it and race cross in the fall. My current ideas are the domane al 4, the emonda alr 5 and the canyon endurace 8. Sorry for the long message but thanks for any help you can provide

Yes, I think they are still relevant. In fact, I think one of the smartest things Trek did is to offer an ebike version of the Domane for old guys like me who want the road bike experience, and be able to handle long rides in comfort on all kinds of roads.

On my Domane I still ride the 32 mm tyres the bike was delivered with... when I mount new tyres I will probably go a bit slimmer, towards 30 maybe even 28 mm.

Hi David how do you compare this domane to the 3t exploro ekar are they a similar bike in terms of ride feel?

I recently bought a Trek Checkpoint. My first gravel bike. In hindsight the Domane would have been better for me. I ride it 80% on the road and have found the 40mm tyres it came fitted with are more than enough for the type of gravel I ride. I could put similar tyres on the Domane.

I have the 2021 Domane SL 5 and have kept the bike stock on the 32s. I'm >50, so a relaxed geo of an edurance bike suites me! It's a pity they have finally realized they need to drop the weight as the 21 SL5 is just a tad over 10KG with peddles!!! Absoutely ridiculous for a modern 105 carbon bikel And now £4.4K for the new 105 di2 2023 version - wacko. If it hadn't havd been for the bike shortage during covid, I'd had plumbed for the Scott Addict, but my LBS had plenty of domanes in stock.

I’m actually looking for a road bike with the opportunity to fit wider tires to soft-gravel rides… and the Domane is especially interesting 😊

I don't see the point of the Domane if a rider wants to ride gravel in any capacity. I went with the 2022 Checkpoint SL6 and can swap between 2 wheelsets for the type of riding I'm going out to do. For mixed riding and/or gravel dedicated, I ride the Bontrager Pro3V with CinturatoH 40mm tires. For dedicated road, I run the Bontrager Aeolus Pro51 with 28mm Pirelli tires and latex tubes. Absolutely LOVE that setup as a one bike for everything type of setup. I can ride higher speed road runs and then swap wheels and take the bike on mountain bike trails and gravel. Checkpoint just seems the best option for a one bike solution as you can always run narrower tires on a wide frame but can't run wider tires on a narrow frame.

I used to think they had no place but now I think they are a really good option. My wife who is not hard core can ride a nice road bike that she could race on and then have a spare set of wheels for light gravel which is perfect I think they are awesome all round bikes that does everything well other than single track

Endurance geometry makes way more sense to the majority of people. Besides, 32mm max, the max being the keyword is still not enough. 38mm here in the domane is really big clearance. I think 34/35mm max (which allows a 32mm tire with wide wheels) is the sweetspot for an endurance/racier bike. The enve fits the bill. Racier geometry but ability to easily go 32/34mm tires. The 32mm max from most racing bikes is not enough for an all-day, 7 days on a row bike.

I think an endurance road bike is a better all round bike than a gravel bike tbh. (I like my gravel bike but riding it all day on road can be tedious), In my part of the world at least there are far more roads than gravel paths. And an aero bike is too expensive and too uncomfortable.

I find a racier geometry much more comfortable and less tiring tbh as it gives me more options for the hands on the bars. I like to ride on the tops or hoods but on my endurance bike you are like a slab in a headwind. Just get a frame where you have as much seatpost visible as possible for your fit.

I have a Domane gen 3 and needed a new bike last year when I had a crash and the gen 3 needed repairs. I thought about a Madone or Emonda, but decided that, given I’m not racing, I have no need for one of those. The Domane is right for me. I do lower the front end as much as I can though and fit a 120mm stem.

Love the paint job on the Madone!

I have Domane SLR 6 2021- it's brilliant bike.

I have put a carbon seat post on my bike with a set back. I gives me a much improved ride with out gaining weight and a very simple upgrade.

thank you for your review. its 2023, near 2024 and i think this bike still matters. i will get one as soon as they are available, the domane sl5. right now im riding a cube attain gtc, the domane has more and better options, but it will be i think a bit comfier. greatt bike for the price, i think you cant go wrong with it, recently i saw someone riding it as a gravel bike with 40 or 42 tires, thats absolutely wild. servicewise i would definetely consider trek, cause they got a life long warranty on the frame for you. wheelset 2 years warranty.

Congratulations on getting the premier. You gone a long way. Stay grounded don't over produce this format please