Trek Domane Carbon Gen 5: The new version of the 14-year-old comfort road bike is simpler than ever before. The mechanical shock absorption is gone, as are certain aerodynamic features; instead, the no-frills all-rounder can now be ridden with wider tires.
The Trek Domane, unveiled on Belgian cobblestones in 2012, was a minor sensation: A pivot point at the seat tube junction, called IsoSpeed, decoupled the seat tube from the top tube and seat stays, allowing for a good 30 mm of flex at the saddle and thus noticeable (and visible) suspension comfort. The special shape of the fork – more pronounced pre-bent with rearward-swept dropouts – was also designed to provide greater comfort without altering the steering characteristics. Naturally, the bike rolled on the then-standard 25 mm narrow tires – so it's no wonder that these effective comfort enhancers were enthusiastically received.
Trek Domane Carbon Gen 5: the highlights
- Frame sets are 300 grams lighter, IsoSpeed and storage compartment are omitted.
- Versatile geometry between road bike and gravel bike
- UDH mount for 1x13 rigs
- 40 mm tire clearance instead of the previous 38 mm
- Complete wheels between 2.499 and 12.999 Euro
- two frame sets: Domane SLR 835 grams / 4.899 euros; Domane SL 1.055 grams / 1.999 Euro
New version without IsoSpeed and storage compartment
The US manufacturer has now unveiled the fifth generation of the Domane, essentially a new bike that boasts a remarkably minimalist and technically streamlined design. Not only has the IsoSpeed system been dropped, but the storage compartment in the downtube of the Domane Gen 4 is also absent. Furthermore, the distinctive trailing edges on the head tube, which gave the previous Domane its aggressively aerodynamic look, have disappeared. This loss is compensated for by a significantly reduced frame weight: the Domane SLR now weighs just 835 grams, and the SL 1.055 grams – roughly 300 grams less than the fourth generation. Additionally, there's 40 mm of tire clearance instead of 38 mm – not a huge difference, but it does allow for a much wider selection of tire models.
Finally, Trek has opted for a round 27,2" seatpost instead of a dedicated seatpost on the new Domane. This is particularly interesting for those who have chosen the more affordable "SL" frameset (1.999 Those interested in the Euro model can now choose any standard seatpost instead of being limited to the expensive special model. Thanks to the UDH mount, models with SRAM 1x13 drivetrains are now also possible, which Trek also offers.
Geometry between road bike and gravel bike
The geometry of the Domane remains largely unchanged, coming remarkably close to that of the all-round gravel bike Checkpoint. The riding position on the Domane is even slightly more compact, which is compensated for by a longer stem than on the gravel bike. This is complemented by a short wheelbase, especially since there's no need to accommodate particularly wide tires. A riser handlebar raises the cockpit by 2 cm, so the riding position on the Domane should be quite upright.
Numerous model variants starting from €2.499
Overall, the picture is of a model all-road bike that bridges the gap between gravel and road – no frills, reduced to the essentials, and available in numerous model variations. It starts with the Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 5, which, equipped with mechanical Shimano 105 components, costs just €2.499. 1.500 For a few euros more, there's the SL 6 AXS, which already comes equipped with SRAM Rival and 50 mm deep carbon wheels. Above that is the SL 7 AXS 1 with SRAM Force XPLR 1x13 for 4.999 Euro.
Models with the lightweight SLR frame are available from €6.999 Euro in the form of the Domane SLR 7 with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force AXS for 7.499 euros. Above that are four "SLR 9" models with Shimano Dura-Ace (9th999 Euro) as well as SRAM Red 2×12 or 1×13 (10.499–12.999 Euro). The SLR frame set costs a hefty 4.899 euros; the SL version, on the other hand, costs only 1.999 Euros due.
In the end, the new Trek Domane proves to be a resounding success, combining many positive elements: Its appearance is that of a classic racing machine without aerodynamic optimization, which wouldn't offer much benefit at average speeds anyway. In terms of geometry, it's geared towards stability and comfort, and the tire clearance of an old-school gravel bike allows for plenty of freedom in tire choice and thus route selection, without succumbing to the current trend towards ultra-wide tires, which in turn require compromises in geometry and aesthetics. The UDH option and round seatpost are welcome features; only the riser handlebar might be a bit of an overkill for Trek. Of course, this can easily be replaced.