Trek Domane Isospeed Creaking
- All Categories
- 18.2K BikeRadar team
- 183.4K Road cycling forum
- 137.2K Mountain biking forum
- 28K Commuter cycling forum
- 1.3K Family & kids cycling forum
- 2.9K Stolen & found bikes
- 9.4K Buy & sell
Site footer
- Facebook White
- Terms & conditions
- Privacy policy
- Cookies policy
- Manage Privacy Settings
What is Trek IsoSpeed Technology?
Part comfort, part suspension, Crank Boutique explains one of Trek’s key pieces of proprietary bicycle technology.
Technology in Short
While compliance and “suspension” systems are now not uncommon for road bikes (see Specialized’s Roubaix and Diverge), arguably Trek were the first mainstream brand to integrate these systems into some of their key models.
- Manufacturer: Trek
- Technology Type: Suspension, Compliance
- Availability: Proprietary – Trek bikes only
- Cost: N/A. Isospeed tends to come only on higher end models
- Current Road/Gravel Models: Boone , Checkpoint , Domane , Madone
What is Trek IsoSpeed?
To the casual observer the biggest difference between road and mountain bikes has been the size of the tyre and attached suspension. Over the last few years however, these strict definitions have started to erode in the pursuit of adventure and comfort. With the former 700c tyres get wider every year and the gravel/adventure category mean bigger tyres for everyone. With the latter a number of manufacturers have introduced “suspension” platforms in their road bikes, including BMC, Wilier, Specialized and Trek’s IsoSpeed.
While the term “suspension” may be mis-leading, the IsoSpeed system is designed to provide riders with more comfort and control over rougher surfaces and was originally designed by Trek to give their bikes and riders an edge in the Classics – e.g. the Paris-Roubaix. The system works by “decoupling” key parts of the bike to provide more compliance and less rigidity – resulting in a more comfortable ride. IsoSpeed is one of the most mature road “suspension” systems out there, debuting in 2012. The Trek IsoSpeed system has two components:
The IsoSpeed Read Decoupler is a essentially a “hinge” that sits between the seat tube and top tube of the bike. On IsoSpeed equipped bikes the seat tube and top tube are not physically attached but are mechanically joined by the rear decoupler. This means that the seat tube has a range of rearward moving helping to absorb the shocks of riding on things like cobbles, rough roads or gravel. There are a couple of implementations of the platform depending on the bike model – the Emonda uses a slightly different implementation with more adjustment along the top tube owing to its unique frame shape and rarefied price point…
The Front Decoupler is slightly more complicated. The Front IsoSpeed is a proprietary headset collar with a rocker that sits in the top of the head tube and bolts into the steerer tube via an assembly that includes a couple of bolts and a preloaded spring. Obviously you won’t be railing berms or going down a double black on it, but this setup allows for a degree of back and forth movement in the steering tube and help to deflect some of the chatter out of the handlebars.
Note that some bikes may have the rear decoupler without the front headset decoupler. IsoSpeed is available across Carbon and Aluminium models in the Domane and Madone ranges. It is also available on a number of Trek CX and gravel models (including Boone and Checkpoint) and some of their XC MTB range. Watch some videos of the system in action below.
This video from Peloton TV is on an older model – check out the classic Dura Ace – but it’s a perfect introduction to how the Isospeed de-decoupler works in practice.
Does Trek Isospeed Work & How Has It Reviewed?
The CrankBoutique team have only had occasion to ride one IsoSpeed equipped bike – a Domane on some very smooth roads south of Sydney. Lovely bike as it was we can’t really comment on its comfort chops on rough roads although we certainly didn’t get any loss of power.
We haven’t found any reviews of the system in isolation, but there are a few comparative reviews of IsoSpeed equipped bikes vs competitors, including Specialized’s Future Shock:
2018 Trek Domane SL 5 Review
“The first time you hit a patch of corrugated or fractured tarmac you understand what IsoSpeed does. Rather than undulations deflecting the front wheel, it absorbs and nullifies the effect of quite big hits, keeping the wheel straight and giving a smoother ride. The rear end removes jarring vibrations that can fatigue muscles faster, helping you ride for longer…IsoSpeed’s bump absorption irons out small undulations to allow the 25mm tyres to grip more consistently, and even though the Bontrager rubber measures 26mm on the 28mm wide rims, if unaware, you’d think you were riding on 28mm tyres.”
2018 Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc Review
I’ve ridden the Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc in various IsoSpeed modes to discover what difference to the rear it would make. I learnt that I probably wouldn’t ride in the stiffest setting as it was a little too harsh at the rear for me.
Towards the middle and softest setting was my preferred mode and I could altogether forget I was riding such a racing machine, let alone an aero road bike that more often than not is too hard to ever be called comfortable. To be frank about the bike’s stiffness, I couldn’t really tell that I was getting anything less from the bike in the softest setting, it still whipped up a storm no problem.
Cycling Weekly
2018 Trek Boone RSL Review
I quickly noticed the compliance provided by the front IsoSpeed decoupler. The front end of the Boone softened the park bumps and helped absorb some of my less-than-stellar moves on singletrack. Especially given my bad back, having some shock absorption on the front improved the ride quality….Smoothing out a ride is one thing, but does the front IsoSpeed handicap actual racing by hindering accelerations out of corners or finishing sprints? I pushed the Boone RSL frame through several practice sprints and found the only limiter to be my lack of sprinting pop.
CX Magazine
2020 Trek Domane SLR First Ride Review
No doubt about it – the IsoSpeed system is impressive. That said, we question whether so much technology (and compromises in terms of cable routing) are needed to improve comfort. On balance and purely in comfort terms, the answer is probably no. After all, there are other bikes that offer the same or even better comfort levels. However, in terms of individualisation and tuning it to the rider’s weight, the IsoSpeed system offers an effective solution and will wow tech enthusiasts who appreciate the packaging of complex technology into a classic and inconspicuous design. Set up correctly, it results in well-balanced comfort between the front and rear and convincing vibration damping!
Are There any Known issues with Trek IsoSpeed?
Headset Creaking
Some users report that IsopSpeed equipped headsets have excessive creaking – see link above.
Cable Rattle
Some users report that IsopSpeed equipped bikes have excessive cable rattle – see link above.
Bearing Maintenance
Some users report that IsopSpeed equipped bikes required additional bearing maintenance – see link above.
One reply on “ What is Trek IsoSpeed Technology? “
Charles Cox
I bought the 2021 Trek Domane SL5 and have creaking issues in the front end bringing it back to the dealer 2 times already currently in the dealer right now for the third time come on Trek get it right.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Email Address *
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
What are you looking for?
- Forum Listing
- Marketplace
- Advanced Search
- Classic Forums
- General Cycling Discussion
Domane Isospeed Decoupler Fail
- Add to quote
I have a question about the Isospeed decoupler on my 2015 Trek Domane 5.2. Recently I noticed that the decoupler was not dampening the ride like it used to. When I took it into the LBS for service they said they could just replace it and it would be fine. Once they got it apart they said that it had corroded most likely from sweat and had seized internally. When they tried to replace it they said that the outer race had "fused" to the frame and in order to get it out it will like break the frame and render it unusable. They submitted a warranty claim to Trek but it was denied as a lack of maintenance issue as opposed to a manufacturing defect. LBS says the options are order new frame (which will entail replacing the brakes as the design has changed and cost $1500) or buy a new bike. Now I will admit that I did nothing in terms of maintenance for the decoupler beyond washing regularly. So I took in a bike that at least I could ride to the LBS and now it is totally unrideable, useful only to harvest the components. Questions: Has anyone else had any issues with the Isospeed seizing and fusing to the frame? Should I pick up the bike and take it to another LBS for second opinion? Thanks
I work at a Trek owned shop and I have never once seen one that's stuck in the frame. Bottom bracket and headset bearings are another story.
Curious if it’s in the owners manual to have maintanence done on a regular basis for the Isospeed systems. If not, I’d have a beef with Trek.
Yep, me too. If the thing froze up and stuck in the frame, it was the weak link in the system and failed. Whatever forces it had to handle overcame its capabilities. Faulty design. Do those things actually improve the ride, or just soften it up? If so, is that good or bad? Is the tradeoff worth it? Can they handle a heavy rider? How long before they take one too many hits and start to come apart? Frankly, I'd go back to solid tubes. One less thing to worry about.
Agree with Steve. If Trek hasn't got enough real world experience with this design to have written up specific maintenance instructions for that area of the frame, and you have routinely cleaned the bicycle, then I think this is all on them.
And I quote: " The IsoSpeed mechanism is designed to last the lifetime of the bicycle without service. Do not lubricate it. Keep it clean with water and soft cloth. If the mechanism makes noise or exhibits lateral play, the design allows easy replacement of the mechanism. Take your bicycle to your retailer for service" Pg 39: https://trek.scene7.com/is/content/...Library/Bike OM_withWeightsAddendum_en-US.pdf accessed via: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/manuals/ Bold emphasis mine. I'd pick a bone with them. Basically reads "don't mess with it until something is wrong with it--then we'll fix it". Which is exactly what the OP did, and Trek ain't doing.
Did you buy it from the LBS you took it to? If yes I'd have a real problem with the LBS not giving you the support in the warranty claim. You could try another dealer but maybe go direct to your area Trek rep. I'd be pissed if you have followed their instructions and then they try and blame you for doing just that.
I would press Trek on this one too. I'd also do some work with good penetrating oil for a couple weeks to see if it wouldn't loosen up before scrapping a frame.
Thanks for posting the Trek manual instructions; that was useful. I think the OP should bring the manual along with the bike back to the shop and try again. If that fails, try a second shop. If THAT fails, contact Trek directly and see what they say. Report back with your resolution. I'm with Fredrico; too many parts, and just something else to go wrong or creak.
If the manual says no maintenance required, just keep it clean, the owner does that and it fails, it's their fault, not the owner's. They should take the frame back, replace the coupler, or frame if necessary, and call it a day. Those things aren't supposed to happen on a bike that costs as much as a late model used car. :nono:
I'd like to know if the OP purchased the bike (new) from an authorized dealer. Maybe this is the reason his warranty claim was denied. "Trek Bicycle Corporation provides each original retail purchaser of the bicycle a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship in the bicycle frame and rigid fork when purchased from an authorized Trek dealer."
ngl said: I'd like to know if the OP purchased the bike (new) from an authorized dealer. Maybe this is the reason his warranty claim was denied. "Trek Bicycle Corporation provides each original retail purchaser of the bicycle a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship in the bicycle frame and rigid fork when purchased from an authorized Trek dealer." Click to expand...
Hope that things work out better than they are looking right now for the OP and his problem with the LBS/Trek. I live in a very popular recreational bike use area. My current ride is a Trek Domane with about 15,000 miles on it. The LBS I use has four locations within a ten-mile radius. Every problem I've had with the bike Trek has been stellar as has the LBS on my behalf in "dealing" with Trek on the issue. In my specific area Trek riders that use the four stores are high on Trek for having a strong warranty that they adhere to consistently. I suspect that the individual LBS part in the whole process can have a major impact. Regarding ride quality, the ISO Speed Decoupler definitely improves the ride comfort of the bike IMO. I have only the rear. The feedback I've gotten from other riders is that bikes that have it on both rear and front are even better riding.
I got this reply from Trek....... and it seems like the OP has hit and run.
Attachments
"I cannot say I know what is actually going on behind the scenes. It appears that Trek is now demanding stores to carry 80% Trek for a shop to be able to call themselves a Trek Dealer and must carry 60% Trek for a shop to be able to sell Trek bikes at all or even to get support.' I cannot expect that this is true for all shops. There must be a required dollar amount generated or something similar, to allow a shop to skip these percentages that need to be Trek. A very large LBS locally - Brands in Wantagh, NY which has been in business 60 year or better, lists 19 different brands of bicycles such as Specialized, Cannondale, GT, Giant etc.... all major Trek competitors. I cannot expect that this LBS will meet those percentages of Trek vs. other brands sold. This shop in particular is so big that I might assume that it's in Treks interest to be represented here and that there is likely a different agreement in place.
My thought hearing this is that everything is negotiable. My shop is small, but very busy and popular, so they do quite a volume as far as repairs, but probably don't sell as many bikes as bigger shops.
Szlmdm said: They submitted a warranty claim to Trek but it was denied as a lack of maintenance issue as opposed to a manufacturing defect. LBS says the options are order new frame (which will entail replacing the brakes as the design has changed and cost $1500) or buy a new bike. Click to expand...
Fredrico said: Do those things actually improve the ride, or just soften it up? If so, is that good or bad? Is the tradeoff worth it? Click to expand...
PoorInRichfield said: I've seen barely ridden Domane 5.2's on Craigslist for about $1,500... if I didn't already have one, I would've bought them! Anyway, from Trek's perspective, they have no idea what was poured on the Iso Decoupler and under "normal conditions", it doesn't seize-up. I'm not saying you did anything wrong, but perhaps the water you wash your bike with or your sweat is unusually corrosive. A warranty certainly won't protect everyone from everything. I personally have had great success with Trek warranties from my LBS... they even replaced a mountain bike wheel that I specifically told them was damaged in an accident :blush2: I also have a Domane 5.2 and I'd say the ride between a regular road bike and a Domane is like being hit with a regular hammer versus a rubber mallet It doesn't turn every ride into a plush, pillowy dream, but certainly takes the edge off of a normal road bike. I love my Domane and would easily buy another one. Click to expand...
Hey @Szlmdm, if you haven't had a chance to call into our warranty department, I would call 1 (800) 585-8735. Sometimes details from the shop's claim entry might not depict the issue where the warranty team can properly grasp the problem. We're always willing to chat about it on the phone, just get your claim number from the shop (if possible) so that the warranty team can quickly pull up the information!
Can the OP post up a pic of the decoupler in question?
Hey Mitch, good on you for reaching out to the OP.
My thought too.
UPDATE: Thanks to the many that offered helpful advice. I did take the reference page from the Service Manual back to the LBS. They contacted their regional rep from Trek and they have now agreed to replace the frame with a new one or apply the frame replacement price to a new purchase. The downside with the replacement frame is that by the time we replace brakes, seat post (both due to new design) and consumables such as cassette, chain, cables, etc. plus labor it will be $800. The upside is I will have pretty much a new bike! I am also exploring upgrading to a new disk version so I haven't yet made the decision but will close in on that soon. In the end, the LBS went back to bat for me and Trek did the right thing. Again, thanks for the advice provided.
Thanks Mitch. It appears that we have it worked out. After further review Trek is going to replace the frame.
I'm happy to hear it worked out! There is a great group of people on these forums, so good on everyone for providing assistance!
Woohoo! So you'd get one of the new frames with the front and rear ISO decouplers? I'd do that for $800. As for the disc brakes, make sure you price-out how much the brake levers cost... Ultegra brake levers with hydraulic brakes are $$$$. Not saying you shouldn't got that route, just make sure your budget can handle it.
You are going to love the new ride. I went with disc and They are great. The ride with wide tires is awesome. Disc brakes cost more to maintain tho
Don't have a pic and the frame is on its way back to Trek for analysis. On my 2015 version of the Domane the Isospeed decoupler is on the top tube about an inch from the seat post. You can see pics in the Trek service manual.
Trek said: According to Specialized, the steerer tube collar on these Future Shock-equipped bikes is at risk of "stress corrosion cracking", which could lead to a sudden loss of steering control. Click to expand...
.je said: Too bad they didn't recall this Click to expand...
Szlmdm, post a picture of your new bike when you get it!
I have a 2015 Domane 5.9, nearly 4 yr old now with 21,000 miles. I bought it because my 1999 Trek 5200 has performed almost flawlessly for about 38,000 miles. My 2015 has been kept in a humidity controlled environment for its entire life and obsessively k ept clean, although not routinely brought into a shop. I recently took it into the nearby Trek shop and was told that the corrosion of the isospeed assembly was so severe they could not remove the old isospeed parts to replace them. The recommendation was to have them strip all the components off and send the frame to Trek to try to remove the pieces. If Trek broke the frame they would not be responsible and would only give me 20% off a new frame, which they would do even if I told them my bike fell off the car and got run over! After I submitted a scathing on-line review of the performance of Trek and the shop, it was suggested that I bring the bike to the other Trek shop in town, where they said they had dealt with the outer bearing race being corroded and stuck in the frame. They used a Dremel tool to cut it out a piece at a time. They were successful. The shop did not charge for their labor and submitted a claim to Trek for the replacement parts, quoting the Trek manual (pg 39...thanks for posting that critical piece of info!) which effectively said don't lubricate the isospeed . My conclusion: Trek screwed up in several ways...poor choice of materials for the isospeed bearings, ridiculous advice saying there's no need to maintain the isospeed, irresponsible stewardship by recognizing that the corrosion issue exists but not notifying customers to bring the bike in for inspection to prevent extreme consequences. Kudos to the 2nd Trek shop who did handle the situation professionally and succeeded in resolving the problem.
Another example of Trek Fail. 2nd Shop +1.
I thought I'd mention a problem I currently have with my Domane SLR7. I took it for a service and they found that the hole in the seatpost where the Isospeed pivot fits had worn and was oval. The shop mechanic (a Trek only dealer) tells me he's never seen this before and as Trek don't supply just the seatpost he said I might need a new frame. Fortunately another SLR had come in at the same time with a broken chainstay so they have fitted the seatpost from that - at no cost. Although I'm happy with the outcome, I think it should have been a new frame under warranty.
Okay, this is a very misleading post. The IsoSpeed pivot is not in the seat post at all - it is in the seat tube, which cannot be replaced as it is an integral part of the frame. You had a problem with the seat mast cap, which has nothing to do with the IsoSpeed design as it is also used on the Emonda. There is no way that replacing a seat mast cap could "fix" an ovalized pivot hole in the seat tube.
So, I have purchased 2 Trek bikes. My mtb and my daughter’s commuter. I have been very happy with my local Trek dealer and both bikes. I have not had a warranty issue. This thread makes me less, not more, comfortable about working with the company. I have confidence in my local shop, but this post gives me pause. Do I need to blow up on social media to get my warranty honored? I’m thinking I may have made my last Trek purchase. Go ahead and be Specialized. Just go without me.
Absolutely not the case - you shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get help from us ever. We have a great warranty team in place that is always an email or phone call away for those who prefer to speak with them and they back our retail network by offering their full support. We try to make a warranty claim as painless as possible without having to jump through hoops. All you ever need to do is bring your bike into your local Trek dealer and they will take it from there. If you ever had questions regarding a claim, our team would be happy to chat!
An old discussion rises again... I'm reading this because I too have a 2015 Domane 5.2 with a bunch of thousands of miles on it and I very much love it. I also have concerns about the decoupler, but there's a caveat: I bought mine as a private transaction from someone who put ~250 miles on it and wasn't in to it. My gain. But here's the thing, before I made this purchase I visited three Trek dealers in my immediate area (Upstate NY) and contacted a fourth through their web page. I was ready to buy and very interested in this bike. And in all but the fourth I was ignored to insulted. The fourth was interested in a deal but they're a 3 hour drive away which kinda made that a problem. I've documented my encounters elsewhere on the web and named names so I won't go into the gory details, but in a previous life I wrenched in shops, some pretty high profile, to support my racing, touring and commuting, years ago. I know how not to be a dick. (One time I was stumped by a shifting issue and made an appointment with a Trek dealer in Saratoga, NY and on my arrival was treated to 20 minutes with a tech who clearly was not interested in helping, or being nice at all, and clearly didn't know how to adjust a B screw and seemed fixated on castigating me for using Jagwire cables.) So I'm reviving this post because it's a pretty specific technical question and I didn't want to have some great info duplicated, and I see there are some Trek people reading. I'm able to replace this assembly myself but don't know how to get the parts. Is it possible? At one point I needed to replace the cable guide that exits the head tube and that turned into an US$17.00 ordeal, with the aforementioned shop. No interest in stepping foot in there again. Thanks in advance.
- ?
- 204.8K members
Top Contributors this Month
Madone SLR seatpost / ISOspeed HELP
Hey TR community,
I put my Madone on the the trainer for the first time yesterday and I noticed it has quite a bit of sway side to side In the seatpost (not vertically like the isospeed is supposed to move). There is also a clicking. I can replicate this movement with my hands with the bike off the trainer.
I’m wondering if anyone had experience with this?? Is this normal?
Clicking is not normal. There may be a small amount of movement sideways, but it should not be very noticeable.
I’d suggest taking it in to your Trek dealer to be reviewed by a tech.
My mate had the exact same issue had two replacement frames from Trek (LBS) before it was solved.
Damn, really? I’ve ridden mine around 6000km so far. Did it take a bit to develop? They replaced it no problem? @robcumine
The first bike, the LBS tried shims which didn’t work, replacing the frame, exact same problem, not even into 1 ride, next frame had zero issues. Go back to your LBS Trek Dealer, and present the problem. Based on Scotts issue and the help he received I hope your local Trek dealer has the same confidence.
Did you check your seat post torques?
Just recently experienced the same thing and it could just be a loose bolt at the bottom of the seat mast. My LBS slipped off the cap that covers the top tube/seat mast junction, revealing the bolt (large Allen size) and tightened. Problem solved.
Just came across this forum I am on my second frame set from trek due to this problem and now it’s happening again. Every couple of ride we got to keep retightening to get rid of the excess side movement from the seat post. Still waiting to hear back from trek on this issue!!
Have you put loctite on the bolt when you retightend it?
No I didn’t, because I remember on the first frame we put blue locking compound on the bolt and it didn’t help but I may give a go again.
Hey all, i know this is late, but removing the cap and tightening the bolt where the top tube and the seat tube converge completely fixed this. You can see the bolt in this video (6/8mm keys) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS0npyIRCEk
Hi all, I just ran into this thread. I have a 2020 Madone SLR that has been having the same problems. I was out on a ride one day the Iso-speed bolt worked loose and my seat mast was swaying side to side really badly. I stopped and thought I had a flat tire but soon realized it was the seat mast. I’ve taken it back to the shop twice now and the problem keeps coming back. This is extremely frustrating as it is now in my head, and racing season is about to begin for me.
I’m curious what will trigger my shop to contact Trek and possibly replace my frame. I can tighten the bolt at home but it should not be that way for such an expensive bike. I feel like the bolt is just ratcheting loose inside with every micro bump on the road.
Hi, I also bought a 2019 Madone slr6, i have had the problem of the slider moving back towards the seatpost after about 30km. I have had it at the bike shop, they tightened the seat post bolt but it still doing it. Firmed up the bolt and now that has put a pimple in the frame and i did not even cranked on it. It would be interesting to here from Trek on their so called team riders bikes if they have any problems
I have had the same issue. What began as movement in the ISOspeed seatpost eventually became a frame crack on 2 different SLRs. I am on my 3rd replacement frame in as many years.
In every case where the frame cracked, it was an audible, very loud crack while I was riding. The most recent crack is on the underside of the top tube in a spot that is not visible without removing the ISOspeed entirely.
The previous crack was in the ISOspeed bolt hole. The bolt had backed out and caused a big piece of carbon to “chip” off. Prior to the first crack, I was plagued with creaking and the bolt would not stay tight under any circumstances.
I will add that Trek has been very responsive to every warranty claim. Everytime Trek replaces the frame, I request compensation in product.
I have a 2019 Trek Madone SLR and having the same problem. The seatmast moves side to side. I’ve tightened the isospeed bolt which only temporarily solved the problem. It got to the point where I was pulling to the side of the road every 10 miles to retighten. I’ve used loctite and it helps a lot but still need to retighten about every 150 miles. You’d think a $7K bike wouldn’t have problems like this.
Also with the same problem. The seatpost started to move sideways. Have taken the bike to the LBS, but afterwards with riding the seatpost makes a lot of noise. After a ride I found out that there was something was loose rolling in my frame. The repair shop probably didn’t see the above movie, because he drop the rubber damper in to my frame (very sloppy). Now I repair it myself, by replacing bolt and nut in the iso-system by a new one and sealt it with a little bit of Loctite 243. I could not find how tight the bolt must be, so I tightened it with 10NM Now after a 2K Kilometer’s the seatpost starts to wiggle again! After inspection found a crack in my frame. Tomorrow to the LBS
Guess i’m in the same boat, is yours making this noise aswell?
That might be the problem then, i’m about the same size. guess we are too heavy for this isospeed toy
Same boat as those above. I have a 9 month-old 2019 Trek Madone SLR6. I ride only on tarmac 100-150 miles a week (but took a few months off during the lockdown) and twice in the past few weeks I’ve noticed that the seatmast is moving side to side. I stop on the side of the road and tighten the isospeed bolt which seems to solve the problem. Then I take it to the LBS for an inspection, just to be safe, ASAP. It’s frustrating, but so far nothing serious. Like some of the posters above I’m on the big end, 212 LBS, but well within Trek’s stated weight limits. Like them I’m wondering if the Madone isospeed isn’t clydesdale-friendly. My wife wants me under 200 LBS; now that the bike agrees with her it might be time for a diet. Anyway advice and info on how Trek responds to the issue welcome!
- >", "name": "top-nav-watch", "type": "link"}}' href="https://watch.outsideonline.com">Watch
- >", "name": "top-nav-learn", "type": "link"}}' href="https://learn.outsideonline.com">Learn
- >", "name": "top-nav-podcasts", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideonline.com/podcast-directory/">Podcasts
- >", "name": "top-nav-maps", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.gaiagps.com">Maps
- >", "name": "top-nav-events", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.athletereg.com/events">Events
- >", "name": "top-nav-shop", "type": "link"}}' href="https://shop.outsideonline.com">Shop
- >", "name": "top-nav-buysell", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell">BuySell
- >", "name": "top-nav-outside", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideonline.com/outsideplus">Outside+
Become a Member
Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.
Already have an account? >", "name": "mega-signin", "type": "link"}}' class="u-color--red-dark u-font--xs u-text-transform--upper u-font-weight--bold">Sign In
Outside watch, outside learn.
- >", "name": "mega-backpacker-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.backpacker.com/">Backpacker
- >", "name": "mega-climbing-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.climbing.com/">Climbing
- >", "name": "mega-flyfilmtour-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://flyfilmtour.com/">Fly Fishing Film Tour
- >", "name": "mega-gaiagps-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.gaiagps.com/">Gaia GPS
- >", "name": "mega-npt-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.nationalparktrips.com/">National Park Trips
- >", "name": "mega-outsideonline-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideonline.com/">Outside
- >", "name": "mega-outsideio-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outside.io/">Outside.io
- >", "name": "mega-outsidetv-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://watch.outsideonline.com">Outside Watch
- >", "name": "mega-ski-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.skimag.com/">Ski
- >", "name": "mega-warrenmiller-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://warrenmiller.com/">Warren Miller Entertainment
Healthy Living
- >", "name": "mega-ce-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.cleaneatingmag.com/">Clean Eating
- >", "name": "mega-oxy-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.oxygenmag.com/">Oxygen
- >", "name": "mega-vt-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.vegetariantimes.com/">Vegetarian Times
- >", "name": "mega-yj-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.yogajournal.com/">Yoga Journal
- >", "name": "mega-beta-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.betamtb.com/">Beta
- >", "name": "mega-pinkbike-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.pinkbike.com/">Pinkbike
- >", "name": "mega-roll-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.rollmassif.com/">Roll Massif
- >", "name": "mega-trailforks-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.trailforks.com/">Trailforks
- >", "name": "mega-trail-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://trailrunnermag.com/">Trail Runner
- >", "name": "mega-tri-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.triathlete.com/">Triathlete
- >", "name": "mega-vn-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://velo.outsideonline.com/">Velo
- >", "name": "mega-wr-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.womensrunning.com/">Women's Running
- >", "name": "mega-athletereg-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.athletereg.com/">athleteReg
- >", "name": "mega-bicycleretailer-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.bicycleretailer.com/">Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
- >", "name": "mega-cairn-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.getcairn.com/">Cairn
- >", "name": "mega-finisherpix-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.finisherpix.com/">FinisherPix
- >", "name": "mega-idea-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.ideafit.com/">Idea
- >", "name": "mega-nastar-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.nastar.com/">NASTAR
- >", "name": "mega-shop-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideinc.com/outside-books/">Outside Books
- >", "name": "mega-obj-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsidebusinessjournal.com/">Outside Business Journal
- >", "name": "mega-veloswap-link", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.veloswap.com/">VeloSwap
- >", "name": "mega-backpacker-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.backpacker.com/">Backpacker
- >", "name": "mega-climbing-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.climbing.com/">Climbing
- >", "name": "mega-flyfilmtour-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://flyfilmtour.com/">Fly Fishing Film Tour
- >", "name": "mega-gaiagps-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.gaiagps.com/">Gaia GPS
- >", "name": "mega-npt-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.nationalparktrips.com/">National Park Trips
- >", "name": "mega-outsideonline-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideonline.com/">Outside
- >", "name": "mega-outsidetv-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://watch.outsideonline.com">Watch
- >", "name": "mega-ski-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.skimag.com/">Ski
- >", "name": "mega-warrenmiller-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://warrenmiller.com/">Warren Miller Entertainment
- >", "name": "mega-ce-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.cleaneatingmag.com/">Clean Eating
- >", "name": "mega-oxy-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.oxygenmag.com/">Oxygen
- >", "name": "mega-vt-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.vegetariantimes.com/">Vegetarian Times
- >", "name": "mega-yj-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.yogajournal.com/">Yoga Journal
- >", "name": "mega-beta-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.betamtb.com/">Beta
- >", "name": "mega-roll-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.rollmassif.com/">Roll Massif
- >", "name": "mega-trail-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://trailrunnermag.com/">Trail Runner
- >", "name": "mega-tri-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.triathlete.com/">Triathlete
- >", "name": "mega-vn-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://velo.outsideonline.com/">Velo
- >", "name": "mega-wr-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.womensrunning.com/">Women's Running
- >", "name": "mega-athletereg-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.athletereg.com/">athleteReg
- >", "name": "mega-bicycleretailer-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.bicycleretailer.com/">Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
- >", "name": "mega-finisherpix-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.finisherpix.com/">FinisherPix
- >", "name": "mega-idea-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.ideafit.com/">Idea
- >", "name": "mega-nastar-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.nastar.com/">NASTAR
- >", "name": "mega-obj-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.outsideonline.com/business-journal/">Outside Business Journal
- >", "name": "mega-shop-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://shop.outsideonline.com/">Outside Shop
- >", "name": "mega-vp-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.velopress.com/">VeloPress
- >", "name": "mega-veloswap-link-accordion", "type": "link"}}' href="https://www.veloswap.com/">VeloSwap
2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+
Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.
GET TICKETS NOW
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
Outside Festival feat. Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more.
GET EARLY-BIRD DEALS
2023 Trek Domane SLR review: A tauter ride, but some curious loose threads
Trek’s latest iteration of its domane all-roader packs more performance than ever, but there are also some big missteps that give me pause..
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .
Story Highlights
What it is: The fourth generation of Trek’s groundbreaking endurance road bike.|| Frame features: 800-series OCLV carbon fiber construction, IsoSpeed rear pseudo-suspension, down tube storage compartment, built-in chain watcher, T47 threaded bottom bracket, front and rear fender mounts, three bottle mounts, top tube feed bag mount, fully concealed cable routing.|| Weight: 1,193 g (claimed, 56 cm frame only); 427 g (claimed, fork only); 7.54 kg (16.62 lb) as tested, 52 cm size, without pedals.|| Price: US$13,200 / AU$18,500 / £13,400 / €14,500.|| Highs: Superb rear-end ride quality, stiff and efficient-feeling under power, excellent handling, sleek aesthetics, competitively weight.|| Lows: Ride quality still a little imbalanced, creaky IsoSpeed/seatpost area, exposed headset bearing, internal housing rub, disappointing tires.
The Trek Domane has been one of the best-selling endurance road bikes since it first arrived on the scene way back in 2012, largely owing to its innovative IsoSpeed rear pseudo-suspension system. IsoSpeed lives on in the bike’s fourth generation, and it’s not only more cleverly package than ever, but it’s housed in what is clearly the most performance-packed iteration to date.
The last few months have proven the latest Domane SLR to be a formidable competitor in the hotly contested all-road market. But part of me wonders if some of the earlier versions’ approachability has been lost in the never-ending quest for more speed, and there are a couple of disconcerting missteps that proved annoying during testing, and somewhat concerning for the long haul, too.
A primer on the latest Domane
IsoSpeed has defined the Domane since its inception, and the brilliance and elegance of its design still has no equal in the industry.
Most bikes offer rear-end comfort with a combination of seatpost and seat tube flex; that phenomenon has been well understood for quite some time. But by adding a physical pivot at the seat cluster, IsoSpeed allows the seatpost and seat tube to bend far more under bump loads than with a more typically rigid connection. Later iterations of IsoSpeed would introduce a level of adjustability to the system so that riders could more carefully fine-tune the ride quality to their preferences (and weight), and Trek would eventually introduce a front-end analog to help balance out the comfort level between the two ends.
Whereas the previous Domane’s rear IsoSpeed system had an adjustable spring rate that allowed riders to tweak the flex characteristics to their liking, this latest version has a fixed tune that Trek says is roughly the same as the old version’s softest setting (since that’s apparently where most people ran it, anyway). The change yields a more neatly visually integrated and appealing arrangement since all of the flexy bits are now entirely tucked away inside the top tube.
In addition, there are big changes with the seatpost – or rather that it has one at all. Up until now, all higher-end Domanes used Trek’s so-called no-cut seatmast design, with a carbon fiber cap or seatpost stub that clamped to an extended seat tube stub. According to Trek, that was only way to get as much flex from the system as its designers wanted. However, this latest L-shaped IsoSpeed architecture allows for all of the desired flex while using a more conventional (and far more convenient) telescoping seatpost.
But what happened to Front IsoSpeed, you’re wondering? Based on steerer tube flex, that system was never as effective as the corresponding rear design, and with the move from standard 28 mm-wide tires to 32 mm-wide ones, the added air volume supposedly cancels out Front IsoSpeed’s nominal comfort gains so Trek says there wasn’t any point in using it anymore.
As you might expect, those structural simplifications result in some healthy weight savings, which is more than welcome since the third-gen Domane wasn’t exactly light. According to Trek, the fourth-generation Domane frameset sheds about 300 g (0.66 lb). Claimed weight for a painted 56 cm frame is 1,193 g, and the matching fork adds another 427 g – still not exactly feathery, but not bad at all, particularly when you consider all of that IsoSpeed hardware hidden inside.
Nevertheless, that figure becomes a little more palatable when you consider everything else that comes along with it.
As before, the Domane sports nominally aero tube shaping, although it’s more pronounced now with more aggressively flat-backed profiles that presumably cut through the air with greater efficiency. Trek has also retained the convenient storage hatch in the down tube located under the bottle cage mount, with plenty of room for snacks and repair essentials, and even perhaps a layer or two depending on how carefully you pack.
The previous generation’s semi-concealed cable routing has been more refined this time around with a fully hidden setup that enters the frame through the upper headset bearing and tucks in against the steerer tube, instead of the separate port behind the stem and more exposed cabling used on the old Domane. Headset bearing replacements will still be a pain (more on this in a bit), but thankfully, those control lines are at least run along the underside of the bar and stem – not through them – so swapping either of those components will be a mostly trivial process measured in minutes instead of hours.
Tire clearance is officially unchanged, although that’s not a big deal considering it was already very good. Trek says just about any 700c tire with a 38 mm hot stamp on it will fit, and prior experience has not only demonstrated those claims to hold true, but that they’re often pretty conservative. Thoroughly hidden front and rear fender mounts are integrated into the frame and fork, and even with those installed, you can supposedly still fit 700×35 mm tires underneath without any trouble.
Geometry-wise, it’s an interesting mix of road racer agility and endurance bike stability.
Up front, the steering is almost as quick as the Madone – quicker in some sizes, in fact – although that’s tempered somewhat by the more stretched-out rear end and longer wheelbase. And in a clear nod to stability, the bottom bracket drop is a ground-scraping 75-80 mm as compared to the Madone’s 68-72 mm figure. As expected, the rider position is more relaxed than what Trek uses on its road racing bikes, with more upright stack and shorter reach dimensions across the board. Neither is remotely extreme, though, so most riders shouldn’t have much issue achieving a reasonably aggressive position should they want one.
Trek sent to me a flagship Domane SLR 9 eTap model to test, built with the company’s fanciest 800-series OCLV carbon fiber blend, a SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset, and speedy Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 aero carbon clinchers wrapped with 32 mm-wide Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires. Completing the spec sheet are a carbon-railed Bontrager Verse Short Pro saddle and a Bontrager Pro IsoCore carbon fiber handlebar.
Actual weight for my 52 cm sample is 7.54 kg (16.62 lb) without pedals or accessories, and retail price is a heady US$13,200 / AU$18,500 / £13,400 / €14,500.
Still dominant?
I think I’ve ridden every generation of Domane at this point, and have always been struck by its unusually smooth ride quality (at least out back). Simply put, IsoSpeed works just as it’s claimed to, and the extent of its effectiveness is something that can only be fully appreciated in person.
That still carries through to this fourth-generation model, although the overall feel isn’t the same as in years past.
The rear end is still astonishingly comfortable, and far more so than you’d expect given the chunky-looking chain- and seatstays. Smaller-amplitude stuff is wiped out almost completely, and even nastier square-edged impacts are impressively neutralized. Basically, the way you ride IsoSpeed is to stay seated on just about everything and let the bike do the work for you. There’s also an admirable lack of bounciness while pedaling, and yet despite the obvious flex in the system, I was surprised by the amount of (good) textural feedback coming up through the rear end. Mind you, it’s nowhere near as as talkative as many other bikes out there, but it’s an acceptable tradeoff for the cushiness.
Despite losing the Front IsoSpeed system, this new Domane also strikes me as more balanced than before. The rear end is still more comfortable than the front – as has been the case with every Domane since its inception – but it’s not as stark a contrast as it used to be most of the time. I can’t say if this is due to the larger stock tires (which I ran at just 52/54 psi front/rear for my 73 kg build) or the semi-flexy Bontrager IsoCore carbon handlebar, but either way, ditching the weight and complication of the Front IsoSpeed system is a welcome update.
I say “most of the time”, though, because while the Domane does feel more balanced to me on tarmac, the huge down tube, top tube, and head tube proportions make for an absolutely punishing experience if you hit anything remotely substantial. Whereas that rear IsoSpeed setup can just flex more when needed, there’s no such relief up front, and huge jolts come up through your hands if you’re not paying attention and slam into something at speed.
Overall, the impression I get is this latest-generation Domane has a sportier personality to it and it no longer seems content to just be a comfy endurance road bike. Instead, it’s looking to provide a lot of comfort to riders who want to be out all day, but who also aren’t willing to completely give up a more performance-minded feel.
Whether that’s a good thing will depend on your perspective, but it’s something to keep in mind regardless.
Sticking to that whole performance front, the new Domane is indeed very eager under power. As you’d expect given the proportions of the thing, it’s very stiff and efficient-feeling when you step on the gas, with nary a hint of flex down below. It’s a similar story up front with that huge head tube area confidently resisting any undue twisting when you rise out of the saddle for a sprint or steep uphill pitch.
The Domane’s diet plan has paid dividends, too. Granted, 7.54 kg is still a touch on the heavy side for a top-tier carbon fiber road bike with a SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and shallow carbon fiber clinchers, but it’s a sizable improvement nonetheless and more than fair given everything Trek has packed in here. That rear end genuinely does ride better than just about anything else out there, and while the down tube storage hatch undoubtedly adds a few grams, I’d argue it’s more than offset by the convenience factor.
Put another way, I never finished a test ride complaining about the bike’s weight.
Nor did I have any complaints whatsoever about the Domane’s handling. The quick steering geometry may seem odd for a bike in this category, but it does work. The Domane feels agile and nimble, and eagerly turns into corner when asked. After that initial response, though, that more stretched-out rear end and the longer wheelbase work together to slow things down so you never feel like you’re diving too hard toward the apex; just initiate the turn and let the tires take a set, then carve your way through. It’s wonderfully intuitive.
A bike and a half
The official tire clearance figures naturally raise the question of if the Domane can also serve as a light-duty gravel bike. In short: absolutely. In fact, that’s how I ended up spending much of my time on this thing.
As is typical for Trek, those clearance figures are rather conservative, and a set of 40 mm-wide Schwalbe G-One Allrounds (39 mm actual width on these Bontrager rims) went on with no issues whatsoever. Although some people might not be fully comfortable with how close things start to get to the SRAM front derailleur battery, there’s room to spare everywhere else. Assuming conditions aren’t too muddy, I suspect most people wouldn’t have any problems.
Either way, the Domane proved to be right at home on dirt roads and smoother gravel stretches. That somewhat firm ride on the road tires smoothes out with the increased air volume of the gravel ones, and the longer wheelbase lends an air of confidence when you start sliding around a bit. The more road-like frame geometry also makes for a bit of a rally car feel in terms of handling on loose surfaces, and while some might interpret that as scary, more skilled riders will likely just find it to be a lot of fun.
A Domane wouldn’t be my first choice if you’re primarily looking for a gravel bike, but if you’re after more of a mixed-terrain rig or your “gravel” is more like a network of decently maintained dirt roads, I’d certainly consider it.
As much as Trek nailed a lot of the fundamentals here, I was surprised by how many issues I encountered with my test sample.
For one, that IsoSpeed system may be super cushy, but mine also creaked incessantly. In fact, it was so loud on bigger bumps that it almost seemed like the frame was coming apart. Going along with that was persistent seatpost slipping, which I was only able to (mostly) remedy with a generous helping of friction paste and by slightly over-torquing the binder wedge. Trek says this is a known issue with bikes from early production runs and simple to fix.
“This is a known issue as we discovered supply wasn’t making it to spec. We have since made changes to compensate for the manufacturing variations. If this happens to a customer, we direct them to a local Trek dealer who can easily/quickly swap out the new, correct part for free and get them back riding on the road without the issue.”
Regular CyclingTips readers will already know I’m no fan of fully internal cable routing, although the setup Trek uses here is worthy of some light praise. The lines don’t actually go through the bar or stem, so both are blissfully easy to swap if necessary. And as compared to the layout of the previous-generation Domane, this one looks way cleaner.
That said, headset bearing replacement is still a concern with any routing setup where the lines pass through the upper bearing. Of course, that’s only a problem when it comes time to replace the bearing. But unfortunately, that’ll likely be a more frequent job given that this upper bearing is almost completely exposed to the elements (and the lower one isn’t much better). As is the case with any bike that has a similar layout, replacing headset bearings often requires new brake hoses (or at least fittings), new bar tape, and a lot of labor, so if you regularly ride in the wet and are considering a Domane, I’d advise either setting aside a sizable chunk of money for regular bike shop visits or getting really good at doing the work yourself.
“The logic behind the design is that we’ve noticed we infrequently see our customers change their headsets,” a representative from Trek replied when I asked about this. “We’ve also seen very few related issues. For example, for all our road bikes dating back to 2013 with similar integration as Domane, we’ve received approximately ten warranty issues related to this.”
That may very well be, but just because customers don’t change their headset bearings doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be changed, and just because something isn’t submitted for a warranty claim doesn’t mean there isn’t a maintenance issue inherent to the design. Would it really be that hard to add a couple of lip seals here?
I may not win the war on hidden cable routing (sadly, that ship has sailed), but I’m still going to scream from the rooftops that brands should at least pair those rats’ nests with either more durable headset bearings or better seals. In this case, there’s neither.
Speaking of internal routing, I also noticed the rear brake hose rubbing inside the frame when turning the bars at not-overly-extreme angles. Will this be an issue over time? That’s hard to say, but most experienced shop mechanics will probably have tales to share of brake and derailleur lines slowly sawing through poorly protected areas of various mountain bike carbon fiber frames over the years. I can’t say for sure that this will happen here – and this certainly isn’t an issue limited to Trek – but it’s something I worry about regardless, particularly given it’s potentially inside the frame where no one will be regularly looking for it.
This particular test bike was also a convenient reminder that threaded bottom brackets can still creak, as mine occasionally did under particularly hard pedaling. That said, threaded systems are at least easy to fix (a layer of plumber’s tape and some grease does wonders) – and I would have, had one of the dozen cup tools in my tool cabinet actually fit.
For the most part, there aren’t too many surprises here.
The SRAM Red eTap AXS stuff is great, and Trek has wisely gone with the versatile 2x configuration with 46/33T chainrings and a 10-33T cassette that provides a mountain-taming 1:1 climbing ratio.
The Bontrager wheels are excellent: light and snappy, modestly aero, super stable in crosswinds, incredibly easy to set up tubeless, reliable DT Swiss hub internals. You get the point.
I can’t say I was a fan of the Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires wrapped around them, though. They’re decently grippy, and prior experience has demonstrated them to be impressively long-lasting. But they’re also tangibly slow (confirmed by our friends at Bicycle Rolling Resistance ) with a thick and stiff casing that makes for a less-than-inspiring ride quality. The bike deserves better.
It was a similarly mixed bag on the finishing kit.
That Bontrager Verse Short Pro saddle? Awesome. Tons of support for all-day riding and an excellent shape that minimized soft-tissue pressure and chafing. I’d almost put this head-to-head with a Specialized Power, in fact. It’s good stuff.
But that handlebar… pass (at least for me). I generally love traditional-bend bars, but this one just never felt right in my hands. The 75 mm reach dimension should be fine but it feels short in reality, and the drops feel oddly deep with a curvature that doesn’t mesh well with my large-sized palms. And the corresponding tape was pleasantly grippy, but almost too grippy if you don’t like to wear gloves, and could’ve used more padding.
Details matter
Overall, I think Trek did a great job on the core attributes of this fourth-generation Domane. It’s back to a more reasonable weight after a couple of generations of overindulgence, it’s very unusually comfortable, the handling is superb, and it’s no stranger to going fast. The convenience of those double fender mounts and the extra bottle and bag mounts – not to mention the down tube storage – are big plusses, too.
In short, it’s a lovely bike to ride all day, and on a wide range of road surfaces.
Bikes are more than just short-term thrills, though, and the creaking and slipping in the seatpost area, the exposed headset bearing, and that internal brake hose rub just make me wonder about what issues might persist long-term. I’ve heard from Trek dealers that a retrofittable part revision has since corrected the seatpost problem, but those other two concerns still give me pause. If Trek can address those as well, I’d happily declare this Domane a winner. But until then, I’d carefully wear the pros and cons before plunking down your wallet on this one.
More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .
Popular on Velo
\n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/i-better-just-try-wout-van-aert-snags-first-win-of-2024-after-last-minute-switch\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018i better just try\u2019: wout van aert snags first win of 2024 after last-minute switch\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018i better just try\u2019: wout van aert snags first win of 2024 after last-minute switch\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"how hard is it to stay on remco evenepoel\u2019s wheel spoiler: very.","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/how-hard-is-it-to-stay-on-remco-evenepoels-wheel-spoiler-very\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/how-hard-is-it-to-stay-on-remco-evenepoels-wheel-spoiler-very\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"how hard is it to stay on remco evenepoel\u2019s wheel spoiler: very.\"}}\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-culture\/how-hard-is-it-to-stay-on-remco-evenepoels-wheel-spoiler-very\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"how hard is it to stay on remco evenepoel\u2019s wheel spoiler: very.\"}}\u0027>\n how hard is it to stay on remco evenepoel\u2019s wheel spoiler: very.\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"first ride and build: the factor ostro vam is faster than a specialized tarmac","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/first-ride-factor-ostro-vam-2\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/first-ride-factor-ostro-vam-2\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"first ride and build: the factor ostro vam is faster than a specialized tarmac\"}}\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-gear\/first-ride-factor-ostro-vam-2\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"first ride and build: the factor ostro vam is faster than a specialized tarmac\"}}\u0027>\n first ride and build: the factor ostro vam is faster than a specialized tarmac\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"last for wout van aert, fast for sepp kuss as puncture deflates chances at cl\u00e1sica ja\u00e9n","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/last-for-van-aert-and-fast-for-kuss-as-puncture-deflates-chances-at-clasica-jaen\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/last-for-van-aert-and-fast-for-kuss-as-puncture-deflates-chances-at-clasica-jaen\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"last for wout van aert, fast for sepp kuss as puncture deflates chances at cl\u00e1sica ja\u00e9n\"}}\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\/last-for-van-aert-and-fast-for-kuss-as-puncture-deflates-chances-at-clasica-jaen\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"last for wout van aert, fast for sepp kuss as puncture deflates chances at cl\u00e1sica ja\u00e9n\"}}\u0027>\n last for wout van aert, fast for sepp kuss as puncture deflates chances at cl\u00e1sica ja\u00e9n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"watch this cyclist dodge a gator (aka just another day in florida)","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/watch-this-cyclist-dodge-a-gator-aka-just-another-day-in-florida\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/watch-this-cyclist-dodge-a-gator-aka-just-another-day-in-florida\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"watch this cyclist dodge a gator (aka just another day in florida)\"}}\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-culture\/watch-this-cyclist-dodge-a-gator-aka-just-another-day-in-florida\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"watch this cyclist dodge a gator (aka just another day in florida)\"}}\u0027>\n watch this cyclist dodge a gator (aka just another day in florida)\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"review: specialized\u2019s new propero 4 helmet and torch 3.0 road shoes move upmarket","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/review-specialized-torch-3-0-propero-4-helmet\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/review-specialized-torch-3-0-propero-4-helmet\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"review: specialized\u2019s new propero 4 helmet and torch 3.0 road shoes move upmarket\"}}\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-gear\/review-specialized-torch-3-0-propero-4-helmet\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"review: specialized\u2019s new propero 4 helmet and torch 3.0 road shoes move upmarket\"}}\u0027>\n review: specialized\u2019s new propero 4 helmet and torch 3.0 road shoes move upmarket\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018i\u2019m incredibly lucky to be alive\u2019: magnus sheffield shares emotions of tour de suisse tragedy","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/im-incredibly-lucky-to-be-alive-magnus-sheffield-shares-emotions-of-tour-de-suisse-tragedy\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/im-incredibly-lucky-to-be-alive-magnus-sheffield-shares-emotions-of-tour-de-suisse-tragedy\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018i\u2019m incredibly lucky to be alive\u2019: magnus sheffield shares emotions of tour de suisse tragedy\"}}\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\/im-incredibly-lucky-to-be-alive-magnus-sheffield-shares-emotions-of-tour-de-suisse-tragedy\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018i\u2019m incredibly lucky to be alive\u2019: magnus sheffield shares emotions of tour de suisse tragedy\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018i\u2019m incredibly lucky to be alive\u2019: magnus sheffield shares emotions of tour de suisse tragedy\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"a challenge to mark cavendish: 2024 will be the most competitive sprint season in years","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mark-cavendish-faces-most-competitive-sprint-season-in-years\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mark-cavendish-faces-most-competitive-sprint-season-in-years\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"a challenge to mark cavendish: 2024 will be the most competitive sprint season in years\"}}\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\/mark-cavendish-faces-most-competitive-sprint-season-in-years\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"a challenge to mark cavendish: 2024 will be the most competitive sprint season in years\"}}\u0027>\n a challenge to mark cavendish: 2024 will be the most competitive sprint season in years\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the unexpectedly exciting array of commuting, cargo, and urban bikes at velofollies","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/the-unexpectedly-exciting-array-of-commuting-cargo-and-urban-bikes-at-velofollies\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/the-unexpectedly-exciting-array-of-commuting-cargo-and-urban-bikes-at-velofollies\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the unexpectedly exciting array of commuting, cargo, and urban bikes at velofollies\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/the-unexpectedly-exciting-array-of-commuting-cargo-and-urban-bikes-at-velofollies\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the unexpectedly exciting array of commuting, cargo, and urban bikes at velofollies\"}}\u0027>\n the unexpectedly exciting array of commuting, cargo, and urban bikes at velofollies\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018they\u2019re not some magic potion\u2019: why the controversy around ketones","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/why-ketones-still-cause-consternation-in-pro-cycling\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/why-ketones-still-cause-consternation-in-pro-cycling\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018they\u2019re not some magic potion\u2019: why the controversy around ketones\"}}\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-training\/why-ketones-still-cause-consternation-in-pro-cycling\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018they\u2019re not some magic potion\u2019: why the controversy around ketones\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018they\u2019re not some magic potion\u2019: why the controversy around ketones\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"new major taylor documentary premieres feb. 26","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/new-major-taylor-documentary-premieres-feb-26\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/new-major-taylor-documentary-premieres-feb-26\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"new major taylor documentary premieres feb. 26\"}}\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-culture\/new-major-taylor-documentary-premieres-feb-26\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"new major taylor documentary premieres feb. 26\"}}\u0027>\n new major taylor documentary premieres feb. 26\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"4iiii precision 3+ pro power meter with apple find my tracking review: the dual-sided power meter i\u2019ve been waiting for","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/4iiii-precision-3-plus-pro-power-meter\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/4iiii-precision-3-plus-pro-power-meter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"4iiii precision 3+ pro power meter with apple find my tracking review: the dual-sided power meter i\u2019ve been waiting for\"}}\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-gear\/4iiii-precision-3-plus-pro-power-meter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"4iiii precision 3+ pro power meter with apple find my tracking review: the dual-sided power meter i\u2019ve been waiting for\"}}\u0027>\n 4iiii precision 3+ pro power meter with apple find my tracking review: the dual-sided power meter i\u2019ve been waiting for\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the cyclist who was more popular than the pope and jfk","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/the-cyclist-who-was-more-popular-than-the-pope-and-jfk\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/the-cyclist-who-was-more-popular-than-the-pope-and-jfk\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the cyclist who was more popular than the pope and jfk\"}}\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-culture\/the-cyclist-who-was-more-popular-than-the-pope-and-jfk\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the cyclist who was more popular than the pope and jfk\"}}\u0027>\n the cyclist who was more popular than the pope and jfk\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"should teams be allowed to replace riders at the tour de france","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/should-teams-be-allowed-replacements-at-the-tour-de-france\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/should-teams-be-allowed-replacements-at-the-tour-de-france\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"should teams be allowed to replace riders at the tour de france\"}}\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\/should-teams-be-allowed-replacements-at-the-tour-de-france\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"should teams be allowed to replace riders at the tour de france\"}}\u0027>\n should teams be allowed to replace riders at the tour de france\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"double denim delight for alpecin-deceuninck with \u2018daring\u2019 2024 kits","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/double-denim-delight-for-alpecin-deceuninck-with-daring-2024-kits\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/double-denim-delight-for-alpecin-deceuninck-with-daring-2024-kits\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"double denim delight for alpecin-deceuninck with \u2018daring\u2019 2024 kits\"}}\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\/double-denim-delight-for-alpecin-deceuninck-with-daring-2024-kits\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"double denim delight for alpecin-deceuninck with \u2018daring\u2019 2024 kits\"}}\u0027>\n double denim delight for alpecin-deceuninck with \u2018daring\u2019 2024 kits\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"weekend wrap: goodbye ur\u00e1n, hello rookie sensation luke lamperti","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/weekend-wrap-goodbye-uran-hello-sprint-sensation-luke-lamperti\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/weekend-wrap-goodbye-uran-hello-sprint-sensation-luke-lamperti\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"weekend wrap: goodbye ur\u00e1n, hello rookie sensation luke lamperti\"}}\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\/weekend-wrap-goodbye-uran-hello-sprint-sensation-luke-lamperti\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"weekend wrap: goodbye ur\u00e1n, hello rookie sensation luke lamperti\"}}\u0027>\n weekend wrap: goodbye ur\u00e1n, hello rookie sensation luke lamperti\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"ratcliffe\u2019s reboot: can ineos grenadiers recapture its tour de france throne","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/ratcliffes-reboot-can-ineos-grenadiers-recapture-its-tour-de-france-throne\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/ratcliffes-reboot-can-ineos-grenadiers-recapture-its-tour-de-france-throne\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"ratcliffe\u2019s reboot: can ineos grenadiers recapture its tour de france throne\"}}\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\/ratcliffes-reboot-can-ineos-grenadiers-recapture-its-tour-de-france-throne\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"ratcliffe\u2019s reboot: can ineos grenadiers recapture its tour de france throne\"}}\u0027>\n ratcliffe\u2019s reboot: can ineos grenadiers recapture its tour de france throne\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"cycling in abu dhabi is far more than just deserts and fast cars","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-culture\/cycling-in-abu-dhabi\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-culture\/cycling-in-abu-dhabi\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"cycling in abu dhabi is far more than just deserts and fast cars\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-culture\/cycling-in-abu-dhabi\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"cycling in abu dhabi is far more than just deserts and fast cars\"}}\u0027>\n cycling in abu dhabi is far more than just deserts and fast cars\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"laurens ten dam smashes transcordilleras ultra","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/laurens-ten-dam-smashes-transcordilleras-ultra\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/laurens-ten-dam-smashes-transcordilleras-ultra\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"laurens ten dam smashes transcordilleras ultra\"}}\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\/laurens-ten-dam-smashes-transcordilleras-ultra\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"laurens ten dam smashes transcordilleras ultra\"}}\u0027>\n laurens ten dam smashes transcordilleras ultra\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"mosaic gt-1 iar titanium all-road pushes 40mm clearance with full integration","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/mosaic-gt-1-iar-titanium-all-road-pushes-40mm-clearance-with-full-integration\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/mosaic-gt-1-iar-titanium-all-road-pushes-40mm-clearance-with-full-integration\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mosaic gt-1 iar titanium all-road pushes 40mm clearance with full integration\"}}\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-gear\/mosaic-gt-1-iar-titanium-all-road-pushes-40mm-clearance-with-full-integration\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mosaic gt-1 iar titanium all-road pushes 40mm clearance with full integration\"}}\u0027>\n mosaic gt-1 iar titanium all-road pushes 40mm clearance with full integration\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 manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.
- Clean Eating
- Vegetarian Times
- Yoga Journal
- Fly Fishing Film Tour
- National Park Trips
- Warren Miller
- Fastest Known Time
- Trail Runner
- Women's Running
- Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
- FinisherPix
- Outside Events Cycling Series
- Outside Shop
© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc
Trek Procaliber 9.6 Review
by Ben Haworth June 11, 2023 0
Sure, you can ride the Trek Procaliber 9.6 whenever and wherever you like but the raison d’être of the Trek Procaliber is to perform between the race tape.
- Brand : Trek
- Product : Procaliber 9.6
- Price : £2,550.00
- From : trekbikes.com
- Tested by : Benji for Singletrackworld Magazine Issue 149
The other two hardtails in our ‘ Double Yer Money Hardtails ‘ test are all-rounder Traily McTrailface mountain bikes. This Trek Procaliber is decidedly not an all-rounder.
Rather than include a £2,400+ all-rounder trail hardtail, of which there are legion, we think it’s more illuminating and useful to go niche. To highlight the option of buying a very specific tool-for-the-job type of mountain bike.
The job for this Procaliber tool is cross-country racing. This is the sort of machine where the rides that aren’t actual races are called ‘training rides’.
The USP of the Trek Procaliber 9.6 is Trek’s IsoSpeed feature. First seen on Trek’s road racing bikes designed for the cobbled ways of Flanders, IsoSpeed basically detaches the seat tube from the top tube, allowing it to flex fore-aft. It’s a very modern take on ye olde soft-tail designs that did the rounds in the nineties and noughties.
Whereas those older designs typically had some sort of spring placed inside a wishbone seat stay arrangement, the Trek Procaliber has a fixing placed just in front of the seat tube and below the top tube and a wedge of elastomery material in the join. I’ll get into how it feels on the trail shortly.
The frame is made from Trek’s OCLV Mountain grade of carbon and, quite frankly, it looks really rad. The waspish black and yellow colourway is particularly pleasing. The aesthetic helps offset the relatively unexciting build kit. The own-brand finishing kit, mid-tier Shimano stuff and fairly nondescript RockShox Recon fork are all fine but hardly set the pulse racing.
In some ways all these rather uninspiring black bits actually help the bike (frame) look as great as it does. The bars are suitably cross-country narrow. The stem is similarly cross-country-tastically lengthy (80mm). The Bontrager XR2 Team Issue tyres are thrillingly bald. The MT410 brakes and the Recon fork are the two main disappointing spec choices. It just looks a bit too cost-cutting on a bike that otherwise looks so fine.
Looking at the rest of the Procaliber range you’d have to spend £3,775 to get a spec that looks suitably snazzy (Procaliber 9.8 with Fox fork, carbon wheelset, Shimano XT and so on).
The geometry of the Procaliber is on the less progressive side of things, even for a cross-country bike: steep 68.8° head angle, short 450mm reach (Large), dinky 90mm head tube length (Large). Oh and no, there is no dropper seatpost.
It can be hard to explain what makes a bike good at cross-country. It’s not just about being light and stiff. For trail riders, the geometry of cross-country race bikes is often entirely baffling. Steep head angles? Long stems? Narrow bars? Haven’t we left all that sort of stuff behind us?
The thing is, such geometry is not meant to be all-round effective. Cross-country geometry is principally meant to feel fast on climbs (the key word there being ‘feel’; racing is almost as much a mental exercise as physical). The narrow bars are arguably mainly there for aerodynamic reasons as much as anything. And if you have narrow bars (with a steep head angle) you need a lengthy stem to keep the front end from flailing madly when you’re redline drooling.
Why not put a slacker head angle on to cure everything? It’s hard to explain. The best explanation I can say is that it’s about pumping the terrain for even more speed. Cross-country races are won on anything that isn’t a descent. Descending speed is very much not important. Being fast downhill doesn’t win you races really. You can certainly lose races by being poor downhill, but you can’t win ’em. As such, the steep head angle is there to keep the front tyre contact patch nearer to you (usually a Really Bad Idea for Normal MTBing) so you can work the terrain underneath it for increased momentum.
Cross-country races are won primarily on the climbs, but the flatter and contouring stuff also matters a lot. Cross-country race geometry is a very specific system and the Trek Procaliber is more specific than most. And the Trek Procaliber is fast AF where and when it has to be. Sure, the downhills are more an exercise of holding-on rather than grinning-through, but the Procaliber’s grins can be found on race day podiums or (whisper it) Strava leaderboards.
All the boring black bits bolted to the Trek Procaliber 9.6 work fine. The fork is surprisingly active and combined with the IsoSpeed ‘rear suspension’ (when seated) actually makes for a remarkably un-punishing ride feel. There’s a reason the Procaliber is used by a lot of marathon endurance racers instead of a full-suspension bike. Also, by judicious use of the fork lockout, the Procaliber does the whole stood-up stamp-attack mode thing very well too.
I did think overall it would be even better with a dropper seatpost. Just a little one. The IsoSpeed system seems serendipitously perfect for dropper posts; droppers have zero fore-aft flex to them (unlike static seatposts) so IsoSpeed means you can run a dropper and still have a flexy perch experience.
This Trek Procaliber 9.6 is a great example of how an increase in budget can gain you access to a world of specificity. I wouldn’t recommend the Procaliber for everyone. It’s not a bike I personally would have. But if anyone is looking for an effective weapon for cross-country racing (whether real world racing or imaginary online Strava racing) then this is very probably one of the best bikes for going as hard as possible for as long as possible on the tracks and terrain that the stopwatch unsparingly demands.
It is a bike that can attack tracks with the best of them, yet it is perfectly capable of having a recovery breather on when you need one. The active fork, supple tyres and undoubtedly the IsoSpeed ‘soft-tail’ feature afford you a pleasing respite from the sheer brutality of the bike’s out-of-the-saddle efficiency of propulsion. It’s something of a Lycra-clad Jekyll and Hyde creation. Sat down, it’s comfy and polite. Stood up, it’s a freaking monster.
- Frame // OCLV Mountain Carbon
- Fork // RockShox Recon Gold RL LockOut, 100mm
- Wheels // Bontrager Kovee Comp 23
- Front tyre // Bontrager XR2 Team Issue 29×2.2
- Rear tyre // Bontrager XR2 Team Issue 29×2.2
- Chainset // Shimano MT611, 30T, 175mm
- Drivetrain // Shimano SLX/XT, 12-speed, 10–51T
- Brakes // Shimano MT410, 180/160mm
- Stem // Bontrager Rhythm Comp, 80mm, 31.8mm
- Bars // Bontrager Rhythm Comp, 750 x 15mm, 31.8mm
- Grips // Bontrager XR Trail Comp Lock-on
- Seatpost // Bontrager Comp, 31.6mm
- Saddle // Bontrager Arvada
- BB // Shimano MT500 PF92
- Size tested // L
- Sizes available // S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL
- Head angle // 68.8°
- Effective seat angle // 73.8°
- Seat tube length // 470mm
- Head tube length // 90mm
- Effective top tube // 625mm
- BB height // 60mm BB drop
- Reach // 450mm
- Chainstay // 432mm
- Wheelbase // 1,133mm
- Weight // 11.7kg
More Reviews
Litelok X1: Angle grinder resistance for peace of mind
The Litelok X1 was launched amid much social media and YouTube hype, with videos of angle…
Kona Process X CR Review
All in, the Kona Process X CR is an excellent all-mountain bike. And it’s the nicest-looking…
Renthal Revo-F Flat Pedal Review
The Renthal Revo-F is the Bredbury brand's first pedal. The fact that it has come out…
SRAM GX Eagle Transmission Review Update
When the dust finally settled on the X0 and XX1 versions, the SRAM GX Eagle Transmission…
Review Info
Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.
- This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 8 months ago by Ben Haworth .
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
- Search forums
- General Ebike Forums
- Discussion by Brand & User Reviews
Domane HP Iso Speed noise
- Thread starter drodg
- Start date Mar 23, 2021
Active Member
- Mar 23, 2021
I will readily admit as far as creaks and rattles etc I can become obsessive. I have had my Domane 2021 HP for a few weeks now and have put about 90 miles on it. The last two rides my Iso Speed I believe is making a creaking noise when I pedal. I came home yesterday and adjusted it to the softest setting and sprayed some lubricant on the seat post in case that was the cause. I can actually duplicate it by putting pressure on my seat and seat post and I can hear the noise on the bottom part of the Iso Speed that is on the bottom part of the top tube. It is kinda driving me nuts. I thought I would reach out to all of you before running it back over to my LBS. Btw it didn't do it when I first rode it. Thanks everyone
Don't go to the forums first! Go to the dealer first!
- Mar 30, 2021
So I have bee doing a little of my own diagnosis and problem solving before I take the bike to the LBS. I wanted to wait until my first service to take the bike in as I need to have them check the rear derailleur also. So the noise appears to be most pronounced with the iso speed on the softest setting. Hence more flex and a smoother ride. I put the adjustment to a firmer setting and the noise basically went away. Makes sense actually. Anyhow loving the bike and certainly riding on some very windy days that I would normally not go out. My 13 year old grandson rode it yesterday for a bit and said it was all of the fun of biking without any of the negatives! Even though he thinks I might be cheating a bit with it. Lol!
Well-Known Member
I ride an Allant 9.9 from Trek and love it. My experience with them has been that they are very responsive to any problems that might arise with my bike, which aligns with what I have heard from others. I also have a good bike workshop with a stand and lots of tools and enjoy working on my bike. I find it hard to resist working on things on the bike that might be warranty issues but try to exercise restraint. I urge you to do the same. We paid a premium price for a premium brand that comes with a good warranty that has people trained and ready to help. Best to leave potential warranty issues for them to resolve.
Thank You
Similar threads
- May 10, 2023
- Jul 19, 2022
- May 8, 2023
- Introductions & Bike Garage
- MrNoFluFF.com
- Jul 9, 2021
- Apr 8, 2021
- We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Accept Learn More…
trek isospeed creaking
Weight Weenies
Skip to content
- Active topics
- Board index Discussion Road
Trek Domane SLR headset / front IsoSpeed decoupler creaking
Moderator: robbosmans
Post by Fisherfreerider » Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:25 pm --> by Fisherfreerider on Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:25 pm
by » Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:25 pm --> by Weenie on Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:25 pm
Post by sennder » Wed Jul 11, 2018 2:59 pm --> by sennder on Wed Jul 11, 2018 2:59 pm
Fisherfreerider wrote: ↑ Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:25 pm The spacers were installed in the correct place. It may not take all four though. Most bikes can be resolved with 2-3. Make sure the compression plug is torqued to 10nm and the heaset top cap to 4nm.
Post by Fisherfreerider » Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:00 pm --> by Fisherfreerider on Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:00 pm
Post by sennder » Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:52 pm --> by sennder on Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:52 pm
Fisherfreerider wrote: ↑ Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:00 pm They come with 2 installed. Not necessarily a creak fix. It was to get proper compression on the headset to fix a knock that would feel loose. I persoanlly run mine with no spacers.
Post by SilentDrone » Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:59 pm --> by SilentDrone on Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:59 pm
Fisherfreerider wrote: The spacers were installed in the correct place. It may not take all four though. Most bikes can be resolved with 2-3. Make sure the compression plug is torqued to 10nm and the heaset top cap to 4nm.
Post by sennder » Thu Jul 12, 2018 1:17 am --> by sennder on Thu Jul 12, 2018 1:17 am
Post by Fisherfreerider » Thu Jul 12, 2018 1:05 pm --> by Fisherfreerider on Thu Jul 12, 2018 1:05 pm
Post by JeanMarc » Sat Jul 28, 2018 11:51 am --> by JeanMarc on Sat Jul 28, 2018 11:51 am
Post by DocAdams » Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:12 pm --> by DocAdams on Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:12 pm
Post by Hawkwood » Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:29 pm --> by Hawkwood on Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:29 pm
Post by sennder » Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:32 pm --> by sennder on Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:32 pm
DocAdams wrote: ↑ Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:12 pm So I take it back to the LBS (why do we have to bother with those anymore?) and all I got was a lecture about how I shouldn't have torn it apart!! I pointed out the delaminations and pretty much got a deer in headlights look. They are checking with Trek on next steps. I took the pedals off and told them to send it back for a refund. Problem is, their 30 day return is for "unused" hardware only. My gut tells me this newer 600 series carbon isn't like the good ole' Wisconsin grade....
Post by Calnago » Wed Sep 19, 2018 9:37 pm --> by Calnago on Wed Sep 19, 2018 9:37 pm
Post by wheelbuilder » Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:28 am --> by wheelbuilder on Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:28 am
Post by TheRich » Mon Feb 04, 2019 12:02 am --> by TheRich on Mon Feb 04, 2019 12:02 am
SilentDrone wrote: ↑ Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:59 pm When I torqued my top cap to 4nm after adding some spacers the headset creaked but only when riding it, where it previously had been silent. I backed off that torque a little and it’s back to silent again. I think 4 nm is too much pressure on the headset for this system. I have a 2018 Domane SLR. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
by » Mon Feb 04, 2019 12:02 am --> by Weenie on Mon Feb 04, 2019 12:02 am
Post by kgt » Mon Feb 04, 2019 7:59 am --> by kgt on Mon Feb 04, 2019 7:59 am
DocAdams wrote: ↑ Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:12 pm IMG_0594.JPG I immediately noticed delaminating of the top carbon layer, underneath the bottom right of the right hand decoupler hole [...] My gut tells me this newer 600 series carbon isn't like the good ole' Wisconsin grade....
Return to “Road”
- ↳ Weight Weenies
- ↳ Introduce Yourself / Gallery - Please use metric weights.
- ↳ Catch all // Gallery threads
- ↳ MTB
- ↳ Road
- ↳ Wheelsets & Tires (Road)
- ↳ Bike Travel, Cycling Tourism, Destinations & Events
- ↳ Cycling Kits
- ↳ Racing
- ↳ CX & Gravel
- ↳ Randonneurring, Bikepacking, Commuting, E-Bikes
- ↳ Training
- ↳ Cycle Chat
- Marketplace
- ↳ For sale - Pictures are mandatory 22-3-13
- ↳ Wanted
- ↳ Hero or Villain
- ↳ Comments
- Board index
- All times are UTC
Powered by phpBB ® Forum Software © phpBB Limited
Privacy | Terms
Latest blog postings
Popular blog postings.
- Advertising
IMAGES
COMMENTS
r/TrekBikes • 5 yr. ago alexfitzbeck Rear isospeed decoupler creaking issue I have a 2018 Domane SLR 6 which rides like an absolute gem. However, when I set the rear isospeed decoupler to the most compliant setting (all the way down) I get creaking with every seated pedal stroke.
How To: Adjust Your Rear IsoSpeed Trek Bicycle 224K subscribers Subscribe 509 Share 135K views 4 years ago What is IsoSpeed? http://bit.ly/37mgAC0 Did you know? On select bike models with...
Trek Domane Isospeed Creaking Guanajuato Posts: 399 April 2015edited October 2016 in Road general I've got one of the early Trek Domane 2.0 (delivered 2013). On recent rides, I've noticed...
Have a Trek with the adjustable rear Isospeed Decoupler in the head tube. Have been getting a creaking noise during my last few rides most noticeable when climbing in the saddle. Went through a bunch of troubleshooting steps associated with the saddle and seat post (removing, re-greasing/carbon pasting, torque specing, etc.) and it doesn't seem ...
1. IsoSpeed seat decoupler and seat mast 3 How it works 3 Installing the seat mast 4 Installing the Adjustable Seatmast Slider and securing the seat mast. 6 Adjusting the ride 7 2. Front IsoSpeed 8 Installing the front IsoSpeed system 8 3. Installing the fork 11 4. Installing the Di2 12 5. Installing the shift cables 13 Securing the rear ...
2 Next nemeseri Posts: 794 Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2015 4:40 pm by nemeseri on Fri Dec 14, 2018 9:49 pm Long story short, I'm thinking about buying a Trek Checkpoint bike. The carbon version has rear IsoSpeed, but it can't be adjusted to be firmer than the factory default.
The Front IsoSpeed is a proprietary headset collar with a rocker that sits in the top of the head tube and bolts into the steerer tube via an assembly that includes a couple of bolts and a preloaded spring.
#1 · Jan 4, 2019 I have a question about the Isospeed decoupler on my 2015 Trek Domane 5.2. Recently I noticed that the decoupler was not dampening the ride like it used to. When I took it into the LBS for service they said they could just replace it and it would be fine.
bike joechambz September 25, 2019, 11:05am 1 Hey TR community, I put my Madone on the the trainer for the first time yesterday and I noticed it has quite a bit of sway side to side In the seatpost (not vertically like the isospeed is supposed to move). There is also a clicking.
The Trek Domane has been one of the best-selling endurance road bikes since it first arrived on the scene way back in 2012, largely owing to its innovative IsoSpeed rear pseudo-suspension system. IsoSpeed lives on in the bike's fourth generation, and it's not only more cleverly package than ever, but it's housed in what is clearly the ...
The creaking is almost definitely from the headset, possibly due to the front IsoSpeed decoupler. It feels like it is coming from the front end of the frame, around the top tube. I've confirmed that it's not the cable (creaking was present when I removed the cables). I don't think it's the handlebar (the creak seems to be coming from the frame)
The USP of the Trek Procaliber 9.6 is Trek's IsoSpeed feature. First seen on Trek's road racing bikes designed for the cobbled ways of Flanders, IsoSpeed basically detaches the seat tube from ...
Edit: Completely solved now. I narrowed down the creaking noise to the spacers above the handlebars, under the cap. I believe the creaking is the spacers moving against each other and against the step and cap. Others troubleshooting this might want to try some lithium grease between their spacers.
• 8 mo. ago First open the cover over the rear ISO speed seat post and check what the writing near the post clamp. It must say Rev 2 as the Rev 1 parts were defective. Trek will replace the Rev 1 parts. Second as others have mention take your bike back to the LBS (Trek Dealer) and they will regrease (carbon paste) your seat post.
Mar 23, 2021 #1 I will readily admit as far as creaks and rattles etc I can become obsessive. I have had my Domane 2021 HP for a few weeks now and have put about 90 miles on it. The last two rides my Iso Speed I believe is making a creaking noise when I pedal.
Madone SLR seatpost / ISOspeed HELP. Hey TR community, I put my Madone on the the trainer for the first time yesterday and I noticed it has quite a bit of sway side to side In the
Trek Domane SLR headset / front IsoSpeed decoupler creaking. The spacers were installed in the correct place. It may not take all four though. Most bikes can be resolved with 2-3. Make sure the compression plug is torqued to 10nm and the heaset top cap to 4nm. The spacers were installed in the correct place. It may not take all four though.
118 11K views 1 year ago ...more ...more 2016 Trek Domane Front Suspension De-Constructed Trek Front Iso Speed Problems Solved! Sometimes the front iso speed on the 2020-2022 Trek Domane...