trek domane 2.0 2015 review

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2015 trek domane 2.0 review and specs, 2015 trek domane 2.0 is a comfortable and entertaining entry-to-mid-level bike, with excellent scope to upgrade in the future.

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Trek Domane vs Specialized Roubaix: Which Is The Best Endurance Road Bike?

In this post I’m going to compare the Trek Domane with the Specialized Roubaix. Which, if you’ve stumbled upon this post by accident and you’ve missed the tone of things round here, are both road bikes.

I’ll give an overview of the range of bikes available within each of these model families. I’ll also look at the particular features that are specific to the bikes, particularly in the area of comfort and ride smoothening.

This is part of a series of posts I’m writing, comparing the road bikes stables of these two large US bike manufacturers, Trek and Specialized. If you haven’t already, you should check out my introductory post on the subject .

Whilst other posts in this series (will) deal with aero bikes, lighter climbing bikes and gravel bikes, this one is really about my specialist subject (sort of): the bike for the older, more comfort-seeking gent.

Or ‘endurance road bike’, as the cycling industry seems set on calling it.

Why I Might Be Biased

I own a Trek Domane (a 4.3, which I bought in 2013). I really like it.

So much so that I just took it back to the frame, cleaned all the components, bought some new bits and then put it all back together:

I do therefore have an affinity towards it, and Trek in general.

That said, I would  really  like a Roubaix (or any high-end Specialized road bike), so I can’t see me being particularly negative about it, or the company as a whole, as I write this post.

Drool mode… engaged:

Bikes Mentioned In This Post

Er, this isn’t going to come as much of a shock…

• Specialized Roubaix – click here to visit the Specialized website to see the full range
• Trek Domane – click here to see the Domane at Trek

Note: this post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I get a commission.

It’s All In The (Brand) Positioning

Trek and Specialized, pretty early on, both identified that the sort of bike frame that might suit the amateur MAMIL (more relaxed geometry; a bike that soaks up bumps in the road; a more upright riding position, all else being equal) was similar to that used by the pros in the more arduous cobbled classics races (sort of: the pros still use an aggressive riding position).

Thusly, with a bit of smart branding, we could buy a bike altogether more suited to our riding needs and low levels of flexibility whilst still pretending that we had a race-ready riding rig.

If Fabian Cancellara was riding the Domane and Tom Boonen the Roubaix whilst battling it out on the  Carrefour de l’Arbre  in the early 2010s, who could question the pro pedigree of our choice of bike?

Fabian Cancellara's farewell Paris-Roubaix Trek Domane SLR | https://t.co/U3YFUhcXU6 https://t.co/DizNSUTTvt pic.twitter.com/0GX0kKRfur — Cyclingnews (@Cyclingnewsfeed) April 8, 2016

In fact, in the pro world, there is probably less of a gap between ‘endurance’ and ‘race’ bikes these days.

The early and middle parts of races are generally being ridden with more intensity, so race management is much more about reducing fatigue going into the later stages.

Increasing rider comfort on the bike can help with this, and this is being reflected in pro bike geometry, riding positions and tyre choices.

Professionals still look better on a bike than us mere mortals though.

Trek (You Say) Domane

Trek’s endurance bike is the Domane. No one seems to know how to pronounce the word.

Whilst sort of looking French, it’s made up. It’s an anagram of Madone (the name of Trek’s aero road bike, as well as an infamous climb near Nice).

If I were in Trek’s marketing department, I’d say it the same way you pronounce ‘domain’ in English. As I’m not, it seems to be ‘doe-ma-knee’ (emphasis on the ‘ma’).

I Am A Very Happy Domane Owner

You can  read my ‘review’ of my Domane 4.3 here . That was written years ago (I’m thinking of doing an update in video form). Here’s a photo from the archives:

I bought the bike back in July 2013 as part of an extensive overhaul of my whole bike setup ( new bike, new bike fit, new pedals, new shoes ). It hasn’t disappointed. It’s still going strong.

One of the reasons for getting the Domane (in addition to trying to fool myself that I’m a pro Spring classics rider) was that if it was designed to be robust enough for the Roubaix cobbles, then it must be capable of dealing with the Derbyshire potholes. This reasoning has played out.

My Domane has been subject to a good amount of (road surface based) abuse. I’ve upgraded the wheels (to these Campagnolo Zondas ) but the stock ones (Bontrager) held up well.

Is That Frame Broken (Fire Up The Isospeed Decoupler)?

The most innovative feature of the Domane is the fact that the top tube doesn’t actually connect to the seat post. Which sounds like a recipe for disaster.

In truth the tubes do connect. They’re just not fused together (is that what they do with carbon fibre? ‘bonded’ maybe). Instead, there is an ‘Isospeed Decoupler’ linking the two.

This bracket allows the seat tube to flex (a bit) over its full length, rather than being held in place where it meets the top tube. This limited amount of ‘give’ reduces vibration and that brittle jarring you get when riding over rough surfaces.

And ‘rough surfaces’ is essentially the lot of the British MAMIL in his home environment.

All this vibration damping and flexing at one of the key rider contact points aims to reduce (unnecessary) fatigue over the course of the ride, so the rider is fresh enough to contest the selection, when it comes. Or in my case, to allow me to finish a ride (hopefully).

Upgrades To The Original Domane

My Trek Domane features the first generation of Isospeed ride cushioning.

Subsequent models have seen a number of iterations of the rear ride dampening technology.

In addition to making the joint more sleek, for the higher end SLR models, Trek has given riders the ability to adjust the amount of flex in the seat tube via moving a slider, initially on the seat tube itself and, most recently, underneath the top tube.

The original rear Isospeed was introduced for the derrière. Since then, Trek has brought in a front Isospeed for your…. arrière?

The front Isospeed is located at the top of the headseat, allowing for (again, limited) flex in the steerer tube, reducing the road noise that riders feel through their arms.

Trek describes the headset as sitting in a rocker cup. This allows front and back movement in the steerer tube, but no lateral movement. Which is probably a good thing if you want to avoid riding into hedges.

You can  read more about the whole Isospeed caboodle on the Trek website  (if you should so desire…).

Other Things That Have Changed Since 2013…

Whilst the UK legislative agenda may have ground to a halt, we’ve at least had the ‘disc brake revolution’.

All Domanes these days come with disc brakes only. No rim brakes allowed (other than on the aluminium version, the AL, but thats essentially a different bike for a different blog post).

With great (disc brakes) power comes great responsibility (tyre clearance). I recall when I bought my Domane, much fanfare was made about its ability to handle wider tyres. That was something like 28cm.

The most recent generation of Domanes can take up to a 38cm width. They’ll be fitting it with front and rear suspension next. Oh, wait…

Next, the latest generation of Domanes have a hole (deliberately) in the down tube which provides an internal storage compartment for tools and, say, a CO2 cartridge.

And what’s this?

The Trek Domane No Longer Uses A Press Fit Bottom Bracket!

That’s right. The BB90 press fit bottom bracket that is apparently hated by everyone (but which I enjoyed learning how to fit in this video) has been replaced with a T47 threaded bottom bracket.

Mechanics everywhere will rejoice. Monty will stand around looking vacant.

(Whilst he’s looking vacant, let’s move on to the Specialized Roubaix)

Roubaix Roubaix Roubaix Roubay (Ooo-oo-ooo-oo)

Specialized’s endurance bike model is, as mentioned, the Roubaix. It featured on the short list of bikes I considered back in 2013.

Roubaix is a town in northern France famous historically for producing wool and textiles. It was chosen as a model name by Specialized to fit in with its strategy of choosing industrial names for bikes, like the Tarmac.

(I’m very tempted just to stop here…)

Sure, there’s a famous bike race each year that finishes in the Roubaix velodrome. Famous for traversing 29 cobbled sectors ( proper  cobbles). Famous for testing riders and their bikes to the limit. And being called ‘the Hell of the North’.

So Specialized probably named the Roubaix after that. Sure sure sure.

Does The Specialized Roubaix Have Suspension?

At the time I was looking at buying a Roubaix, Specialized tackled the whole ‘quasi-suspension’ thing by integrating ‘Zertz’ inserts into the seat stays and the fork.

These plastic (okay, ‘viscoelastic polymer’) dampeners purported to absorb vibrations that would otherwise pass unhindered into the rider’s butt-oxe and hands.

Specialized adopts a similar principle to the comfort features of the Domane. Logic as follows:

• Vibrations lead to fatigue.
• Fatigue leads to tiredness.
• Tiredness leads to pain.
• Pain leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to… suffering.

Anygroad, Specialized have dispensed with Zertz in the most recent generations of Roubaix (Roubaiz?). Instead they do have an actual shock absorbing piston, with 20mm of travel, built into the head tube.

This feature, known as the ‘Future Shock’ gives (understandably) more vertical movement than the Zertz-based flexy-forks approach. This makes for a more comfortable rider experience in the ‘cockpit’ area of the bike.

Like Trek’s Isospeed feature (in the more expensive models), the Future Shock 2.0 used in bikes at the higher end of the Roubaix range can be adjusted to control the amount of dampening.

Towards the bottom end of the range (Roubaix Comp and below), the Future Shock 1.5 is used, which does not have the adjustment knob (it still has 20mm of travel though).

Does The Specialized Roubaix Have Rear Suspension?

In short, no.

Distinct from the Domane, the Roubaix provides no mechanical ‘comfort features’ around the seat tube and chain stays. Your butt-oxe will no longer be cossetted. Many apologies.

That said, all of the models come with the S-Works Pave seatpost (there you go – a little bit of S-Works bling, even at the low end of the range).

Specialized states that the Pave is the ‘first compliant seatpost that’s aerodynamic’ and without any ‘contraptions’ (surely a dig at Trek?). More flex has been built into upper part of the seat post (quite what ‘more flex’ is relative to isn’t stated).

Anyhoo, at least Specialized are thinking about these things, so it’ll be better than nothing.

The Specialized Roubaix Range

The aim of this section is to give an overview of the Specialized Roubaix range so you can quickly triangulate between the name (Sport, Comp, etc), the price and the high level spec.

For more detail you’ll want to check out the Specalized website (also the range differs slightly between the US and the UK).

Roubaix Sport

• Cost: £2,750 / $2,900
• Frame: FACT 10R
• Suspension: Future shock 1.5
• Colour scheme options: 2
• Components: Shimano 105 R7000 (11 speed) other than Praxis Alba crankset (compact)
• Wheels: DT Swiss R470

Roubaix Comp

• Cost: £3,500 / $3,600
• Components: Shimano Ultegra R8000; compact 11 speed; clutch rear derailleur RX800

Roubaix Expert

• Cost: £4,750 / $6,000 (no idea why the US price is so high relative to the UK)
• Colour scheme options: 1
• Suspension: Future shock 2.0
• Components: Shimano Ultegra R8000 Di2; compact 11-speed; clutch rear derailleur RX805 (Di2)

Roubaix Pro

• Cost: £6,600 / $6,700
• Suspension: Future Shock 2.0
• Components: SRAM Force eTAP with RED etap rear derailleur; 12 speed; compact (46/33t)
• Wheels: Rovel Alpinist CL

S-Works Roubaix – SRAM Red eTAP AXS

• Cost: £10,500
• Frame: FACT 11R
• Components: SRAM RED eTAP AXS 12-speed with power meter
• Wheels: Rovel Alpinist CLX

S-Works Roubaix – Sagan Collection

• Cost: £10,069
• Components: Dura-Ace Di2 11-speed with dual-sided powermeter
• Wheels: Rovel Rapide CLX

The Trek Domane Range

Oof, there are a lot of variants of the Domane available, making them difficult to summarise without this post descending into a turdpile of tedium*.

(* Ha ha, yes, I see, you already think it’s a tur…)

Again, you’ll want to check out the full range at the Trek website:

At the top end you have the SLR series of bikes, all of which use Trek’s highest quality OCLV 700 Series carbon frame (something to do with the quality of the carbon layup…).

Then you have a few sub-variants:

• SLR 6 – mechanical Ultegra / Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels – $6,800 / £5,500
• SLR 7 – electronic Ultegra Di2 / Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels – $7,800-8,300 / £6,350-6,900
• SLR 7 eTap – wireless electronic SRAM Force eTap AXS / Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels – $8,500-8,800 / £7,000
• SLR 9 – electronic Dura-Ace Di2 / Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheels – $12,000 / £10,000
• SLR 9 etap – wireless electronic SRAM RED eTap AXS / Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheels – $12,000 / £10,100

In case you’re wondering, the prices ranges for the two SLR 7 variants is because there appears to be a ‘standard’ colour scheme for each one (lower price) and then a few colour options that are built to order (higher price)

The SLs all have the OCLV 500 series frame. Not as high spec as the 700 but designed to be lightweight, strong and stiff (but aren’t they all…).

• SL 4 – mix of Shimano Tiagra and Praxis / Bontrager Affinity Disc wheels – $2,400 / £2,100
• SL 5 – Shimano 105 / Bontrager Affinity Disc wheels – $2,900 / £2,550
• SL 6 – mechanical Ultegra / Bontrager Paradigm Comp wheels – $3,800 / £3,350
• SL 7 – electronic Ultegra Di2 / Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels – $6,000 / £5,100
• SL 7 eTap – wireless electronic SRAM Force eTap AXS / Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels – $6,200 / £5,650

In case it’s not obvious (it really isn’t), you can transmogrify between the SLR and SL ranges to see that the number 7, say, corresponds to a spec featuring Ultegra Di2 and Aeolus Pro 3V wheels.

I’ll save the electric and aluminium versions of the Domane for other blog posts.

Is There A Trek Domane Women’s Bike?

Actually, yes. And no. Mainly no.

Trek used to do a higher end women’s version of the Domane. Now they are saying that for all new Domane SLRs and SLs, they’re producing frame sizes down to 44cm (i.e. small). So there should be an option that fits every rider, whether they are man, woman or squirrel.

As an aside, there are two new AL (aluminium-framed) versions of the Domane that are described as ‘Women’s’. The frames do look slightly different to the equivalent men’s models (they’re a different colour at least) but the bumf on the website makes more of them being fitted with ‘women-specific’ saddles and handlebars than the geometry.

It’s Probably Worth Saying…

I’ve only ridden one Trek Domane (the one in my garage). The technology and ride feel has no doubt moved on. Similarly, I’ve never been lucky enough to try out a Specialized Roubaix.

This post from Bikeradar  provides a comparison based on their reviews of both bikes (albeit from previous generations of both bikes). And for an actual bike review, you’d like to think they’ve ridden them extensively…

Which Should You Buy?

Here I must disappoint. I’m going to sit on the (carbon fibre) fence.

I have really enjoyed riding my Trek Domane this past six years. Many readers of this blog found it by reading my original ‘review’ of the bike. Almost every comment or email I’ve received about it has been positive.

That said, I (obviously) covet a nice Specialized Roubaix. I’m sure it’s also an excellent choice.

So it looks like if you’re in the market for a new endurance bike (and no cyclist is truly out of the market for a new bike), you’ll have to test them both out. What a hassle…

Stay tuned for the next episode in this occasional Trek versus Specialized series.

In the meantime, do you own either the Domane or the Roubaix (or maybe both!)?

Let me know your views in the comments below.

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9 thoughts on “Trek Domane vs Specialized Roubaix: Which Is The Best Endurance Road Bike?”

Hello, At long last after38 years I have now switched from a vintage Koga Miyata Radonneur steel frame to Specialized Roubaix and I am amazed about the quality and smoothness of the ride. Yes, my steel steed was comfortable but some sections of tarmac roads we have here in Scotland are horrible, even on a steel bike. Imagine my astonishment when I rode the Roubaix (2016 model), Zipp Firecrest303 carbon wheels, on these roads and they just became smoother and less harsh. I always thought that carbon is harsh but in the right configuration it is marvelous, not to mention the nearly 9kg in weight saving.

I have a 2016 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Elite Disc, and it is the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. When I was buying in 2016 I got my shortlist down to the Domane and Roubaix. Test rode both, and couldn’t separate them for ride quality and comfort. It eventually came down to price, with the Roubaix being £50 less. On saying that, I’m heading back to the ride quality of steel in a few weeks time, with a Mason Resolution 2 on order. So, if anybody fancies a well looked after Roubaix…? 😂

Thanks for the info. Im still riding my 2013 domane 500 series as well. But thinking it’s time for disc brakes. You didn’t mention electronic shifters either ! Maybe time for that info as well !

Have been following you for a while, always find you entertaining and informative. I wrote off my beloved 2015 domane disc in a ‘night time chain gang vs pothole’ incident (as well doing a number on my right wrist, which is now part bone, part titanium). ( I am now banned from night riding by SWMBO). Bought a Mason Definition 2 with Di2, based on the reviews and an hours ride from their base on the South Coast. But we’ve never ‘gelled’. It gives me neither the comfort nor the speed of the domane. It also feels quite harsh up front, which is not good for my often painful wrist, so the new domane is an itch I think I’ll have to scratch. Looking at a sale 2020 SL 7 with Force eTap and carbon wheels at a bargain price. Never had eTap, but the reviews are excellent. A little nervous as I adore Di2, but almost certainly going to pull the trigger once I’ve had a ride.

Hi Glenn – did you go for another Domane in the end?

Hello Glenn, could you share more about your “wrist?” I just purchased the 2021 Roubaix Sport, after returning from an almost 30-year hiatus and riding, again, my 40 year old, too-big-for-me Fuji Flair. Riding the new bike, I brake entirely too hard and have jolted myself to where I hurt my right wrist (I am right-handed). Thanks in advance for your time and attention.

I’ve ridden a Trek Domane 4.3 since 2013 and recently purchased the Domane SL5. I’ve found the post very low in comparison so have flipped the stem, which has made me more upright. The Arvada saddle for me is creating a lot of pressure compared to my Affinity (no longer available) saddle on my 4.3. I’m therefore changing this to a Trek Versa and hope this will alleviate the problem. Still love my 4.3 and hopefully will enjoy my new SL5 as much once it’s sorted to my liking. The SL5 is my 4th Trek with the pride of my collection being the SL8 full Dura Ace Emonda.

The Affinity saddle is available for a bargain basement price of $75 (carbon rails too). I picked one up for my Trek Fuel and it is the most comfortable saddle I have tried. Search “overstock” on trek’s website. https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/cycling-components/factory-overstock/bontrager-affinity-pro-carbon-factory-overstock-bike-saddle/p/24630/?colorCode=white

I had the domane 4.3 for many years, great bike. Now I went for the domane sl7 2021 with di2. I love it!

I did my first bike race at 315km. What a comfort!

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With the Domane (pronounced doh-mar-knee), the seat tube attaches at the bottom bracket like normal, but rather than being fixed at the top tube, there's a bearing between the two tubes. The idea is that the seat tube can pivot to a degree, so the saddle can move downwards (and a little backwards), providing more give and adding comfort to the ride.

The carbon Domane provides about 30mm of compliance. If you want to do something similar with aluminium, you need to be careful because when you flex aluminium it will fatigue over time.

For that reason, Trek have made the seat tube by welding two different sections of aluminium with differing characteristics, to determine the amount of vibration damping and compliance. The end result is that the aluminium Domane offers about half the amount of compliance of the carbon version. If you're worried that the aluminium might fail over time, Trek provide a lifetime warranty.

I found that the IsoSpeed Decoupler damped out high frequency vibration to an extent, and it helps to take the edge off bigger hits too – potholes, raised manholes and the like – but having ridden the carbon version last year, I wanted more. Still, you have to remember that this is a £1,200 bike whereas the carbon Domane 4 Series starts at £1,500. Anyway, I'll come back to the whole IsoSpeed system later with a more detailed look at the ride...

Construction & fit

The Domane 2.3, like the £1,000 2.0, is made from Trek's 200 Series Alpha Aluminium, and it's built to what Trek call their 'endurance fit', meaning that it's 'still racy but with a slightly higher head tube'.

To put figures on it, we have the 58cm model here with a 54.8cm seat tube, a 56.7cm effective top tube, and a 19.5cm head tube. That's not a crazy-tall front end but it's pretty high.

For comparison, a 58cm Madone in Trek's H2 fit has an effective top tube that's 0.7cm longer and a head tube that's 0.5cm shorter. In a highly performance-orientated H1 fit, a 58cm Madone's effective top tube is 57.9cm and the head tube is 16cm.

In other words, the Domane's geometry is more relaxed than that of the Madone so you find yourself sitting in a more upright, less stretched out position. I don't like a particularly high front end to my bikes so I took out the headset spacers early on and got myself into a kind of medium position, but you could leave them in if you prefer your bars up high.

While we're on a geometry trip, the Domane has a slacker head angle than the Madone, a longer sweep to the fork and longer chainstays. The result is a significantly extended wheelbase – 1,022mm versus 987mm. That means that the Domane feels considerably more stable. It has a greater bottom bracket drop too, further adding to the stable feel.

Just a couple more figures: the headset is a standard (if there is such a thing these days) 1 1/8in top and bottom while the bottom bracket is Trek's own wide BB86.5 design. It's a press fit system that, unlike a few others we've used lately, remained creak-free throughout testing.

Usefully, as well as SpeedTrap compatibility (where a computer sensor can sit neatly inside the fork leg), Trek provide mudguard mounts front and rear that are hardly noticeable, and you get eyelets for a rear rack too. That makes a lot of sense on a bike that might well get used year round and be pressed into service for Audax and/or commuting.

The spec is based around Shimano's mid-level 105 groupset. The 105ness encompasses the shifters, mechs and the brakes. The only real compromise here is the Shimano R565 compact chainset that's not as light as a 105 version. Most of the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager, Trek's in-house brand.

The IsoSpeed Decoupler certainly does provide compliance – call it 'downward saddle movement' if you don't like the bike brochure jargon. You notice it most over rough roads where the bike smoothes over small bumps, holes and jaggedy bits.

The effect is quite hard to describe. It's not really like mountain bike suspension, or at least it's nothing like the same scale. We're talking about micro-movement here. The feeling is more like having a tyre with a lower than normal pressure in, but without any of the squirming or effects on handling (or risk of pinch flats!). In fact, Trek boast that there are no drawbacks to the Isospeed system. It adds very little weight and there's no impact on frame stiffness.

Trek have included other features to help keep the ride comfortable too. As I mentioned above, the carbon-legged fork has been designed to encourage give at the front end and you get 25mm Bontrager R1 tyres. The low-drop (125mm) Bontrager Race VR-C handlebar comes with Bontrager's thick gel/cork tape and Bonty's Affinity 1 saddle has a whole lot of padding throughout – too much for my taste although, as always with saddles, comfort comes down to personal preference.

The result is a ride that feels just a bit smoother than you get with competitors at this price. I'd like to emphasise 'a bit' here. It's not chalk and cheese, black and white, day and night. You feel like you're riding a bike that's different, but not that different. There are carbon bikes out there that offer more compliance than you get here without the need for an IsoSpeed Decoupler to achieve it.

Aluminium versus carbon

I tried out a carbon Domane last year, albeit for just for one ride, and that was significantly different, both in dealing with high-frequency buzz and with bigger bumps. There was far more movement there. Maybe that's not a fair comparison because the carbon version is more expensive, but if you're sold on the idea of more compliance, do consider the Domane 4 Series seriously.

Of course, it's not quite as easy as that, because the carbon Domanes are more expensive. The cheapest, the 4.0, comes with a Shimano Tiagra build (Shimano's groupset level below 105) and costs £1,500. If you want the same spec as the 2.3 on a carbon Domane, you need the 4.3 that's priced at £1,800 – so you're effectively paying £600 extra for that extra compliance.

Another thing to consider is that the Domane 2.3 isn't the lightest £1,200 bike out there. Ours hit the road.cc Scales of Truth at 9.27kg (20.4lb). We're certainly not saying that weight is everything, but the £1,249 Giant TCR SL2 that we reviewed recently was almost a kilo lighter at 8.35kg (18.4lb).

Our Domane was in no way lethargic but it lacked the spark and energy of some similarly priced bikes when accelerating and climbing. It just needed that little bit more urging on to get up to speed, and I was glad of the compact chainset hooked up to a 12-30-tooth cassette when it came to tackling steep climbs. Lighter wheels would certainly help here, as they usually would. The Bontrager Approved rims on alloy hubs are perfectly sound and they've remained 100% true throughout testing, but they're not especially lightweight.

Good, but not quite the moon on a stick

Don't get the impression that the Domane 2.3 isn't a good bike. There's certainly a lot to recommend it. Trek are right to say that there's no loss of frame rigidity with the IsoSpeed Decoupler, for example. It's a pretty stiff bike at both the head tube and the bottom bracket, even when you get out of the saddle and throw it about.

It's a good level of spec for the money too. Shimano 105 is great stuff both in terms of function and durability – possibly Shimano's best balance – and all of the Bontrager kit is well thought-out too. If I'm being picky – and I am – I'd like lighter wheels... but I want the moon on a stick, me.

So, who should buy the Domane 2.3? Well, I would say that it's not the most manoeuvrable of bikes when riding in a group, and it's not the most reactive, but that's not really what the Domane is about.

It's at its best when you're cruising along, when all that stability I mentioned means it takes care of itself with the minimum of attention. And that decent level of comfort becomes more valuable the longer you're in the saddle, and for that reason it's a good option if you're likely to get in the big miles on long weekend rides, Audaxes or sportives.

Comfortable, stable endurance bike with an innovative design, but not the lightest option out there.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Trek Domane 2.3

Size tested: 58cm

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame 200 Series Alpha Aluminum, IsoSpeed, press-fit BB

Fork Trek IsoSpeed carbon, SpeedTrap compatible

Wheels Alloy hubs w/Bontrager Approved alloy rims

Tyres Bontrager R1, 700x25c

Shifters Shimano 105 STI, 10 speed

Front derailleur Shimano 105, 31.8mm clamp

Rear derailleur Shimano 105

Chainset Shimano R565, 50/34 (compact)

Cassette Shimano Tiagra 12-30, 10 speed

Saddle Bontrager Affinity 1, steel rails

Seatpost Bontrager Carbon, 20mm offset

Handlebar Bontrager Race VR-C, 31.8mm

Stem Bontrager Race Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree

Headset 1 1/8in integrated, semi-cartridge bearings

Brakeset Shimano 105 brakes w/Shimano 105 STI levers

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Trek say, "Domane 2 Series is the world's finest aluminum endurance bike. It features Trek IsoSpeed technology and our innovative endurance geometry for comfort and stability in all conditions."

It's certainly an endurance bike, at it's best for getting in the big miles in reasonable comfort.

Frame and fork

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

You might be sceptical of the IsoSpeed Decoupler but it does add a degree of compliance - just not as much as you get with the carbon version of this bike.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

I've discussed this in the text. Essentially, it's Trek's Endurance Fit which is more relaxed than one of their more race-orientated fits.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

The reach is shorter than that of an equivalent Madone, and the stack is higher, giving a more relaxed ride position.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Yes, it was comfortable. If you're coming at it expecting tons of bump-gobbling suspension, you're going to be disappointed. Likewise, if you're expecting as much give as you get with a carbon Domane. The IsoSpeed Decoupler gives you just a little more compliance than you would otherwise get.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Yes, it's a clever trick but there's no apparent loss of frame stiffness with the IsoSpeed Decoupler.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?

The tiniest amount for me. Not a problem

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively, neutral or unresponsive? Certainly not lively or twitchy. The bike feels very stable.

The drivetrain

Wheels and tyres, your summary.

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Kind of, but it was a bit too sedate for my taste.

Would you consider buying the bike? It wouldn't really suit me.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? If they were after a comfortable endurance bike

Overall rating: 7 /10

About the tester

Age: 41   Height: 190cm   Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:    My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years   I ride: Most days   I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

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Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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If only they offered the carbon version as a frameset option (not the crazy-priced 6)...

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What a monstrosity. Will be a pig to ride sure enough.

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Trek’s Best Road Bike Ever Is the Third-Generation Domane SLR

Smooth, fast, and smart: The new Domane is everything a modern road bike should be.

The Takeaway: Higher performance, more features, more versatile: The third generation Domane is one of the best road bikes you can buy right now.

• Clearance for up to 38mm tires
• Internal storage system
• Improved aerodynamics save 12 watts
• 27 percent more compliant than the previous model

Price: $7,800 Weight: 18.9 lb. (54cm)

The third generation of Trek’s Domane is not just the best Domane, it is Trek’s best-ever road bike. And one of the best road bikes on the market right now.

Few bikes offer what the Domane SLR does: a bike that’s equal parts performance, comfort, practicality, and versatility. It’s more aerodynamic than the outgoing Domane (saving 12 watts at 4oKph) and takes at least a 38mm tire, and it has hidden fender mounts and sleek internal storage.

It has compliance-enhancing decouplers front and rear that work very well to improve both rider comfort and control, and that don’t detract from the bike’s pedaling efficiency or handling. The steering is light, and its handling precise, but with a mellower edge and more stability than a road-racing bike. That helps make it one of the best bikes on which to descend roads, as well as a capable all-road and light-gravel bike.

Style Road, All Road Material Carbon Tire clearance 38mm Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra Di2 Chainrings 34/50 Cassette 11-32 Brakes Shimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc Wheels Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3v, tubeless ready, 25mm internal width Tires Bontrager 32 Hard-Case Lite, 32mm Handlebar Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-CF Stem Bontrager Pro Saddle Bontrager Arvada

It is what a modern road bike should be: fast, crisp, useful, adaptable, and rider-friendly. The 32mm tires come stock on all but one model, a decision I couldn’t applaud more. Fat tires rule because they’re less prone to flats, can go more places, and don’t require you to dodge every groove and hole in the road. Not only do they ride smoother, Trek says its testing indicates they’re faster at speeds under 20mph (over 20 and the aero penalty takes over).

It is a touch heavy—it gains about 100 grams compared to the outgoing version—though it doesn’t ride that way. And it’s such a good and well-done bike, the extra weight seems worth it.

Trek Domane SLR 7

But if you’re a gram counter, know that the long-term review bike—a $7,800 Domane SLR 7 with Ultegra Di2 Carbon wheels and carbon handlebar—weighed just a touch under 19 pounds. That means the lower-end bikes will weigh even more. This new third-generation bike comes in 10 models priced from $2,300 to over $11k, plus the option to customize build and finish in Trek’s Project One program.

This is the bike most of us should ride. It’s entertainingly sharp and sporty, smooth, smart, and versatile enough for most forms of road riding—paved or gravel. And that’s why it’s one of the best bikes you can buy right now and why we chose it as the best bike of 2020.

Custom Options

There are 10 stock Domane models, but you can also customize in Trek’s Project One.

Big Clearance

The Domane officially fits 38mm tires. Unofficially, you can squeeze in 40s.

Now With Threads

The Domane uses a threaded T47 bottom bracket.

Flexy Tongue

The compliance of the rear IsoSpeed system is adjustable.

Burrito Carrier

Fit a repair kit and more inside the Domane’s down tube.

The 2020 Domane is the third generation of Trek’s venerable endurance—and race—frame. Jordan Roessingh, Trek’s global director or road product calls it “Our most versatile performance road bike ever,” which is the kind of thing you’d expect a person in his position to say. But it’s hard to argue with him when you look over the Domane’s details.

This system is up to 27 percent more compliant than the one found on the second-generation Domane, with a rubber elastomer providing damping to tame unwanted bounce. Compliance is pegged to frame size—larger bikes get stiffer IsoSpeed tongues, smaller bikes have softer tongues. Lower-grade Domane SL models continue to use the seat-tube adjustable IsoSpeed system from generation-two Domane models. This system does not have the size-specific tune or the damper.

The new Domane still uses Trek’s modified seatmast system—though the cap now fits inside the seat tube instead of over—with an internal binder for a sleeker look. The mast top comes in several lengths and two offsets.

Join Bicycling All Access for in-depth bike reviews

Most gen-three Domane models ship with 32mm tires. Bigger tires are more comfortable and offer better grip. And for most recreational riders, Roessingh says the 32mm tires are faster. According to Trek’s testing, says Roessingh, at speeds under 20mph, a 32mm is faster because it has less rolling resistance than a narrower tire. However, when speeds creep over 20mph, the aerodynamic hit of the bigger tire becomes a factor and begins to swamp the rolling resistance advantage of a wider tire.

The Domane can fit up to a 38mm tire with 4mm of clearance on all sides. That means you can shoehorn in a bigger tire—perhaps up to 40mm—though with less debris clearance. Like earlier versions, the new Domane has hidden fender mounts; with fenders, up to 35mm tires may be fitted.

Trek’s engineering elves managed to add a bit of free speed to the Domane by adding some aerodynamic features. Compared to the previous-generation frame, and with the same build, the new Domane saves about 12 watts at 40Kph (good for about one minute of time savings per hour). The aero gains are due to refined tube shapes, as well as new hose and housing routing.

The hose and housing routing is smart. The Domane’s front IsoSpeed system prevents Trek from stuffing hoses and housing along the fork steerer, a solution many other bikes employ. On the Domane, they enter the frame behind the headset, directed there by a simple hoop that clips into the faceplate of the bike’s Bontrager stem. The Domane is compatible with any bar and any stem, though only Bontrager stems work with the hose and housing hoop.

The Domane is the first bike to launch with Trek’s new internal storage system. It’s the same concept as Specialized’s SWAT box : Remove the panel under the bottle cage to access the inside of the down tube. Included with the bike is a cloth-covered organizer roll with spots for a tube, tire lever, Co2 cartridge, and inflator head. You can fit the organizer roll and a bit more—a few bars or gels, for example—though the amount of space varies with frame size. You can expect to see this system on more Trek models in the future.

Another new feature is a modified T47 bottom bracket system. Trek narrowed the width of the Domane’s BB shell by one millimeter (compared to the T47’s written standard) then added thicker flanges (a half millimeter on either side) to the BB itself. This gives the T47’s installation tool more material to bite on. Frankly, it’s a good modification: The standard T47 BB’s have very thin flanges and it’s easy to slip a tool when trying to install or remove one of the bottom brackets. Trek’s modification does not affect the system’s compatibility with cranks or bottom brackets.

Though an all-new frame in most ways, mainline Domane models carry forward the same endurance geometry. Through Trek’s Project One customization program, you can order a lower stack and longer-reach geometry that Trek calls H1.5.

The Domane Family

The new Domane line consists of 10 stock models priced from $2,400 to $11,299. All models have carbon frames and use disc brakes. If the stock builds don’t suit your needs, the new Domane is also in Trek’s Project One customizable-build-and-paint program. You can also purchase Domane frameset for $3,300.

There are two frame levels: SL with Trek’s 500-series carbon and SLR with 700-series carbon. SLR models get all the new features and are lighter. Lower-grade Domane SL models continue to use the seat-tube-adjustable IsoSpeed system from second-generation Domane models: This system does not have the size-specific tune or the damper.

Only SLR models get Bontrager’s IsoCore carbon bar which features a layer of vibration-damping material in the carbon. However, all models get IsoZone gel pads under the bar tape.

Following a growing trend, Trek did away with women’s-specific geometry and model designations in the new Domane line. Instead, the company added more sizes, more builds, and more color options to its mainline Domane models. So while Trek’s Domane WSD models go away, representatives argue that all riders get more options than before.

Some of the build adjustments from its women’s-specific models—shorter-reach and narrower bars, shorter stems, and shorter-reach brake levers—were incorporated into smaller sizes. The only thing not found in this new scheme are models that come stock with a women’s saddle. Buyers will need to work with their Trek retailer to get a saddle that suits their anatomy. I hope Trek retailers will swap for an equal-level Bontrager saddle at no charge.

Ride Impressions

I attended the Domane launch in Italy, where I had the opportunity to ride only a customized version of the Domane. Though it is possible to build the bike I rode through Project One (the price of the bike I rode would be approximately $11,600), it was not a mainline model with a stock build.

The day after Trek launched the new Domane, I received a Domane SLR 7 ($7,800 with black/silver finish) for long-term review. This model has Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain (34/50 rings with 11-34 cassette) and brakes, Bontrager’s Aeolus Pro 3V tubeless-ready wheels, 32mm Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires, and a Bontrager IsoCore carbon bar.

On my scale, the Domane SLR 7 weighed 18.9 pounds (54cm). That’s not light for a nearly $8,000 carbon road bike in 2019. For comparison, my Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra Di2 ($7,750) review bike weighs 17.1 pounds (54cm) with similar build, and a power meter. The Domane SLR 9 with the 28mm tires, higher-end wheels, and top-of-the-line drivetrain will be lighter than my review bike. But almost all other 2020 Domane models will likely weigh about 19 pounds or more.

The Domane has a lot of stuff going on; it’s the most feature-rich performance road bike you can buy right now. But adding stuff adds weight. Adding performance—aerodynamics, and compliance—can add weight. “The new [Domane] SLR and SL frames both gained about 100g when all the frame and hardware (IsoSpeed included) are rolled up,” said Roessingh.

But given how obsessive cyclists are about weight—despite constant reminders that weight isn’t a major influence on performance in most situations—if a brand is going to add weight, it better damn well pay off.

Based on my impressions of the Domane so far—ride and otherwise—it does. The weight is not a concern. Most important, it doesn’t ride heavy. The bike is quick and fast feeling; extremely stiff at the bottom bracket, with light and precise steering. On the steepest grades, yeah… it’s not as crisp and ethereal as a 13-pound climbing bike , but then it doesn’t feel like a 19-pound bike either. Before I knew its weight, I had it in my head that it weighed around 17.5 pounds—a typical weight for a bike with an Ultegra Di2 disc group.

But more significantly, the amount of time I spend on the type of grades where its weight might be noticeable or impactful is tiny. I suspect it’s the same for most riders who aren’t in the pro peloton.

And what you get for a bit of extra weight is Trek’s best road bike, and one of the best road, and more, bikes you can buy.

This is a stiff, quick, and high-performance bike. The steering is light and communicative, though not as fast as the typical road-racing bike. But the Domane also has a lot of BB drop (about 78mm, almost a centimeter more than a typical road bike), a bit longer chainstays (420mm), and a slightly stretched wheelbase. All of that gives it supreme stability.

On top of the geometry are the IsoSpeed decouplers, which not only add comfort to the rider but also help the rider stay centered on the bike and not bounced off line by bumps. And then there are the floaty and sticky 32mm tires. Friends, the Domane has been a great bike to descend with, but this new model puts it on a whole new plain. It descends like an anvil dropped from the ISS.

As much as I love to go downhill, I’m only a good, not great, descender on the road. But I’ve never felt more confident on the descents or had as much fun descending as I have on the Domane. Its limits are very high, but it’s also very communicative and very confidence-inspiring.

So, it rides great. But it’s also extremely smart and versatile.

I loved the SWAT box when Specialized launched it, and I love it here. It’s more, and more elegant, storage for your tools and spares and food. However, I have some worries about the integrity of the door. With a full bottle in the cage, there’s a concerning amount of flex and wobble in the door (Specialized’s doors are rock solid). I wonder how this will play out with tolerance drifts, and over the long haul. How will it hold up after a year of pounding? Time will tell, I suppose. And as much as it wobbled and flexed, it held firm and makes no noise. Trek’s representatives say they’ve tested the snot out of the system and its passed with flying colors. I hope it proves so reliable in the real world.

I also love the tire clearance. Swap the tires, and this is a good all-road or even gravel bike. Frankly, I think a lot of gravel bikes are over heavy and over slow. But a good set of mid-width gravel tires on this Domane and it’s a cracking machine for all but the most gnarly gravel roads. Put lighter skinnier tires on it, and it’s going to be a fast road bike (watch those pedals in the corners—the BB is LOW with smaller tires). I love that blend of road-race performance with all-road versatility.

I also love that the new Domane has aero touches (because improved aerodynamics are one of the few things that legitimately make you faster), that it doesn’t use a stupid or annoying proprietary bar and stem system, has fender mounts, and that Trek was able to give this bike so many features, and they made it look good.

Yes, it is a bit less sharp than a pure road-racing bike, and it might be a bit heavy, but then so am I. The Domane is a blend of versatility, practicality, and performance that no other bike currently offers. It’s the kind of bike we could all use in our life.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

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• Rider Notes

2015 Trek Domane 5.2 Compact

A carbon frame endurance bike with high-end components and rim brakes.

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Domane 5.2 Compact

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🐐 Estimated

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Feb 2024 · road.cc Tech

With Classics season upon us, let’s take a look back at the high-tech bike that Spartacus rode in his final race season, with rim brakes and mechanical shifting

Read Review

Oct 2016 · Henry Robertshaw

Slider down the side of seat tube lets you alter the ride quality

Incredibly versatile

Comfortable on long rides

Great power transfer

Excellent wheels

Tyres cut easily

No adjustability on lower models

Apr 2016 · Dan Cavallari

Trek's new Domane model offers a comfy ride over the cobbles on the Tour of Flanders course. But how will it hold up long term?

Apr 2016 · Zap Espinoza

Here's a quick review of the Trek Domane in action

Nov 2015 · Stu Bowers

The Trek Domane 6.9 is one of the most versatile bikes on the planet, but is it improved by fitting discs?

Apr 2015 · Warren Rossiter

Trek’s Isospeed ‘pivot’ lets the seat tube flex for rear end plushness. .

Mar 2015 · Matt Phillips

It's not perfect—just spectacular

As far as I’m aware, this is the first time I’ve ever been sent a bike for review that was originally purpose built for a pro race team. Right down to the frame sizing, the Trek Domane Classics edition is the same frame that was under the mighty Cancellara as he tackled the cobbles. As …

Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,501 days

Review: 2013 Trek Domane Endurance Road Bike

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Announced in March for the Classics, the Trek Domane 6-Series carbon endurance road bike line increased with 5-, 4- and 2-series models recently .

Aimed at the cobblestone races in Europe, the Domane uses a unique IsoSpeed Decoupler at the seat tube/top tube junction to separate the rider from bumps. Up front, the IsoSpeed fork uses thinner legs with rearward-set dropouts to absorb vibrations and bumps without sacrificing steering precision. Combined, they do an admirable job of smoothing out rough roads, gravel paths and cracks in the pavement.

We borrowed a Project One build from our local Trek Store Greensboro  ( thanks Chris! ) for a few rides. While we had it, we also de-coupled the decoupler just to see what was inside, weighed it and put about 150 miles on it in both rain and blazing heat…

FRAME DETAILS

We tested a size 60 with a complete Bontrager cockpit, saddle, tires and Aeolus5 aero wheels with Dura-Ace Di2 (first gen). It also came equipped with the DuoTrap speed/cadence sensor and a rather nice Bontrager computer.

The Domane’s frame is big. For a bike that claims to be comfortable over the rough stuff, all of the tubes have substantial diameters and shaping that looks to favor stiffness over flex. Indeed, the entire lower half of the bike from the head tube through the downtube/BB/chainstays to the rear dropouts is called Power Transfer Construction and is designed to maximize, um, power transfer and keep the frame laterally stiff.

Part of the stiffness, and, we suspect, steering precision, comes from the ridges and shaping of the down- and top tubes combined with the tapered headtube. What you can’t see is Trek’s E2 asymmetric steerer tube, which is wider side-to-side than front to back. The frame is the same whether you’re running a mechanical or electronic drivetrain, you simply use different plugs.

Bottom bracket is PF92, which is essentially the widest internal bearing set up you’ll find. Non-driveside crank arm sits flush against the frame, and the seat tube comes all the way to the edge. On the driveside, there’s room for the front derailleur and Trek’s built-in chainguide.

Behind the BB is a small fender mount bolt. The ANT+ DuoTrap speed/cadence sensor is cleverly integrated into the chainstay.

At the back, small fender/rack bolts are all but invisible. These debuted on the Gary Fisher road bikes and we’re glad to see they’ve continued on. A large opening at the rear of the chainstay makes routing cables and wires to the rear derailleur easy.

At the heart of the Domane’s USP is the IsoSpeed Decoupler. The top tube splits just in front of the seat tube and continues around it to become the seat stays. The seat tube floats between them, pivoting on an axle:

Remove the cover (top left) and you’ll see two sealed cartridge bearings (top right, bottom left), which separate the frame from the axle. The axle serves as a pivot point for the seat tube, which allows it to essentially act as a leaf spring. Combine that with a good amount of flex built into the seatmast and seat stays and you have the makings of a very comfy bike. Here, we made a video:

Pedaling is intentionally high cadence with an exaggerated bounce. The first part of the video really shows the seatmast flex. Once it zooms in, you can notice subtle flex in the seat tube. Once pedaling stops and I bounce on it, notice the wide range of flex in both the seat tube and seat stays. Hit HD and full screen for best viewing results, and if you really wanna geek out, hold the edge of a paper inline with the seat tube and watch the magic happen.

Under normal pedaling in a cadence of 80-102rpm, my usual range, I didn’t feel any unwanted “bounce”. Get the cadence up a bit higher and you’ll notice it a bit, but it’s actually more pleasant than the usual bouncing up and down on the saddle that occurs when cadence gets abnormally high. Also note the lack of frame flex when I stand up and bounce, which is by design. There are no concessions for flex when the riders’ weight isn’t on the saddle. Except at the fork, it’ll do it’s job regardless.

ACTUAL WEIGHT

Actual weight is 15lbs 15oz on our scale with uncut steerer tube, computer and Bontrager XXL bottle cage. Pretty good considering a) it’s a size 60, b) it has aero wheels and c) it’s holding a two-bearing-equipped axle that no other road bike has.

RIDE REVIEWS

Tyler – I did four rides on the Domane – one 45 minute sprint interval workout, one 55 minute time trial in the rain and two normal rides, each about three hours. The sprint workout showed the bike could get up and go. It’s plenty stiff when you stand up and crank. It doesn’t feel as light and tight as a pure race bike, but it doesn’t really leave you wanting either.

On my rainy time trial, there were sections of John Anderson (part of the famous Loop ride) in Ormond Beach with an inch or so of standing water, which tend to hide that road’s abundant cracks and ridges. Where most bikes would keep a wider line away from the side of the road to avoid the chatter, the Domane plowed through rough patches seen and unseen without breaking stride. And I could absolutely power through it all, which, I like to imagine, is how Cancellara felt aboard the Domane training for this year’s Spring Classics (before he broke his collarbone).

There are three things I really like about the Domane. First, it perfectly smooths over any bump or crack under half an inch, and up to an inch is entirely manageable. Where a crit bike would skip and hop over every bump, requiring constant attention, the Domane lets you relax and just point it where you want to go. Second, you can rail into sketchy corners and maintain both traction and your desired line. Third, it just rides really well.

The result is a bike that I could ride fast all day, over any type of road, and still feel relatively fresh.

Colin – I only took the Trek out on one ride, a blistering hot 35 miler, and wish I had more time to get to know the bike better. But all in all, on a short ride, the first thing that’s noticed is the sponginess (in a good way) in ride quality. Trek’s IsoSpeed Technology in the seat tube absorbs bumps to a huge extent. There’s a serious “wow” factor on hitting potholes and such. Jarring terrain becomes very manageable. Although I was concerned of energy dissipation from this feature, I don’t feel like the frame robbed any of my power.

The Domane’s handling is relaxed and stable. It’s big, built for cobblestones, and handles that way. But I wouldn’t limit the Domane to pavé. When on the streets it rides the same as many road bikes while slightly more relaxed. Surprisingly light at sub-16lbs, I’m not sure what else I’d ask for in a weekend rider. Durability, stability, ability to ride on rough terrain, racy, light. Trek packs a ton of awesome features into the Domane that might make it a worthy investment even if you don’t race the Classics, particularly with the design already trickling down to models that should start well under two grand.

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com . He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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You’ve gotta be joking. This really is a joke, cyclist need to HTFU and just pedal.

Second, the cyclist in the video has horrible cadence, drop those damn heels.

Yea, what Salty said! Who needs all those advances that produce a more comfortable and smoother ride! HTFU indeed! I want my rides to be as uncomfortable as possible, dangit! How about STFU?

Triathlete.

Some ppl really has problems in their life… Anyway this is pretty amazing I wish to try this on my terrible local roads

I’m actually impressed. This may be the first time a company has actually delivered on the “laterally stiff, vertically compliant” trope. (Hint: this cannot be done with a traditionally diamond frame without any degrees of freedom, no matter whether it’s steel or titanium or magic)

haters gonna hate

The best suspension system for road bikes (and not only) are the PNEUMATIC TYRES. If road road frames had sensible clearance for 35mm tyres and manufacturers offered high performance tyres in 28-35mm range, we wouldn’t need fancy OTT designs.

Re: Salty – 07/03/12 – 3:09pm “You’ve gotta be joking. This really is a joke, cyclist need to HTFU and just pedal.”

Comfort gives you just that. You can just get on with pedalling instead of unnecessarily engaging your whole body in a fight against cobbles, potholes and other imperfections of the road. In most of cases a comfortable bike is faster due to reduced “suspension losses” and rider’s fatigue.

Any thought on the battery placement? Seems like under the BB wouldn’t exactly be the best option…but maybe I’m wrong. Also don’t get other manufacturers who put it just in front on the BB on the outside of the down tube. Wouldn’t putting it inside the main triangle keep it the cleanest and least likely to get banged up? (Asking as a serious question btw)

Any possible issues with the flex affecting the alignment of the front derailleur? …probably unlikely that you shift if you’re bouncing all over the place, but what if you hit that 1″ crack? What if you’re Fabian on some cobbles just as you drop the down to the little ring for a berg? Ok maybe not Fabian, but some lesser (sportive) rider! 😉

i have 2 rides on one and the Domane is just awesome. we have terrible roads here and the Domane is just the answer.

Anyone seen any info on how wide a tire you can run on the Domane?

@RED – that is no problem as the frame has an integrated chain catcher!

Gotta say I used to hate Trek for many years as I felt they presented no real innovation in their road bikes. Oh how wrong I was… Now I’m hooked – Speed Concept and Domane just seem to be amazing machines!

RED, I wondered that too, but I could see the derailleur move only a couple millimeters fore/aft under the hardest bouncing , and it essentially rotated in plane with the chainring. I don’t imagine it would be an issue, it never affected shifting for me, and the chain keeper is there just in case.

Bunch of whinny roadie trash, thats all. Always stuck with what’s “new” and “mainstream”–kinda like listening to radio rock.

Open your eyes, get out of your “box” that you live in and explore other, non-mainstream, options.

Haters gonna hate.

The Domane will run a 28mm tire easily. They come stock with 25’s

i cant really say how i feel about this bike unless i can actually ride it, i also feel like we will be seeing ALOT of these break in the next year.

Salty, you’re the only one here I see spewing whiny roadie trash. If the bike is not for you, that’s fine. It isn’t my cup of tea either. However, I am not perpetually bashing it because I know that for some people, this is exactly what they want.

@twerp What’s your reasoning? Seems as if breakage would have already occurred on European shit roads under Fabian’s 1000+ watt efforts.

Why did you have to borrow one from a shop?

ultegra – It was the quickest way for us to throw a leg over the bike and get some miles on it, and the local Trek Store’s owner and shop guys are stellar…they usually get the new bikes in the second they’re available.

Saw it, loved it, bought it nuff said. To the synics; what Wiggins said in the bleeped out part of his post Tour winning interview. Just ride man an feel the difference. Nice one Trek, kicking ass and taking numbers! Again

Twerp, remember that you will see a lot of Treks break compared with other brands for precisely the same reason that you see more Toyotas broken down on the side of the road that Maseratis.

Brilliant concept for those on the roads less travelled. Audax and Randonneur riders will love this bike so they can ride all day, night and have mudguards. I will be getting one as soon as they’re available in my shop.

rode one. loved it.

bought one. love it.

I purchased the Domane 5.2 and have found it to be as advertised. It absorbs the rough roads in the mountainous town where I live. The riding position is relaxed and comfortable. I feel as if I could ride it all day long. It feels as if I am riding at a slower pace, but when I look at my average speed I am slightly faster than the Madone I replaced. As a 60 year old rider I am happy with the more relaxed position and softer ride. For me it is a big win for Trek and a great bike for me.

I am competing in the 508 this year, a RAAM qualifier and I’m looking at RAW(Race Across the West) for next year to build up for RAAM. Is this going to be a durable bike? I like what I’m hearing about the ride, but with all the miles I put on a bike, is it going to hold up? Any comments are appreciated. Looking to purchase a bike soon and still looking at CR1, Roubaix, & Domane. Anyone doing any of these races on this bike have thoughts on it too?

Can someone please comment on the benefits of the E2 asymmetric steerer tube…how well does it isolate the road defects from the riders upper body? Aside from this sniping, does anyone know why Mr. Cancellara fell…umm…ah..well… could the bike have predisposed him to take a fall in spite of his known skill level?

I got my Domane 4.0 a couple of weeks ago. It isn’t light but given that isn’t a high end model that is to be expected. @JR 60+ it is really comfortable…like insanely comfy! Although most of the focus is on the decoupler I really notice the front end absorbtion the most. Yes you notice some ‘bounce’ but that sensation didn’t last for me but I always notice the lack of vibration coming through the bars. Comfort wise it does what all the hype says it does.

However, although the Domane frame has the very neat lugs for mudguard mounts the mudguard clearances are insanely tight, even if fitting Bontrager’s ‘approved’ guards. No way will a third party SKS or even Cruds fit with enough clearance if you use the stock 25mm tyres. The issues isn’t just the clearance between tyre and brake caliper it is really tight on the frame and fork. There appears to be less clearance than i have on my Cube Litening!

I wasn’t happy about this being as that was a major feature for me…serves me right for not checking I guess. My LBS were even scratching their heads as to what guards to use, the ‘approved’ guards arrive this weekend and I am leaving it to my LBS to fit them if only to prove a point! I understand this is a bit of trend where manufacturers make a claim but miss out the bit that says ‘only when purchasing approved acessories’…

It was almost a deal breaker for me, it certainly shortens my big smile when looking at it but the bike does ride nice and is brilliant for the long hauls on the rubbish UK roads. As I said the comfort is great and the ride and handling is reassuringly stable. I haven’t been riding for long enough to experience the disconnected feel as described by some reviews but it certainly feels connected enough for me without my eyeballs being shaken. A carbon frame with the Trek warranty, along with the ride quality are pure win at the £1,500 price point. Higher spec machines will be lovely bikes I have no doubt!

I picked up my Domane 6.2 around a month ago. I tried various tire pressure combinations and settle in on 105 front and 110 rear. I’m 174 lbs. and the bike is plush and transfers power perfectly. In the past, I always stayed away from the main stream manufacturers but after riding most of the endurance bikes available, I’m totally satisfied with my decision to buy the Trek Domane.

When I first saw the Domane, I went looking for reviews (by actual owners). I never saw one, but I bought mine anyway (6.2). Now I see a lot of owner reviews on this page. I will add mine as well. The comfort level in the seat post is extreme. You can feel the road through the bars and pedels but you can handle that. I have gotten to the point where I sink into the saddle when I see a rough spot coming. The hype Trek puts on the Domane is really understated. The ride is even BETTER then advertized. Avg. speed is up as well. The relaxed postition dose take a bit to get used to. But in the end I was on a group ride, and my riding buddy and I were crusing at 24 miles per hour when we hit some really rough pavement. I kept right on at 24 mph and he fell away in an instant. Just like he hit a wall that I missed.

I purchased this bike about a year ago and find it very comfortable and effective . i I was very impressed by the performance in 100 mile bike ride . this year my partner purchase the bike and also loves it what a wonderful bike track

Just wish they offered a “race,” model Madone geometry.

I purchased my Domane 5.2 a few weeks ago. I am 57 and have ridden bikes my entire life. I commute, I mountain bike, do centuries, and weekend rides with our local club. I have owned numerous bikes over the years, everything from basic department store brands in my youth to high end road bikes. I have to say that the Domane is everything its advertized and more. Its comfortable, responsive, fast and truly a bike I can ride all day. For me Trek hit a home run with this bike.

So, I just wrote a review of the Domane 5.2 and definitely agree with Tyler’s and Colin’s takes. Even with the less-than-stellarly spec’d 5.2 (compared to the P1 6.9 reviewed above), I really enjoyed the comfortable, yet capable feel of the Domane. It could very well be my next road bike. You can read the full review here, but just to warn, it’s not as good as the one above: http://tubelessready.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-trek-domane.html .

Potential problem if you are planning to ship the Domane 5.2 in a Trico Iron Case: Be advised that the seat post extends HIGHER than other bikes. So when you place the disassembled bike in the case, the seat post AND the big ring BOTH TOUCH the inside of the case.

This could be a MAJOR problem if the case is bumped during transit. The carbon seat post is liable to be DAMAGED. Or the big ring could be damaged.

I am shipping my bike now and will provide feedback after my trip. Wish me luck.

There is an apparent known issue with the iso-speed decoupler. I have a Trek 5.2 Domane and first noticed that the shifting was extremely rough. Had it adjusted, felt great but very quickly became rough again (I have upgraded to Dura Ace cassette and Ultegra chain when first purchased in March 2013). Apparenlty the known issue is resolved by installing an o-ring in the decoupler. The flexing of the bike can cause flexing of the bottom bracket. I can attest to the fact that the entire bike feels a bit squirrely and am riding my old Giant until the part arrives. I hope this part will be a permanant fix, but I am a bit concerned.

After an accident which caused me my bike, I’m considering Trek Domane 5.2 for my next purchase. Would appreciate if somebody is able to give comparison between Cervelo R3 against this one. Thanks.

If somebody can give comparison between 2014 trek domane 5.2 C vs 2014 giant defy advanced 1, I would really appreciate that. thanks in advance. 

Man, you guys are right, Cancellara needs to HTFU. Obviously Spartecus is quite a weenie, I mean the Spring Classics, how hard can that be to what all of us ride. I think you are missing the point, the Domane was not designed to be a “comfort bike”, it was designed to keep your body fresh while suffering and enduring long punishing rides. Unless you are riding a 60s steel frame downtube shifting leather seat 7 speed while wearing wool kit, I do not think embracing an excellent piece of engineering with input from a great classics rider makes you soft. Thanks Spartecus!

Just ordered a Domane 6.2 this week. This after renting a brand new bike for $65 at LBS. Let me just say the experience was great. Bike is incredibly stable, very sure and fast downhill. I like what someone else said: “it feels more like you ride _in_ it than on it”. Check it out, it really is amazing. The one change I made was CF bars over the stock aluminum.

Great bike from Crits to long 200km+ rides, just great, stiff and comfortable. If you have problems with your back, no more, most of vibrations are removed and back feels much better.

I wanted a lower priced entry level bike but didn’t want a Trek 1 because they come with the Claris or Sora. I bought a GT that had carbon forks and Tiagra for 750.00. I kept thinking about that Domane that was double the price. I later new I had to upgrade and got my money back on the GT (I had a one year money back gaurentee). I found Felt Z4 carbon with 105 & a Domane 2.0 with Tiagra…both bought and never used…both listed for 1100.00. I road them both and though I really like the Felt, carbon, and 105…the Domane was still the most comfortable ride…it’s geometry is one of the best for comfort, without even talking about the ISOspeed decoupler. I have the Trek and glad I do.

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Trek Domane 5.2 – video review

Rapid, silk-smooth and Isospeed-augmented thoroughbred

Cycling Plus / Immediate Media

Warren Rossiter

Ever since its introduction, we've found Trek’s unique Domane to be one of the best-ever rides for bad surfaces. That’s all thanks to the ‘Isospeed’ decoupler, which is essentially a rotational pivot that attaches, via lugs, the seat tube to the top tube.

Because the seat and top tubes aren't connected in the conventional way, the seat tube can bow and flex along its full length (and there is a nifty carbon composite layup under the paint to aid that). The really clever part is that unlike a true suspension system it's no more affected by pedalling than a carbon seatpost, but the increase in length available to flex offers multiple times more shock absorption than a standard bike.

• Highs: Sublimely smooth chassis, and loads of fun to ride
• Lows: Like plenty of its rivals the 5.2 deserves better wheels
• Buy if: You want a truly comfortable speed machine that’s unfazed by bad roads

Video: trek domane 5.2

When you get onboard a Domane you're likely to spend a few minutes trying to identify the rear end's movement. On decent roads you’ll be hard pushed to detect any real difference, but get onto coarser surfaces and you’ll notice it immediately. Thankfully though you don’t feel isolated from reading road texture, which is always handy when trying to judge grip levels for cornering speed. The back end does a wonderful job of nulling any fatigue-building buzz and the clever front fork with its offset dropout design also adds a little length to the fork. By increasing the path on which vibrations travel, by the time they hit you they're minimised.

Trek’s Isospeed ‘pivot’ lets the seat tube flex for rear end plushness

All of this might sound like the Domane is just a big plush cushion of a bike to ride, but in fact almost the opposite is true. It may well be smooth but it's also stiff, thanks to the massive BB90 bottom bracket shell and asymmetric oversized chainstays. The H2 geometry (in Trek terms that’s midway between an out-and-out race bike and a more upright, short reach endurance style) strikes a highly appealing middle ground, enabling both a good low, fast position in the drops and a comfortable, not-too-stretched and not-too-short stance on the hoods.

The other upside of the active rear end is also a dynamic one. Throw the Domane hard into a corner, especially one with a poor surface, and the tyres seem to bite harder while the frame absorbs any bounce. It’s a remarkable feel – and once you’re attuned to the Domane's potential it's seriously rapid too.

At just over seven and a half kilos the Domane is no heavyweight, and that’s with middleweight running gear. Fine all-rounder gearing combining compact chainrings and an 11-28 cassette means the Trek is perfectly considered for climbing. The tenacious way the rear end grips and the smoothness of the ride makes it as competent uphill as it is thrilling on the way back down.

In the past what’s held Trek back from reaching the top step of the podium is its spec sheet, with corners being been cut to meet a price point. For 2015 though, with this along with the also-superb Emonda , it looks as if those days are gone. This 5.2 comes with an omisson-free full complement of Ultegra (so no slipping in a non-Shimano chain or cheaper cassette). Elsewhere there's a full-suite of Bontrager parts – no surprise as that’s the parts supplier in the world of Trek.

It’s all very good stuff. Starting up front, the Race Lite IsoZone VR-CF bar is a real winner. The shaped alloy bar is designed for integrated IsoZone pads (made from a high density foam), which are bonded to it and sit underneath the bar tape. They extend from the hood towards the bar centre giving a very cushioned hold – great for riding over cobbles or rough gravel roads.

The Domane's H2 geometry hits the sweet spot between racing poise and comfort

The dedicated carbon seat pillar, meanwhile, is topped by Bontrager's Paradigm saddle, which is slender but extremely well padded and a great shape to boot.

In terms of rolling stock the Domane shares a wheelset with its Emonda sibling. The Race may well be the base model in Bontrager's range and at 1720g a pair they aren’t the lightest wheels around, but the shape is good – wider than traditional rims with the 17.5mm internal width – and they're tubeless ready too. They're shod with R3 hardcase tyres; the slick big-volume 25c rubber proved tough yet supple, and we were impressed with their grip on the damp roads of our test rides.

In an ideal world the brilliant chassis does deserve better hoops, and eventually that’s exactly the upgrade we'd target, but as an all-round package the off-the-shelf 5.2 can more than hold its own.

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