trek domane handlebar upgrade

Review of Trek Domane AL 3: Endurance Road Bike for Long Days

A high-performance road bike perfect for long weekend training rides, group sportives, or amateur competitions.

Domane AL 3 serves as an ideal upgrade for those planning to take their cycling more seriously.

It could also work as a good starter bike although its price range is on the slightly higher end.

If you want to start extending your time in the saddle and do some longer rides while maintaining comfort, the Domane AL 3 will be a good fit.

It’s a quality piece of equipment for the price.

Trek Domane AL 3 Quick Overview

Trek domane al 3 sizes, is it worth the money, is the trek domane al 3 right choice for you.

Seasoned riders will immediately recognize the stability and build quality of the Trek Domane AL 3.

It’s a clear step up from your standard road bike, with higher-grade components and professional assembly.

It delivers a noticeably more competitive feeling than most bikes in its price range while keeping the geometry relaxed enough for a comfortable ride.

Overall, the Domane AL 3 feels like the perfect long-distance training bike for serious cyclists.

• Frame : 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, DuoTrap S compatible
• Fork : Domane Carbon, fender mounts, alloy steerer
• Front Derailleur : Shimano Sora R3000
• Rear Derailleur : Shimano Sora R3000, 9-Speed
• Number of Gears : 18
• Rear hub : Formula RX-142 alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle
• Rims : Bontrager Affinity Disc or Bontrager Paradigm SL, both tubeless ready 24-hole, 21mm
• Tire Size : 700x32c
• Weight : 22.71 lbs / 10.30 kg

Get From Trek Bikes

The Trek Domane AL 3 is a slight upgrade from the AL2, with better quality Shimano components and lower overall weight.

It also benefits from Trek’s DuoTrap S compatible 100 Series Alpha aluminum frame and an IsoSpeed carbon fork.

Endurance geometry frame

The Domane AL 3 is built around Trek’s lightweight 100 Series Alpha aluminum frame to provide a stable and comfortable ride over long distances.

Built for endurance, the Series 100 Alpha frames are stiff and responsive, instilling confidence in the rider.

The top tube is angled just enough to put the rider in a strong forward position without being overly aggressive while the seat tube angle strikes a balance between power and comfort.

Frame sizes range from 44cm (women) to 61cm, so they should fit riders of almost any height.

The smallest 44cm model on the women’s Domane AL 3 has a 65.7cm standover height, with an 84.2 cm standover height on the largest unisex model.

Carbon Fork

Trek have complimented their fabulous 100 Series Alpha frame on the Domane AL 3 a carbon fork and headset.

The addition of a carbon fork helps to reduce weight and provide a much more comfortable ride.

Trek Domane’s carbon fork has a unique dropout placement to optimize the wheelbase combined with a tight rocker cup for precise placement. The slightly wider fork fits a 5x100m QR and includes convenient fender mounts for those wet-weather riders.

Shimano Sora Groupset

The Domane AL3 is fully kitted-out with Shimano’s Sora R3000 groupset which provides the derailleurs, shifters, chain, cassette, and cranks.

On the rear cassette, you have nine cogs ranging from 11T to 32T and on the front crank, a 50T, and 34T.

While Sora is one of the most widely-used Shimano gearing sets for road bikes and has been trusted for years, it would have been nice to see a Tiagra groupset on a bike of this price.

However, considering the high-performance frame and quality assurance that Trek provides, the overall package still offers good value for money.

Some gearheads might consider an upgrade but the Sora system works perfectly well in this instance.

DuoTrap S Compatibility

Trek’s own line of Bontrager DuoTrap S digital sensors offer some of the best data measuring tools available.

Forget strapping on clumsy sensors to your fork with zip ties, the DuoTrap S screws subtly to the inside of your chainstay and sends data wirelessly to your phone or bicycle computer.

The DuoTrap S supports both ANT+ 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth signals so you can send data to both your phone or a Trip 300 cycling computer.

Blendr Compatible Stem

Trek’s Blendr Stem which is part of its Bontrager components range provides a way to attach accessories securely to your handlebars.

The stem is compatible with a variety of Duo Base attachments that fit phones, lights, satnavs, computers, and cameras.

Rather than using up space on your handlebars by trying to squeeze in third-party attachments, the Blendr stem places your accessories directly into the handlebar stem.

The tight and secure attachment method ensures your devices are safe on even the roughest of terrain.

There are 7 sizes of Domane AL 3 available from riders 4’11” to 6’3″

• 44 : 4’11” – 5’0″
• 49 : 5’1″ – 5’4″
• 52 : 5’4″ – 5’6″
• 54 : 5’6″ – 5’9″
• 56 : 5’9″ – 5’11”
• 58 : 5’11” – 6’1″
• 61 : 6’1″ – 6’3″

The Trek Domane AL 3 is not the cheapest bike in the range of aluminum frame road bikes with Sora components.

If you aren’t picky about build quality and materials you could certainly find something cheaper.

However, unless you are willing to fork out the extra for a full carbon frame you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better bike at this price.

It’s incredibly lightweight for a non-carbon frame and carries the undisputable Trek stamp of quality.

Yes, for a similar price you could get a bike with disc brakes or a Tiagra groupset but you would be sacrificing on quality elsewhere.

Overall, the Trek Domane AL 3 delivers value for money.

Check out our other reviews on Trek Domane bikes : AL 2 , SL4 , SL 5 , SL6 .

Related:   Trek Bikes Explained – In-Depth Overview

It’s affordable while still offering everything a rider needs in a competitive road bike.

The Domane AL 3 is a good bike for that upcoming cyclist looking to go the distance and spend some serious time in the saddle.

Sure, it’ll do you fine for the occasional weekend ride but for the money you’ll want to get a decent amount of use out of this bike.

Get From Trek

Related Topics:

Rad Power Bikes RadTrike Review: A Feature-Rich Electric Tricycle

Charge City Electric Bike Review: Practical, Elegant, and Made for Urban Dwellers

Aventon Level.2 Review: A Reasonably Priced Fully Equipped Commuter

6 thoughts on “ review of trek domane al 3: endurance road bike for long days ”.

Very useful review. At the time of this post, there are two more offerings in the Domane AL line: the Domane AL4 (upgrades shifting and adds hydraulic brakes) and the AL5.

I’m thinking of getting this for my first road bike; currently riding an Aventon Level.2 (electric) and Trek Verve 3. (hybrid) I’m thinking this would raise my average speed by at least 3 mph compared to the Verve 3. Verve 3 would then become my gravel bike.

I’m in decent shape, but got dropped immediately on a group ride last weekend, even by older riders. I could only keep up with the fatties on road bikes.

Hi Jeremy, thanks for your comment! You’re right, the Domane would definitely add at least 3 mph compared to the Verve 3 and likely more with a bit of structured training. Enjoy!

Brilliant article i have a giant rapid 2 2017, am looking at getting this one for sportifs, would this be an upgrade on my giant rapid which is a quick commuter

Thanks, Derek! The Domane would be a huge upgrade, you’d be riding much more efficiently and achieving a higher average speed.

Hi, I recently purchased a domane al3 and I am looking into purchasing an indoor trainer for it.. I am new to cycling and do not know a ton about indoor trainers.. do you know of a type/brand that fits this specific bike that you would recommend? Thanks, Sam

Hi Samantha, Here is a link to all our posts related to indoor trainers . You might find one that fits your needs.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Powered by Outside

Review: Trek Domane SL Road Bike – Quick, Comfortable, & Easy to Recommend

It's easy to see why the domane all-road bike is so popular, even if it rubbed me the wrong way at times..

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Reddit
• Comfortable fit geometry
• Seriously smooth ride
• Surprisingly snappy handling
• Useful downtube storage
• Price is higher than most
• Not especially light

18.73 lb (actual)

Don't miss a moment of the 2024 Tour de France! Get recaps, insights, and exclusive takes with Velo's daily newsletter. >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Sign up today! .

There’s a decent likelihood that if you see someone riding a Trek road bike from the last decade or so, it was the brand’s Domane model. The ubiquity stems largely from its fit geometry, which has historically been very welcoming to riders of all abilities. Furthermore, the Domane’s unique IsoSpeed decoupling suspension system promised levels of comfort that other road bikes couldn’t quite match.

The IsoSpeed suspension system lives on in this latest Trek Domane SL road bike, but the rest of the package might be the biggest change we’ve seen with the Domane yet. There’s aero tube shaping, a lighter frame, and an added sense of performance that wasn’t quite there with previous Domane SL bikes.

We spent 1,000 miles on the Trek Domane to find out just how good the Domane is, whether that pursuit for speed has removed any form of comfort, and the potential downsides of living with a bike like the Trek Domane SL.

Quick hits: Seven things to know about the Trek Domane SL

• The Trek Domane lineup features three main framesets: the top-tier Domane SLR , the aluminum Domane AL , and this mid-range Domane SL carbon road bike. The Domane RSL is available as a frameset.
• Every Domane features fully internal cable routing through the headset, though the stem functions similarly to a traditional stem.
• The latest Domane SL and SLR bring a new internal storage compartment for a tube, tools, and an included neoprene storage sleeve.
• Max tire clearance is a quoted 700c x 38 mm.
• A new Domane SL frame weighs a quoted 1391 grams, 300 grams lighter than the previous Domane SL.
• Domane SL features a rear IsoSpeed decoupler to improve seated comfort, though it is no longer adjustable.
• Domane SL is available in seven sizes to fit riders between 4’11” to 6’5”.

Frame details

The Trek Domane is known for being an approachable road bike. Much of that comes down to handling geometry that values straight-line stability over race bike agility. Its fit geometry is more accommodating of a non-competitive cyclist than other bikes in its category.

The IsoSpeed seat tube flex system isolates riders from road vibration in a way few other bikes do. And while there are a number of changes to the latest Domane SL, most of those characteristics carry on.

IsoSpeed is a critical component of any recent Trek Domane road bike. Previous generations really went for it, offering not only adjustable rear IsoSpeed systems but even a front-end system to balance comfort between the two ends. This latest system essentially overhauls IsoSpeed, largely for the better.

Most notable is that this latest iteration is said to offer as much flex as the softest setting in previous IsoSpeed systems while using a simpler D-shaped seat post. Previous Iterations of IsoSpeed used a carbon seat mast to offer the flex they wanted, but it was far more fiddly to use than this simpler system.

The front IsoSpeed system is gone, as the swap from 28 mm to 32 mm is said to be plenty comfortable. The fact that this system has far fewer moving parts and wear items should result in fewer creaks and durability issues compared to previous-generation systems. Trek says the system needs no servicing for the lifetime of the bicycle, and I never had issues with it in my time with the bike.

The Domane SL isn’t a particularly light bike. Some of that comes from the addition of a downtube storage hatch located under the bottle cage mount. Inside is a neoprene mini tool sleeve as well as plenty of space to add more snacks and perhaps a vest should you need to. It’s a genuinely useful storage area, with a sturdy latch and hatch system.

Trek’s Domane continues with internal cable routing, though this system is among the more refined systems I’ve seen and worked with. Cables are external at the bars until they’re routed under the stem, leaving some slack to play with stem height. And while the spacer profiling limits what types of stems you can swap with, doing the swap itself is an easy enough process that almost anyone can manage.

The internal routing system itself is one of the better setups I’ve seen. A guide at the inside of the downtube includes a holster for the Shimano Di2 battery, with guides for brake hoses and cable housing easily accessible from the downtube storage hatch. It’s easy to work on, all things considered.

Tire clearance has always been a strong suit of the Domane, and that hasn’t changed. Max clearance is a quoted 700c x 38 mm tire. I was able to fit a 40 mm (42 mm width as measured) Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tire front and rear without rubbing. That clearance makes light gravel and dirt road riding doable, but it would be problematic on a muddy or chunky ride.

Other bits of note include the use of a T47 threaded bottom bracket, the addition of top tube bag mounts, and hidden fender mounts. The frame gets its own integrated chain keeper, a nice touch that indicates the general user-friendliness of the bike.

The build brought in for review was the Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4. The highlight of the bike is the Shimano 105 Di2 drivetrain. The Bontrager Paradigm 25 wheels feature tubeless-ready alloy rims with a wide 25 mm internal width. The 32 mm Bontrager R3 Hard-Case tires, Bontrager Verse Short saddle, and Bontrager alloy handlebars complete the build.

A size 56 cm bike has a quoted weight of 8.62 kg (19 pounds. My 50 cm build weighed in at 8.5 kg (18.73 pounds) without pedals and accessories but with tubes in the tires.

The Domane has a reputation for being an upright road bike with handling that might be best described as stable. While the bike is stable, the geometry is far more agile than you’d expect.

Trail figures are around 59 to 61 cm across just about every size but the 44 cm bike. Handling geometry is quick enough for most people, though the low 75 to 80 mm bottom bracket drop and 420 mm chainstays add some straight-line stability back.

Fit geometry and rider positioning can be considered as upright, with a taller stack height and short reach dimensions. These numbers are taller and shorter respectively than even most all-road bikes, but I’d argue the numbers are realistic for most riders. Those looking for a more than 6 cm of saddle to bar drop (particularly on small sizes) will be better suited to something like their Emonda or Madone road bikes.

Standover heights across most sizes are about as low as I’ve seen on an endurance road bike, which is helpful for the height-challenged among us.

Riding the Trek Domane SL

The value of the Domane doesn’t necessarily come from its cost or its tech-forward features, but rather in its promise of being a comfortable, approachable road bike. That isn’t lost here: the Domane is one of the most approachable road bikes you’ll find and an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a road bike.

The Domane rides as smoothly as it always has on smooth tarmac and chip-seal. The way the bike goes about smoothing out those small, constant vibrations is impressive. Roads I remember as feeling particularly jostling felt far smoother, both at the saddle and at the bars.

Much of that smoothness comes down to the 32 mm wide tires, which are wider than you’d find on most other all-road and endurance bikes out of the box. That said, narrower tires didn’t detract much from the bike’s smoothness over chip seal-type surfaces. Stay seated, and let the rear end of the bike do its job.

As much as I liked the Domane SL, the bike didn’t feel as eager as I would have hoped. Steeper climbs and even pedaling from a stop indicated that much of that came down to rotational weight. But with a set of carbon wheels and a good set of 30 mm tires, the Domane really woke up.

A set of Hunt Aerodynamicst 44 wheels and 30 mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tires gave the bike the feel of a bike far more willing to not only get up to speed but maintain it as well. If you’re itching to make an upgrade, rest assured that a decent set of carbon wheels – like their own Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37V – wake the bike up dramatically.

The stock Bontrager wheels are serviceable otherwise. They’re on the heavy side at over 1950 grams with tubeless tape and valves, but spoke tension and overall build felt like they were going to last. As serviceable as they are, however, it helps to know that you a swap to mid-range Hunt carbon wheels cut over 1 pound (520 grams) from the weight of the bike.

The Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires are grippy and seem to be long-lasting. That said, I felt the tires felt stiff and slow. A simple tire upgrade alone makes the bike feel considerably more eager.

I found little fault in the rest of the build kit. Shimano 105 Di2 works phenomenally, with quick shifts and gearing plenty low for fondos. The Bontrager Verse Short saddle is wonderfully supportive for how soft the saddle feels. The Bontrager short-reach handlebar choice deserves some praise; its 38 cm width in a 50 cm frame is smaller than most product planners choose but the right size for smaller folks.

The Domane SL rubbed me the wrong way

There was one notable fault I found with the bike, however: the IsoSpeed cover rubbed the inside of my legs on a 125 mile (200 km) road ride enough to create a rash.

A bit about me: I am fairly small at 5 foot, 6 inches and 130 pounds (59 kg) in kit. My legs aren’t particularly big, but they aren’t as lean as they could be either. I’ve received a professional fit and matched that fit onto the Domane SL to ensure my cleats (and feet) are roughly where they should be.

Here’s what the lead engineer of the Domane SL had to say:

“The Domane SL maintains the same thigh clearance as used on other road bikes. How far the max width carries up the seat tube can very slightly between models and this variation may be what you are experiencing compared to another Trek road bike. If it is an issue you could try going to a smaller size which moves his saddle up compared to the frame.”

The Domane SL top tube is wide, particularly as it approaches the seat tube junction. It’s wider at the seat tube junction than any other road bike I’ve ridden this year, though I don’t usually have problems with wide top tubes. The design weakness comes is the location of the IsoSpeed cover; the plastic cover seemed placed perfectly to rub the inside of my legs just above my knee raw.

Could I have sized down? Not really. I was on a 50 cm frame with the seat post extended to its minimum insertion point. Any smaller and I would need a drastically longer stem that would alter the handling Trek intended the Domane to have from the factory. Ultimately, some helicopter tape along the seam stopped the rub, but should I have to do that with a new frame?

Like as with any other bike, give the Domane a test ride before you buy it, particularly if you’re smaller or have bigger thighs like I do. I suspect I am in a very, very small majority of folks to experience this. Considering how many Trek bike dealers there are in the world, it should be easy enough to take the bike for a spin.

The Trek Domane SL 6 vs the competition

Call it an endurance road bike or an all-road bike, this segment is one of the most competitive segments you’ll find. The three endurance road bikes I’ve ridden in recent memory are the BMC Roadmachine , Canyon Endurace , and Cannondale Synapse . The Domane offers the most upright fit geometry, but all are fairly comfortable to ride for the average cyclist.

Surprisingly, I found the Domane to have the quickest steering of the bunch. Despite that, it feels about as stable in a straight line as the other bikes. Add in the IsoSpeed system that seemed to smooth out chipseal as well if not better than the other bikes too as well as its internal frame storage and the Domane starts to stand out.

The Endurace edges the other three bikes out on value for money, offering Shimano Ultegra Di2 and nicer tires at a lower price point. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were able to find the Trek, BMC, or Cannondale on sale at a local bike shop, in which case you start to find good value for the money.

I would also take a close look at the Trek Domane AL , one of the most impressive bikes I’ve ridden in recent memory. It might lack the ultimate polish and ride smoothness of the carbon bikes, but the handling, rider fit, and wide 32 mm tires are still there. It’s a fantastic bike.

Choose the Domane SL if you’re looking for about as smooth a ride as you’ll find, want internal frame storage, and need the ultimate warranty support that comes from seemingly having a Trek dealer on every block.

Long story short, I came away surprised by the bike. The latest generation Domane SL is every bit as smooth as you’d expect a Domane to be, and an approachable bike too. There’s a reason why it’s a go-to recommendation for most cyclists: the Domane reliably ticks every box for most road cyclists.

You pay for the privilege of riding the Domane, but considering how smooth the bike is over tarmac, I’m sure a vast majority of riders will be more than happy with it. The clearance for gravel bike tires, the internal frame storage, and the general refinement of the bike are all icing on what is a truly versatile all-road bike.

Just make sure you ride it so it doesn’t rub you the wrong way.

Popular on Velo

• Help Center
• Chat with a Ride Guide
• 1-866-401-9636
• Retail Store
• Bike Services

Reset Password

We will send you an email to reset your password.

Don't have an account? Create an account

Create Account

Already have an account? Sign In

• Favorite your products & save them to your account
• Save a search & get notified when new products drop
• Be first to know about the latest events & promotions

Bike Finder

Results have arrived.

Labor Day Deal

Trek Domane SL 5 AXS Road Bike - 2023, 56cm

Item #brd35684, condition: certified pre-owned what's this, fit range: 5'10" - 6'1" sizing guide, have questions about this bike.

We have former bike mechanics, bike shop owners, and other bike nerds standing by and ready to help.

Every Certified Pre-Owned bike passes our multi-point inspection

• Frame integrity verified
• All components inspected
• Drivetrain cleaned and tuned
• Suspension adjusted
• Wheels trued

Our RideFast shipping means this bike gets to you quickly and securely.

Quick Assembly

• Bikes arrive tuned and mostly pre-assembled
• Torque tool & video guide included
• Get riding in 15 minutes

Canadian Customers

Please note that any duties, taxes, or surcharges as required by Canadian customs and provincial authorities will be the buyer's responsibility. Shipping to Canadian addresses may take longer than expected due to customs.

30-Day Returns

If this bike isn't perfect for you, our Ride Guides will help you find the right one.

Long Live the Domane

This generation brought notable performance upgrades to the ever-popular cobble tamer, the Domane - and we're not just talking about the impressive 38mm tire clearance. Ditch the saddle bag, because this sweet ride has down tube storage! A nifty storage compartment in the down-tube will store all the essentials needed to change a flat or whatever else you decide to shove in there. Trek's tried and true 500 series OCLV carbon frame delivers high performance at a more approachable price. Light and responsive handling combined with the infamously smooth rear Iso-Speed and forgiving geometry, you have a road weapon that's ready for anything.

• New handlebar tape
• Light scratches on the seatpost, crank arms, rear derailleur, & wheelset
• Light scratches around the non-driveside of the bottom bracket shell & non-driveside seatstay
• Please Note: Power meters are typically aftermarket upgrades, and we cannot guarantee functionality, battery life, accuracy, or calibration. Due to this, power meters are not factored into the pricing of our CPO bikes. Charge cables and/or spare batteries not included. In some cases, activation fees may apply. Contact our Ride Guides with any questions.

Added to Cart

Inspected. Tested. Trusted.

What is cpo.

CPO bikes are gently ridden bikes that have been meticulously inspected, restored and serviced. Every CPO bike is cleaned, tuned and tested in our top-of-the-line Colorado headquarters. Road, mountain, ebike or gravel, TPC services each bike over 8 phases and multiple points of inspection.

Bikes are meant to be used.

Need Advice? Ask a Ride Guide

Our Ride Guide team is based in the U.S. and staffed with former bike mechanics, bike shop managers, and other certified bike nerds. Get expert advice on calibrating fit, deciding between models, or chat through any other questions. 1 866 401 9636 Start a Chat Submit a Request

Ask a Ride Guide about this

Sizing guide.

The chart below provides a general suggested range of heights and is not exact. Sizing may vary across brands. Fit questions about this specific bike ? Contact us!

The tailoring of any bike is an important step in the long term enjoyment of riding and it can take time to adjust to the fit of a new bike. All contact points (pedals, shoes, and saddle) can be changed and altered for personal preference, performance, and comfort.

Contact our Ride Guides if you have any questions about the fit of your new bike.

Call us at 866.401.9636 | Email Us | Chat with us (via black Chat bubble)

Purchase your next bike with the same confidence you would when buying new. We scrutinize age, condition, and quality. If a bike meets the standard, our pro tune and service will guarantee that your ride will be in pristine condition when it arrives at your door.

• MAGAZINE OFFERS
• BIKE INSURANCE
• Best Products
• Maintenance
• Accessories
• Long-Term Reviews
• First Look Friday
• Bike of the Week
• Tech Features
• Routes and Rides
• Bike Galleries
• BikeRadar Bargains
• Buyer's Guides
• Fitness & Training
• Sizing & Fit
• Mountain Biking UK
• Cycling Plus
• BikeRadar Podcast

Trek Domane SL6 eTap review

Endurance smoothy goes wireless

Dave Caudery / Our Media

Warren Rossiter

Impossibly smooth riding; handles with ease; very versatile

Carrying a bit more weight than its rivals

Trek’s long-running endurance road bike , the Domane, has an impressive history of wins, including both of the most famous cobbled Classics, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.

Over the years, the Domane has evolved from a soft-tail road bike to a front and rear IsoSpeed suspension-equipped bike with aerodynamic shaping, inspired by the Wisconsin-based brand’s aero road platform, the Madone.

The Domane chassis, along with its suspension, also has a class-leading tyre clearance of 38mm.

All of these elements combine to create a machine that should prove the Domane capable of meeting anyone’s endurance-bike needs, and much more beyond. It's fully deserving of its place in the endurance category of our 2022 Bike of the Year Awards

The original Domane was based around a simple idea of separating the seatstays and top tube from the seat tube, to allow the seat tube to act like a long seatpost moving fore and aft and taking the sting out of rough roads.

This was achieved via Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler; the design constrained the seat tube laterally, but it was joined via a ‘pin’ joint that rotated around a slick bush as the seat tube flexed.

The Domane has evolved with a front IsoSpeed system that works in a very similar way. The traditional headset is replaced with a rocker cup located at the top of the headset that locks in the steerer tube laterally and, like the rear, allows the steerer to flex fore and aft, smoothing out the road.

The Domane frame routes the brake hose under the bar and stem, and around to the rear of the head tube (not dissimilar to how Cervélo routes its S-Series bikes). It’s an obvious nod to aero, though Trek hasn’t gone as far as the full integration seen on Cervélo’s Caledonia .

I like that the frame boasts some great practical features, including proper mudguard mounts (Trek has dedicated Bontrager mudguards for the Domane) and top-tube mounts for bento-box style storage.

It even has a storage chamber hidden underneath the down tube bottle bosses that’s large enough to store a spare tube, CO2 cartridge and multi-tool , plus it comes with a custom-sized tool wrap to stop any rattles.

Trek Domane SL6 eTap specifications

The SL6 might ‘only’ be available constructed from Trek’s OCLV 500 series carbon, compared to the 700 series found on the much pricier SLR models, but despite weighing a few extra grams it’s still very much a premium carbon chassis with some clever tech built in.

The drivetrain comes courtesy of SRAM’s very impressive and affordable (considering it’s electronic) groupset, Rival eTap AXS . Its shifting is a match for SRAM’s more expensive wireless offerings, and it shares the same tunability and connectivity through the brilliant, and free, AXS app.

The 46/33, 10-36 gearing combination is pitched perfectly for a bike such as this. The 46/10 bottom gear has all the speed potential I want when descending or pushing hard on the flat.

At the other end, the 33/36 offers such a light, easy-to-spin gear that I found myself actively looking for steep climbs on my test rides just to see how achievable the Domane makes climbing.

Elsewhere, as you’d expect on a Trek bike, parts are all from Bontrager (Trek’s component partner brand).

The wheels are Bontrager’s Paradigm 25s. As the name suggests, these have a shallow depth rim that’s impressively wide at 25mm (internal), and they’re shod with Bontrager’s R3 tyres in a generous 32mm width.

With the Domane, Trek was one of the first brands to properly explore wide rims and tyres on an endurance bike. It’s certainly set a trend – just look at the specification of Cannondale’s Synapse and BMC’s Roadmachine for evidence.

The cockpit combines a simple alloy Bontrager stem (compatible with the range of Blender out-front accessory mounts) and IsoZone VR-SF handlebar.

The bar is designed to work with Bontrager’s gel pad and tape combo and is, quite frankly, brilliant.

Oversized top sections fit perfectly in the hand, while the compact drop is so well shaped that, even if you’re the most hood-hanging of riders, you’ll find yourself enjoying the aero advantage of staying down in the drops comfortably.

Out back, Trek has a unique approach to the seatpost on the Domane, because the IsoSpeed system relies on the seat tube being able to flex unhampered.

Rather than using a standard post, the Domane has a shortened mast that inserts into the extended seat tube. This locks into place through an internal expanding clamp, accessed through a slot in the seat tube.

It works well, but make sure the bike is set up for you in store, because the minimal adjustment through the mast means you need to make sure you get the correct-length mast. It’s topped with Bontrager’s rather traditional-shaped and very amply padded Verse saddle.

Trek Domane SL6 eTap geometry

My 56cm test bike has a 591mm stack, combined with a short 377mm reach. It makes for a fairly relaxed ride position compared to the Cannondale Synapse, and especially the Cervélo Caledonia.

I found myself altering the saddle position, sliding it back to the limit on its rails to extend the reach and allow myself to get a bit lower.

The 71.9-degree head angle is more relaxed than most endurance bikes, while the 73.3-degree seat angle is steeper. Trek has kept the wheelbase short, however, at just 1,008mm.

Trek Domane SL6 eTap ride impressions

The Domane is one of the smoothest road-going bikes ever made, and certainly one of the best-rolling bikes I’ve tested. That’s quite the bold statement, I know, but the way in which the Domane simply glides over poor surfaces is truly a wonder.

The Domane’s origins as a cobble-busting racer set the standard for its compliance, but its evolution makes it very much an endurance bike of today.

Not many racers would opt for a 32mm-wide tyre, but I’m sold; the R3s roll beautifully.

Yes, they may carry a bit more weight than a 26 or 28mm race tyre, and they’re wrapped around some pretty middleweight wheels in the Paradigm 25s (1,775g a pair). That may make some of you turn your nose up but, on the road, I didn’t notice any excess weight.

The Domane is a mean companion on ascents. Despite weighing close to 9.5kg, it simply wafts over rough tarmac, and the light end of the Rival gear range makes for comfortable climbing.

It breezes uphill if you’re sitting on the saddle and holding the tops, with their comfortable oversized diameter and wonderfully plush cushioning tape.

If you want to get out of the saddle up in the hoods and punch it to the summit, you’ll find a bike that responds in kind.

Descending is almost as impressive – the slightly relaxed head angle, combined with the compliance in the chassis, makes for a bike that’s so very assured going downhill at speed.

I found myself carving into corners, looking for the best line and ignoring imperfections in the road surface, safe in the knowledge that whatever I threw at the Domane, it simply smothered the bumps, swallowed the ruts and kept on tracking straight.

The Domane’s brilliant handling on rough roads, along with its generous 38mm tyre clearance, opens up the world of light gravel. Just like Cannondale’s new Synapse and the wonderfully different BMC Roadmachine X, the Domane is off-road capable – and it pre-dates both of those designs.

As part of my test riding, I took the Domane on unmetalled military roads and wide byways, and it coped admirably, swallowing ruts and lumps with ease.

As with the Synapse and Roadmachine, I wouldn’t head for technical singletrack on it, but excursions on Welsh forest fireroads, the rail trails of the Peaks, gravel roads of north Yorkshire, my home military roads of Salisbury Plain and New Forest tracks are easily within the Domane’s capability.

Trek Domane SL6 eTap bottom line

The Domane SL6 set the standard for the new breed of versatile endurance bikes. It may have been born from the needs of a few elite athletes in a few elite races, but it's a bike that could easily be one of the most versatile on sale today.

The groupset is excellent: easy to use, packed with features beyond stopping and shifting gears, and very reliable. Although you can find it on much cheaper bikes, all of the components do their job well, yet none are particularly show-stopping.

Comfort is impeccable, even though for me the squishy padded saddle is a bit of overkill (though not uncomfortable).

The Domane, with the complexity in its chassis design, carries a bit more weight than its rivals, but none of them can match its smoothness.

Endurance Bike of the Year 2022 | How we tested

The best endurance road bikes combine a comfortable ride position with heaps of versatility – including features such as mudguard or pannier rack mounts – and speed, to create a useful platform that will fare well no matter the ride.

Testing for our 2022 Endurance Bike of the Year category began with a high-tempo 2.5-hour ride to get an early impression of a bike's ride quality and to carry out any adjustments.

For the meat of this year's testing, each bike was taken on the same 82-mile/132km loop through rural Wiltshire.

After this, we rode the bikes back-to-back, coming to a decision on the best by comparing how well each handled across a variety of terrain and, in a competitive market, how its spec compares with the other bikes on test.

Our 2022 Endurance Bike of the Year contenders are:

• BMC Roadmachine X
• Bombtrack Audax
• Cannondale Synapse Carbon LTD RLE (category winner)
• Cervélo Caledonia Ultegra Di2
• Trek Domane SL 6 eTap

Thanks to our sponsors HUUB , Lazer , 100% and Garmin for their support in making Bike of the Year happen.

Share this article

Senior technical editor

• Terms & Conditions
• Subscribe to our magazines
• Manage preferences

Reviews, Ride Experiences, Calendar, Resources & More!

$US 1699 Trek Domane AL Generation 4 Review (2023) with Shimano Tiagra 4700

“Trek launched the all-new fourth generation Domane AL today, an aluminum road bike that offers lasting comfort, performance, and greater all-road versatility with a high-quality aluminum frame and new, lighter-weight design that far outpaces its price point.” – https://trekbikes.com

“Trek’s best-selling Domane AL got a comfort and versatility upgrade with bigger all-road tire clearance for capability on everything from pavement to gravel, clean and modern aesthetics, and integration typically found on higher-end bike models — all wrapped up in a lighter-weight package.”

Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Review Video

Alternative video link for those reading via email subscription ..

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew provides a short-term review of the new to market, fourth generation Trek Domane AL.

Continued from Above:

Right for Any Road

“New 40mm tire clearance (as measured) lets riders comfortably venture from smooth pavement to bumpy backroads and most gravel trails.”

Sleek Aluminium meets Lighweight Carbon

“ The new Domane AL is around half a pound lighter than the previous Domane AL Disc model thanks to a newly redesigned 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame and a new full-carbon fork.”

Mounts for the Essentials

“ Mounts for a top tube bag, rack, and fenders make Domane AL the ideal rig for everything from workday commutes to weekend group rides.”

Modern Handlebar, Premium Integration

“ Domane AL’s cockpit now features a modern road bar for improved ergonomics and control, with a shorter reach and 4mm flare between the hoods and drops. Plus, new hidden cable routing offers premium integration typically found on higher-end models.”

Universal Derailleur Hanger

“ For the first time ever, Domane AL comes with a new thru axle for Universal Derailleur Hanger compatibility. This is the same UDH that comes on Trek mountain bikes, so riders can enjoy cross-category compatibility with all their favorite rides.”

Comfortable Geometry

“ Domane’s relaxed endurance geometry keeps riders in a more upright position for all-day comfort.”

Additional Photos

Learn more about the Trek Domane AL Gen 4 and more at https://trekbikes.com

Support Gravel Cyclist: Buy Me a Coffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gravelcyclist OR Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/gravelcyclist

Links of Interest:

• Trek Bicycles Website – https://trekbikes.com
• 2023 Trek Domane SLR Long-Term Review
• 2023 Trek Domane+ SLR eBike Long-Term Review
• Sea Sucker Talon Review
• Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Guidelines
• Tailwind Nutrition (JOM’s choice of on-the-bike hydration)
• Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library

Don’t forget to Like the Gravel Cyclist Facebook page , follow G.C. on Instagram , and subscribe to our Youtube Channel . We are also on Twitter !

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Domane SL 5 Gen 4

• Search forums

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

• Entertainment & Interests
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Avon lives. Scorpio hovers over Moscow.

• Thread starter voggmo
• Start date May 17, 2009
• May 17, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i-aJ7QfJTw&feature=related  

Scorpio?! 'Tis an Imperial Star Destroyer!  

Samurai8472

Samurai8472: Finally those capitalist pigs will pay for their crimes, eh? Eh comrades? Eh? Basil Exposition: Samurai... we won. Samurai8472: Oh, smashing, groovy, yay capitalism!  

• May 18, 2009

Oh I get it, Darth is monitoring Trek XI numbers. Or possibly it's George Takei playing his ace against Tim Curry.  

Vice Admiral

Be nice if it had some sound to it, would it not?  

Speaking of Avon, why is his last name used, & his 1st name rarely? Same for Blake, Roj Blake. Avon's first name is usually given as Kerr , with a double r . However, it is occasionally spelled Ker , and in Darrow's noncanonical novel Avon: A Terrible Aspect , this is explained as a short form of his full name Kerguelen , roughly meaning desolation . http://www.sdc.org/~ragan/Blakes7.html P.S. There is an island called Kerguelen island in the Indian ocean.  

The Blooness

Avon lives? Oh, if only................ God, I loved that character.  

voggmo said: Speaking of Avon, why is his last name used, & his 1st name rarely? Same for Blake, Roj Blake. Avon's first name is usually given as Kerr , with a double r . However, it is occasionally spelled Ker , and in Darrow's noncanonical novel Avon: A Terrible Aspect , this is explained as a short form of his full name Kerguelen , roughly meaning desolation . http://www.sdc.org/~ragan/Blakes7.html P.S. There is an island called Kerguelen island in the Indian ocean. Click to expand...

Fleet Admiral

Starkers said: voggmo said: Speaking of Avon, why is his last name used, & his 1st name rarely? Same for Blake, Roj Blake. Avon's first name is usually given as Kerr , with a double r . However, it is occasionally spelled Ker , and in Darrow's noncanonical novel Avon: A Terrible Aspect , this is explained as a short form of his full name Kerguelen , roughly meaning desolation . http://www.sdc.org/~ragan/Blakes7.html P.S. There is an island called Kerguelen island in the Indian ocean. Click to expand...

Avon is the man I agree. It is somewhat more customary to call a person by their 1st name than vice/versa. If a persons last name sounds better, it makes some sense. Maverick for example instead of Bret. Avon certainly sounds better than Kerr, or Kerguelen, which is a very odd choice. Kerguelen was a French explorer who discovered the island in south Indian ocean, which was apparently named most useless island in the world in 95. King Louis XV of France commissioned the French navigator, Chevalier Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen-Trémarec, to discover such a continent for France. Commanding two vessels of the Royal French Fleet, the Fortune and the Gros-Ventre , Kerguelen left Mauritius on January 16th, sailing through mist, fog and storms to discover the islands on February 12th, 1772. http://www.discoverfrance.net/Colonies/Kerguelen.shtml A German commerce raiding ship hid out at this island & rebuilt it's motors perhaps the only interesting tidbit regarding the island.  

• May 19, 2009

Moderator with a Soul

Lonemagpie said: Scorpio?! 'Tis an Imperial Star Destroyer! Click to expand...

Steve Mollmann said: One review I read pointed out that all the women in Blake's 7 are referred to by their first names and all the men by their last names... except for Vila. Click to expand...

Lindley said: Lonemagpie said: Scorpio?! 'Tis an Imperial Star Destroyer! Click to expand...

Yep, looks similiar enough. Figured Avon rigged a radar thing on top or something. Cally only has one name right? Sounds like a 1st name.  

Similar threads

• Cryogenator
• Jan 22, 2024
• General Trek Discussion

• Apr 2, 2024
• TV & Media

• Jun 4, 2024
• May 4, 2024

Sign up / Register

• Star Trek: Enterprise
• Star Trek - The Original & Animated Series
• Star Trek: The Next Generation
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
• Star Trek: Voyager
• Star Trek: Discovery
• Star Trek: Picard
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
• Star Trek: Lower Decks
• Star Trek: Prodigy
• Star Trek Movies I-X
• Star Trek Movies: Kelvin Universe
• Future of Trek
• Trek Gaming
• Trek Literature
• Fan Fiction
• Fan Productions
• CSI (at Talk CSI)
• Science and Technology
• Sports and Fitness
• Web Sites/Design
• Miscellaneous
• Site Forums