trek domane al5 review

The electrified aluminum Domane+

The Trek Domane+ series of road bikes combines electric assist with the comfortable ride and endurance geometry that has made the Domane bikes so popular. It’s a natural combination as the electrification allows riders to ride even further while enhancing the ride quality with the integrated battery. Trek currently offers the Domane+ series of bikes in two primary variations: carbon fiber SLR models and the aluminum AL 5. The SLR variations retail between $8,499.95 to $12,999.95 depending on the component set. With a retail price of $3,499.95 the Trek Domane+ AL 5 is the most accessible electric bike in the lineup and arguably one of the best values.

The bike is equipped with mechanical Shimano 105 components including hydraulic disc brakes. In terms of electrification, the AL 5 is equipped with a 250W / 40Nm HyDrive hub motor and a 250Wh battery integrated into the downtube. The combination is rated for up to 55 miles in eco mode with an optional 250Wh range extender battery available which doubles the range.  To achieve a natural feeling ride, Trek has utilized a torque sensor and three selectable assist levels to feather in the electric power. An integrated display in the top tube displays the remaining battery and current assist level.

The Trek Domane+ AL 5 combines the endurance geometry and smooth ride Domane is known for with a hub motor and integrated battery.

FIT AND FINISH

Visually, the Trek Domane+ AL 5 is easy to mistake for a standard Domane AL 5 bike. The bike features a contoured top tube, a tall headtube and lower bottom bracket geometry to achieve an endurance-oriented riding geometry. Trek has done an impressive job hiding the 250Wh battery inside the downtube while still maintaining the proper proportions. Currently, Trek only offers the Domane+ AL 5 in three color schemes: black, viper red and the mercury color we have in this review. It’s an attractive silver-like color with a bronze Trek logo and accents on the fork. While the color isn’t as flashy some of the Project One color options the SLR models offer, it iss a sleek yet modern. The bike’s 100 series aluminum frame has visible welds at the attachment points as well as visible weld marks around the bottom bracket.

The Domane+ AL 5 features internal cable routing with wires routed through the downtube and fork for a clean overall appearance. With the Domane series being more of an endurance bike, Trek has incorporated rack and fender mounts into the frame of the bike. The mounts are well disguised with flush rubber covers rather than exposed bolts or screws found on other bikes. Rather than the top tube bottle mounts found on the standard Domane bike, the Domane+ AL 5 has a black stripe and display screen with a large black power button. The display blends in with the stripe when it’s off but has vibrant colors when it is on to indicate the battery status and assist level with graphical representations. To charge the e-bike’s battery there is a plastic cover below the downtube bottle cage which can be opened to insert the provided charging cable.

As far as components, the Trek Domane+ AL 5 incorporates a combination of Shimano 105 R7000 drivetrain with a mix of Bontrager finishing kit. Aside from the compact 50/34 FSA Vero Pro crankset the bike has a complete 11-speed Shimano 105 R7000 series setup including flat mounted 160mm hydraulic disc brakes. Next to each shifter you’ll find a single button which either increases or decreases the current assist mode. In-house Bontrager components help keep the cost of the bike down with the Verse Short Comp saddle, Elite IsoZone handlebar, Carbon seatpost and Elite stem. That also extends to the wheels and tires which are tubeless-ready Bontrager Pardigm wheels with R1 Hard-Case Lite tires. The bike’s modern 12mm thru-axle design with disc brakes means it’s easy to upgrade components or switch to more aggressive wheels and tires for gravel riding.

HYENA RIDER ASSIST APP

Hyena offers a Hyena Rider Assist (HRA) app that can connect to the Trek Domane+ AL 5. The app can be used to display serial number information, battery status, perform basic ride tracking and most importantly tune the assist levels. To connect the bike you simply power the motor on and then double tap it to enter the Bluetooth connecting mode which turns the bike battery display to blue bars. With the HRA app on, the bike can be quickly discovered and you can enter a custom bike name and view details of the bike. Selecting the iDrive button from the main screen not only displays the firmware and model numbers but also an interactive line chart. 

Each of the three assist levels can be adjusted between 33% ranges (i.e. L1: 0-33, L2: 34-66, L3: 67-100) to customize the feel of the bike. This is a great way to personalize the ride experience by adjusting the power assist to your riding style. For those looking to extend the range you can reduce the first-level eco mode or unlock the full 100% motor assist if you have steep climbs. The other feature of the app is the ability to view the battery as a percentage and add a charge notification with an adjustable battery percent threshold. This is a convenient way to avoid running out of charge or just checking the battery before riding with an actual percent display instead of having to interpret the bar battery display.

RIDING WITHOUT POWER

One of the main questions we ask with e-road bikes like the Domane+ is how they feel when the power is off. Can they be ridden like a normal bike? The answer with the Domane+ AL5 is a yes with an asterisk. The endurance geometry and wide gearing mean you can easily climb steep hills or do long routes without ever using any power. However, it’s hard to get around the fact that the hub and motor add weight to the bike. The 31lb weight of the bike combined with the generous 32mm tires mean the Domane+ AL5 feels slower and requires more effort than a traditional 20lb or lighter road bike. This was particularly obvious for us as we spent most of our time switching between the Trek Domane+ AL5 and our 16lb Specialized Tarmac. 

As the saying goes, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too” which is true here. Trek has done an excellent job disguising the electric components but there is still a noticeable weight difference between this bike and the non-electric Domane AL 5. Otherwise, there isn’t noticeable drag when riding with power off and once you adjust to the weight it feels like a standard road bike. One of the surprising benefits of the extra weight is how well the bike descends. We suspect it’s the battery weight in the downtube that contributes to a low-center-of-mass that makes the bike handle smoothly and confidently even when descending at high speeds. While typical road bikes feel twitchy at higher speeds, the Domane+ AL 5 feels locked in.

RIDING WITH POWER

One of the main features of the Trek Domane+ AL 5 is the hub motor and integrated battery. While the 250Wh battery and 40 Nm HyDrive motor aren’t the highest capacity or most powerful setups on the market, it’s a well tested and refined design that is utilized on a variety of other bikes on the market including other Trek models. The hub motor is well matched to the relatively light weight of the bike and provides smooth assistance to climb steep climbs or handle urban traffic. Unlike budget hub drive bikes which use cadence sensors to simply turn the power on or off, Trek has utilized a torque sensor to feather the power in for a natural feel. The harder you pedal, the more assistance you get up to the maximum percentage in each assist level. As a level 1 e-bike this is a pedal assist motor that is only active when you’re pedaling and is limited to a maximum of 20mph. That means assist is only useful at slower speeds while climbing or in stop-and-go traffic to help you accelerate from a stop.

Even in the lowest eco mode (~12% of max output), the bike feels light and fast which allows you to cruise up steep climbs like a pro. While it’s hard to hear the motor while you’re riding, those behind you can hear a subtle noise as the power ramps up. With the torque sensor setup, you’re rewarded for riding with a smooth cadence as coasting shuts the power and can result in a jerky on/off feel. At higher assist levels the bike can push you back in the saddle and feels as if someone is pushing you from behind as it accelerates. While the initial acceleration feels strange, in most other scenarios the motor’s assistance is fairly seamless. We do wish Trek had integrated more than 3 assist modes though, as the jumps between them feel too large for us. On some climbs eco mode simply felt like too much assistance while on steeper climbs we’d toggle between two modes.

In terms of real-world range, we found that it really depends on how you use the bike. Trek claims a range of 55 miles using only eco mode and even offers a range extender add-on batter that can double the range. Using the eco mode sparingly only on steep portions of climbs meant we didn’t have to charge the bike very often. For an all-power steep 3300ft ride we got about 36 miles out of the battery and made it back with the low battery status light flashing which was impressive. That makes us believe the 55 mile range claim, particularly if you choose less demanding routes. The Domane+ really shines as a performance equalizer or as a way to tackle longer routes that include climbs as the assist modes can make even 15% gradients feel like a flat road.

THE VERDICT

Overall, we found the Trek Domane+ AL5 to be an attractive and well designed bike. Trek has done an excellent job disguising the battery and electric motor inside the frame while maintaining the classic Domane geometry and appearance. The bike offers smooth shifting, confidence inspiring hydraulic disc brakes and the endurance geometry that has made the Domane bikes so popular. While the added electric components makes the Domane+ AL 5 more expensive and heavier than the standard Domane AL 5, it is significantly more affordable than the Domane+ SLR variations. Although $3.5k is hard to call budget friendly, it’s very well priced and maintains sleek road bike geometry and appearance with the peace of mind that Trek’s warranty and excellent customer service. The bike certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a way to extend your range, tackle hard climbs or keep up with faster riders the Trek Domane+ AL 5 is an excellent e-road bike.

Disclaimer:   The product for this review was provided by Trek . The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.

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One Reply to “The electrified aluminum Domane+”

55 miles range is a fantasy. I have eco mode set to 11%, pedaling easy on a flat route gives only 41 miles.

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Trek Domane+ AL 5 Review

• Last updated January 17, 2024

• All of our bikes are electric, but all of our writers are human.

CHARGE TIME

Trek Domane+ AL 5 Review: Takeaway

If age or injury has slowed you down, but you don’t want to give up road riding, then the Trek Domane+ AL 5 is just the electric bike for you. With a lightweight, low-resistance electric power system, it will help you keep up over the big miles or return to form after injury.

This e-bike gives the rider a more upright, endurance position that allows for more comfort on longer rides. Its 250W electric rear hub motor and in-tube 250Wh battery are discrete so you won’t be on a machine where fellow riders immediately recognize it as a “cheater bike.”

Ideal for...

E-bike overview.

Whatever your reasons for looking for an extra push in your road riding, the Trek Domane+ AL5 is a great first step into electric biking.

For the heckling you might get, this is a lovely electric bike that is light, fast, and doesn’t require lots of electrical energy to get you up the hills. Thanks to its low-friction motor, you can pedal economically and maximize the time you’re on the road.

The high-quality Shimano drivetrain will allow you to get those miles in without demanding too much from the motor and battery, and the light but powerful Shimano RT66 brakes will handle a wet descent without overheating.

Reasons to Buy

The Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a lightweight electric bike that can be ridden on lower power settings to maximize the distance you can cover in a day’s riding. We love the carbon forks that make for a smoother ride and the riding position that allows for more comfort.

We also love the mounts for accessories like a pannier rack, frame bag, and mudguards. This can allow you to get the machine ready for longer tours — perhaps a planned route between motels on a multi-day ride in the countryside.

For those longer rides, it’s possible to achieve 110 miles of riding with the optional extra battery that mounts on the bottle cage fitting. That’s a big day in the saddle!

As a whole, this makes for a great first step from an analog road bike where you’re used to doing 70 miles of riding a day already. You’ll just do it without too much strain on your body!

Things to Consider

One drawback of having a rear hub motor is that it can give too much power too soon and spin the wheel. Starting in a high power mode can lead to this, and is something that you should get used to for safety.

That said, there is little else to raise as an issue on this comfortable, quick, and good-looking electric road bike.

Specs & Components

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know .

It’s interesting that Trek used a 250W rear-hub motor on this electric bike. Rear-hub motors don’t offer resistance when pedaling when they’re switched off — unlike mid-drive motors. With that in mind, though the motor can only take you to 20 mph and deliver up to 40 Nm of torque, you’ll have an easy time going faster with manual effort. Delivering power when you need it (and not resisting you when you don’t), this bike gives you that added push when required without standing in your way when not.

With up to 500Wh of energy available with the optional range extender, the Trek Domane+ AL5 offers plenty of range. With the motor in constant use, you can get 55 miles, but there may well be spells when you don’t wish to use the motor very much. That could allow you to get another 45 miles in — a full day of 100 miles of road riding.

Efficiency comes from the slick road tires and low overall weight of the machine at 31 lbs. They all combine to make for a lightweight, fast, and long-range electric bike.

Being a road racing/training bike, the Trek Domane+ isn’t built for the sort of comfort that you’d expect from a trekking or utility e-bike. Sat in an aerodynamic, sporty position, the rider will have some comforts like the raised handlebar extensions (to take a breather and be more upright).

There are no suspension forks, and the saddle is ergonomically designed for big miles without major discomfort — though for someone used to another type of riding, you may end up saddle sore.

That said, if you’ve spent time choosing the right bike size and have arranged the saddle post to the right height, this will be comfortable as you train or recuperate from injury.

Trek offers a lifetime warranty to the first owner of this e-bike for the machine’s frame and forks. In addition, the parts and accessories fitted to the frame (excluding consumable parts) are protected for two years.

You’ll need to change the chain and cassette about every 1,000 miles depending on how you use the bike. The chain should be oiled on a weekly basis (if used every day) and after a rain shower, or it could rust and break. Keep an eye on brake pads and the hydraulic fluid levels in the brake lines, too.

Offered in a choice of color schemes of jet black, red, or light gray, the Trek Domane+ AL5 is nice enough to look at. Though other riders on analog bikes may initially struggle to tell if it’s an e-bike, the wider downtube where the battery sits is reasonably obvious.

Road racing bikes have changed little over the last decade or so — though this design isn’t dated, it doesn’t stand out from the crowd and break new ground.

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

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2023 Trek Domane+ AL 5 Review

The Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a highly anticipated release in the cycling world.

Trek is known for their high-quality bikes, and the Domane+ AL 5 is no exception.

With its sleek design and advanced features, it’s sure to be a popular choice among cyclists.

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the 2023 Trek Domane+ AL 5.

From its frame design to its components, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your next bike purchase.

So let’s dive in and see what this bike has to offer.

In the world of cycling, Trek is a name that is synonymous with quality and innovation. The Trek Domane+ AL 5 is no exception.

Released in 2023, this electric road bike is a game-changer for cyclists who want to enjoy the thrill of the ride without sacrificing comfort or performance.

The 2023 Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a high-performance electric bike that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride.

It features a lightweight aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and a powerful electric rear hub motor that provides up to 80 miles of range.

With its sleek design and advanced technology, this ebike is perfect for commuting, touring, or just enjoying the outdoors.

– Lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork for a smooth and comfortable ride.

– Powerful HyDrive hub drive motor provides up to 80 miles of pedal-assist range.

– Shimano 105 2×11-speed drivetrain featuring a 11-34t cassette paired to a compact 50/34t chainring set for smooth and reliable shifting.

– Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for responsive and reliable stopping power.

– Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 700x32c tires for excellent traction and durability.

– Compatible with a wide range of accessories, including racks, fenders, and lights.

– Backed by Trek’s industry-leading warranty and support.

Design and Build

The Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a sleek and stylish electric road bike that is built for comfort and performance.

The bike features a lightweight aluminum frame that is designed to absorb shock and reduce vibrations, making it ideal for long rides.

The bike is also equipped with a carbon fork that further enhances its performance and comfort.

Electric Assist

One of the standout features of the Trek Domane+ AL 5 is its electric assist system.

The bike is powered by a HyDrive hub drive motor that provides up to 250 watts of assistance.

The motor is located in the rear hub and is powered by a 250Wh battery that is mounted in the down tube.

The electric assist system is controlled by a small button on the handlebars and toptube-mounted display that allows you to choose between different levels of assistance.

Performance

The Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a bike that is built for performance.

The electric assist system provides a boost that makes climbing hills and riding into headwinds a breeze.

The bike is also equipped with a Shimano 105 drivetrain that provides smooth and precise shifting.

The hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, even in wet conditions.

The Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a bike that is built for comfort.

The bike also features a Bontrager Verse Short Comp saddle that is designed to provide comfort and support on long rides.

The bike is also equipped with Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 700x32mm tires that provide excellent traction and stability.

The Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a bike that is built for comfort and performance.

It’s is also equipped with a Shimano 105 drivetrain that provides smooth and precise shifting.

Overall, the Trek Domane+ AL 5 is a great choice for cyclists who want to enjoy the thrill of the ride without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek Domane AL review: Blurring the line

Big tire clearance and lower weight give trek’s aluminum all-road bike credibility both on road and on dirt..

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The Trek Domane serves as the entry point not only to Trek’s road bike lineup for many but also to road cycling as a whole. Many of these cyclists will go with the Trek Domane AL a road bike that has to wear many hats. Some want it to be a swift recreational ride. Others want it as a potential commuter. Somehow, the Domane AL has managed to competently do both. 

As versatile a package as the previous Domane AL disc was, this latest fourth-generation Domane AL can realistically serve as someone’s gravel bike now, with some caveats.

As such, the Domane AL (pronounced ‘dough-MA-knee’) has been updated to offer even more options for the prospective cyclist who is looking for one bike to be both a road bike and a gravel bike.

Trek Domane AL updates

The updated Trek Domane AL is built with Trek’s Alpha 100-series aluminum. There isn’t much to it: standard alloy tubes, plain welds, and all of that. Despite the lack of serious tube shaping, there is a passing semblance between this bike and the Domane SL carbon bike I’ve ridden as well as the high-end Domane SLR road bike . Paired with that is a new full-carbon fork that offers loads of tire clearance.

Trek claims the updated Domane AL frame and fork is around a half pound lighter (approx 225 grams) than the previous Domane AL Disc. 

The Domane AL is updated to include internal cable routing from the headset down to clean up the cables. While this looks clean and it works well for the most part, replacing shift housing and fixing hydraulic brake lines will likely be a more expensive proposition when compared to the previous-generation Domane AL Disc.

There’s a standard 27.2 mm seat post and English threaded bottom bracket like before, but the bottom bracket area is updated to include a chain catcher that’s integrated into the frame. Additionally, the Domane AL features a rack mount at the rear for commuting. Fender mounts there to keep you dry on your ride, with the rear featuring a removable seat stay bridge too.

The Domane Al receives a Sram Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH). While the UDH spec makes finding a new derailleur hanger an inexpensive and simple proposition, the Domane AL is also one of the first road bikes I’ve seen with it.

And perhaps most interestingly, the price of the Domane AL has gone down, at least in the U.S. Our Domane AL 4 shown here is $100 US cheaper than previously. Prices in other markets remain consistent.

Can a Trek Domane AL be a gravel bike? Mostly, yes

The updated feature set comes with Trek’s eyes set not only on the road but for gravel too. Official tire clearance is for 700c x 38 mm tires, but the Domane AL fits 40 mm knobby gravel tires front and rear without an issue. More importantly, the tires cleared the Shimano Tiagra front derailleur, meaning you won’t have to swap a front derailleur and crankset to have proper tire clearance with a gravel tire.

Further, the bottom bracket bottle cage mount and the top tube bag mount are distinct features once reserved for gravel bikes.

Trek has also updated the Domane AL with new handlebars. While Trek hesitates to call them flared handlebars, the bars do flare out to be wider in the drops than at the brake levers. My size 52 cm bike featured bars with a 40 mm width at the tops, but a 44 cm width at the drops. 

Is a handlebar a big deal in the grand scheme of things? No, but it goes a long way toward right-sizing handlebars for cyclists. Further, the wider drops offer a sense of greater control while in the drops. That’s huge for anyone, and good to see Trek thinking about that at this price point.

Importantly, this added capability makes the Trek Domane AL a worthwhile choice for someone looking to dabble in both road bike and gravel bikes. While the bike is still a road bike at heart, its features make it capable enough to ride lighter gravel frequently.

Updated geometry

The Domane AL geometry hasn’t changed compared to the previous generation, but that’s not a bad thing. The Domane might just be the poster child of an upright road bike, with geometry that always leans on the upright as opposed to aggressive scale.

Further, the slack head angle, longer fork offset, 420 mm chainstays, and low 80 mm bottom bracket drop across sizes further lean into the bike’s mission of being approachable for riding long distances.

One thing to note is that the bike’s handling isn’t languid or sluggish: rather, the trail figures here indicate a bike that turns won’t quite feel like a boat on the road.

Riding the Trek Domane AL

My bike is essentially a Trek Domane AL 4. It features a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes. The rest of the build comes from Bontrager: Paradigm SL wheels, a Verse Comp saddle, and R1 Hardcase Lite tires in a 32 mm width.

My size 52 cm Trek Domane AL 4 weighed in at 22.27 pounds (10.1 kg) set up with tubes in the tires.

The updated Domane AL is exactly what you’d expect from the Domane lineup: comfort-first body positioning and predictable handling. Part of that comes down to the low bottom bracket; the 80 mm bottom bracket drop on my bike brings the center of gravity ever so slightly lower. Doing so makes the bike feel more stable and confidence-inspiring through the corners, at least theoretically. 

In reality, that low bottom bracket and the 32 mm tires as this bike was built make the bike feel really stable through corners. There’s plenty of grip, sure, but the confidence makes you feel willing to push the bike further on the road.

On gravel? The Domane AL rides along without complaint. The low bottom bracket offers good stability riding through chunk even with 40 mm tires. And while the trail figures are a little quicker than an average gravel bike at this price point, it feels quick and sporty on gravel. It would be an easy choice to ride on smooth gravel at events like SBT, but probably not the right bike for an event like Unbound. 

The Trek Domane AL 4 features a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain with hydraulic brakes. While the groupset isn’t especially lightweight, the shifts are consistently crisp. Further, the braking is strong, consistent, and a worthwhile upgrade over most mechanical disc brakes. 

Trek’s in-house component line, Bontrager, fills in the rest of the gaps here. The wheelset rode along without complaint, and its tubeless-ready profile makes it an easy wheelset to hold onto in the future. They are heavy wheels, however, weighing in at 2130 grams without tires. 

While the Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 32 mm tires are known to be hard-wearing and durable, they aren’t quick-rolling. They’re heavy too; swapping them for a set of 32 mm Teravail Telegraph tires made the bike feel noticeably more spry. Ride through them if you’d like, but swapping these tires is an easy upgrade to the Domane AL’s overall ride.

I would’ve liked to see Centerlock compatible hubs here rather than 6-bolt so the end user can choose between 6-bolt and Centerlock rotors, but I suspect 6-bolt rotors were less expensive. Nonetheless, the brakes stopped reliably and brake rotor replacements will be cheaper down the line.

One more nitpick, particularly for folks riding a smaller frame: the seat tube water bottle cage mount is set too high. You can fit a 21 oz bottle here with a little room, but there is loads of space to mount it lower. I understand why Trek didn’t do it – the band-on front derailleur mount and integrated chain catcher need room – but smaller riders want bigger bottles, too!

The touch points on the bike – the bars and saddle work well. The handlebars are comfortable all over, with a slightly flattened profile at the tops and plenty of room to move around in the drops, partially thanks to the flare in the drops. Further, I get along well with the Bontrager Verse Comp saddle, a choice that feels right on bikes three times the price of this Domane AL.

I would call the Trek Domane AL safe. The bike doesn’t feel particularly urgent or excited to get up to speed, but it does feel confident and composed once there. The handling is predictable and smooth, but not especially sharp. They’re exactly what I expected from the Domane. But the gravel road capability surprised me, giving the Domane AL real all-road bike credibility.

The gravel bike tire clearance, mounts for racks and fenders, and full carbon fork are nice upgrades to a bike that I think will make a lot of people happy, whether they’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider alike.

Bike: Trek Domane AL 4 Gen 4

Price: $1,699.99 / £1,875 / €1,999

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The New Trek Domane: A Great Bike Made Better

The new Domane is everything great about the old bike, plus lighter and quicker.

The Takeaway: Trek’s best road bike gets faster, lighter, quicker, and better

• Frames are 300 grams lighter
• Slight aerodynamic improvements
• Compatible with any bar and stem

Price: $3,500 (SL 5) to $13,200 (SLR 9 eTap, tested) Weight: 19.7lb. (SL 5) to 16 lb. (SLR 9) 16.8 lb. as tested (SLR 9 eTap 52cm)

More Info View Gallery

Well, we knew this one was coming. After Elisa Longo Borghini won the 2022 Paris-Roubaix Femmes aboard a Trek bike that looked nothing like the third generation Domane Lizzie Deignan used to with the 2021 edition or any other Trek, it was clear a replacement for the excellent Domane road bike was in the works. That bike, the fourth generation Domane (AKA Domane Mk. IV) arrives today. Literally—some models will be available to buy today. Spoiler alert: It’s awesome.

Trek Domane MK.4 Gallery

Trek Domane Generation Four—What is New

My biggest knock against the third-generation Domane was the weight. It was an excellent and feature-rich bike but a little hefty. So, I am happy to report that one of the most significant changes to the fourth generation frame is it is lighter by about 300 grams (more than half a pound. A large part of the weight savings came from simplifying the bike’s signature rear IsoSpeed Decoupler and eliminating the IsoSpeed Front system that debuted in the previous generation Domane.

When asked why Trek eliminated IsoSpeed Front, Jordan Roessingh, director of road bikes, stated that much of the system's benefit—which never offered the same compliance improvement as rear IsoSpeed—was made redundant by riders' increased adoption of higher volume tubeless tires run at lower pressures. Combined with the system’s weight penalty, Trek decided the juice was not worth the squeeze and punted IsoSpeed front into the dustbin of history.

Meanwhile, at the rear, Trek removed the adjustment from the SLR’s top tube IsoSpeed. All frames now have fixed compliance. Reggie Lund, a design engineer at Trek, said that it found, “A lot of our riders were never taking advantage of the adjustability on the previous generation bike,” so they decided to remove the feature which simplified and lighted the frame. Roessingh stated that the new Domane’s fixed compliance is in line with the previous generation SLR’s IsoSpeed set to the most compliant position.

SL-level frames also see a change to their rear IsoSpeed system. Trek has multiple iterations and generations of IsoSpeed. While third-generation Domane SLR frames had adjustable top tube IsoSpeed, third-generation Domane SL frames had non-adjustable seat tube IsoSpeed. SL and SLR fourth generation Domanes get the new non-adjustable top tube IsoSpeed.

Roessingh said that one of the drawbacks of the third-gen Domane’s non-adjustable seat tube IsoSpeed was that the system got more rigid as the seat tubes got shorter. In short, smaller and likely lighter riders experienced a rougher ride than larger riders. Top tube IsoSpeed eliminates this compromise and lets Trek tune compliance per frame size, said Rosseingh, so all riders experience similar levels of comfort.

Another signature feature of carbon framed Domane models that went to the dustbin was Trek’s No Cut semi-integrated seat mast. Instead, all models now use a seat post, although a proprietary D-shaped post instead of being round. Thankfully, Trek offers two lengths (280 and 320mm) and two offsets (five and 20mm) to help riders dial in fit. The seatpost clamp hides under a snap-on cover on the top tube, which helps clean up the lines of the new Domane.

Another way Trek cleaned up the Domane’s appearance is with a new stem with a cap that hides the hoses and housing before they enter the frame through the upper headset cover. But while the bike appears to have fully integrated routing, you can swap stem lengths without pulling the hoses or housing. The bike is compatible with a standard handlebar, and riders can use standard stems. However, if you want to install a standard stem, you will need to acquire a different upper headset cover from Trek, and you will probably want to zip-tie your hoses and housing together underneath the stem.

Trek’s Domane stem comes in sizes 60 to 130mm in minus-seven degree rise and 60 to 100mm in plus-seven degree rise. The faceplate features a single bolt mount for a computer/light/camera. Unfortunately, the Domane stem’s one-bolt mounting standard is different from Trek’s one-bolt mounting system for the Madone and Emonda and also different than any of the other stems with this feature (3T, Cervelo, Fizik, Specialized, Felt, Easton).

Trek also states that the new Domane is more aerodynamic than the previous generation due to the updated shape of the fork, downtube, seat tube, seat stays, and more-integrated cables in the front. However, Trek did not provide any data on the aerodynamic improvements. When I asked Roessingh for time or watt improvements, he told me, “I don’t think we have a specific claim other than saying we do know the bike is faster. But it’s not a huge amount so it’s not a claim we’re labeling as one of the headlines of the launch.”

One small new feature added to the Domane is a mount in the top tube for a feed bag. What has not changed is the Domane has clearance for up to a 38mm tire, hidden fender mounts, the threaded (T47) bottom bracket, and the in-frame storage accessed through the hatch in the downtube.

SL and SLR frames are compatible with mechanical drivetrains. But, there is a catch outlined in Trek’s FAQ, “The frame does not have a front derailleur housing stop, which means that you are limited to front derailleurs with a built-in stop, like Shimano toggle front derailleurs.” That means the frame is not compatible with SRAM or Campagnolo mechanical-shift drivetrains.

Trek Domane Four—SL Versus SLR

There are two grades of Domane frame: SL and SLR. According to Roessingh, “SL and SLR are essentially identical from a feature set perspective and frame shape perspective.” The biggest difference is the carbon: The SL uses Trek’s “500 Series” carbon while the SLR uses “800 series” carbon. That material difference results in a 200-300 gram reduction in frame weight. According to Trek, this puts the SL frameset at 2,500 grams and the SLR frameset around 2,200 grams.

Trek Domane Four—RSL for the Racers

Although Trek’s professional racers ride a Domane in some events, typically the cobbled classics, they do not ride the standard frame. Instead, they use the Domane RSL (Race Shop Limited). It is the frame ridden to victory in the 2022 Paris-Roubaix Femmes by Elisa Longo Borghini , and it has a few notable differences from the mainline frame.

The primary distinction is fit. The RSL fame is much lower and longer than the SL and SLR Domane. Using a 56cm frame as an example the RSL’s reach is 21mm longer (395 versus 347mm) while the stack is 43mm shorter (548 versus 591mm). The RSL also has a much shorter trail length (51mm compared to 61), likely because of the increased weight the RSL’s geometry places on the front wheel.

Other changes include eliminating the top tube bag mounts and in-frame storage hatch—you do not need those things when you have a fleet of team cars behind you—and the fender mounts. These changes help shave weight off the frame compared to the standard Domane. The RSL frame also has less tire clearance—its maximum tire width is 35mm instead of 38mm—but will fit larger chainrings (RSL: 2x 54/40, 1x 54T; SLR and SL: 2x 52/36, 1x 50T) than the SL and SLR models. Another noteworthy difference: The RSL is only compatible with electronic shifting.

Trek only offers the RSL as a frameset ($4,200) and only in sizes 52 to 60cm, four fewer sizes than the mainline frame. Claimed frameset (frame and fork) weight is 1600 grams for the RSL. On paper, that makes the RSL a whopping 600 grams lighter than the SLR. But when I fact-checked that weight delta with Roessingh, he told me, “The way we measure ‘frameset” weights in those metrics isn’t apples to apples. It includes a bunch of hardware and components. The RSL frame weight is only about 100g lighter than the SLR’s.”

Trek Domane Mk.IV—Geometry

Most of the Mk. IV Domane models carry forward the Mk. III’s endurance geometry with no changes. It is a shorter reach and a taller stack fit, with a longer wheelbase and mellower handling than a race bike. Trek offers nine sizes, from 44 to 62cm.

The RSL version previously mentioned features a lower and longer fit race fit that is even more aggressive than the Madone and Emonda race bikes with the brand’s H1.5 geometry. The RSL is only offered in five sizes, from 52 to 60cm.

Trek Domane Mk.IV—Builds, Prices, and Weights

Trek’s rolling out the new Domane with 11 models: five SL builds priced between $3,500 to $7,500 and six SLR models priced at $8,000 to $13,200. Only one model, the $3,500 SL 5, has a mechanical shifting drivetrain (Shimano 105); all the rest have electronic drivetrains from Shimano and SRAM. The SL 5 is also the only 11-speed bike; the rest are 12-speed.

All models come with Bontrager tubeless-ready wheels and Bontrager’s R3 folding-bead, tubeless-ready tires in 32mm.

Claimed weights start at 8.93Kg (19.7 lb.) for the SL 5, with the lightest complete bike coming in at 7.25kg (16 lb.). One interesting note on prices and weights: For the same relative equipment level— Ultegra Di2 versus Force eTap AXS —most Shimano-equipped bikes are less expensive and lighter than the SRAM-equipped bikes. There is a big “but” because all SRAM-equipped Domanes from the SL 7 eTap and up have power meters while the Shimano builds have standard cranks. The other exception is the SL 6 ( Shimano 105 Di2 ) and SL 6 eTap ( SRAM Rival eTap AXS )—the Shimano bike is $600 cheaper but slightly (10 grams) heavier.

As always, the Domane will eventually, though not immediately, find its way into Trek’s Project One customization program for riders who want to pick their parts and paint. Trek also offers the SL ($2,499), SLR, and RSL (both $4,200) framesets for purchase.

Trek Domane Mk.IV—Ride Review

Trek’s Domane has been a favorite of mine since the first generation, but the third generation was flat-out amazing. Comfortable, practical, and fun, it had most of the speed of a race bike without the bullshit that makes race bikes so limited and limiting. It fits big tires! You could run any bar and stem! It could store a burrito in the downtube! And it was fast .

So when Trek told me they were sending me the new, fourth generation, Domane I hoped and prayed that they found a way to make it better without messing up what made it so great. And friends, my hopes and prayers were answered because riding the fourth generation Domane was like reacquainting with a dear old friend, but one who lost a bunch of weight and now goes to therapy. Because this bike is everything the gen-three Domane was, but better.

You can read what I said about the third-generation Domane when I reviewed it and when I wrote it up as our 2020 Bike of the Year and take all of the good stuff and apply it to the new, fourth-generation Domane. But my complaints about it being a little heavy are gone. And with the weight reduction, the gen-four Domane unlocks new performance levels.

The biggest difference is the new bike is quicker, snappier, and just flies. When you hear someone talk about a comfortable road bike, it usually suggests a bike that is squishy and slow feeling. But when you get on a bike that is fast, quick, and communicative but also floats and coddles the rider like a newborn baby, well, that is a special bike. And that is what the new Domane is: Special. A great bike made better. A bike for the modern road rider: Freaking fast, wonderfully comfortable, and oh so practical.

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. 

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The perfect winter bike? Trek launches new 2021 alloy Domane with fender mounts and more

Practical Domane AL goes (more or less) disc-only

Matthew Loveridge

Trek has launched a brand new Domane AL Disc, an aluminium version of its flagship endurance bike.

Unlike the current Domane AL, the new model is disc-only, although Trek appears to be keeping one rim brake model of the old bike at the entry-level.

The new Domane AL Disc’s frame is made from Trek’s 100 Series Alpha aluminium and it gets internal cable routing, with the rear brake and gear cables/hoses emerging at the bottom bracket.

The geometry is pure endurance, with a 54cm bike having 374mm of reach and 575mm of stack.

• The 2020 Trek Domane gets more aero, more adjustable and goes disc-only
• Trek Domane SL6 review
• Trek Emonda ALR long-term review: a dream alloy eTap build

2021 Domane AL: lots of mounts, lots of clearance

The Domane AL Disc features thru-axles front and rear, and mounts for mudguards (fenders), front and rear racks, three bottle cages and a bento box on the top tube, plus Trek’s own Blendr stem that accepts various accessories.

With 32mm tyres as standard and official clearance for 35s, the bike looks to have great potential as a winter trainer, commuter , light gravel bike or touring machine .

The stock wheels are even tubeless-ready, although it looks like you’ll need to supply your own tubeless tyres .

The first generation alloy Domane, the Domane ALR, featured the same IsoSpeed seat tube decoupler technology as its carbon counterpart, but the latest bike (the third generation, by our reckoning) sticks with a conventional frame.

Trek does refer to the new Domane AL’s fork as ‘IsoSpeed’, but it doesn’t make use of any unconventional squishy technology to add comfort, it’s simply designed for compliance.

In any case, the new bike has a lot going for it and it's priced competitively, with builds starting at $1,049.99 / £800 for a Shimano Claris-equipped model.

Trek Domane AL 2021 specs and pricing

The Domane AL will be available in the near future in four models as follows:

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc

• $1,799.99 / £1,600
• Shimano 105
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Bontrager Affinity TLR wheelset

Trek Domane AL 4 Disc

• $1,599.99 / £1,350
• Shimano Tiagra

Trek Domane AL 3 Disc

• $1,249.99 / £900
• Shimano Sora
• Cable disc brakes

Trek Domane AL 2 Disc

• $1,049.99 / £800
• Shimano Claris

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Is Trek Domane AL 5 Disc Worth Buying? [Trek Domane AL 5 Disc Enduro Bike Review]

Table of Contents

We have reviewed the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc.

• Price : $2,099.99
• Frame:  100 Series Alpha Aluminum
• Gear:  2×11
• Tires:  700x32c

What we like about it:  The smooth and confidently fast-rolling Domane AL 5 Disc allows you to stay powerfully competitive on long rides.

What don’t we like about it : Some people think its aluminum frame is not as light as carbon.

Rating (4.7/5)

Introduction

When riding on the road or some natural trails we’ll want a bike that can leave the competition far behind. This Trek Domane AL 5 Disc’s premium 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, wide enough range Shimano 105 R7020 2×11 drivetrain, and aggressive Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite road tires have us excited about its performance on gravel sections. Excited.

After two months of review, this Domane AL 5 Disc has taken us to conquer all kinds of roads, helped us win applause, again and again, accompanied us to cross different bridges one after another, and experienced the exciting fun of racing with the wind again and again.

Yes, the Domane AL 5 Disc kind of speed that seems to be one with the wind makes us shout for it. And one of our partners who loves off-road riding is in love with road riding.

Below we break down the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc for road riding, endurance riding, key features, components and specifications, and other versions.

If you want to know more, please keep following me, will bring more riding reviews.

Learn More: Trek Domane AL 3 Disc Road Bike Review-Ride the Road Like a Lightning Bolt

Road Riding

As we know road bikes may not be able to match the performance of a lightweight hardtail bike when it comes to climbing, but one has to admit that a lightweight hardtail bike is commendable on the road. But the relatively more professional performance of a quality Domane AL 5 Disc bike on the road will make you overlook its performance.

In its price range, the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc will be praised as a “fast runner” whether riding on normal flat roads or variable natural roads.

Based on the Domane AL 5 Disc’s aggressive 700x32c Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite road tire, there’s also a steep head tube angle (71.9°) that keeps it razor sharp even on bumpy natural roads.

In addition, it has a multiple shifting Shimano 105 HG700-11 2×11 shifting system, which allows me to shift gears to ride according to the terrain when facing changing roads (roads with ascent or descent).

When I made a riding bet with my partner Eve, I won a bottle of his long-cherished red wine. Yes, it’s snappy and the wide shifting gives me more speed options for every situation.

You may notice, as I did, that this bike has no dropper design, which may allow the natural road to put some hindrance on it. But notice the Domane AL carbon fork, which makes up for it tremendously.

All things considered, the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc is a dancer on the road. It gives the rider an exciting enough riding experience with excellent components.

Endurance Riding

Although I am not a pure endurance rider, my good friend David is a rider who loves endurance riding. So on this long endurance ride, I invited him to join me for a two-week long ride.

Our cycling trip was in Hawaii. We had heard about the gorgeous riding roads here for a long time, so we took the opportunity to come here. However, from our chosen starting point all the way through, I have to say that the cycling roads in Hawaii are truly gorgeous. Therefore, I saw the rising sun in the early morning, appreciated the setting sun in the evening, a lookup was the clouds rolling in and out, and a turn of the eye was the quiet water flying birds.

Yes, on this long endurance ride with the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc, I didn’t give up because of subsequent stamina loss. the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc’s excellent 2×11 drivetrain gave me great support, allowing me to save more effort and keep enough energy by shifting.

Its lightweight aluminum frame also made pedaling easier for me. The 60tpi tires suffered no noticeable wear during such a long ride. Also, the two water bottle mounting holes are designed to be well prepared. The mounting of the rear bracket also gave me more confidence to face this riding trip.

I’m happy to mention that my friend David’s bike blew out twice during this ride. This made him very interested in the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc, and I was happy to swap with him. He later told me he swapped his bike and now his bike is a Trek Domane AL 5 Disc.

During this endurance ride, I felt the flexible handling of the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc’s lightweight frame, the wear resistance of the tires, and its practicality. If you are an endurance riding enthusiast, maybe you should try Trek Domane AL 5 Disc.

Main Features

I’m very concerned about the weight of the bike. So when I saw that the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc had a 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, I was a little dismayed inside. But what I didn’t expect was the incredible lightness when I tried to pick it up. With an overall weight of 22.27 lbs, even a woman could easily pick it up.

I like the two paint colors of the Domane AL 5 Disc, I think they are retro and trendy. In addition, the clean internal alignment and smooth welds will make you smile involuntarily. Yes, it looks like an elegant gentleman.

What’s more, the Domane AL 5 Disc is fully prepared for long endurance rides. Not only does it have two water bottle mounting holes, so I can go on long rides without worrying about not getting enough water. There is also a rear rack that can be installed, so if I want to go camping I can bring enough necessary equipment to enjoy the camping experience.

As I could see with my naked eye, the geometry of the Domane AL 5 Disc is not that different from that of a regular road bike. But as soon as I stepped on the bike and pedaled, I realized that the bike’s geometry was designed with its specialty, endurance riding, in mind.

For starters, the Domane AL 5 Disc’s steep seat tube angle (73.3°) not only allows you to maintain a comfortable upright riding position but also allows you to pedal more easily. The equally steep head tube angle (71.9°) gives the Domane AL 5 Disc more responsive steering. While on the road, I felt the steep head tube angle made my ride more exciting (it could be my illusion).

Secondly, the more compact Chainstay length (42cm) allows me to be more agile when handling the bike. So it allows me to do some simple jumps more easily.

In addition, the geometry of the Domane AL 5 Disc on long rides allows me to stay in a comfortable riding position.

In short, the geometry engineers of Domane AL 5 Disc have a good grasp of the characteristics of long endurance rides. So its geometry is designed to save effort while taking into account ergonomics, so you can be more comfortable while doing endurance riding.

Components and Specifications

Shimano 105 hg700 2×11 drivetrain.

Now I am surrounded by friends and many people I know who prefer the 1× drivetrain. I can’t let go of my love for the 1× drivetrain, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Shimano 105 HG700 2×11 drivetrain.

Thanks to its wide range of shifting options, it helped me save a lot of energy on my Hawaii ride. However, I must be honest and say that the chain started to wobble a bit during speed changes. But after I made a few simple adjustments it didn’t do that. It may not be as smooth and clean as the 1×, but I must admit that at this price the Shimano 105 HG700 2×11 drivetrain is worthy of praise.

Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The importance of brakes is probably a point of consideration for everyone, and I am no exception. And hydraulic disc brakes are one of the brakes that I consider to be great. So the brakes on this Domane AL 5 Disc are Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes, and this brake provides better control. The braking that I can do by just holding the controller on the handlebars when I encounter a need to stop in a hurry.

In addition, thanks to the convenient ONE-WAY BLEEDING and the simple tubing connection system, the installation and adjustment process is made easier for you.

Not only that, but it can also perform effective braking even on slick roads. Some people think that hydraulic disc brakes can be difficult to maintain, but my daily brake maintenance is less tedious because of its easy and simple oiling system. If you are just worried about the maintenance work afterward, I can tell you for sure that Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes are not that troublesome to maintain.

Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite Road Tire

This is a tire created specifically for the road. When it comes in a slim and sharp 700x32c, you may not worry that it will embarrass you in a speed race.

This tire has Hard-Case Lite puncture protection. On endurance rides in Hawaii, it has no significant tire wear from long rides. And with a 60tpi casing and ready-to-run vacuum tires, it not only saves weight but also greatly increases its durability. In addition, the excellent cornering traction gives me a bright performance in road riding.

In my opinion, this is not only a long-lasting road tire but also a versatile tire, but it has to wear resistance and weight to allow you to commute or work out.

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF Handlebars

As we’ve seen, the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc has an attractive curved-moon IsoZone handlebar. So this IsoZone handlebar is made of foam pads integrated directly into the top of the alloy Elite IsoZone bars, providing approximately 20% shock shift.

It also absorbs vibrations from the road when I’m riding on bumpy roads, reducing your riding fatigue. Accordingly, it’s compatible with the Shimano EW-RS910 handlebar-end Junction-A, which allows for a cleaner and neater alignment.

Not only that but with the short extension distance and variable radius shallow flare (VR-SF) design, the brake lever can be used confidently even when descending.

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc IsoSpeed Carbon Fork

I am most familiar with shock-absorbing forks that compress and cushion through travel distances for decompression purposes when hitting bumps. But this Trek Domane AL 5 Disc’s IsoSpeed carbon fork works a little differently. Because of its unique damping, I initially misidentified it.

IsoSpeed carbon fork, I started to notice it because I was facing a sharp descending section where the road was having some small puddles. While I was worried that the bumps would strain my arms, what I didn’t expect was to experience a better ride as the IsoSpeed carbon fork absorbed the vibrations from the road as I dove forward.

Other versions of Trek Domane AL Disc

In this review trip, we did a detailed review of the Trek Domane AL 5’s drivetrain and braking system as well as its tires and geometry. To get a more comprehensive look at the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc, we also found the Trek Domane AL 2 Disc, Trek Domane AL 3 Disc, and Trek Domane AL 4 Disc.

These three models are priced from low to high, and all three are also aluminum frames, and the drivetrain of these three models are 2×8, 2×9 and 2×10 speed ranges respectively. In addition, the Domane AL2 Disc and Domane AL 3 Disc have mechanical disc brakes. So the mechanical disc type is cheaper and light enough. But, I still prefer the smooth feel of hydraulic disc brakes.

If you want to know more, you can keep following us.

What we like about it?

• Lightweight aluminum frame so you can take it anywhere.
• Special IsoSpeed carbon fork, can effectively absorb vibration, experience a more comfortable ride.
• Wide choice of speed, you can get the most suitable speed by variable speed.
• Sharp and aggressive tires allow you to get the thrill of speed.
• The design of the rack can be installed, you can enjoy the fun of riding travel.

What don’t we like about it?

• The choice of two paint colors is not wide enough.
• Some people will think that the 2×11 gearbox will be a bit bulky.

Is it possible to mount a stand on the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc?

The Trek Domane AL 5 Disc is available with a mount.

Who is the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc for?

The Trek Domane AL 5 Disc is suitable for anyone to ride.

What is the frame material of the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc?

The frame of Trek Domane AL 5 Disc is 100 Series Alpha Aluminum.

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc Specs

Comparison Table

Trek domane al 5 disc vs bianchi via nirone 7 – grx 400.

As we can see the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – GRX 400 uses the Via Nirone 7 Allroad alloy and the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc uses the 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame. I would prefer the aluminum frame of the Domane AL 5 Disc because it is light enough.

Then, in terms of drivetrain, the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – GRX 400 2×10 has relatively less drivetrain. But if you don’t need that much range of gearing, you can try the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – GRX 400.

Besides that, if you prefer a 2×11 drive, I can tell you that the Domane AL 5 Disc’s drivetrain shifts consistently and quickly. Moreover, with a wide range of speed options, you can handle more terrain.

Also, the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – GRX 400 is fitted with 700x35c tires. So it makes me think that having the more aggressive 700x32c Domane AL 5 Disc would have been faster. When it comes to actual riding, the Domane AL 5 Disc is indeed better.

If you prefer a lighter experience and faster tire roll, you can try the Domane AL 5 Disc.

Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Review – GRX 400 Review – Newest

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc VS Scott Speedster 20

Comparison with the overall shape of these two bikes, we can see that the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc has a softer frame and the Scott Speedster 20 has a stiffer-looking frame. In terms of looks, I would prefer the softer Domane AL 5 Disc.

An then you see the brakes, the Domane AL 5 Disc uses hydraulic disc brakes and the Scott Speedster 20 uses Shimano BR-RS305 mechanical disc brakes. Then, in terms of personal preference, I would prefer the hydraulic disc brakes, which are very powerful and can brake steadily on slippery surfaces. Although the Shimano BR-RS305 mechanical disc brakes are also desirable, I am not so fond of its dry feel.

Also, the Scott Speedster 20 is driven by a 2×10 gear range, which is less compared to the Domane AL 5 Disc. If we pay attention to its weight we will also find that the Scott Speedster 20 is heavier than the Domane AL 5 Disc by about 0.63Ibs.

So if you need a disc with a wider speed range and hydraulic disc brakes, you might want to check out the Domane AL 5 Disc first.

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc vs Fezzari Empire Sport

Many people may not be aware of the Fezzari Empire Sport-bike, which is a relatively niche brand. The price of this bike is very affordable, but its frame is made of carbon. But the carbon frame alone can attract a lot of interested riders. However, its Shimano Tiagra 2×10 gearing versus the Domane AL 5 Disc’s 2×11 gearing may divert many people’s attention.

In addition, Fezzari Empire Sport’s Tektro MD-C550 mechanical road disc brakes, while I don’t deny their braking ability, I prefer their smooth feel compared to the hydraulic brakes of the Domane AL 5 Disc. Moreover, the Domane AL 5 Disc’s hydraulic brakes are easy to maintain and very easy to install.

If you want a bike with a carbon frame, you might consider the Fezzari Empire Sport, but my recommendation is that the Domane AL 5 Disc from the big brand Trek would be more trustworthy. Besides, it’s just as light, and its brakes and drivetrain are suitable for a wide range of terrain.

Learn more : Is Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano Worth Buying?- [Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano Review]

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc VS BMC Roadmachine, SEVEN

The price is as high as $2999 for BMC Roadmachine, SEVEN. It is a frame with Roadmachine quality carbon. So its weight is only 19.4Ibs, which is its advantage.

Then, the 2×10 speed range is far from enough for a variable rider like me. So for that reason, I would choose the Domane AL 5 Disc.

Also, both of these are hydraulic disc brakes. Either way, they both feel great to me. But based on my limited budget, I would be more willing to pay for the cheaper Trek Domane AL 5 Disc at about $899.01.

However, if the value for money is more important to you, the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc is a great choice.

In summary, the Trek Domane AL 5 Disc is a confident and versatile enduro bike at a good price.

In case, the above comments are helpful to you, please remember to share the subscription. Have a great day!

Learn more : Is BMC Roadmachine X Two Worth Buying? [BMC Roadmachine X Two Review]

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