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2023 Trek Domane SLR review: A tauter ride, but some curious loose threads

Trek’s latest iteration of its domane all-roader packs more performance than ever, but there are also some big missteps that give me pause..

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Story Highlights

What it is: The fourth generation of Trek’s groundbreaking endurance road bike.|| Frame features: 800-series OCLV carbon fiber construction, IsoSpeed rear pseudo-suspension, down tube storage compartment, built-in chain watcher, T47 threaded bottom bracket, front and rear fender mounts, three bottle mounts, top tube feed bag mount, fully concealed cable routing.|| Weight: 1,193 g (claimed, 56 cm frame only); 427 g (claimed, fork only); 7.54 kg (16.62 lb) as tested, 52 cm size, without pedals.|| Price: US$13,200 / AU$18,500 / £13,400 / €14,500.|| Highs: Superb rear-end ride quality, stiff and efficient-feeling under power, excellent handling, sleek aesthetics, competitively weight.|| Lows: Ride quality still a little imbalanced, creaky IsoSpeed/seatpost area, exposed headset bearing, internal housing rub, disappointing tires.

The Trek Domane has been one of the best-selling endurance road bikes since it first arrived on the scene way back in 2012, largely owing to its innovative IsoSpeed rear pseudo-suspension system. IsoSpeed lives on in the bike’s fourth generation, and it’s not only more cleverly package than ever, but it’s housed in what is clearly the most performance-packed iteration to date. 

The last few months have proven the latest Domane SLR to be a formidable competitor in the hotly contested all-road market. But part of me wonders if some of the earlier versions’ approachability has been lost in the never-ending quest for more speed, and there are a couple of disconcerting missteps that proved annoying during testing, and somewhat concerning for the long haul, too.

A primer on the latest Domane

IsoSpeed has defined the Domane since its inception, and the brilliance and elegance of its design still has no equal in the industry. 

Most bikes offer rear-end comfort with a combination of seatpost and seat tube flex; that phenomenon has been well understood for quite some time. But by adding a physical pivot at the seat cluster, IsoSpeed allows the seatpost and seat tube to bend far more under bump loads than with a more typically rigid connection. Later iterations of IsoSpeed would introduce a level of adjustability to the system so that riders could more carefully fine-tune the ride quality to their preferences (and weight), and Trek would eventually introduce a front-end analog to help balance out the comfort level between the two ends.

Whereas the previous Domane’s rear IsoSpeed system had an adjustable spring rate that allowed riders to tweak the flex characteristics to their liking, this latest version has a fixed tune that Trek says is roughly the same as the old version’s softest setting (since that’s apparently where most people ran it, anyway). The change yields a more neatly visually integrated and appealing arrangement since all of the flexy bits are now entirely tucked away inside the top tube. 

In addition, there are big changes with the seatpost – or rather that it has one at all. Up until now, all higher-end Domanes used Trek’s so-called no-cut seatmast design, with a carbon fiber cap or seatpost stub that clamped to an extended seat tube stub. According to Trek, that was only way to get as much flex from the system as its designers wanted. However, this latest L-shaped IsoSpeed architecture allows for all of the desired flex while using a more conventional (and far more convenient) telescoping seatpost.

But what happened to Front IsoSpeed, you’re wondering? Based on steerer tube flex, that system was never as effective as the corresponding rear design, and with the move from standard 28 mm-wide tires to 32 mm-wide ones, the added air volume supposedly cancels out Front IsoSpeed’s nominal comfort gains so Trek says there wasn’t any point in using it anymore. 

As you might expect, those structural simplifications result in some healthy weight savings, which is more than welcome since the third-gen Domane wasn’t exactly light. According to Trek, the fourth-generation Domane frameset sheds about 300 g (0.66 lb). Claimed weight for a painted 56 cm frame is 1,193 g, and the matching fork adds another 427 g – still not exactly feathery, but not bad at all, particularly when you consider all of that IsoSpeed hardware hidden inside.

Nevertheless, that figure becomes a little more palatable when you consider everything else that comes along with it.

As before, the Domane sports nominally aero tube shaping, although it’s more pronounced now with more aggressively flat-backed profiles that presumably cut through the air with greater efficiency. Trek has also retained the convenient storage hatch in the down tube located under the bottle cage mount, with plenty of room for snacks and repair essentials, and even perhaps a layer or two depending on how carefully you pack. 

The previous generation’s semi-concealed cable routing has been more refined this time around with a fully hidden setup that enters the frame through the upper headset bearing and tucks in against the steerer tube, instead of the separate port behind the stem and more exposed cabling used on the old Domane. Headset bearing replacements will still be a pain (more on this in a bit), but thankfully, those control lines are at least run along the underside of the bar and stem – not through them – so swapping either of those components will be a mostly trivial process measured in minutes instead of hours.

Tire clearance is officially unchanged, although that’s not a big deal considering it was already very good. Trek says just about any 700c tire with a 38 mm hot stamp on it will fit, and prior experience has not only demonstrated those claims to hold true, but that they’re often pretty conservative. Thoroughly hidden front and rear fender mounts are integrated into the frame and fork, and even with those installed, you can supposedly still fit 700×35 mm tires underneath without any trouble. 

Geometry-wise, it’s an interesting mix of road racer agility and endurance bike stability.

Up front, the steering is almost as quick as the Madone – quicker in some sizes, in fact – although that’s tempered somewhat by the more stretched-out rear end and longer wheelbase. And in a clear nod to stability, the bottom bracket drop is a ground-scraping 75-80 mm as compared to the Madone’s 68-72 mm figure. As expected, the rider position is more relaxed than what Trek uses on its road racing bikes, with more upright stack and shorter reach dimensions across the board. Neither is remotely extreme, though, so most riders shouldn’t have much issue achieving a reasonably aggressive position should they want one.

Trek sent to me a flagship Domane SLR 9 eTap model to test, built with the company’s fanciest 800-series OCLV carbon fiber blend, a SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset, and speedy Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 aero carbon clinchers wrapped with 32 mm-wide Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires. Completing the spec sheet are a carbon-railed Bontrager Verse Short Pro saddle and a Bontrager Pro IsoCore carbon fiber handlebar.

Actual weight for my 52 cm sample is 7.54 kg (16.62 lb) without pedals or accessories, and retail price is a heady US$13,200 / AU$18,500 / £13,400 / €14,500.

Still dominant?

I think I’ve ridden every generation of Domane at this point, and have always been struck by its unusually smooth ride quality (at least out back). Simply put, IsoSpeed works just as it’s claimed to, and the extent of its effectiveness is something that can only be fully appreciated in person.

That still carries through to this fourth-generation model, although the overall feel isn’t the same as in years past.

The rear end is still astonishingly comfortable, and far more so than you’d expect given the chunky-looking chain- and seatstays. Smaller-amplitude stuff is wiped out almost completely, and even nastier square-edged impacts are impressively neutralized. Basically, the way you ride IsoSpeed is to stay seated on just about everything and let the bike do the work for you. There’s also an admirable lack of bounciness while pedaling, and yet despite the obvious flex in the system, I was surprised by the amount of (good) textural feedback coming up through the rear end. Mind you, it’s nowhere near as as talkative as many other bikes out there, but it’s an acceptable tradeoff for the cushiness.

Despite losing the Front IsoSpeed system, this new Domane also strikes me as more balanced than before. The rear end is still more comfortable than the front – as has been the case with every Domane since its inception – but it’s not as stark a contrast as it used to be most of the time. I can’t say if this is due to the larger stock tires (which I ran at just 52/54 psi front/rear for my 73 kg build) or the semi-flexy Bontrager IsoCore carbon handlebar, but either way, ditching the weight and complication of the Front IsoSpeed system is a welcome update.

I say “most of the time”, though, because while the Domane does feel more balanced to me on tarmac, the huge down tube, top tube, and head tube proportions make for an absolutely punishing experience if you hit anything remotely substantial. Whereas that rear IsoSpeed setup can just flex more when needed, there’s no such relief up front, and huge jolts come up through your hands if you’re not paying attention and slam into something at speed.

Overall, the impression I get is this latest-generation Domane has a sportier personality to it and it no longer seems content to just be a comfy endurance road bike. Instead, it’s looking to provide a lot of comfort to riders who want to be out all day, but who also aren’t willing to completely give up a more performance-minded feel.

Whether that’s a good thing will depend on your perspective, but it’s something to keep in mind regardless.

Sticking to that whole performance front, the new Domane is indeed very eager under power. As you’d expect given the proportions of the thing, it’s very stiff and efficient-feeling when you step on the gas, with nary a hint of flex down below. It’s a similar story up front with that huge head tube area confidently resisting any undue twisting when you rise out of the saddle for a sprint or steep uphill pitch. 

The Domane’s diet plan has paid dividends, too. Granted, 7.54 kg is still a touch on the heavy side for a top-tier carbon fiber road bike with a SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and shallow carbon fiber clinchers, but it’s a sizable improvement nonetheless and more than fair given everything Trek has packed in here. That rear end genuinely does ride better than just about anything else out there, and while the down tube storage hatch undoubtedly adds a few grams, I’d argue it’s more than offset by the convenience factor. 

Put another way, I never finished a test ride complaining about the bike’s weight.

Nor did I have any complaints whatsoever about the Domane’s handling. The quick steering geometry may seem odd for a bike in this category, but it does work. The Domane feels agile and nimble, and eagerly turns into corner when asked. After that initial response, though, that more stretched-out rear end and the longer wheelbase work together to slow things down so you never feel like you’re diving too hard toward the apex; just initiate the turn and let the tires take a set, then carve your way through. It’s wonderfully intuitive.

A bike and a half

The official tire clearance figures naturally raise the question of if the Domane can also serve as a light-duty gravel bike. In short: absolutely. In fact, that’s how I ended up spending much of my time on this thing.

As is typical for Trek, those clearance figures are rather conservative, and a set of 40 mm-wide Schwalbe G-One Allrounds (39 mm actual width on these Bontrager rims) went on with no issues whatsoever. Although some people might not be fully comfortable with how close things start to get to the SRAM front derailleur battery, there’s room to spare everywhere else. Assuming conditions aren’t too muddy, I suspect most people wouldn’t have any problems.

Either way, the Domane proved to be right at home on dirt roads and smoother gravel stretches. That somewhat firm ride on the road tires smoothes out with the increased air volume of the gravel ones, and the longer wheelbase lends an air of confidence when you start sliding around a bit. The more road-like frame geometry also makes for a bit of a rally car feel in terms of handling on loose surfaces, and while some might interpret that as scary, more skilled riders will likely just find it to be a lot of fun. 

A Domane wouldn’t be my first choice if you’re primarily looking for a gravel bike, but if you’re after more of a mixed-terrain rig or your “gravel” is more like a network of decently maintained dirt roads, I’d certainly consider it.

As much as Trek nailed a lot of the fundamentals here, I was surprised by how many issues I encountered with my test sample.

For one, that IsoSpeed system may be super cushy, but mine also creaked incessantly. In fact, it was so loud on bigger bumps that it almost seemed like the frame was coming apart. Going along with that was persistent seatpost slipping, which I was only able to (mostly) remedy with a generous helping of friction paste and by slightly over-torquing the binder wedge. Trek says this is a known issue with bikes from early production runs and simple to fix.

“This is a known issue as we discovered supply wasn’t making it to spec. We have since made changes to compensate for the manufacturing variations. If this happens to a customer, we direct them to a local Trek dealer who can easily/quickly swap out the new, correct part for free and get them back riding on the road without the issue.”

Regular CyclingTips readers will already know I’m no fan of fully internal cable routing, although the setup Trek uses here is worthy of some light praise. The lines don’t actually go through the bar or stem, so both are blissfully easy to swap if necessary. And as compared to the layout of the previous-generation Domane, this one looks way cleaner.

That said, headset bearing replacement is still a concern with any routing setup where the lines pass through the upper bearing. Of course, that’s only a problem when it comes time to replace the bearing. But unfortunately, that’ll likely be a more frequent job given that this upper bearing is almost completely exposed to the elements (and the lower one isn’t much better). As is the case with any bike that has a similar layout, replacing headset bearings often requires new brake hoses (or at least fittings), new bar tape, and a lot of labor, so if you regularly ride in the wet and are considering a Domane, I’d advise either setting aside a sizable chunk of money for regular bike shop visits or getting really good at doing the work yourself. 

“The logic behind the design is that we’ve noticed we infrequently see our customers change their headsets,” a representative from Trek replied when I asked about this. “We’ve also seen very few related issues. For example, for all our road bikes dating back to 2013 with similar integration as Domane, we’ve received approximately ten warranty issues related to this.”

That may very well be, but just because customers don’t change their headset bearings doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be changed, and just because something isn’t submitted for a warranty claim doesn’t mean there isn’t a maintenance issue inherent to the design. Would it really be that hard to add a couple of lip seals here?

I may not win the war on hidden cable routing (sadly, that ship has sailed), but I’m still going to scream from the rooftops that brands should at least pair those rats’ nests with either more durable headset bearings or better seals. In this case, there’s neither.

Speaking of internal routing, I also noticed the rear brake hose rubbing inside the frame when turning the bars at not-overly-extreme angles. Will this be an issue over time? That’s hard to say, but most experienced shop mechanics will probably have tales to share of brake and derailleur lines slowly sawing through poorly protected areas of various mountain bike carbon fiber frames over the years. I can’t say for sure that this will happen here – and this certainly isn’t an issue limited to Trek – but it’s something I worry about regardless, particularly given it’s potentially inside the frame where no one will be regularly looking for it. 

This particular test bike was also a convenient reminder that threaded bottom brackets can still creak, as mine occasionally did under particularly hard pedaling. That said, threaded systems are at least easy to fix (a layer of plumber’s tape and some grease does wonders) – and I would have, had one of the dozen cup tools in my tool cabinet actually fit. 

For the most part, there aren’t too many surprises here. 

The SRAM Red eTap AXS stuff is great, and Trek has wisely gone with the versatile 2x configuration with 46/33T chainrings and a 10-33T cassette that provides a mountain-taming 1:1 climbing ratio. 

The Bontrager wheels are excellent: light and snappy, modestly aero, super stable in crosswinds, incredibly easy to set up tubeless, reliable DT Swiss hub internals. You get the point.

I can’t say I was a fan of the Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires wrapped around them, though. They’re decently grippy, and prior experience has demonstrated them to be impressively long-lasting. But they’re also tangibly slow (confirmed by our friends at Bicycle Rolling Resistance ) with a thick and stiff casing that makes for a less-than-inspiring ride quality. The bike deserves better.

It was a similarly mixed bag on the finishing kit.

That Bontrager Verse Short Pro saddle? Awesome. Tons of support for all-day riding and an excellent shape that minimized soft-tissue pressure and chafing. I’d almost put this head-to-head with a Specialized Power, in fact. It’s good stuff.

But that handlebar… pass (at least for me). I generally love traditional-bend bars, but this one just never felt right in my hands. The 75 mm reach dimension should be fine but it feels short in reality, and the drops feel oddly deep with a curvature that doesn’t mesh well with my large-sized palms. And the corresponding tape was pleasantly grippy, but almost too grippy if you don’t like to wear gloves, and could’ve used more padding. 

Details matter

Overall, I think Trek did a great job on the core attributes of this fourth-generation Domane. It’s back to a more reasonable weight after a couple of generations of overindulgence, it’s very unusually comfortable, the handling is superb, and it’s no stranger to going fast. The convenience of those double fender mounts and the extra bottle and bag mounts – not to mention the down tube storage – are big plusses, too. 

In short, it’s a lovely bike to ride all day, and on a wide range of road surfaces.

Bikes are more than just short-term thrills, though, and the creaking and slipping in the seatpost area, the exposed headset bearing, and that internal brake hose rub just make me wonder about what issues might persist long-term. I’ve heard from Trek dealers that a retrofittable part revision has since corrected the seatpost problem, but those other two concerns still give me pause. If Trek can address those as well, I’d happily declare this Domane a winner. But until then, I’d carefully wear the pros and cons before plunking down your wallet on this one.

More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .

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Review: Trek Domane 4.5 – A High-End Frame and Smart Build Kit

While many brands have introduced “endurance” road bikes over the last few years, few have taken the idea to quite the extreme as Trek.

Trek Domane 4.5 – A High-End Frame and Smart Build Kit

The Domane was developed with considerable input from Swiss pro cyclist Fabian Cancellara , who is known for his steam-engine riding style, using his massive power output to crush cobblestones in the fabled Spring Classics. He is said to enjoy the bike so much that he rides it year-round, even in the Tour de France, choosing it over Trek’s racier Madone model.

The frame features the intriguing IsoSpeed decoupler , an ingenious system that separates the seat tube from the top tube and seatstays, and allows the seat tube to flex and pivot at the mounting point. If you stand next to the bike and put your weight on the saddle, you can see the seat tube flex slightly, but while riding it is imperceptible until you hit a bump.

A High-Performance Machine

Make no mistake: IsoSpeed is not a suspension system, and this is still a high-performance machine. If you’re expecting something akin to a suspension seatpost, think again. The frame’s ride quality is distinctly carbon—a muted road feel with less of that high-frequency vibration you feel from some aluminum frames, but still generally stiff.

Iso Speed makes itself most noticeable when crossing railroad tracks or other high-speed, sharp impacts that would normally require you to lift or shift your weight on the saddle to avoid being bounced. Not having to do that means you can keep your cadence smooth and the power high. The system seems so extreme some might think it’s a gimmick, but I’m convinced. Trek is as well—the technology will soon be adapted to its line of hardtail mountain bikes .

At the other end of the bike, the fork deserves some of the credit. It was developed with an asymmetrical steerer tube that is slightly thicker side-to-side than front-to-back, giving it a touch of compliance, but it never felt soft or shuddering.

The difference between the Domane 4.5 and the higher-end models is in the stiffness of the carbon fiber itself, and that this version uses a standard 27.2mm seat post rather than a seatmast that is integrated into the frame. I actually prefer the standard post, as it can be swapped for countless alternatives and provides an easy spot to clamp the bike in a work stand.

Trek’s DuoTap Hidden Speed

Other frame details include a spot for Trek’s DuoTap hidden speed and cadence sensor, an integrated chain guide to eliminate dropped chains and more generous tire clearance than most frames. It also has removable fender eyelets, so you can keep the clean look if you’re not using them. For an even smoother ride, you can ditch the tubes and set up the Bontrager Race wheels tubeless—another technology that is easy to dismiss until you try it.

It would be a mistake to write off the Domane as a “comfort” bike for weekend warriors. Despite accommodations for a smooth ride, it is as stiff and race-worthy as I could ask. Yet the slightly longer wheelbase makes it extremely stable, and it’s one of the few bikes I’ve ever plunged downhill at 40mph with a crosswind while still feeling relaxed. The fit adds to the comfort factor, as the slightly taller head tube gives you a more head’s-up position than Trek’s race bikes. Paired with a set of shallow-drop Bontrager handlebars , I felt great in each of the riding positions, an essential element of a long, comfortable ride.

Domane: Initial Acceleration is Direct and Instant

The adage “laterally stiff and vertically compliant” has gone beyond cliché to become something of a running joke in road bike circles. The notion that a bike can be a stiff-as-heck race machine and still be comfortable over rough pavement on long rides is not unlike a unicorn—a magical beast that surely can’t exist. But on the Domane, initial acceleration is direct and instant, with the massive, squared down tube and BB90 bottom bracket all but eliminating lateral flex.

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Back in Issue #16 I reviewed the Volagi Liscio, which also features an unusual seat tube arrangement—the seatstays bypass the seat tube and connect to the top tube. While the Liscio was smoother than the Domane in a straight line, it can’t compete with the Domane in terms of power transfer and handling accuracy. The Domane makes no sacrifices in these areas.

The Shimano Ultegra build kit performed flawlessly, as I expected. The compact crankset paired with an 11-28-tooth cassette offers tons of range for tackling the steepest pitches. The 105-level brake calipers offer power to spare, as a single finger is often enough to bring the bike to a stop.

Hitting the street for less than $2,800, the Domane 4.5 struck me as a steal, considering the high-end frame technology and the smart build kit. While it will likely be pitched to riders looking for a high-performance ride for centuries and gran fondos, the Domane is a race bike at heart that won’t beat you up on the weekdays.

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• Price: $2,730
• Sizes Available: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 (tested), 62cm
• Weight: 18.12lbs
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The Trek Domane SLR 9 all-road bike in review

The Trek Domane SLR 9 certainly wins the prize for the most striking paint job. Thanks to its bright Project One colour scheme, you can’t miss it. But, can the bike also outshine the competition in terms of all-road performance with its IsoSpeed system and new Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 groupset?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best all-road bike 2022 – 7 models on test

The Project One paint job of the Trek Domane SLR 9 screams for attention, which they’re calling Radioactive Coral to Yellow Fade. But once it’s got your attention, it’s time to back up the loud colours with an equally striking performance. To do so, the bike takes out all the stops. With the IsoSpeed system, it’s the only bike on test that relies on an active suspension at the front and rear. It’s even adjustable at the rear, allowing you to adapt the damping to the rider’s weight. Moreover, the Trek Domane SLR 9 is the only bike on test to feature Shimano’s new DURA-ACE Di2 groupset, though it’s also the most expensive bike on test by far, priced at a whopping € 12,099.

The combination of a 50/34 t crankset and a 11–34 t cassette gives plenty of reserves for steep climbs, but you might run out gears on those full speed straights and descents. Like most of the bikes on test, Trek rely on a two-piece cockpit, pairing a 100 mm Bontrager RSL Carbon stem with a Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF handlebar measuring 440 mm in width. We’ve got nothing to complain about regarding the cockpit’s ergonomics and control, and the level of integration is far better than on the likes of the Specialized and Parapera, though the cable routing could be neater still. Despite the fact that the cable routing has to find a way around the IsoSpeed system in the head tube, we expect more from a bike at this price point.

Trek Domane SLR 9 2022

Specifications.

Seatpost Bontrager Integrated D-Shape Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE 160/160 mm Drivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 Chainring 50/34 Stem Bontrager RSL Carbon 100 mm Handlebar Bontrager Pro IsoCoreVR-SF 440 mm Wheelset Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 Tires Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR Cranks Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 175 mm Cassette Shimano DURA-ACE R9200 11–34T

Technical Data

Size 47 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 Weight 7.87 kg

Specific Features

very generous tire clearance active damping thanks to IsoSpeed storage space in the down tube compatible with mudguards

Asphalt, gravel, potholes – doesn’t matter! The Trek Domane SLR 9 will blast over it all thanks to the IsoSpeed system.

For the wheels, Trek rely on their in-house Bontrager RSL 37 models, featuring a rim depth of 37 mm and an internal width of 21 mm. These are fitted with Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires measuring 700 x 32C, inflating to 33 mm in this combination. The rims offer just enough support for the tires, and they’re set up without tubes. With a maximum tire clearance of 38 mm, the most generous on test, there’s plenty of room left if you fancy meatier tires. In size 58, our test bike tips the scales at 7.87 kg.

Riding the Trek Domane SLR 9

The Trek Domane SLR 9 is on par with the Cervélo Caledonia-5 ULTEGRA Di2 in terms of speed. The acceleration feels direct and willing, though it can’t quite keep up with the class-leading Specialized and Parapera in this regard. However, that isn’t to say it’s slow by any means, offering an outstanding level of efficiency in the mid and top speed range. Thanks to the bike’s aerodynamic optimisation and first-rate compliance, it feels unstoppable once it’s got going. The excellent compliance also proves that Trek’s suspension concept works: the adjustable IsoSpeed system at the rear allows riders to dial in the damping so that they’ve got the perfect balance, regardless of their size and weight. The vibration damping on the Domane is almost on par with the Specialized Aethos Expert or the BMC Roadmachine X ONE, and its bump absorption starts to outperform them as the impacts get bigger. As such, it’s a lot more versatile with regard to the kind of terrain you can ride on, whereas the BMC is limited to gravel and the Specialized is happier on asphalt.

In terms of handling, the Trek Domane SLR 9 only has one minor weakness, which is that it feels slightly nervous at very slow speeds. This is something it has in common with thoroughbred race bikes, so it’s not surprising that it also feels increasingly stable as you pick up speed. In that case, the handling feels balanced, combining the same kind of composure as the most stable bikes on test with a level of agility that ambitious riders will approve of. The best description we can think of for the handling is: serious instead of playful. As such, it’s the kind of bike that will instil you with confidence regardless of your skill level and experience, though the cornering precision suffers slightly due to the wide tires. While we generally don’t have anything to complain about regarding rider confidence, we encountered a bit of paradox on the Trek Domane SLR 9. The new Shimano DURA-ACE stoppers are so good that they might overwhelm less experienced riders in some situations. Their braking power is immense even if you pull the lever only slightly, engaging so suddenly that they might catch you by surprise. This is something that you should keep in mind, especially when riding on slippery or loose surfaces. That said, experienced riders will love these brakes on fast, technical descents.

Tuning tip: if you don’t like attracting attention, paint it black! For everyone else: go ahead and enjoy riding the best all-road bike of the year

No other bike on test is able to combine so much everyday usability with such long-distance comfort and race performance on such a wide variety of terrain as the Trek Domane SLR 9. You can just as easily take it for a leisurely Sunday ride as you could to race and win at Paris-Roubaix. After being crowned the winner of the unofficial prize for most striking paint job, the Trek Domane SLR 9 proved to be the most versatile bike on test and thereby claims the top spot as the best all-road bike of 2022. And that’s not just because it doesn’t have many flaws, but above all because it’s got so many strengths. Congratulations on the win, Trek Domane SLR 9!

Riding Characteristics

• comfortable

Value for money

Trek Domane SLR 9

Size: 47 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 Weight: 7.87 kg Price: € 12,099

Indended Use

Our conclusion on the trek domane slr 9.

The Trek Domane SLR 9 delivers in terms of handling, comfort, and speed, making it fast and fun to ride on almost any kind of tour and a wide variety of terrain. As such, it’s the deserved Best in Test and the right bike not just for those who want to cruise along at a relaxed pace but also those who have a competitive streak and a yearning to race. If all you’re interested in is the climbs and you tend to circumnavigate poorly maintained roads, you’ll find better climbers in the test field.

• best performance in most scenarios
• lots of long-distance comfort
• very convenient thanks to storage compartment
• mounting points for mudguards

• limited seat post adjustability
• front cable routing takes a bit of getting used to

You can find out more about at trekbikes.com

The testfield

All bikes on review: BMC Roadmachine X ONE (Click for review) | Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 (Click for review) | Parapera Atmos MASTERPIECE (Click for review) | ROSE REVEAL SIX DISC Red eTap AXS (Click for review) | Sarto Seta Disc (Click for review) | Specialized Aethos Expert (Click for review) | Trek Domane SLR 9

No, it’s not about perfect race tracks, it’s about efficiency. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient – those who want to speed along high-speed passages need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. We interpret “Smooth tarmac” bikes as follows: Hard efforts at high speeds with a maximum efficient bike on a consistently well-paved road. Effort-joy ratio: 80:30 (not everything has to be 100%!) ↩

… also known as bike riding. Broken-up roads in the hinterland, deadlocked gravel roads, loose surfaces – sometimes muddy, sometimes bone-dry. For this, it takes bikes with super all-round, handling and wearing qualities uphill and downhill. Effort-joy ratio: 50:50 ↩

If you want to use your bike almost every day, you usually do not need an extremely tuned racing machine. Solid components, which are able to cope with the rigours of continuous usage in any kind of weather, are part of the basic equipment. At the same time, the bike should have practicable details: integrated fenders/assembly options, luggage racks/attachment points and a light system or at least the option of installing bike lights. The position on the bike should be rather relaxed, the overall comfort high, so that the Afterwork Ride becomes a cure and not a curse. Effort-joy ratio: 30:70 ↩

You can find more info about our rating system in this article: Click here! ↩

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Words: Photos: Benjamin Topf

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When new bike day turns bad! Trek Domane SL5 seatpost has slipped out of range :(

So I just bought a new Trek Domane SL5 on Friday hoping to get back into road cycling after a long time away from it. On my first ride out after about ten minutes I noticed the seat height was a bit low. I went to lift it, but found that the adjuster bolt had slipped below the cut out allowing access to said bolt. After another 15 minutes of futile pulling and cursing it, I called my wife for a lift home since I didn’t want to make it worse by sitting on it more.

It’s now back in at the store, where three of us tried unsuccessfully to pull the seat post up (it may have also spent some time hanging from my squat rack with my body weight pulling on the seat) and waiting for the mechanics to come into work next week. Has anyone had a similar issue with a trek seatpost? I’m quite heavy (over 100kgs) at the moment so thats probably part of it

That really sucks! I have the same bike as you and Im 92 KG. No issues with it but to be honest I am in a 54 frame and the seat post is almost all the way down. It might be raised one mm. Turns out I should have been in a 52. Bike just fits although trek is nicely sending me a 1 cm shorter stem.

I had a seat post slip way down on me. I was able to get it back in place. It happened again and I took it to the lbs. They seat it need anti slip compound. It is a common problem with carbon fiber seat posts.

I had the exact same issue with my 2020 Domane SL. I hit a bump on a gravel descent and landed on my saddle with some force, which pushed the seatpost bolt out of the adjustment window. My LBS was able to get it out with no damage to the frame or seatpost (not sure how exactly), so chances are good you should be able to get it fixed easily.

And I’m sorted! LBS fixed it, their theory was they hadn’t put enough carbon paste in, so it slipped until it found some…

Apparently two guys pulling on it was all it needed

I’m having the same issue with my BRAND NEW Trek Domane SL6 eTap. The seat post will slip down until it will finally bottom out. Pulling the seat post out, it seems to me that there is too much slop between seat post and seat post tube. Not a snug fit. The bike shop that I purchased it from (1.5 hr drive) is going through a remodel and will be closed until Nov. 20th, just my luck. I have carbon fiber grip gel on order and will give that a try. Please comment if you are having the same problem and if a solution for this problem has been found. I’ve never had a Trek bike but I guess I’ll find out if they stand behind their product.

Totally gutted 10 miles in and Mike just done the same. Totally slipped. Stopped and just can’t pull it out. Had three Trek bikes and never had this problem before. Waiting for wife and totally not happy as was enjoying my pedal out.

I guess I am very lucky with my domane. I went from a 54 specialized roubaix to a 54 trek domane. Seems I needed a 52 domane. I have a thin riser between my cleats and shoes and have the seat down all the way on the domane. The seat cant go down any further at all.

My SL6 Domane has the seat post problem, slips down even with paste. Shop has tried 3 times to fix and still failing. Shop suggests there is a design problem that Trek have not yet admitted to!

Trek does know about it. There is a service bulletin. The final fix is tape. I believe it is 8mm. So far mine is holding up with the tape. I went to a Trek corporate store to get it fixed. Good luck.

I called the Trek shop where I normally get my Domane+ serviced about this problem. I asked if there was a service bulletin. The mechanic I talked to never heard of it. He told me to bring it in so they could look at it. I’ll bring it in, but his response wasn’t reassuring.

I have a 2022 Domane SL7. Yes, there is a frame issue. I travel a lot and always have my bike. I use the Trek store in MA. They did the work. I’ve also have used the Trek store in Tallahassee FL and a Trek dealer in Appleton WI. They all knew about the service bulletin.

I have the same problem with my 2023 Domane - LBS overcranked the torque - it’s at least 7.3nM per my check. I’m a heavy rider (110kg). There was some paste INSIDE the lumen of the bottom end of the seatpost. Presuming that was supposed to be slapped onto the seatpost before they sold it to me… I’ve ordered some of that CF SuperGrip Park compound from Amazon and hope it’ll allow me to lower the clamp force the shop put on there.

I have a 2023 Domane SL7 with same problem. Have 60 miles on it as it’s brand new. Took to LBS where purchased today and they cranked it down to >7.3nM and on the short 1 mile ride home, all seemed well. Purchased the CF goop from Amazon hoping to lower the torque on it going forward. Can’t believe the engineer designed it and the boss signed off on it…

Yes, just got a Trek Domane SL6 in May and been having the same problem with the seat post, it won’t hold and the problem is getting worse. I going to take it back to the shop later this week. I think it’s a design issue.

Trek Domane SLR review

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

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Test bikes come and go here at Cycling Weekly, but the Trek Domane SLR was a bike that I kept coming back to throughout the summer between testing other models, long after I’d formed a definitive opinion on it and had finished making my notes. The ability to change the bike’s ride characteristics using a little slider on the side of the seat tube might sound gimmicky, but you can’t argue with performance. This is a bike with a rear end that can be compliant to smooth out rough roads, or stiff for efficient power transfer when riding in the saddle. This is complemented by technology at the front of the bike that while non-adjustable still manages to smooth out vibrations without detracting too much from a design geared towards racing. If you’re after a bike that will put you at the front of races and keep you comfortable on six, seven, eight-hour rides, then the Trek Domane SLR is hard to beat

Incredibly versatile

Comfortable on long rides

Great power transfer

Excellent wheels

Tyres cut easily

No adjustability on lower models

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Over the last few years, the original Trek Domane has established itself as one of the leading endurance bikes on the market.

Now Trek has released a new model, with a standout feature that sets it apart from everything else available today.

The standout feature of the Trek Domane SLR is the adjustable rear IsoSpeed decoupler. In effect the bike has an extended seatpost that sits behind a cut out seat tube, with the two attached using a pivot bolt at the junction with the seatstays and the top tube, and a second bolt that also doubles as the bottom bottle cage bolt.

This apparently gives the new bike an adjustment range of 20 per cent of compliance. This means that the bike can go from being as stiff and relatively uncompliant as Trek’s other race bikes, the Madone and Emonda , to being up to 14 per cent more compliant than the old Domane .

Adjustment is done via a slider which runs between the two tubes: move the slider to the top to get a stiffer, less compliant ride similar to the Madone and Emonda, and move it to the bottom to get the most comfortable rider that the Trek Domane SLR can offer.

A similar IsoSpeed technology is used at the front, where the fork steerer tube is isolated, allowing it to rotate independently. This means a front end that is, according to Trek, 5-10 per cent more compliant than that of its predecessor.

Aside from IsoSpeed there are a number of extra comfort features built into the new Trek Domane SLR. First up are the IsoCore handlebars, which have a rubber compound woven into the carbon-fibre to dissipate road vibrations, meaning a claimed 24 per cent benefit over aluminium bars and 20 per cent benefit over standard carbon bars.

The bike also has a new IsoSpeed fork (with 12mm thru-axles on the disc brake versions), with the positioning of the dropouts apparently increasing compliance by 7 per cent compared to a standard road fork.

Other than the IsoSpeed technology, the Trek Domane SLR comes with a whole host of other features that come together to create what Trek reckons will be its most versatile road bike ever.

For all that talk of extra compliance and comfort, Trek has also redesigned the down tube of the new bike, giving it a curved look and making it wider, apparently meaning better power transfer.

Specification

Our Domane SLR test bike came with a top-end build that meant a Shimano Dura-Ace groupset with rim brakes rather than discs.

For those deciding whether to make the switch, there are a big selection of disc brake bikes throughout the Domane range, but it is good to see that Trek, unlike Specialized with its new Roubaix, is still giving customers a choice of which braking system to go with.

The wheels were a pair of tubeless-ready Bontrager Aeolus 3 clinchers topped with 28mm Bontrager R3 Hardcase Lite tyres. While the wheels were excellent, providing a fast yet comfortable ride, the tyres cut very easily and would be the first thing we would change.

I came to the Trek Domane SLR with two preconceptions; firstly that it is an endurance bike, and secondly that the slider was a gimmick. On both counts the bike proved me wrong.

The difference in the ride between having the slider at the top and having it at the bottom is profound. Move it all the way to the bottom and you get a super-comfortable endurance bike with a compliant rear end that is the equal of any other endurance bike on the market.

I’ve ridden this bike on the cobbles of Flanders , and with the slider at the bottom it was seriously smooth, while the IsoSpeed system at the front helped to keep my hands and wrists in decent shape, even while riding without gloves.

But move the slider and the Domane SLR is no longer an endurance bike. Back in Blighty, and with smoother roads and faster rides on the agenda, I moved the slider all the way to the top and turned it into an out-and-out race bike.

Power transfer through the bottom bracket and rear end is absolutely superb, with the bike rocketing along even with the 28mm tyres.

At the front, when sprinting I didn’t experience the handlebars bobbing up and down as expected, although I can’t claim to have fully pushed this to the limits as I’m a relatively light rider.

In practice I found myself generally setting the slider at its mid-point and leaving it there for most rides, but it’s always nice to have the option to switch things up or down to create a horse that will run well on any course.

How to ride the cobbles

I’m torn over the value on offer by the Trek Domane SLR. Seven thousand pounds is a lot of money to spend on a bike, but the Trek goes a long way to justifying that price tag with the ability to double up and perform just as well in a road race as it would on a 200km Audax over sketchy lanes.

My frustration is that the slider that makes this bike so versatile is only available on top-end Domanes — the most affordable bike with this technology costs £3,600 and comes with basic alloy wheels and second-tier Shimano Ultegra .

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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