90% of people don't fit on full race bikes properly, even if sized appropriately. They just aren't flexible enough. And many people who think they are flexible enough, are not. Endurance bikes in a lot of cases are just as fast as race bikes these days due to modernized framesets, aero touches, better componentry, and reduced rolling resistance. My primary road bike is an endurance frame, and I can keep with with everyone around me on race bikes. This is the reason the Domane is still relevant, and the reason why endurance bikes will continue to be.
I can't afford carbon, but I bought an AL5 Domane and I love it. It's perfect because it has drop bars, but it isn't TOO aggressive. And with a shorter inseam, the lower standover of the Domane is great.
As a 70 year old I am looking at the Domane SL6 for stability and comphort. I currently have a 2017 Canondale Synapse which only takes 25mm tires and has rim breaks. Sounds like the Domane might be a good move for me.
I have a 2013 Trek Domane 5.2 Carbon w/ Ultegra 3X10 gears ... and I just love the bike. I have always rode w/ tubeless tires ( I got tired of fixing flats on rides ) ... I upgraded the rims to alloy race rims as I ride terrible roads in Pennsylvania, and added a new carbon seat this year ... it currently weighs in at 16lbs 5 ozs ... as I do not ride in the rain I do not really need disc breaks .... for gravel or bad weather I have a TREK 8.6 DS Hybrid ... I have always said: " it is not about the first 10 miles ... but the last twenty ... ( I ride metrics mostly w/ a odd Century thrown in ... )
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre well I have not got the bike yet I have put a deposit down and am supposed to pick it up on Tuesday however I am hearing tons of bad comments online and in forums about creaking and dropping iso speed clamp or wedge in th 2023 trek Domaine sl5 Gen 4 model and am concerned that maybe I should back out of the purchase.
"Gravel" more like multisurface. Broken overgrown roadways islands, shipyards, railroad tracks, hardpack dirt with loose rock fireroads in the California hills and along river pathways, packed grit walking paths of San Francisco, lowcut grass weed hills, expanded metal bridges, ... it now seems to be related more to tires. 700x40mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tires on Domane with SRAM Force for exploring Mt. Tamalpais, Marin Headlands,
I got a gravel bike (Devinci Hatchet) as my first drop bar bike 2 years ago. I had only ridden mountain bikes before. While the relax geometry helped me get into road riding, I find that riding with tires wider than what endurance frames offer goes into surfaces better suited for bikes with suspension. I have been riding with 45mm tires at gravel events and have been bogged down compared to others because of the added rolling resistance. I have a Domane SL 5 on order and am going to keep my Hatchet as a commuter, but if anything, my conclusion after 2 years of gravel bike ownership is that endurance bikes are the new gravel, and gravel bikes have become unneccessary, and now blur the lines with XC bikes more than road bikes.
Wonddrful review. I have ordered the AL 2 but I am worried about the sizing, lol. The trek website recommends size 58 for me. I'm 5ft11 with 85cm inner seam length. What do you reckon?
The recommendations are usually a good starting point. What I can say is it’s always better to buy the slightly smaller frame than the one that’s slightly too big. You can length reach and saddle height but it’s hard to remove those two things at one point when the bike is too big.
im like 5cm shorter than you, tried a 56cm domane, now on a 52cm feels much better, but the reach is still a bit long, i do like to sit far back on the saddle, its easier to make a small bike bigger btw
Thanks. I eventually got the size 56cm al4 and it is perfect for me. I imagine if I had gone for size 58 like the website recommended, I imagine it would have been too big for me.
I race on a 2019 S-Works Venge, I have a pimped up C59 for taking abroad (for the good times) and I'm binning my Bokeh gravel bike and Emonda for Domane SLR because the roads in the UK are just $hit now.
Carbon will be much more comfortable and stiffer leading to a more compliant ride but also it’ll accelerate better and hold it’s speed really nicely. With a few upgrades it and when you truly want to make the bike better, you add a pair of wheels and quality tires and it’ll ride flawlessly
The biggest thing is the hydraulic brakes. That’s the big difference and it has one more gear. In my opinion I didn’t want to spend the extra money to go to the AL 4 but I also intended on upgrading my bike relatively quickly.
I have 1600 dollars should I get the domane aluminum or just keep saving up for the sl5 ..any complaints or negative on the aluminum ..I did see your video in best beginner road… I want to know as now ..do you think it’s worth the money …in your exp with the bike
I have a 2022 Domane AL5 Disc Brake 105 groupo. Looking to sell it. Not a bad bike at all, but its sluggish and heavy. If you want a road bike, I'd look for any aluminum rim brake bike with a 105 groupset. Remember... Rim Brakes = Road Bike. Disc Brakes = Dirt/Gravel Bike
I disagree. Just because a bike has disc brakes does not make it a gravel bike. Geometry is the key factor. Followed by tire clearance. You’ll get 40mm and more tire clearance on a true gravel bike.
What are you looking for in the bike? What are the majority of your rides about? Riding fast, distance, comfort, versatility to do everything, group rides at easy or fast pace? Are you trying for anything?
I just traded my 2021 checkpoint alr 5 for a 2024 domane al5 I was not a big fan of the check point just because it felt very sluggish and couldn't make up it's mind if it was a road bike or a mountain bike.
I have put down a deposit on a Domane SL5 Gen 4 "Mercury" scheme with an ETA of Jan/Feb 2023. As I'm a senior citizen my focus is endurance as racing's ship has sailed. This will be my first road bike so a number of the benefits of the Domane geometry that you mention, I'll not be able to appreciate until I've ridden the new beast for a while. I sure hope that the marketing label endurance matches what I can get out of the bike. Luckily I'm in shape for my age and ride/run all year around to stay that way (Zwift/VirtuPro in winter). As to flexibility I've no idea until I get the bike and have made adjustments based on experience and/or a pro-fitting. I'm coming from a Trek FX2 which has a very relaxed fit so doubt I can transfer much of that experience to the Gen4 Domane. The complexities that have been eliminated in the Gen4 Domane actually makes me feel more comfortable as there were far too many posts and RUclips videos about front and back end creak and post slippage than there should have been. There isn't many gravel surfaces in my city, unless I drive to them, so a Gravel bike seemed like a poor target especially as a wider tire and second wheel set would allow for more surface flexibility appropriate to the surfaces I ride most often.
Have the 2021 version - geometry is good with tall front end and shorter reach - for my age and flex works well - have bad flexibility in hips /back so found it comfortable - but too many proprietary parts that can break on 21 version and that add weight - if it had a standard head tube and seat post with the nice wide wheels i think it would ride just as well - new version looks like it deals with the front end at least - its nice bike though - good range of gears - good for long cruises on bad British roads
I got a Mercury SL5 last week. Riding my son’s FX3 convinced me I needed a faster bike than my 90’s mountain bike or my commuter bike. I have ridden the SL5 every day since getting it.
Hard to believe bicycles cost as much as a dirt bike and the funny thing is people are buying them. The most I have paid for a bike is 360.00, new Schwinn world sport 1987
I think the new Domane 2023 is too expensive... Thinking about getting a sl5 2021. Do you think I should get it or just keep saving to get the newest model??
At this point I’d save and get the new model. The new one has so many benefits. Aero qualities, much lighter than the old one, very versatile, and I think it looks better too
@@vickydann The frame geometry has not changed. It's exactly the same down to the mm. Front isospeed was dropped and some weight was shaved. The frame is a bit cleaner, but if you are looking at the lower trims (like the SL) you'll notice there is only about a half lb. savings from last year's bike. The bigger difference in weight savings comes at the upper tiers w/ the SLR7 coming in at only 17.5 lbs. This is kinda the sweet spot for weight on a road bike, but you'll have to shell out $8,500 for this trim.
They have pretty big sales in my area right now. Some models are over $1000 off at the local trek store and even lower end ones $100-$200 off. Most of the sales aren't advertised on the Trek website and are in store only.
Price. I had a really good sense that I would get into cycling quite seriously. So I had this intuition that I would want to upgrade my bike relatively quickly afterwards. I figured I should spend a little less now and get into the sport. I have since spent some money on upgrades and maintenance but am really happy with the choice I’ve made. Now I’m looking at going for an ultegra di2 model on top end/2nd tier frame
Now I am planning for Domane AL 3 Gen 3 so is that fine as you mentioned they are coming with new design model modified one so is that okay to buy ? Because only 3 models are available in Bangalore India so I feel thkse will be older models ? So i can also wait for new model so please let me know what should I do ? Wait or buy now ?
Here, we don’t have the next generation of Domane AL. Only the carbon SL has a next generation (4) frame. If your buying an aluminum model, I’d probably just get it now because I doubt the model will change that much.
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre thanks buddy for quick respond and here we have AL3 Gen 3 with carbon fork but not full only 2inch on the down wheel joint. So I will buy now then. Thanks man again appreciate your help 😃👍🙏
You forgot better gearing on the domane makes it easier to climb as does the checkpoint!. Here in the UK gravel bikes and endurance bikes which in many cases are being purchased by older Bastards like me lol because of comfort and the ability to spin up hills!!. None of which mattered in my younger years. Interesting fact that more older people are buying bikes at the moment than youngsters who in my area at least are still heavily into MTBs!!. Of course the gentleman and lady's who race and enjoy superfast chaingangs and club rides at any age!! And have put years into there fitness and flexibility still need a thoroughbred race bike and well done to them all wish I was one of them but after multiple knee operations I have to be sensible lol!!. Horses for courses may the bycicle live forever!!!!.
Cant respect the fact that Trek changed domane gen 3 2022 slr5 to a Domane gen 3 2023 slr5. Selling bikes that are over a year old and have been on bike shop floors for well over a year as a 2023. Sell them as Gen 3. Dont change the damn year.
90% of people don't fit on full race bikes properly, even if sized appropriately. They just aren't flexible enough. And many people who think they are flexible enough, are not. Endurance bikes in a lot of cases are just as fast as race bikes these days due to modernized framesets, aero touches, better componentry, and reduced rolling resistance. My primary road bike is an endurance frame, and I can keep with with everyone around me on race bikes. This is the reason the Domane is still relevant, and the reason why endurance bikes will continue to be.
Pretty much what I was saying my video lol I agree with you!
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre I should have watched the entire video before commenting. I was too excited and got ahead of myself 😁
All good. I like having those discussions aha
I can't afford carbon, but I bought an AL5 Domane and I love it. It's perfect because it has drop bars, but it isn't TOO aggressive. And with a shorter inseam, the lower standover of the Domane is great.
Yeah all very good points about a great bike
Nice. Enjoy
As a 70 year old I am looking at the Domane SL6 for stability and comphort. I currently have a 2017 Canondale Synapse which only takes 25mm tires and has rim breaks. Sounds like the Domane might be a good move for me.
I think so too
Just got the new Domane SL5 2023! Thanks for your help!!!
Oh nice enjoy it’s a great pick up
Me too! Picked up a Mercury color SL5 one week ago…love it!
Sounds really nice
I have a 2013 Trek Domane 5.2 Carbon w/ Ultegra 3X10 gears ... and I just love the bike. I have always rode w/ tubeless tires ( I got tired of fixing flats on rides ) ... I upgraded the rims to alloy race rims as I ride terrible roads in Pennsylvania, and added a new carbon seat this year ... it currently weighs in at 16lbs 5 ozs ... as I do not ride in the rain I do not really need disc breaks .... for gravel or bad weather I have a TREK 8.6 DS Hybrid ... I have always said: " it is not about the first 10 miles ... but the last twenty ... ( I ride metrics mostly w/ a odd Century thrown in ... )
nice
Great video! I bought a sl5 4th generation in last October and I’m very happy with it. I agree with everything you said.
Glad to hear someone shared my opinion lol
Do you have any creaking in the iso clamp under seat
@davidroter5580 perhaps the bolts are not tight enough?
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre well I have not got the bike yet I have put a deposit down and am supposed to pick it up on Tuesday however I am hearing tons of bad comments online and in forums about creaking and dropping iso speed clamp or wedge in th 2023 trek Domaine sl5 Gen 4 model and am concerned that maybe I should back out of the purchase.
@davidroter5580 I haven’t heard too much of that. I am sure a proper installation with a bit of carbon paste on the seat post should do the trick
"Gravel" more like multisurface. Broken overgrown roadways islands, shipyards, railroad tracks, hardpack dirt with loose rock fireroads in the California hills and along river pathways, packed grit walking paths of San Francisco, lowcut grass weed hills, expanded metal bridges, ... it now seems to be related more to tires. 700x40mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tires on Domane with SRAM Force for exploring Mt. Tamalpais, Marin Headlands,
Yeah that’s what it is lol
Yes, Tires for sure, along with the relaxed geometry...
Good review, and I like your real world perspective on the Domane. A goldilocks bike for the masses.
Thank you
Just ordered 2 Domane SL6 etap in the Deep Max Blue. Going to be a long 2-3 weeks.
Two new bikes???
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre One for the wife and I.
@@mattgrubbs9252 nice
Im tempted to get the SL5 Gen 3 right now with the sales on them...
Get it lol
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre i did and put my order in today! Excited for it to come now. im 6ft5 and got the 62cm frame. last one.
I got a gravel bike (Devinci Hatchet) as my first drop bar bike 2 years ago. I had only ridden mountain bikes before.
While the relax geometry helped me get into road riding, I find that riding with tires wider than what endurance frames offer goes into surfaces better suited for bikes with suspension.
I have been riding with 45mm tires at gravel events and have been bogged down compared to others because of the added rolling resistance.
I have a Domane SL 5 on order and am going to keep my Hatchet as a commuter, but if anything, my conclusion after 2 years of gravel bike ownership is that endurance bikes are the new gravel, and gravel bikes have become unneccessary, and now blur the lines with XC bikes more than road bikes.
Interesting take. I can totally understand that point of view
Wonddrful review. I have ordered the AL 2 but I am worried about the sizing, lol. The trek website recommends size 58 for me. I'm 5ft11 with 85cm inner seam length. What do you reckon?
The recommendations are usually a good starting point. What I can say is it’s always better to buy the slightly smaller frame than the one that’s slightly too big. You can length reach and saddle height but it’s hard to remove those two things at one point when the bike is too big.
im like 5cm shorter than you, tried a 56cm domane, now on a 52cm feels much better, but the reach is still a bit long, i do like to sit far back on the saddle, its easier to make a small bike bigger btw
I'm 5'11 and ride a size 54 Domane, i did custom build mine, size 56 could work too, 58 is just to big.
Thanks. I eventually got the size 56cm al4 and it is perfect for me. I imagine if I had gone for size 58 like the website recommended, I imagine it would have been too big for me.
Glad to hear it. Smaller bike is usually the better choice when between two sizes
I race on a 2019 S-Works Venge, I have a pimped up C59 for taking abroad (for the good times) and I'm binning my Bokeh gravel bike and Emonda for Domane SLR because the roads in the UK are just $hit now.
Sounds like a nice set up where you have everything covered
I’m stuck between the $2100 Domane AL 5 and $3500 Domane SL 5 Gen 4
Get the SL if you can swing it. If that’s in your budget. Buy that no doubt about it
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre What makes the carbon that much better for an extra $1400? I was only able to test ride the AL 5 at the time.
Carbon will be much more comfortable and stiffer leading to a more compliant ride but also it’ll accelerate better and hold it’s speed really nicely. With a few upgrades it and when you truly want to make the bike better, you add a pair of wheels and quality tires and it’ll ride flawlessly
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre hell yea! I think carbon will be the way to go especially since I’ll prob keep this bike for like 10 years
Me too 😅
stuck between the al3 and 4 do you think the changes in bike sets are worth there price difference
The biggest thing is the hydraulic brakes. That’s the big difference and it has one more gear. In my opinion I didn’t want to spend the extra money to go to the AL 4 but I also intended on upgrading my bike relatively quickly.
I have 1600 dollars should I get the domane aluminum or just keep saving up for the sl5 ..any complaints or negative on the aluminum ..I did see your video in best beginner road… I want to know as now ..do you think it’s worth the money …in your exp with the bike
Yeah I think it’s worth it cause the sl5 is now triple the price of my AL3.
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre any complaints
No not at all. I’m interested in upgrading now but the reality is the bike is more than capable of doing a lot of different things.
I have a 2022 Domane AL5 Disc Brake 105 groupo. Looking to sell it. Not a bad bike at all, but its sluggish and heavy. If you want a road bike, I'd look for any aluminum rim brake bike with a 105 groupset. Remember... Rim Brakes = Road Bike. Disc Brakes = Dirt/Gravel Bike
I disagree. Just because a bike has disc brakes does not make it a gravel bike. Geometry is the key factor. Followed by tire clearance. You’ll get 40mm and more tire clearance on a true gravel bike.
Domane SL7 vs Emonda SL7 wich one you choose?...I'm still missing which one is my choice..can you recommend pl....thanks
What are you looking for in the bike? What are the majority of your rides about? Riding fast, distance, comfort, versatility to do everything, group rides at easy or fast pace? Are you trying for anything?
I just traded my 2021 checkpoint alr 5 for a 2024 domane al5 I was not a big fan of the check point just because it felt very sluggish and couldn't make up it's mind if it was a road bike or a mountain bike.
Interesting take
I have put down a deposit on a Domane SL5 Gen 4 "Mercury" scheme with an ETA of Jan/Feb 2023. As I'm a senior citizen my focus is endurance as racing's ship has sailed. This will be my first road bike so a number of the benefits of the Domane geometry that you mention, I'll not be able to appreciate until I've ridden the new beast for a while.
I sure hope that the marketing label endurance matches what I can get out of the bike. Luckily I'm in shape for my age and ride/run all year around to stay that way (Zwift/VirtuPro in winter). As to flexibility I've no idea until I get the bike and have made adjustments based on experience and/or a pro-fitting. I'm coming from a Trek FX2 which has a very relaxed fit so doubt I can transfer much of that experience to the Gen4 Domane.
The complexities that have been eliminated in the Gen4 Domane actually makes me feel more comfortable as there were far too many posts and RUclips videos about front and back end creak and post slippage than there should have been.
There isn't many gravel surfaces in my city, unless I drive to them, so a Gravel bike seemed like a poor target especially as a wider tire and second wheel set would allow for more surface flexibility appropriate to the surfaces I ride most often.
Sounds like it could be the perfect match for you. Curious to hear how you like it once it arrives.
Have the 2021 version - geometry is good with tall front end and shorter reach - for my age and flex works well - have bad flexibility in hips /back so found it comfortable - but too many proprietary parts that can break on 21 version and that add weight - if it had a standard head tube and seat post with the nice wide wheels i think it would ride just as well - new version looks like it deals with the front end at least - its nice bike though - good range of gears - good for long cruises on bad British roads
Sounds great. The new version looks to address these potential flaws. I think it’s an incredibly versatile offering.
I got a Mercury SL5 last week. Riding my son’s FX3 convinced me I needed a faster bike than my 90’s mountain bike or my commuter bike. I have ridden the SL5 every day since getting it.
Enjoy it and keep riding
Is domane AL 3 is really fun bike for newbie?
Yes it’s a great option
That’s what I have and I have done a few videos about it
Hard to believe bicycles cost as much as a dirt bike and the funny thing is people are buying them.
The most I have paid for a bike is 360.00, new Schwinn world sport 1987
As much as cars
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre ....Right!
I think the new Domane 2023 is too expensive... Thinking about getting a sl5 2021. Do you think I should get it or just keep saving to get the newest model??
At this point I’d save and get the new model. The new one has so many benefits. Aero qualities, much lighter than the old one, very versatile, and I think it looks better too
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre Thanks!!! Sl's geometry hasn't change right?!
No geometry has stayed pretty much the same if I remember correctly
@@vickydann The frame geometry has not changed. It's exactly the same down to the mm. Front isospeed was dropped and some weight was shaved. The frame is a bit cleaner, but if you are looking at the lower trims (like the SL) you'll notice there is only about a half lb. savings from last year's bike. The bigger difference in weight savings comes at the upper tiers w/ the SLR7 coming in at only 17.5 lbs. This is kinda the sweet spot for weight on a road bike, but you'll have to shell out $8,500 for this trim.
They have pretty big sales in my area right now. Some models are over $1000 off at the local trek store and even lower end ones $100-$200 off. Most of the sales aren't advertised on the Trek website and are in store only.
What made you choose the al3 over the one with the 105 ?
Price. I had a really good sense that I would get into cycling quite seriously. So I had this intuition that I would want to upgrade my bike relatively quickly afterwards. I figured I should spend a little less now and get into the sport. I have since spent some money on upgrades and maintenance but am really happy with the choice I’ve made. Now I’m looking at going for an ultegra di2 model on top end/2nd tier frame
I have a 2019 Emonda SL6 54cm and thinking of getting a Domane SL7. Should I stay with 54cm or a 52cm?
Do you find the 54cm too big?
Now I am planning for Domane AL 3 Gen 3 so is that fine as you mentioned they are coming with new design model modified one so is that okay to buy ? Because only 3 models are available in Bangalore India so I feel thkse will be older models ? So i can also wait for new model so please let me know what should I do ? Wait or buy now ?
Here, we don’t have the next generation of Domane AL. Only the carbon SL has a next generation (4) frame. If your buying an aluminum model, I’d probably just get it now because I doubt the model will change that much.
@@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre thanks buddy for quick respond and here we have AL3 Gen 3 with carbon fork but not full only 2inch on the down wheel joint. So I will buy now then. Thanks man again appreciate your help 😃👍🙏
You forgot better gearing on the domane makes it easier to climb as does the checkpoint!. Here in the UK gravel bikes and endurance bikes which in many cases are being purchased by older Bastards like me lol because of comfort and the ability to spin up hills!!. None of which mattered in my younger years. Interesting fact that more older people are buying bikes at the moment than youngsters who in my area at least are still heavily into MTBs!!. Of course the gentleman and lady's who race and enjoy superfast chaingangs and club rides at any age!! And have put years into there fitness and flexibility still need a thoroughbred race bike and well done to them all wish I was one of them but after multiple knee operations I have to be sensible lol!!. Horses for courses may the bycicle live forever!!!!.
Nice!!
I hear you Steven, Greetings from the states.... The mountains of West Virginia.
Is AL2 still relevant vs AL3?
Yeah of course. It reaches certain price point. I still think that if you can swing it you’ll have a way better experience with the AL3
Did you even ride the bike?
No I have not ridden this new version!
Is the frame on the Domane AL 5 the same as the ones on AL 4 & 3 w/ the only difference being gear sets?
Yes that’s correct
18k and still made in Taiwan?
Cant respect the fact that Trek changed domane gen 3 2022 slr5 to a Domane gen 3 2023 slr5. Selling bikes that are over a year old and have been on bike shop floors for well over a year as a 2023. Sell them as Gen 3. Dont change the damn year.
Just a gimmick crap to ride
I’ve never heard anything bad about it’s riding qualities