Shout Out to my friend (& fellow RUclipsr) at Gravel Wear for the gloves that kept me functioning during this video! See them here: bit.ly/3FUgly7 (Non-Affiliate Link)
Thanks for the review. "Endurance road bike" geometry made sense to me, and I appreciate the wide range rear hub description and 50/34 front chain wheel information. Riding currently a Trek FX 7.2 from 2009 so the gear shift description is helpful for me. This would be a lot faster than my hybrid!
Your videos are so awesome and helpful, two bikes I was interested in and you reviewed them. I’m so overwhelmed. I’ve always owned big box store hybrids and finally want to commit to something a little nicer and lighter, especially because I’ve moved to an area that has a lot hills. Paved roads and asphalt but very steep so I wanted to do without the front suspension. So I was checking this out and the Trek Fx 2 So overwhelming. I went to REI and couldn’t really find anything in the price range that seemed quality.
James I thought your presentation was good and covered the the information well. One of the others that commented on this preferring the rim brake model. It might have been a good idea to share the tire limitation difference of the rim brake model. One last point I would have removed the sticker on the front derailleur the protective plastic on the brake / shift levers and the plastic on the headbadge for a cleaner look.
Rim brake is 28mm. You can always watch the video on it linked in the title cards. Regarding the stickers, of course if it were my bike I totally would... But I'm not going to take away the satisfaction of de-stickering that the future owner will get!
I got my Domane AL 2 Disc in Dec 2021 Thus being a 2022 model.......And I must say. Stating that its a "intro" bike may give the impression that this isn't a high end or dare I say "cheap" road bike. Usually when someone uses these words to describe anything. It is implied that it is lower quality. I must concur this is now way low quality. It is a fine machine. Everything about this bike is quality. Is it as good as the Emonda. or any of the other "high end" bikes? That would depend on who's using it. So folks don't think because they use these terms to describe this bike. You getting something inferior. Yes you can pay several thousands of dollars for a bike and you'll get one that's killer. But don't throw a 1 or 2000 bike under the bus. Trek makes amazing bikes........
It is a great bike. It is one of the better aluminum frames you can buy and absolutely reliable and serviceable Shimano drivetrain. I have Shimano Sora on a 12 year old bike and it still works like an absolute charm.
@@davidgee6110 Ride slower. It is a road bike that can handle light gravel. You can also lower the tire pressure to smooth out the road a little. You will feel the road because it doesn't have front suspension like the Hybrid bikes like the Dual Sport.
@@kingzy8494 Well first of all I sold it back in April. I defected from Trek and bought a Cervelo. But I bought my wife a Domane AL2 so a Trek is still in the family. It handled hills quite well with what the bike has for gears. It weighs around 21 lbs. And it has 9 in the back 2 in the front. So it has the range. All hills suck but some bikes are better than others on hills. The Domane does a good job with what it has for group set. Also it depends on the hill. Get some momentum and the lower gears it should be ok. I did some hills when I had it w/o any issues. Now where to buy one.........I don't know about RRP. But the stores here in Jersey have a few depending on size.
Which one is recommended for beginner road bike : Great Brand bike but Alloy Frame dan entry level groupset or Local brand but carbon frame and shimano 105 for groupset?
I’m looking at getting my first road bike given the limited stock in Australia What would u recommend? At the moment I can source a second hand trek Al 2 (around $1400 ,or I can get a new Al 3 $2000 or a second hand giant ar 3 around $1500 or I can get a new giant ar 1 for $2200? I’d be doing a combination of road and light gravel/unsealed bike paths. Not sure if I go the cheaper and look to upgrade in the future or go the giant ar 1 and not have to do as much upgrades
Well with hydraulic brakes you have to be careful not to hit the brakes with the wheel off. Mechanicals hopefully no big deal just as it is with rim brakes. Maybe I'd like mechanicals for that reason.
@@kingzy8494 all that happens is the pistons get pushed in slightly but if you do it on the regular or squeeze the brake until the pads are touching each other you’ll end up having to push them back out manually, it’s really not that big a deal and you can get little plastic spacers that you pop onto the calliper if you’re transporting the bike with wheels off.
I have the AL2 from last year, 2021. It’s a great bike but the only cheap part feels like the drivetrain. The only difference from what I can see when comparing the specs online between the AL2 and AL3 is a $250 upgrade on the drivetrain. Not sure if it’s worth it or not, just depends how picky you are with smooth shifting. It shifts a little clunkier than other bikes I’ve had. The AL3 probably feels better in that regard, but $250 more is a bit steep
@@DooitLee It’s not too bad. I’d like for it to be a little smoother but I’m used to it now. And I mostly ride with music on, with headphones or earplugs, so I really don’t notice the shifting much anyway. It does what it’s supposed to do, just doesn’t feel buttery smooth like the higher end stuff. Other than that the general ride, pedaling, and braking all feel great. It’s a solid bike for the money
@@justinh7560 appreciate your quick reply. Currently I’m riding a folding bike, riding 100km for 7 hours with it was not easy. I believe AL2 DISC version is a huge improvement to me.
Weight is 10.7 kg compared to my, still original, 35 yr old steel Trek 560 at 10.25! ....haven't come that far have we....the al2 is far more practical tho...and with more sensible gearing .
We haven't come that far? On an entry level bike with disk brakes? It wasn't 15 years ago where you'd easily get into the 13kg for a bike of this spec.
10.7 kg is not bad but I was expecting 1 kg less. I wonder what adds to weight here. The Claris group is pretty good and lightweight, the fork is carbon, then? it must be frame and/ or wheels. I say I was expecting less as I have a gravel bike with hydraulic disc brakes and 2x11 gears, alu frame and carb fork, GRX group, which is 9.2
I couldn't agree more. Imagine how many people would buy this frame set if it was $699 or at least still affordable. Very cool frame, would make for a fun build. I wish they did it
mechanical discs brakes are the best. hydraulic are overrated and adds an incredible amount of complication to maintenance,. I wonder how people buy them bending their mind to manufacturers' brain washing
Great review as always, however, I don't believe it's necessary to describe the operation of the brake and shifters. Common knowledge unless you've just arrived on earth from a world far far away and you've never seen a bike before.
Thanks for your thoughts, but shifting is absolutely not common knowledge. Especially considering this is a bike intended for a "first time" or "beginner" rider. Even if someone is coming from a hybrid they likely do not know how a road bike shifts.
I've never used those type shifters with my 1998 jamis cross country twist shifters. I love them compared to these. duh. Yes, I am from planet earth since 1956. 😁
Brake and shifter operation was very useful for me. My last bike was a hybrid 12 years ago, and my road bike before that was from 1985, so this is all new to me and very helpful.
I called it "the cheapest trek road bike with disc brakes" and that is a factual statement. Where it's price lands in your evaluation is an entirely different conversation
@Jamesthebikeguy Motobecane would be more affordable than a Trek.. and you get more competitive components on a Motobecane than a mid tier Trek would offer. I know people don't like Bikesdirect but I have multiple Motobecane bikes and I love them. Zero issues.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Shout Out to my friend (& fellow RUclipsr) at Gravel Wear for the gloves that kept me functioning during this video! See them here: bit.ly/3FUgly7
(Non-Affiliate Link)
Done a 10 mile ride on mine the day I bought it after not riding for over a year , really comfortable!
Just purchased this bike so it was good to hear someone else besides the salesman review the bike with me. Thank you for the video!!
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for the review. "Endurance road bike" geometry made sense to me, and I appreciate the wide range rear hub description and 50/34 front chain wheel information. Riding currently a Trek FX 7.2 from 2009 so the gear shift description is helpful for me. This would be a lot faster than my hybrid!
Best Trek Domane 2 review yet Thanks man. I’m sold
Just got mine yesterday!
Just bought one for massive milage training, it's fantastic.
I have the 2021 Domane AL2 disk and love it. It's extremely comfortable.
Your videos are so awesome and helpful, two bikes I was interested in and you reviewed them. I’m so overwhelmed. I’ve always owned big box store hybrids and finally want to commit to something a little nicer and lighter, especially because I’ve moved to an area that has a lot hills. Paved roads and asphalt but very steep so I wanted to do without the front suspension. So I was checking this out and the Trek Fx 2
So overwhelming. I went to REI and couldn’t really find anything in the price range that seemed quality.
James I thought your presentation was good and covered the the information well. One of the others that commented on this preferring the rim brake model. It might have been a good idea to share the tire limitation difference of the rim brake model. One last point I would have removed the sticker on the front derailleur the protective plastic on the brake / shift levers and the plastic on the headbadge for a cleaner look.
Rim brake is 28mm. You can always watch the video on it linked in the title cards.
Regarding the stickers, of course if it were my bike I totally would... But I'm not going to take away the satisfaction of de-stickering that the future owner will get!
All the bike most people need.
The only thing I'm not too enthusiastic about is the cable routing. I'd prefer it to be external. Good review mate.
I have the 2022 Domane SL6, with SRAM Rival. At $5200 out the door, It's hard to argue against something like the SL2 for 90% of riders.
It's a good thing they make a full price range
I want to the blue version of the domane sl6. I've got the red one but I want to see the color of the blue one. Great video my dude
Thanks
Thank you for weighing the bikes. You rock!
Of course! Sure thing
Thank you for a great review.
Just picked one up today so happy with it. So you think it will be ok on light gravel?
I have and it was ok just took my time.
Love my AL5 domane with full 105
Such a good bike
I got my Domane AL 2 Disc in Dec 2021 Thus being a 2022 model.......And I must say. Stating that its a "intro" bike may give the impression that this isn't a high end or dare I say "cheap" road bike. Usually when someone uses these words to describe anything. It is implied that it is lower quality. I must concur this is now way low quality. It is a fine machine. Everything about this bike is quality. Is it as good as the Emonda. or any of the other "high end" bikes? That would depend on who's using it. So folks don't think because they use these terms to describe this bike. You getting something inferior. Yes you can pay several thousands of dollars for a bike and you'll get one that's killer. But don't throw a 1 or 2000 bike under the bus. Trek makes amazing bikes........
It is a great bike. It is one of the better aluminum frames you can buy and absolutely reliable and serviceable Shimano drivetrain. I have Shimano Sora on a 12 year old bike and it still works like an absolute charm.
Question for you, is your bike okay for compacted gravel bike paths for short distances? I'm riding a Trek FX for city and light trail use. Thanks 👍
@@davidgee6110 Ride slower. It is a road bike that can handle light gravel. You can also lower the tire pressure to smooth out the road a little. You will feel the road because it doesn't have front suspension like the Hybrid bikes like the Dual Sport.
@@dennissmith863 Hey Dennis, could you say how to get the Domane bikes at a cheaper price than RRP? And is it a great bike to ride up hills?
@@kingzy8494 Well first of all I sold it back in April. I defected from Trek and bought a Cervelo. But I bought my wife a Domane AL2 so a Trek is still in the family. It handled hills quite well with what the bike has for gears. It weighs around 21 lbs. And it has 9 in the back 2 in the front. So it has the range. All hills suck but some bikes are better than others on hills. The Domane does a good job with what it has for group set. Also it depends on the hill. Get some momentum and the lower gears it should be ok. I did some hills when I had it w/o any issues. Now where to buy one.........I don't know about RRP. But the stores here in Jersey have a few depending on size.
Which one is recommended for beginner road bike : Great Brand bike but Alloy Frame dan entry level groupset or Local brand but carbon frame and shimano 105 for groupset?
Any review on Trek Fx 3 Disc 2022? waiting for months
As soon as one comes available.
I’m looking at getting my first road bike given the limited stock in Australia What would u recommend? At the moment I can source a second hand trek Al 2 (around $1400 ,or I can get a new Al 3 $2000 or a second hand giant ar 3 around $1500 or I can get a new giant ar 1 for $2200?
I’d be doing a combination of road and light gravel/unsealed bike paths.
Not sure if I go the cheaper and look to upgrade in the future or go the giant ar 1 and not have to do as much upgrades
I always thought it was pronounced "domain" lol
Indeed it is not. If you watch any of the videos directly from Trek, you hear that. It's pronounced the way I'm saying it in this video.
@@Jamesthebikeguy I believe you. I just thought it was funny.. been saying domain for a min now.
@@johnsonjay60 It would have been a better way of saying the name.
@@vika0194 I agree 😆
I thought the same thing. Turns out I was wrong.
Just wanted you to know you were not the only one that thought that.
Could you do a review on the giant contend ar 4?
Thanks.
When one comes available
Maybe greater than Chine carbon frame set
Hi, really liked the review. Can you please review the Marin Gestalt 1 2022 in comparison to the domane AL3. Thanks in advance
There is no where to get a Marlin near me so unfortunately I won't be videoing one of those
@@Jamesthebikeguy Thanks.
looking at these bikes what would be the advantages of going form the AL 2 to the AL 4
The switch from mechanical brakes to hydraulic and 8 spd Claris to 10spd tiagra (which is lighter)
Well with hydraulic brakes you have to be careful not to hit the brakes with the wheel off. Mechanicals hopefully no big deal just as it is with rim brakes. Maybe I'd like mechanicals for that reason.
True. Although, speaking from experience, in the real world as long as you are aware not to touch the brake its really not an issue.
@@Jamesthebikeguy or stick the spacer in when wheel is off.
What happens if you hit the brake with the wheels of with hydraulic brakes?
@@kingzy8494 the piston pops out, brake fluid everywhere and you have to buy the park tool $100 kit to bleed the brakes, I think.
@@kingzy8494 all that happens is the pistons get pushed in slightly but if you do it on the regular or squeeze the brake until the pads are touching each other you’ll end up having to push them back out manually, it’s really not that big a deal and you can get little plastic spacers that you pop onto the calliper if you’re transporting the bike with wheels off.
what does that bike go for?
I just bought one for £775
Is it worth upgrading to the al4 or 5 for the parts spec specifically the bottom bracket and group set?
Yeah if you can swing the cost difference
Verve 2022 any soon?
Hope so!
Is there a part I can buy to get the freehub sound of dt Swiss 54t ratchets for this bike
I think I'm going to buy this but I still want to upgrade to a Harley
Nice
Agreed
is there much of a difference between this model and al3?
I have the AL2 from last year, 2021. It’s a great bike but the only cheap part feels like the drivetrain. The only difference from what I can see when comparing the specs online between the AL2 and AL3 is a $250 upgrade on the drivetrain. Not sure if it’s worth it or not, just depends how picky you are with smooth shifting. It shifts a little clunkier than other bikes I’ve had. The AL3 probably feels better in that regard, but $250 more is a bit steep
My claris rear detailer broke after 2 months. My recommendation is to go for a intermediate model that at least have a 105
@@justinh7560 going to check AL2 at a local TREK store. Wondering if AL2 drivetrain has a bad experience on your cycling?
@@DooitLee It’s not too bad. I’d like for it to be a little smoother but I’m used to it now. And I mostly ride with music on, with headphones or earplugs, so I really don’t notice the shifting much anyway. It does what it’s supposed to do, just doesn’t feel buttery smooth like the higher end stuff. Other than that the general ride, pedaling, and braking all feel great. It’s a solid bike for the money
@@justinh7560 appreciate your quick reply. Currently I’m riding a folding bike, riding 100km for 7 hours with it was not easy. I believe AL2 DISC version is a huge improvement to me.
Does it come with pedals.
No
I am cuious how tall are you for that 58 cm size?
Rather have the rim brake version-🔥🚴🏻♂️🔥
Rim brake version works up to 28C tires, so it's a good option too if you don't want the discs
I am riding trek marlin 5 with weight 14,8kg
I'm 5'5" which bike will fit me
52
54-52
So what would a bike like this cost
Check with your local bike shop
Very helpful ^ if you're in the UK, the version in this video is £975 on the Trek website, with the AL1 costing £775
Weight is 10.7 kg compared to my, still original, 35 yr old steel Trek 560 at 10.25! ....haven't come that far have we....the al2 is far more practical tho...and with more sensible gearing .
We haven't come that far? On an entry level bike with disk brakes? It wasn't 15 years ago where you'd easily get into the 13kg for a bike of this spec.
Hmm
Anyone knows if it can fit 700x38 tires?
It does not.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Thank you for answering! I guess I will just rock some 700x35 haha
10.7 kg is not bad but I was expecting 1 kg less. I wonder what adds to weight here. The Claris group is pretty good and lightweight, the fork is carbon, then? it must be frame and/ or wheels. I say I was expecting less as I have a gravel bike with hydraulic disc brakes and 2x11 gears, alu frame and carb fork, GRX group, which is 9.2
The wheels where a majority of the weight is coming from
mine weight in at 11.4 Kg which I must say I'm slightly disapointed in if I'm being honest. I'm going to see how much these wheel weight
It’s pretty much always the wheels on the cheaper models. Easy to upgrade
I still can't see how people ride long distance with those hard saddles.. First thing i do is buy a gel seat lol
"those people" are bicyclists.
or better, a good Brooks saddle. I made a 3 weeks tour to Nordcapp last summer with that and it worked wonders.
I wish they would sell just the frameset. I have another bike that I could scavenge parts from.
I couldn't agree more. Imagine how many people would buy this frame set if it was $699 or at least still affordable.
Very cool frame, would make for a fun build. I wish they did it
mechanical discs brakes are the best. hydraulic are overrated and adds an incredible amount of complication to maintenance,. I wonder how people buy them bending their mind to manufacturers' brain washing
Great review as always, however, I don't believe it's necessary to describe the operation of the brake and shifters. Common knowledge unless you've just arrived on earth from a world far far away and you've never seen a bike before.
Thanks for your thoughts, but shifting is absolutely not common knowledge. Especially considering this is a bike intended for a "first time" or "beginner" rider. Even if someone is coming from a hybrid they likely do not know how a road bike shifts.
I've never used those type shifters with my 1998 jamis cross country twist shifters. I love them compared to these. duh. Yes, I am from planet earth since 1956. 😁
It's new to me coming from a 2009 Trek FX 7.2 Hybrid and an old 10 speed with handle bar tip shifters from 1972 LOL 😂
Brake and shifter operation was very useful for me. My last bike was a hybrid 12 years ago, and my road bike before that was from 1985, so this is all new to me and very helpful.
Heavy
10kg so yer heavy but standard for level entry
Either way your paying 1 or 2K for the name.
Lol the bike doesn't even cost 2k...
@@Jamesthebikeguy lol. Still paying for the Trek name. I bought a Canyon at a great price which is what Canyon tries to do.
I would not call it "Cheap" at $1,200 plus sales tax! Maybe "less costly" but it ain't by no standard "Cheap"
I called it "the cheapest trek road bike with disc brakes" and that is a factual statement. Where it's price lands in your evaluation is an entirely different conversation
@@Jamesthebikeguy Just saying...
@Jamesthebikeguy Motobecane would be more affordable than a Trek.. and you get more competitive components on a Motobecane than a mid tier Trek would offer.
I know people don't like Bikesdirect but I have multiple Motobecane bikes and I love them.
Zero issues.
Exactly lol
8 speed .....come on trek
What's wrong with that?
It’s their entry level bike. Lots of the big brands use Claris for the entry level bikes which in my experience works fine.
They Get your legs strong 💪🏻 lol
I waited for the cheap price. I wasted all that time for nothing. DUH. 🙄
What an atrocity!
MADE IN CHINA!