I actually just bought this bike three weeks ago based on your AL3 version review! Opted to go with the AL4 because of the upgrades it offers. Love it! Thanks!
Today I learned the difference between AL and ALR. Until now all I knew was one costs more. Thanks for clarifying. (I ride the discontinued Checkpoint AL3)
Got the AL 2 Gen 3 and love it. Really good bike for beginners, good geometri and ride quality. Glad i picked up the Gen 3 before the Gen 4 came out, because of the price increase. My Gen 3 is now specd with a full Shimano 105 11-speed R7000 Hydraulic setup (bought from a private, but hardware still in boxes) for more or less the same price as the Gen 4
I am in a similar situation and I am debating upgrading my Claris to 105 or buying an AL4 or AL5. How easy was the groupset swap? Did you have to change your wheels? Anything you would have done differently now that it is all said and done?
I'm looking at getting the AL 5 Gen 4 in the matte black this bike has all the features I'm looking at with fenders, a rear rack I could put on and the 105 group set.
I got the AL 5 Gen 3, and it has been fantastic. I almost got the SL 5, but it wasn't available. I saw the AL 5 in the shop and never looked back. I ride a lot of crushed gravel trails and it handles it like a champ. The 105 mechanical shifts really smoothly, and I can go really fast when I want to. I upgraded the wheels to Aeolus Elite 35 carbon, and that makes a big difference in speed and ride quality.
Among minor changes for improvement from Gen 3, I see a big change in a sense - slightly dropped seat stays! As far as I know this is the first attempt among TREK's entire road bike lineups. Curious to see what's coming next.
James thanks to your review I ordered one of AL2. I actually think this can be a great bike. I haven't decided if it will 105 di2 or ltwoo erx. I believe I can get the bike down to at least 16 pounds. I estimate at will cost an additional 1500.
I like the changes and it's good looking bike too. Wish it would be spec'd with lower gears. I would need to swap about the crank length anyway to a 170 so it would be easy to with grx 46/30. Even with making changes I feel the Domane would be a better value than an ALR checkpoint unless gravel is really your thing.
Given the UDH and increase tire clearance, I’d be curious A) what the 650b tire clearance is (even if it’s not officially supported), and B) what a gravel build with thicker 650b tires and a sram transmission would look like. Maybe I’d have to do one myself 🤔
Whats your thoughts on Al4 Gen 3 vs Al4 Gen 4. I can get a used al4 Gen3 for a few hundred cheaper. Trying to decide if the extra cash is worth it for the gen4. Love the internal cable look.
James, when do you find information on 2024 or colors for trek domane sl5? I went to buy one but was told October there is new colors or release or possibly 24 year model.
Hi James, do you think this bike can be fitted with the new shimano 105 di2 12 speed? I'm planning on building an all road bike and I think I'll use the frame for the project. Thanks!
i am glad you did your review cause i see the cockpit is not slammed , which is a turn off for me as you cannot add what is removed. however the trek site shows EVERYTHING slammed .. so is it the LBS who cuts the stems to fit?
No bike comes slammed from the factory, they picture them slammed because it looks good. Ideally you'd get a bike fit before buying a bike a know exactly what you need and have it setup perfectly out of the box.
@MAGAIVER thanks. They need to stop this practice though. Had I not seen this review I would have wrote off the domane . I am not wanting to buy a new fork like I had to with my rei gravel bike because they slammed it . Not every one riding is a 6ft 140 lbs 22 year old
Thanks James. Any word if this is going to come out in a Gen 4 AL 5 + version? My wife needs the electric pedal assist and they only make the GEN 3 AL5+ down to 49 cm. She’s 4 foot 11 so she needs a 47 cm frame.
I think the integrated battery is the limitation in sizing on thee AL+. If I were you I would take a look at some of the options from LIV as they are the only main line bike brand that still produces bikes specifically for women
I bought the previous gen of this bike. 2 things. Those tires are rubbish. And the wheels as well (I got a very strange rubbing on the bearings after 2000km). You will have to consider to change those further down the road.
If anything, with thicker tubes it is going to be “stronger,” as in less likely to get dents and dings. But thicker also means heavier and a less lively ride.
They have to build to cover a range of rider weights too. Whole point of Domane is it’s a comfortable bike that does most things for most people. The 100 series is very strong. They use a different aluminum blend that’s stronger to make a thinner wall and probably lighter bike for the R series. But it also comes with more aggressive geometry, for that person who is also racing. Less comfortable if you don’t have the flexibility to get into that more outstretched position. And you’ll really notice that on longer rides. Btw Cannondale does something very similar with their Topstone gravel bike vs their road racing caad12, caad13 bikes.
It's the cool thing to do. Agreed that's the only real detractor, although I'd like frame bag mounts. Otherwise this is a winner IMO and those two things deff won't change my mind on it being a great bike.
I did, but still need ah 3''to4'' rise on handlebars, on A dual sport Gen.,5, so then it will fit well on ah crippled-up old man , , puting off getting an electric wheelchair....
Crap low quality welding. Considering it's supposed to be integrated cabling there is a lot of visible cable. Bikes a tad on the heavy side. Apart from those niggles, not a bad bike and a good representation of bike inflation
Great review , u covered everything
I actually just bought this bike three weeks ago based on your AL3 version review! Opted to go with the AL4 because of the upgrades it offers. Love it!
Thanks!
How is it holding up. What color you get
Today I learned the difference between AL and ALR. Until now all I knew was one costs more. Thanks for clarifying. (I ride the discontinued Checkpoint AL3)
Fun fact the discontinued Checkpoint AL was an identical frame to the Gen3 Domane AL.
Got the AL 2 Gen 3 and love it. Really good bike for beginners, good geometri and ride quality. Glad i picked up the Gen 3 before the Gen 4 came out, because of the price increase. My Gen 3 is now specd with a full Shimano 105 11-speed R7000 Hydraulic setup (bought from a private, but hardware still in boxes) for more or less the same price as the Gen 4
I am in a similar situation and I am debating upgrading my Claris to 105 or buying an AL4 or AL5. How easy was the groupset swap? Did you have to change your wheels? Anything you would have done differently now that it is all said and done?
Looks like a good bike. Thanks for sharing this with us
I'm looking at getting the AL 5 Gen 4 in the matte black this bike has all the features I'm looking at with fenders, a rear rack I could put on and the 105 group set.
I got the AL 5 Gen 3, and it has been fantastic. I almost got the SL 5, but it wasn't available. I saw the AL 5 in the shop and never looked back. I ride a lot of crushed gravel trails and it handles it like a champ. The 105 mechanical shifts really smoothly, and I can go really fast when I want to. I upgraded the wheels to Aeolus Elite 35 carbon, and that makes a big difference in speed and ride quality.
Among minor changes for improvement from Gen 3, I see a big change in a sense - slightly dropped seat stays! As far as I know this is the first attempt among TREK's entire road bike lineups. Curious to see what's coming next.
I love the colors! Will get one some day!
James thanks to your review I ordered one of AL2. I actually think this can be a great bike. I haven't decided if it will 105 di2 or ltwoo erx. I believe I can get the bike down to at least 16 pounds. I estimate at will cost an additional 1500.
I just bought the bike so of course it’s the best bike out there
Me too what color did you get.
Great video👍👍👍 thanks for the info
great info. you got a sub
Reminds me of my posiden x. Own 2. This is better value for dollar for sure
Nice lookin’ ride.
40mm tires will fit the frame, but will interfere with the front derailleur.
I like the changes and it's good looking bike too. Wish it would be spec'd with lower gears. I would need to swap about the crank length anyway to a 170 so it would be easy to with grx 46/30. Even with making changes I feel the Domane would be a better value than an ALR checkpoint unless gravel is really your thing.
Given the UDH and increase tire clearance, I’d be curious A) what the 650b tire clearance is (even if it’s not officially supported), and B) what a gravel build with thicker 650b tires and a sram transmission would look like. Maybe I’d have to do one myself 🤔
😮
Love mine
How is it after 5 months. Thinking of getting one
@@kiwi22207 get it
Love it more every day
What do you think of the Domane + AL 5? Considering the Checkpoint SL6 but thought this Domane may make a fun gravel bike.
Really considering one of these. Have you ridden one?
Whats your thoughts on Al4 Gen 3 vs Al4 Gen 4. I can get a used al4 Gen3 for a few hundred cheaper. Trying to decide if the extra cash is worth it for the gen4. Love the internal cable look.
So what’s the difference in Trek’s 200 Alpha Aluminum?
On a Checkpoint, how much is the speed difference you might see between slick gravel and road slick?
James, when do you find information on 2024 or colors for trek domane sl5? I went to buy one but was told October there is new colors or release or possibly 24 year model.
Looks awesome, id probably go for the 105 version, but I also dont see a need for the new 12 speed.
until you ride yourself a bike like this you realize how good they are and never wanna look back to lower quality bikes
I wish I win the lottery. I want this bike so bad God😢but different
Hi James, do you think this bike can be fitted with the new shimano 105 di2 12 speed? I'm planning on building an all road bike and I think I'll use the frame for the project. Thanks!
I've currently got a checkpoint AL4 2020. Is this a similar bike in terms of geometry and would you say it's an upgrade of the CP?
Headset internal cable with mecanichal is not the best.
Would anyone know how this bike fit on a Tacx Neo 2T? Thinking about the disc brakes
Expensive there’s good welding low price i think i go for it
i am glad you did your review cause i see the cockpit is not slammed , which is a turn off for me as you cannot add what is removed. however the trek site shows EVERYTHING slammed .. so is it the LBS who cuts the stems to fit?
No bike comes slammed from the factory, they picture them slammed because it looks good. Ideally you'd get a bike fit before buying a bike a know exactly what you need and have it setup perfectly out of the box.
@MAGAIVER thanks. They need to stop this practice though. Had I not seen this review I would have wrote off the domane . I am not wanting to buy a new fork like I had to with my rei gravel bike because they slammed it . Not every one riding is a 6ft 140 lbs 22 year old
I picked up a Domane AL 3 two months ago and I can confirm, the stems are still raised and it's up to the customer's preference what to do with it.
@@juliusvdl2204 bro much thanks , this is the news i wanted to hear/know!
Why there is no gen 4 al 3?
Hi James I'm abit confused on sizing. Would 56 be considered a M, M/L, or L frame in the mountain bike world?
56 is either M or ML depending on the brand. This Domane 56 is more like M.
Completely diffrent geometry I recommend talking to a local bike shop
Thanks James. Any word if this is going to come out in a Gen 4 AL 5 + version? My wife needs the electric pedal assist and they only make the GEN 3 AL5+ down to 49 cm. She’s 4 foot 11 so she needs a 47 cm frame.
I think the integrated battery is the limitation in sizing on thee AL+. If I were you I would take a look at some of the options from LIV as they are the only main line bike brand that still produces bikes specifically for women
Time to upgrade my Trek Alpha 1.5...
Have a trek ver
❤❤❤
I bought the previous gen of this bike. 2 things. Those tires are rubbish. And the wheels as well (I got a very strange rubbing on the bearings after 2000km). You will have to consider to change those further down the road.
Those tires are almost 1lb each too, I ordered this bike will change to tubeless maybe with gravelking slicks.
yeah, those are inferior to the bike, I swapped mine almost instantly, GP5000 (with latex tubes for example) makes a huge difference.
I also swapped it to a set of DTSwiss ER1400
Why can't they smooth out the welding? It's made in Cambodia, surely they could have spent another buck on labor for that?
Does Tiagra give the same gear range as 105?
Tiagra is 10spd, 105 is 12spd now
I always thought it was pronounced "Domain". Is it really "Domanee"?
The emonda is a climbing bike. The Madone is the race bike
My height is 6'1 - 185cm. Which frame size should i buy?
Kinda at the top of a 58cm, might come down to your reach, I'd take a spin on both to make sure
Do you think the 100 series aluminum is "weaker" than the ALR? I have a Domane AL 5 Gen 3...do you think this is worth the upgrade? Or too close?
If anything, with thicker tubes it is going to be “stronger,” as in less likely to get dents and dings. But thicker also means heavier and a less lively ride.
They have to build to cover a range of rider weights too. Whole point of Domane is it’s a comfortable bike that does most things for most people. The 100 series is very strong. They use a different aluminum blend that’s stronger to make a thinner wall and probably lighter bike for the R series. But it also comes with more aggressive geometry, for that person who is also racing. Less comfortable if you don’t have the flexibility to get into that more outstretched position. And you’ll really notice that on longer rides. Btw Cannondale does something very similar with their Topstone gravel bike vs their road racing caad12, caad13 bikes.
Everything great except the routing through headset. Why just why.
It's the cool thing to do. Agreed that's the only real detractor, although I'd like frame bag mounts. Otherwise this is a winner IMO and those two things deff won't change my mind on it being a great bike.
What is the problem with routing through the headset?
Just try to service the headset bearings yourself @@MitchellSchwartz-j1g
Consumer likes it
That’s the only thing I like about the bike.
Old Folks - Need much higher Handlebars ! ....thanks - but no thanks.
Just flip the stem
get a hybrid flatbar mate
I did, but still need ah 3''to4'' rise on handlebars, on A dual sport Gen.,5, so then it will fit well on ah crippled-up old man , , puting off getting an electric wheelchair....
Oh look, another spec sheet channel!
Crap low quality welding. Considering it's supposed to be integrated cabling there is a lot of visible cable. Bikes a tad on the heavy side. Apart from those niggles, not a bad bike and a good representation of bike inflation
I tried buying this three times and all had an issue. No thanks for 1699