$1699 Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Review (2023)

[@rolffuchs2737]

I`ve ridden it and it is absolutely great. Never thought an aluminum bike could be so comfy. And at the same time it is stable and agile enough.

[@kiwi22207]

I might get one. Do you still lovd it. What color

[@rolffuchs2737]

@@kiwi22207 Anodized, so it`s a dark grey and the lightest version.

[@bradonvega4965]

How’s the stock seat ?

[@rolffuchs2737]

@@bradonvega4965 I have several Treks and the Bontrager saddles suits me well.

[@flexboss]

Seems like a very nice bike. Not surprised about the Tiagra groupset. Had it speced on my recent bike (2019 Checkpoint ALR 4) and it never caused any issues. Since it’s 10-speed it is easy (and cheap) to upgrade with a GRX rear derailleur and a similar crankset. Will give you more ”gravely” gearing and the support of a clutch to limit the chain whipping the stays. Nice review as always 👍🏻

[@Miiloh]

Got mine a couple days ago and absolutely love it

[@kiwi22207]

I might get one myself. First road bike.

[@Miiloh]

@@kiwi22207 It's amazing, you won't regret it. Very comfortable to ride while also having the benefits of a traditional road bike

[@kiwi22207]

​@Miiloh I just got the blue one. Love it so far after a couple rides.

[@namename-qq4tc]

I'm jealous

[@bcm1013]

Love the C3 Vette JOM. So much better than the mid to late 70's when they mucked up the design with bumper covers and 'fastback' rear window.

[@GravelCyclist]

Spot on, the chrome bumper '68 to '72 Vettes are the most beautiful of the C3's.

[@jen1n992]

Love mine and this review.. but I am also VERY interested in whatever the puppy is digging up in the back.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you. The dogs are rather naughty, and have dug up a mole in the past. I do my best to dissuade this behavior.

[@lkbfreak]

Great review as always! I just don't get one thing: Trek's claiming that gen 4 frame and fork are half a pound lighter but looking at specs, gen 3 weights less! :) And this cable integration on lower priced bikes is a crime. I own gen 3 Domane AL 3 and after upgrades the bike weights 8,9 kgs and is dream to ride.

[@JG......]

I've got the same model, mind sharing some tips on how u got the weight so low? Everything replaced except the frame?

[@YetAnotherToken]

I am also very interested about your mods. Ordered a Domane AL5 Gen3 myself today!

[@lkbfreak]

@@JG...... Yep, I kept only the frame. The rest is Fulcrum lightweight wheels, carbon seatpost from Enve, San Marco Aspide seat (106 g), carbon handlebars, Juin Tech hydro mechanical brakes and changed whole mechanical groupset to 105 (compact, 11-34). Tyres are Schwalbe GOne. Without pedals and bootle cages I got 8,9 kgs. Just by removing the stock wheelset you'll save at least 500 grams.

[@DarrenX9]

@@lkbfreak Wouldn't it have been cheaper to just buy a better bike?

[@lkbfreak]

Yes off course if you're starting from the scratch. In my case, I had all the upgrade parts on my previous bike which I swapped with Trek and sold the old bike for almost the original price with lower spec'ed components. Maybe I've just been lucky... 😂🤗

[@Steadydietofnothing-u1p]

Have Claris version gen4. Test rode it for shits and giggles and was stunned by smooth ride. Sleeper for sure

[@GravelCyclist]

Love the word sleeper, typically reserved for unsuspecting high HP cars 😀👌Adding to that, you are absolutely spot on.

[@yungyacht]

Just got my gen 4 and it’s great

[@treyhorn5645]

Nice bike. Frame reminds me of my posiden x. This is better value for parts alone. Damn I would have bought that over my 2nd PX.

[@GravelCyclist]

The Poseidon is nice, but this new Trek is far superior. An even better value is the 105 12-speed version at an additional $300.

[@starryde]

Your assessment of the GR1 tires was maybe a bit kind to Bontrager…I found them to be pretty awful and making the switch to Specialized Pathfinder Pros completely changed my bike (a Checkpoint, but the sentiment would be similar). Trek would do well to have a competitor in the stock tire category. OR, Bontrager could just get out of the tire game altogether so Trek could source a better OE tire.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

Been looking for a new bike to replace my old 2015-16 commuter (Triban 540) and the Domane takes top position out of all the other candidates. Maybe Im approaching the bike with rose tinted goggles on but I remember when $800-1300 used to get you a 105 groupset equipped bike. Tiagra has come a very long way in the last decade though. Looked at the AL5 but that costs $2500 here and there is no way im paying that for a ALu bike let alone a commuter that's going to be seeing the worst of the weather. At least Tiagra should be harder wearing.

[@koucya.331]

Thank you for your wonderful review! It was very helpful. So, I have a question... Is there any possibility of it being released in Japan? Thank you for your reply.

[@GravelCyclist]

Hello there, assuming Trek has some retailers in Japan, I would say yes.

[@charng]

i think it'd be awesome to have sram apex axs on it. no need to worry about routing shifter cables. no need to buy front derailleur. front 42T and rear 44T should let you climb any road surface. i hope there is a frameset option. the 60-bolt rotor is kind of let down or at least i think it's easier to get centre-lock rotors.

[@GravelCyclist]

SRAM Apex AXS is an absolute winner. I am posting my review of that groupset soon.

[@MrSchattka]

This is proof that you do not have to spend thousands of dollars for a decent riding bike.

[@daskleineM]

I'm very upset I got the Gen 3 model, because it doesn't fit as wide tyres on it.

[@mcgarvy7]

Thanks for the review, mine supposed to be here with in the next week. Did you say you have 700x43mm tires on there ?

[@GravelCyclist]

They should be able to fit, but it could depend on the rim / tire combination. Good luck!

[@mcgarvy7]

@@GravelCyclist ok thanks

[@Azav312]

Are those gravel tires 700x43 ?? Or different I want to replicate those tires on my domane

[@nohandle641]

Fantastic video and review. What size would you recommend for a 6ft tall, 33" inseam rider?

[@GravelCyclist]

Hello there, I suggest you contact your local Trek dealer, bike fit is a very personal thing. Thank you.

[@paulgeronimo4613]

Hi! I'm planning on building an all-road bike. Would you know if this frame will take the new 105 di2 12 speed? Thanks!

[@GravelCyclist]

Hello there, it certainly will accept that groupset. Good luck with your build!

[@diegoeleazar9154]

The great thing about this bike is the geometry. Most "endurance" carbon bikes are dull. Since its made from aluminum it is stiff. I believe that comfort comes from wheels and body position. It's perfect for 🦖 people.

[@aengus.l]

Gen 4 says 35mm max clearance?

[@mikaelchristensen9486]

Quick q....what spec number is this? Cant find a gen 4 in that colour😢

[@GravelCyclist]

Looks to be out of stock on the Trek website. "Hex Blue to Marianas Blue Fade"

[@Gravel-Cult]

Nice to finally see the Vette in its full beauty! What year?

[@GravelCyclist]

1971, matching numbers 454 LS5, genuine AC car, 4-speed, and low miles... < 50K miles.

[@Gravel-Cult]

@@GravelCyclist Low miles definitely make it a keeper! : ) I knew someone that bought one of the backup cars from the "Stringray" TV series which was filmed here in BC. It was mess in terms of the modifications they made to the car, but it looked cool. I have no idea if he kept it as he was flipping vettes trying to get to an early model convertible Corvette which was his dream car.

[@GravelCyclist]

Some of those TV / movie cars are highly desirable to the right collector.

[@bazejponoc2058]

Hello Gravel Cyclist !! How tall are you ?? And what size bike do you have ?? Thanks in advance for your answer !!

[@ktb5741]

Hooray! The return of General Madness!

[@GravelCyclist]

This one was a bit different from the norm.

[@ktb5741]

Still loved it. Gave us a better look at that sweet Vette!

[@GravelCyclist]

I have a few more personal vehicles that may feature in future videos. You could say I'm a fan of muscle cars / sports cars :)

[@nicolotomasini4523]

Hello, on the old Trek Domane AL2 or AL3 Gen3 the tyre clearance on website is declared 35mm, is possible to fit 38? A reseller told me he putted 38 mm on the old gen3. As confirmed 38 on the new one, have you tried on the Gen3 to fit a bigger tyre? This question because I am evaluating a trek AL2 or AL3 Gen3 or the new gen… thank you!

[@GravelCyclist]

Sorry, no experience with a Gen 3. Good luck!

[@YetAnotherToken]

I cannot answer by my own experience, yet, but I ordered a Trek Domane AL5 Gen3 a minute ago and hope to receive it in a week. I assume that a 38 will fit in the rear as I read s.o. else reporting this. Probably it will make a difference what tyre model you choose as some are narrow, some are wider than spec'd.

[@nicolotomasini4523]

@@YetAnotherToken ok thank you, because as newbie I don’t know if 35mm is enough for gravel or not…

[@GravelCyclist]

I rode 35mm on gravel for years, before wider tyres were a thing. You'll be fine, and develop some good skills in loose conditions.

[@YetAnotherToken]

No Insights, yet. Hand noch Tine top Ride my new bike, yet.

[@Flinches]

Are they making an ALR version?

[@GravelCyclist]

Not that I am aware of.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Awesome bike for beginners. I see the AL5 comes with the 105 12 speed. I'd spend the additional $300 to get that. Upgrade wheels/tires down the road.

[@GravelCyclist]

Have to agree Hans, the 105 12-speed is worth the extra cost.

[@anteros3584]

On one side I agree, however atleast here in the Netherlands the 105 di2 full groupset is now on sale for €950. The cheapest Trek Domane is the AL2 for €1200 with all the same components besides groupset and bottom bracket. Would probably buy the AL2 and upgrade to 105 di2 for it's compatibility with higher end groupsets.

[@caseypleasant1922]

Trying to decide if the extra $300 for the AL 5 is worth it?

[@GravelCyclist]

Only you can decide that. Good luck with your decision!

[@kiwi22207]

It would be if the colors weren't so awful on the 5

[@Zelchacha]

@@kiwi22207 dude, i want the AL 5 with this colorway jesus lol, not really wanting that matte black, even if it does look clean. This with the gravel tires is nice!!

[@keith_cottongim]

I commented on the video you made earlier on the carbon Trek Domane. Maybe last year??? I have an open mold frame that is very similar to the same geometry as the Domane. With 40mm tires I get toe strikes with real tight turns. Which I rarely make a turn that tight, I do run my cleats all the way back (road shoes if I use my MTB shoes it’s worse) and wear a size 13 shoe. As a gravel bike the Domane would be a short wheelbase.

[@GravelCyclist]

For certain, the Domane AL or its carbon brethren, are not fully fledged gravel bikes, but they work well enough in this capacity. Thus, I chose to show that functionality with the new variant of the AL's increased tyre clearance, in real-world riding scenarios. This was a short-term vs my usual much longer-term review, but I didn't pull any tight turns to experience toe overlap issues. Thank you.

[@ianthedondaws7559]

What are doing with your life ? Mmm I think your enjoying it very much 👍🤘🏻keep it up

[@lokerola]

This looks like it could make a good cyclocross bike. You might want to throw on a GRX 400 46/30 crankset and some CX tires and be ready to race. Hmmmmm.... EDIT - Sweet Vette!

[@kasu1033]

It's unsafe to ride a Domane at a CX race. The pedals hit the rough ground so easily due to lowered bottom bracket.

[@kumsatx]

What's maximum clearance ?

[@GravelCyclist]

This is referenced in the video, did you watch?

[@dortadamas]

Domane breaking Checkpoint

[@stevenfreeman7798]

Al5 mutch better and the gearing is better with 12 speeds and a 34 tooth cog on the back so 1 to 1 gear ratio bloody handy on the steep stuff as these bikes are not the lightest!!!.

[@thedownunderverse]

I just can’t get past the headset routing. No rubber washers or grommets to prevent water ingress. Just lazy.

[@GravelCyclist]

Definitely an area that gets overlooked. With the latest trend of high end frames and their full integration, I would consider something like Enduro's XD15 bearing with a lifetime warranty. Rebuilding a headset is the last thing you want to do with full integration! Total PITA!

[@thedownunderverse]

@@GravelCyclist the high end frames that route through the bars and into the stem are fine enough (if one is going for the slick racer build), though certainly a PITA to change position. At least they don’t expose bearings! But these hole-in-the-headset implementations are just plain dumb. I was in a Trek store today looking at one of these and couldn’t believe how exposed these designs leave the headset and the bearings and thus ingress to the whole inside of the frame. James Huang commented similar on his review of a high end Madone.

[@GravelCyclist]

@@thedownunderverse James Huang, good mate of mine. One of the few journos not FOS.