2021 Trek Domane AL4 // A Worthy Road Bike With Affordable Pricetag?

[@blue-ck9ns]

I just picked up a 2021 Domane Al 3 Disc in white. I live in Los Angeles, and all of the local stores I checked with were backordered for 6+ months, but I found a store 5 hours north from me near San Francisco who had one in stock that was my size (58cm) and the exact color (white) that I wanted. It was the only one in stock in the entire state of CA, and I've been wanting this bike since May. It was much worth the 5 hour drive though, because I love the bike, it's a joy to ride, and now I don't have to wait 6 months!

[@dustinbjohnson]

Thats awesome! Good find. I love that color! Enjoy that bike!

[@Radimkiller]

Hi, how tall are you? I'm considering picking Al 4 58cm, but I'm not sure if the sizing is right for me. I'm 182cm.

[@blue-ck9ns]

@@Radimkiller I’m the exact same height, and 58cm fits me perfectly. Anything over 58cm is for people who are taller than 6 feet. 182cm is about 5’11 and a half (which is my height), so 58cm is the size you’ll want

[@Radimkiller]

@@blue-ck9ns Thanks! How's the bike, btw?

[@blue-ck9ns]

@@Radimkiller Still loving it! It’s a joy to ride

[@georgemacf]

I've got this AL4 on a 58cm. I'm 6,3. Moved from Cannondale Caadx to this and so much more comfortable and just as fast.

[@itzzzme..1350]

Hey George, thought as per the size chart we would need 61size ... I am 6'1" ..any comments?

[@georgemacf]

@@itzzzme..1350 Hey, I found the 61 too stretched out. The 58 just felt better. My seat post is fairly high I suppose, but if you 6,1 shouldn't be a concern

[@itzzzme..1350]

So basically you're suggesting for me to go with 58 right? Also, My inseams measure 93cms...

[@itzzzme..1350]

@@georgemacf ...

[@dustinbjohnson]

Thats great to hear! I've always wanted to get on a caadx. thanks for the feedback!

[@HarishChouhan]

I was going to buy but only AL3 is available with Sora and upgrading it to 105 would be more expensive than getting 105 one whenever it's available. I saw it in person and tested it and was really comfortable to ride it.

[@dustinbjohnson]

Its always cheaper to just buy the bike that has the parts you want. Upgrading gets very expensive. Especially from sora to 105 because your going from 9 speed to 11 speed. Alot more parts that need to be changed

[@yorkbrick]

Waiting for the 2021 Domane AL5. I wasn't into a "gravel bike" purchase but, these Domane's fit the mold of 80% road and 20% gravel perfect blend.

[@dustinbjohnson]

It really is the ultimate bike for both. Can definitely handle light gravel duty and still keep pace on the road!

[@pasha355]

@@dustinbjohnson I got myself 38mm tyres and went offroad yesterday. Smooth like butter!

[@dustinbjohnson]

@@pasha355 yes!! What tire did you get??

[@pasha355]

​@@dustinbjohnson

[@pasha355]

Schwalbe ultrabite!

[@natedagreat90]

They should make this bike with the 300 series aluminum

[@dustinbjohnson]

Couldn't agree more. Their ALR frames ride so much better

[@danieljudd2519]

@@dustinbjohnson How about fitting 30mm tires to an Emonda ALR Disc, should fit, then you can do some gravel with your road bike and benefit from the better frame..?

[@mrlister482]

That would make it perfect, they should release something like that soon!

[@deseanhalley3066]

I went with the AL4 as well. Got it yesterday can't wait to get out on the road.

[@dustinbjohnson]

Awesome! That bike is a blast!

[@riteshsuthar7057]

Guess you had it a few months, what do think?

[@deseanhalley3066]

@@riteshsuthar7057 it's a great bike. I didn't get out as much this summer due to the birth of my first child in May. But the few miles I did get were smooth. The Tiagra Groupset is great as well. If you have to extra money I would go with a better wheel set but that's just nitpicking.

Hi, thanks for the honest review. I am a mountain biker as well, although more of XC/Trail type. :) I own Ibis DV9 in trail variant (2.6 tires, 120 mm fork and dropper). I like to challenge those Strava KOMs uphill and downhill while still have fun on the trail. I always liked the freedom and versatility on MTB. However, I think of getting second bike for those day long adventures and rides mostly on tarmac or light gravel and I am torn between endurance bike and gravel. Don't want to spend whole lot of money on second bike. I start to lean more towards endurance bike, as they can handle light gravel as well and I reserve singletracks for my Ibis.

[@dustinbjohnson]

I really like the endurance geo bikes!! They can really do it all! But im going to drop a video soon of my new gravel bike... its pretty sweet! and reasonably priced!!

[@mk30b25]

Was intrsted on boone but domane can also carry 35s. Also more into long distance now.

[@dustinbjohnson]

Yah Boone is more of a Race bike geo. Domane and checkpoint would be the better comparison !

[@props651]

Maaan... I feel like the Tiagra is slept on. I have ultegra and 105. I also have 2 Tiagra 4700 groups. Solid, reliable and is all you really need.

[@dustinbjohnson]

I was really impressed with the quality of tiagra.

[@jacks23sparrow]

I like Domane AL3 and FX3 Which one is the value for money

[@Nahduge]

May I know what handlebar bag that is? Does it pinch the cables?

[@dustinbjohnson]

I think it’s called the speedsleeve. Love it!

[@Bravesdarrell8552]

I picked up a SL5 a month ago. ❤️ it....

[@zeytountsi6109]

Great review. I’m actually moving from Los Angeles to Boise in 2 months and was thinking of getting the al4. Do streets in Boise have good amount of bike lanes to ride?

[@Astrolavista]

Thanks for this! I really enjoyed your review, excellent insights you clearly know your stuff. It's so hard to look at the lens when there's a flippy screen around though hey, I do the same sometimes lol Really tempted by the AL2 or maybe push for Sora on the AL3 (although the AL2 looks so nice in Black and gold). I'm a bit worried about the weight but I'm currently riding a 11Kg no name bike with a frame two sizes too small so I'm pretty sure it will be a decent upgrade. Again cheers for your insights :)

[@gustavopaulette3496]

Would you recommend 2023 FX Sport 4 or this Domane AL 4? I originally got a 2023 FX3 last week but went back to exchange for an 2023 FXSport 5 that they ordered and will take a while. I’m thinking this one is a decent option too. My main concern is I have a bad back and need to be somewhat upright. Thank you kind sir

[@dustinbjohnson]

I have never rode the FXSport so I can’t give any opinion on that. Sorry

[@gustavopaulette3496]

@@dustinbjohnson but you rode the FX3 right? I think saw you had it for a while. Would you consider this AL4 much better than the FX3?

[@opelpro2260]

what did you buy?​@@gustavopaulette3496

[@Thefloppyearedcyclist]

Really ODD.. I have taken a step back from carbon fibre, my last was bike was a high spec Ribble. But I’ve decided I feel more confident on an aluminium frame ( bizarre right? ) So anyway I brought the AL 4 in white with the gold accents, looks awesome by the way! But the welds are so messy! Is it just me? I think a toddler could do better… thoughts?? I know it’s a budget frame but come on!

[@dustinbjohnson]

My bad dude.. I would really to see this bike in an ALR frameset yes. Frame feels much better in construction

[@Thefloppyearedcyclist]

Oh no, I feel like you’ve read that as an attack, I actually brought this bike .. but have since sent it back due to the craftsmanship.. your video was actually the reason I brought it in the first place. Ahh well.. wasn’t an attack.. I just wanted your feedback on the welds on your bike.. did you feel they were rough and rushed?

[@0741921]

Sadly lots of alum bikes have awful welds it's crazy. You should see canyons. Even their high end al bikes have ugly welds

[@BrianRPaterson]

I agree. I think AL will be more robust and last longer than carbon. My alloy Cannondale XS800 is now 20 years old and still going strong. Cheers

[@leftyseel8658]

The stock tires have a max 70 psi right? My brother has this bike. What tire peessure should he run? He’s around 165-175 maybe.

[@filipski595]

It started pretty good, then there was a lot of 'blabling' would be good if you'd write to yurself couple point you want to talk about. Also mabe make some shots of details of the bike and talk over it later. I'm curius how wide tyres you can fit and how it actually looks in real life (factory spec is not always accurate), is it suitable for putting racks on it for longer tours, mudguards? Don't get me wrong you've mentioned some interesting things like geometry and how it feels, but there was a lot of repeatancy and going from on side of spectrum to another... what make some of your points... meaningless. Cheers dude

[@dustinbjohnson]

Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate it! Always looking to make my videos better moving forward. I'll definitely take what you said into consideration and implement that in future videos! Cheers dude!

[@darinsteele7091]

32c or 35c don't really need carbon, except if you want lighter weight.

[@dustinbjohnson]

100% agree

[@rotten8000]

you can install tubeless tires on this bike?

[@dustinbjohnson]

Yup!

[@garrettsmith8286]

~100% Agree about the ALR I don't like the Alpha 100 at this price or on any road bike. Hybrid sure but not on a road bike! If it was Alpha 300 like the Emonda ALR I would have bought it! Instead I purchased a Specialized Allez. Better bike for the money with cooler color options. Treks colors are boring unless you spend top dollar.~

[@dustinbjohnson]

good call on the Allez that was one of the bikes i looked at!! would love to get some time on one!!

[@heve3559]

Hey men, thanks a lot for the video, this bike looks amazing. I am going to buy a new bike for me and can't decide between the Domane AL 4 Disc 2022 and the Benelli R22 4.0 Pro Carb Disk, have you maybe heard about Benelli? I mean Trek is a very known brand that guarantees quality but the Benelli even do is not very known, in terms of parts offers better quality parts price wise.

[@dustinbjohnson]

No problem! I have not heard of Benelli. I tend to stay with bigger brands due to better resale value

[@heve3559]

@@dustinbjohnson Thanks a lot for the answer, I was thinking the exact same think, thank you very much.

[@justinh7560]

I just got the AL2 disc. The brakes aren't hydraulic unfortunately. With that said, I would probably recommend the AL4. But with stock the way it is, the AL2 was what was in stock. Overall I'm happy, and the price wasn't bad at all, just shy of $1,200 it's hard to beat.

[@mobajwa]

I’m considering the AL2. How’s your AL2 ? Any major concerns with it ?

[@justinh7560]

@@mobajwa It’s a great bike overall. Can’t complain

[@helloyogeshpatel]

If you are light weight like me 58 -60 kg you will be ok with mechanical you can change cable

[@tomasmanrique400]

Thank you very much for this detailed insight. I am seriously considering getting my first proper road bike, but not the Domane AL 4 since it is a couple of hundreds out of my budget, but instead buying an AL 3 (sora with mechanical discs). I think that the 3 downsides (weight, rattling cables and "cheap feel") are not dealbreaker. What I wanted to ask you is, considering that I will get the AL 3 and I will mostly ride on flat tarmac and here in my city we have mostly very sunny weather, is it possible as future upgrades to fit hydraulic discs on it (like the tiagra ones or even the 105)? Putting 35mm tires would I be comfortable to do some light gravel (light dirt roads where cars can go) or is it more like a stretch? And finally, and following your advice of fitting a 28mm tire for road use (I think that the best is to have 2 pair of wheels, one for road and the other one for gravel stuff without having 2 bikes), does it make sense to upgrade the stock bontrager wheels (I don't know how much those bontrager wheels weight and how aero are them) in order to fit a more aero and lightweight wheels (E.g. Hunt 34)? I would like to read your insight and if it makes sense those upgrades or maybe I need to look in other things to upgrade! Thank you :)

[@tomasmanrique400]

BTW I decided to go for the AL 4 and I am on the waiting list

[@dustinbjohnson]

Hey Tomas thanks for your input! I greatly appreciate it! I like where your head is at, but here is the problem I see. So if you buy a bike that has a mechanical 10 speed transmission you going to run into problems trying to convert your cable disc to hydraulic. You might be able to put tiagra hydro disc on since it is 10 speed but I'm not sure how cost efficient thats going to be since you will need new hood and brakes. I would look at the TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes. They are fantastic and reasonably priced. Other then that it's always better to save up and buy the bike that has what you want. Saves money in the long run! hope that helps! Hit me up if you have any further questions!! Cheers

[@tomasmanrique400]

@@dustinbjohnson Oh Thanks Dustin! I ended up ordering the AL 4 for the reason that you explained. I am only concerned at this moment for the sizing of the bike. Ordered a 54 size following exactly (I'd buy yours but I am in Spain hehe) the Trek advice and the LBS advice, I am 5'7.5 and 31.3" inseam. Hope that it isn't too big for me. I know that I can play with the stem size. I would thank you for any further advice on this. I think that I am able to change my order to a 52 at this point. Thank you!

[@johnmanuel7561]

@@tomasmanrique400 the Domane overall are nice bikes. I have an SL5 and you will not be disappointed. And you are smart to stay within your budget. Hope you enjoy it as much as i have!

[@sebaslap]

@@tomasmanrique400 Tomas I have the same height and inseam as you (172cm/79cm) and size 52 is great. 54 was too big. I have an AL3 and regret not getting an AL4 or AL5.

[@mindremapping-CPS]

The rattling cables are extremely annoying, came close to throw the bike while riding. It really interupts flow.

[@bluupbrr286]

Dude, either you’ve got anger issues or you’re rich.

[@mindremapping-CPS]

@@bluupbrr286 Anger issue's. When I am in the zone or working toward it, I hate interuptions.

[@bluupbrr286]

@@mindremapping-CPS well i hope you progress through them. Cheers

[@mindremapping-CPS]

@@bluupbrr286 I do...thanks, but I do it again the following day, and then the following day, I'm addicted

[@bluupbrr286]

@@mindremapping-CPS ❤️

[@edmundgil6008]

Excellent, honest review! I’m one of the thousand waiting for Trek to finally deliver the new AL6 Domanes. Tempted to reconsider getting an AL5? Thank you bro, and I hope you continue to review more road & gravel bikes!

[@dustinbjohnson]

Thanks man! I'm considering the SL5 when I can find one! Hope they do and ALR version too. Id like to see that!

[@mikebrown600]

Wait for the SL 6. You won’t be disappointed.

[@dustinbjohnson]

@@mikebrown600 SL6 looks soooo good

[@JitinMisra]

@@dustinbjohnson i just ordered a fx3, it comes with 32 tires, you think its worth going to racier tires like 28? I'm new to biking. Also, how does fit feel on this compared to a fitness bike like fx?

[@show2ime]

@@mikebrown600 I just bought a flat black sl6..great bik3..

[@Sir-Prizse]

I am 5'9, inside leg length of 2'7... would the 54 cm frame fit? I am irritated, because I always ride 52 cm. I'm interested in the Domane AL 2 Disc because I'm looking for a reliable commuter after 4 months of struggling with my 26 lbs gravel fixie. I have hopelessly overtrained myself with it and am desperately looking for a gravel bike with mechanical disc brakes and Claris 8-speed. I usually only ride racier bikes, like the Merida Scultura... or the legendary Trek 5500 OCLV 120, but on my way to work I ride over forest paths, hills, extremely broken roads and that in all seasons.

[@dustinbjohnson]

I'll have to check my inseam but im 5'10 with shoes and I've always road a 54cm. 52 is too small for me personally..

[@Sir-Prizse]

@@dustinbjohnson Thanks!

[@Sir-Prizse]

@@dustinbjohnson Have you ever tried to use 35 mm tires like the Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus or would the frame not allow it?

[@dustinbjohnson]

@@Sir-Prizse I had schwalbe g-one all arounders 35mm on my checkpoint. Great tires. They should definitely mount up to the domane

[@Sir-Prizse]

@@dustinbjohnson Great, that bike seems to be extremely versatile, would really make a perfect commuter bike. I could even through snow with it.

[@blizzbee]

So.. you go from Ultegra to 105.. and now to Tiagra ???

[@dustinbjohnson]

This was just a temporary bike. As a bike tester it's good to try everything so you can compare and contrast. Right now I'm on an Checkpoint SL with GRX 812

[@amirulhairee]

Hey I am looking to pre-order this. How tall are you as I think I am a 54 too. Any idea on the weight? Thanks for the video!

[@dustinbjohnson]

I'm just under 5'10" and 54 is perfect!! Was like 23-24lbs with pedals and bottle cages

[@amirulhairee]

@@dustinbjohnson thanks! I am 5'7" and my local Trek website suggested a 54 for me which didn't seem right.

[@dustinbjohnson]

@@amirulhairee id try a 54 and 52 and you can mess around with stem length to get the perfect fit!

[@MJ-ey2jx]

@@amirulhairee I'm 5'7 as well.. thought a 54 was my size but I went to multiple trek dealerships and I was suggested to get a 52.. which I did and its perfect.

[@0741921]

@@MJ-ey2jx idk if al frames are different but I have the sl in 54 at 5'7" and it's fine. Infact could even go a bit bigger. The website shows 54 for the 5'7" too.

Hello, what do you suggest in a same price level? I suppose it is best brand new bike for 2000€ (in Turkey)

[@dustinbjohnson]

I'd recommend the Cannondale Synapse 105 model!

@@dustinbjohnson thank you so much

[@dustinbjohnson]

@ 🍻

[@Snicker60515]

This is the bike I originally wanted when I decided it was time to upgrade from my Trek hybrid. Of course, the red one in a 49 won't be available until 2023, so I decided to go ahead and purchase something way more than I was originally willing to spend to have one sooner.(Specialized Roubaix Comp) But I will be adding to that one a Blendr stem because I love using it on my current bike. But I'm gonna justify the exorbitant cost since I'm getting a promotion at my job and from all the reviews it's about as comfortable as you could want. But I love Trek and while it's sort of a bummer you didn't decide to keep the bike, you do have other priorities as a cyclist, which is totally understandable. Good summary!

[@Cranberry1669]

Hey, Do you still have this bike? I am 5'5. I am interested in buying this bike.

[@dustinbjohnson]

Hey Jay! Sorry it sold last month!

[@Cranberry1669]

@@dustinbjohnson thank you for letting me know.

[@JitinMisra]

@@dustinbjohnson if you had to place a number of miles, where a road bike is worth it over a fitness bike what would that be? I just bought a trek fx3, and as a beginner, am already doing 10-15 miles, debating if i should have gotten a roadie

[@dustinbjohnson]

@@JitinMisra if you're even thinking about it, id go for the road bike! Night and day difference

[@Cranberry1669]

I just bought a new Trek domane AL2 disc. I love it.

[@jacobmecaral.4148]

oooo. i just pre- ordered the bike today. sad part is. I'm getting it 8 months from now. kinda sad but im waiting for a beautiful bike to be in my hands. greetings. Long Beach, California.

[@dustinbjohnson]

Oh wow! 8 months!!! If your a size 54 just buy this one! Its only got 100 miles 😜

[@jacobmecaral.4148]

@@dustinbjohnson darn it.😭 I’m a 56 being at 5’9 with a 32’ inseam. I feel like your bike with a 54’ might be perfect and it shouldn’t matter especially since I’m 17 and flexible unlike older people who begin to get stiffer on the body but this size was based on the Treks sizing chart as well as the bicycle center I bought it from. I don’t know if I’ll take it. But I thank you for handing me out the offer sir!!

[@MrSepox]

How tall are you since you have the 54

[@dustinbjohnson]

5'10"

[@TheAlphadog77]

How tall are you my friend?

[@dustinbjohnson]

5'10"

[@PaddleDogC5]

How great is it again?

[@dustinbjohnson]

I'd say it's pretty great.

[@dustinbjohnson]

Like really pretty great. Super great.

[@PaddleDogC5]

@@dustinbjohnson sure?

[@PaddleDogC5]

@@dustinbjohnson sure?

[@dustinbjohnson]

@@PaddleDogC5 I think I'm pretty sure maybe

[@sharkyy12]

Im new to biking and im wondering if you can switch out the 32 wheels for 28 wheels by just changing the tire or do you have to change like the rim and other stuff too?

[@bingobango6412]

No luckily not that expensive! But you need to buy the same sized inner tubes as the tires you are going to buy.

[@stevek4382]

Who said you can wear baggy shorts on a road bike. Lmao I’m looking at possibility purchasing the domaine Al 5.

[@kirk0831]

Did you get discount? How much you bought it?

[@sharkyy12]

He got it for 1600$

[@moisesblanquel1645]

Are the 28s on the stock wheels?

[@dustinbjohnson]

Yup stock wheels

[@arndtbc]

@@dustinbjohnson What did you the think of the Affinity TLR wheels? Just building up a Checkpoint ALR frame and I was gifted a set of these. This bike is going to be more of a road bike 105 setup. I already have a Checkpoint SL5 that i use for gravel and an all around use.

[@dustinbjohnson]

@@arndtbc they get the job done. But I would look for something lighter and stiffer

[@samfoster5553]

How tall are you? :)

[@dustinbjohnson]

5'10"

[@samfoster5553]

@@dustinbjohnson Thanks! My local bike shop said I should get a 54cm and I'm 5'7 :S

[@dianperdana9419]

nice bike

[@dustinbjohnson]

Thank you!

[@BryanIrhehlblackmetal]

180.8000 yen nowdays

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Hate to say it but it looks like the roadbike got you a shitload more views

[@dustinbjohnson]

Hahaha check out my Hightower video.. I think its over 20k!

[@Sivah_Akash]

Affordable?! 🥲

[@tsangs3363]

I can pick up a motorcycle with this money.