2023 Trek Domane SLR Long-Term Real-World Review

[@gair1944]

Great review. I just picked up a 2023 Domane SLR 7 (Ultegra Di2) and it is exceeding my expectations. Exceptional blend of comfort, quickness & great handling. It fits me very well. I did a pro bike-fit with a local pro cycling shop and they made very few adjustments and were very impressed with the Trek Segafredo team color paint job. (Red Metallic to Blue Fade) I am blown away. I don't race but I do push myself and this is a bike I can grow with.

[@JohnPerales]

Congrats Gary!!! I just picked up the SL7 Di2 yesterday. Upgrade form a 2014 Domane 4.7 I'm glad I waited for this model year. Can't wait to ride this thing everywhere!

[@gair1944]

@@JohnPerales congrats to you! What a great bike! What color did you get?

[@adamsteineke4661]

I have thousands of miles on my 2020 Domane SL7, I'll be honest, I have never noticed anything with the front ISO Speed... I use my Domane as a do it all bike with two wheelsets. It's a tad heavy, but ultra comfortable, so I'm very happy.

[@e.con5712]

Domani AL2 rim brake, nothing proprietary, Shimano Claris eight speed is at this moment $1000. You can change entire group set, put on carbon wheels seat, and handlebars basically only keeping the frame and you could still be a quarter of the price of their top-of-the-line bike. As long as you’re OK with a rim bike that could take 30 to 32 mm tires and an aluminum frame. Still has excellent geometry and will ride most roads that most riders will use. Thank you for the review of this aspirational bike.

[@Moon_Dance]

Thank you for the review. Ordered Domane SLR 9 eTap and waiting for it to arrive here in Korea. Your video is informative and makes me think I made the right choice although I had to hide the price from my wife 🤪

[@johnchouinard6947]

Should be picking my SLR7 next week. Getting it with the RSL51 wheels and the RSL Aero bars that are used on the SL Madone . Can't wait!

[@ianccrook8899]

Been riding a Domane SLR 7 for a few years … a really good bike, strong, trouble free and lovely to ride.

[@GravelCyclist]

Hello there, assuming your Domane is a Gen 3 bike?

[@ianccrook8899]

@@GravelCyclist morning … we’ll, I guess so, bought in Priority One paint in days before Covid, Ultegra di2, front and rear SIS and Dow tube hatch etc … so that puts it into a timeframe ! Tubeless Pirelli 32s so very comfy and about to fit an 11/36 cluster for the 7 Peaks ride … I know, I know, but I’m 78 and may need some extra ‘granny’ gear! 😁

[@alangrant7349]

Picking up my 3rd Domane on Friday. I bought a used one to eventually put it in an in-door trainer. I had a pre-2020 model that was wonderful. Had an aluminum one that was awful. Getting an SL5 with 105 Mechanical Friday.

[@KentS.]

When cycling in wet conditions make sure to dry out the storage area in the downtube. The toolbag will be wet soaked and the metal stuff will start to rust.

[@deanhart8154]

Great review - as usual! My SL frameset arriving in June. Cheers for the nudge

[@neilmacdonald6050]

After shipping and availability issues snarled my SLR 9 Project One order, Trek agreed to simply sell me the frameset, which was a perfect outcome. I had zero interest in Bontrager wheels or Shimano/SRAM components. Ultimately, I had it painted matte black with the smallest of decals on the top tube. Then I had it built with Rolf AR wheels, a Specialized Power Pro Mirror saddle, and Campagnolo EPS 12-speed groupset. (The wired, not wireless version….I have no interest in constantly having to change batteries). In any case, the final product is remarkable. Freakishly comfortable and remarkably light. It soaks up rough roads. I no longer bother getting out of the saddle when I see a rough patch ahead. Pricey, but superb. (I had originally set out to buy a Roubaix S-Works, which was simply unavailable, because Specialized is busy building gravel bikes. Gravel biking is incomprehensible to me).

[@GravelCyclist]

Campy SR EPS 12-speed, top-flight stuff. I've handled the latest wireless stuff, nowhere near as aesthetically pleasing as the wired variants.

[@edmundgil6008]

I loved this review! 2nd watch, and I viewed all the way through to the Big, Scary, pup 🐶🐶🐶 attack at the very end! I’m in the market for a Domane, either SLR 7 Ultegra Di2, or a more affordable SL 6 105 Di2, with all carbon part upgrades; (wheels, saddle & handlebars). I love the ride performance thoughts during your many rides, especially how you cover different types of rides. I was focused before watching; now I’m even more certain of my upcoming purchase! Thanks mate! 🙏🏽🚴🍻💜💚

[@jevgeniardassov]

Looking at specs, there is about a 1 kilo difference between 5k and 13k bike. Yes the groupset is a premium. But I bet You can get a 5k version, add another 2,5k and get very same results. Also to get the reach I want I need a 58cm frame which is just too big for me.

[@user-us9yk4kl2s]

whack a longer stem on it then?...

[@alandoss9352]

I'm a 58cm frame in my Checkpoint and a 56cm in my older Cannondale Dura-Ace Six13. Both bikes came stock with 110cm stems. 6 feet tall with longish arms and added a Zipp SL Aluminum stem in the 130mm size and couldn't be happier.100$ or 230$ for the carbon version.

[@stevenfreeman7798]

Would love to see you test the ALR 5 version as I don't think many people have! Plus would be very interesting to see what you think of the best alloy version. Many thanks for the video!.

[@stevenfreeman7798]

@diesel9677 still available in the UK

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

So many proprietary parts… it’s lovely but no thanks. My Domane ALR is more than I’ll ever need and compatible with all sorts of aftermarket components. I’d also happily give away the IsoSpeed in return for a quieter bike and less maintenance.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Can't go wrong with the ALR version. A little less tire clearance compared to the carbon version though.

[@GravelCyclist]

I'm happy to say this bike has been 100% noise free thus far.

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

@@hansschotterradler3772 indeed… it’s less of a do-it-all, but as a road bike it’s just *chef’s kiss*

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

@@GravelCyclist update: mine has produced more noises from the seatpost in the seattube than from the iso speed… buuuut a rigid frame reduces the potential noise sources and makes for easier living. Plus… mine has a rubber cover that keeps the seattube in place. Without it, the tube moves side to side… and I’m already on my second rubber thingy. My bike WILL be rendered useless sooner rather than later, unfortunately, as the spare is no longer in production

[@hansschotterradler3772]

@@RicardoRocha-lg1xo I've been recommending the ALR version to beginner cyclists. I believe it gives them a comfortable road bike without breaking the bank. And you can easily upgrade it.

[@keith_cottongim]

With the larger gravel tires did you have toe strikes? The Domane has a 36mm shorter wheelbase compared to the Checkpoint. 10mm of that is in the chainstay. Great review!

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you Keith! No toe strikes on 700c x 40mm tyres. 42mm was about the biggest I could fit into the bike, but not recommended due to limited clearance.

[@cmarnold78]

I have a 2022 and I love this bike. I have it set up as a Road/Triathlon bike with aero bars and the Aeolus Pro 51 wheels. With the original wheels I am going to set up as a Gravel bike so great to hear no problems with the 40s as these seem to have much more variety available than 38mm tire options.

[@jessezarate6571]

Hi! Which 40s? And do you have any photos you can share if the setup?

[@60westpro]

Amazing review !! Thank you , Sir

[@goodboyringo9716]

All I can do is watch the video because at SLR $8,000 - $13,000 It's over the moon for a bike. If I didn't have a strong heart I'd have a stroke looking at the price tag. Thanks for the video.

[@robp3431]

Super-detailed and interesting review ! I have enough bikes at the moment, but will check out the saddle.

[@rickbeckner9906]

I have a couple of Verse saddles (alloy rails). Good saddle. A nice feature is that they have extra long rails and can help with some bike fit issues.

[@roadglide]

Great job JOM! Nice equipment reviews coming out the biggest Gravel review camp.

[@patrickrenschler]

thanks for the review! have you had a chance to try a checkpoint yet? would be interesting to see how they compare, leaning towards checkpoint for extra tire clearance but I dislike "slugish" bikes (didn't enjoy the diverge), want something that handles more like a road bike.

[@peters8504]

It checks all the boxes. I hope to see more bikes like that from other brands.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Thanks for another top notch bike review! Awesome bike. Serious $$$.

[@simonhallgbduathlete]

I was looking at a gravel bike most of my riding on roads and was thinking that a Domane could be a better investment as looks like it's pretty good on gravel and therefore you're getting to for the price of one.

[@GravelCyclist]

A solid choice for sure 👌

[@harrymurphey2634]

... I purchased a White & Red 2013 Domane 5.2 Carbon , Ultegra 3X10, Rim Brakes w/ tubeless R2's, weighing @ 16 lbs 4 ozs ... just love it ... super smooth riding !!! BUT (!!!!) all the new bikes are COMPACT DOUBLES ... I will never own a Compact Double (my legs hate them !!!!) ... so I will pedal my Gen 1 "5.2" awhile longer ....

[@GravelCyclist]

Check out all of the 1x bikes nowadays, your legs will truly hate those, and the ultra annoying gaps between each gear, particularly with the wider ratio cassettes!

[@MorrisButchart-w9e]

My Domane + SLR7 does not display the power I am putting into the pedals when travelling at more than the maximum legal e-assist mode in Europe. That has the effect of distorting the average power on Garmin Connect & STRAVA. This affects the fitness levels and training calculations by both applications. The amount of time during which the bike is travelling at over the maximum legal e-assist power distorts the calculations. Due to the e-assist recording zero power input over long rides when travelling above the legal maximum speed. Resulting in my average power input via the pedals dropping to averages such as 11 watts over longer rides. The TQ display unit developed a fault so could only be switched on by inserting the charger plug. It was not necessary to turn on mains electricity. The display unit and e-assist could then be switched off by pressing the button on the display unit. So I had to carry the charger when out on the bike. Until TREK checked the system and replaced the display unit under warranty. Replacing the display unit resolved the start-up problem but has not fully resolved the power input problems. I know there is a magnet speed unit attached to the rear wheel which has a single magnet. With a power meter or power metres in the bottom bracket or motor. I assume there are separate power meters to allow the display unit to show the power input by me via the pedals in comparison with the power input from the TQ motor relative to the power input via the pedals visible on the display unit. Does the variation in power displayed by the pedals particularly when travelling above the legal e-assist speed indicate a problem with the system and is there any way I can check and correct that lack of power input from the pedals when travelling above the maximum e-assist speed? The lack of detailed information on the TQ motor and system is a problem. Note I do not want to travel faster with e-assist mode. I just want to have the correct power input from the pedals and the TQ motor displayed correctly within the accuracy of the power meters.

[@GravelCyclist]

You do realize you're complaining about the Domane + on a video review concerning the "acoustic" Domane, right? I understand you have reached out to Trek, but why do you think it appropriate to rain on the parade of my review with your comments? Shouldn't you be complaining / posting to Trek? Finally, I don't understand why you're so worked up about power measurement on an eBike. Idea: Enjoy the ride, let the Strava garbage go, uploading your data to that operation isn't worth your time. Enjoy the scenery and the freedom of no Strava affirmation!

[@MorrisButchart-w9e]

@@GravelCyclist I am not complaining. I always find TREK very helpful and they replaced the display on my SLR 7 E-bike. I was looking at u-tube videos on the SLR & Domane + and asked the question you refered to. I don't know why the question appeared on a video on acoustic SLR 7s. I suspect it is a problem associated with social media fact checking.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you for your comments.

[@justsomedude7556]

I hated the Gen 3 front IsoSpeed, it made the ride feeling so dead. I got a Gen 4 and absolutely love the much improved ride quality. Such an improvement

[@GravelCyclist]

Hey Just Some Dude! I heard the Gen 3 front end felt like a loose headset, so I am glad to hear Gen 4 losing front Isospeed is a nice improvement (and weight reduction).

[@justsomedude7556]

@@GravelCyclist That is a spot on definition I never thought of using, but yea, that.

[@rayF4rio]

Hey GC - I just ordered a Time ADHX full Red AXS Wide with ZIpp 303FC, for more than $2000 less than that Trek. Watched your vid of the ADHX and that help me pull the trigger, so thanks! Is the Trek AXS Wide or normal? Curious about any noticeable extra width at the crank. I also got the 36T RD as shown there. But primarily I ride road - very rough roads in the Philippines; and in MN, Near Hastings where you were visiting. Also, what sealant do you recommend if riding on GP5000STR 32mm, at about 55psi. The bike is coming with Stans already in the tires.

[@GravelCyclist]

Hey there, firstly, congrats on the Time ADHX purchase! The AXS on this particular Trek is the regular variant. The giveaway for Wide is the 43/30 chainring ratio pairing. If you're sensitive to Q factor, you can always try the short axle version of the Shimano XTR 9100 series pedal, it's my go to pedal. High pressure sealant is pretty tricky, I've had a mixed bag of luck with road application, but I stick with Orange Seal Endurance. It has worked well for say staples / nails, but a sidewall cut on a roadie tyre I find is usually the death of it. I've cut up way too many roadie tubeless tyres on the sidewall being a dumbar$e, riding mixed surface roads on 25's / 28's!

[@roadglide]

Orange seal.

[@sirvince7853]

Great review! For 2023, I plan to dip my toe into Gravel riding. What breed is Tuesday? I got a dog from the pound that looks like Tuesday, his name is Norman after Storming Norman Schwarzkopf one of the greatest modern-day Generals.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thank you! Storming Norman, an absolute legend, I remember 1991 so well. According to intel from the pound my GF collected her Tuesday from, she is a rat terrier mix.

[@joeyquintana8916]

That bike is the one 4 me lol. Nice bike keep it moving.

[@GravelCyclist]

Hopefully you find one in stock, good luck!

[@timrooke9344]

Great review.You added a 10-36 cassette but kept the derailleur it came with which I presume is the one rated 10-33 ?

[@GravelCyclist]

Hello Tim, yes, I added a 10-36, no changes to the derailleur, or the chain for that matter. Clearly there is a little wiggle room over what is recommended, but your results may vary... always check on the workstand first.

[@MrTeff999]

You had me going until you said $13,000. That’s the price of a new sport bike, half the price of a new car, and double the price of some of the bikes that the pros rode in the Tour de France.

[@GravelCyclist]

The good news is, the next spec down, while still expensive, is close to $8K I believe.

[@justsomedude7556]

I got my Gen 4 SLR 7 back in Nov and absolutely love it. Also enjoying the AXS versus the dI2 that I had been using on an older Domane. I think the bike rides so much better than the Gen 3.

[@GravelCyclist]

Nice one. I think the SLR 7 build for eTap or Di2 is possibly the pick of the build options for this bike.

[@vigneshie]

Hi, what do you prefer about the Gen 4 compared to Gen 3? I am torn between the two.

[@slayermtb_7848]

Hey Jayson, how tall are you and what is your inseam? Thanks and great review , very helpful with my current purchase decision

[@GravelCyclist]

Hey there, a smidge under 5'11", 32". Pay close attention to your saddle height, I had to use the longer seatpost and was close to the limit. What size are you looking at?

[@slayermtb_7848]

@@GravelCyclist thanks for the response 5’8 30.5 inseam , I’m torn between the SLR and RSL model and most likely will go with a small. I like an aggressive fit as well ! 🍻

[@GravelCyclist]

Nice, sounds like you're looking at the size 52 aka 53.0cm top tube.

[@DarrinAbby]

Looks like it could be a great rig for SBT Gravel as well as various Gran Fondo's

[@abderra18]

For mosty gravel & occasional road wouldn't the Checkpoint SLR 7 + road wheels have been a better option?

[@GravelCyclist]

This was a review bike, I didn't have a choice in the bike that was sent to me. If you're looking for a legit gravel bike from Trek, the Checkpoint is the bike for sure. With that said, the Domane SLR is no slouch, just less tyre clearance.

[@whistlerrealestate1]

Question: If I got the lower tier 105 Di2 version of the 2023 Domane would I end up having trouble keeping the chain from skipping off on gravel? I know that the non-GRX Shimano rear derailleurs don't have a clutch. Not talking crazy gravel here - just smooth-ish gravel...

[@GravelCyclist]

Hey there, I've ridden thousands of miles on all manner of gravel sans clutch, you'll have no problems. As an FYI, I am currently long-term reviewing the new Ultegra 12-Speed Di2 which is also sans clutch, it has been running just fine no clutch, etc, on the mixed-surfaced roads less travelled. Good luck!

[@whistlerrealestate1]

@@GravelCyclist Thanks - in your experience, will the Ultegra Di2 8150 rear derailleur work with an 11-36 cassette or is it maxed out with 11-34?

[@GravelCyclist]

@@whistlerrealestate1 I have not had a suitable 11-36 12-speed cassette to try this with, but I would suspect a turn or two of the b-screw (always do small adjustments) would solve this problem easily.

[@hankhill3126]

Any thoughts on the AL5- how does it compare to the higher end versions?

[@GravelCyclist]

Hello Hank, sorry, I've had no exposure to that bike in person.

[@TruthSpeaker1001]

AL-5 is 22-23lbs. I own one and ride 20-30 miles twice weekly. It’s a heavy but smooth riding bike. I average 16mph.

[@rotten8000]

what is that bag on the frame? Can someone send a link to this bag or something similar?

[@GravelCyclist]

Dark Speed Works - darkspeedworks.com - Tell them you saw the bag on the Gravel Cyclist YT channel.

[@Mr.Scorpio79]

Great video, wheels carbon?

[@GravelCyclist]

Yes, the stock Bontrager RSL 37 on this build.

[@rafdegreve]

what it the name and brand of that top tub bag please? is that fixed on the tube with screws?

[@GravelCyclist]

Dark Speed Works, available in fixed with screws or strap to frame. Tell them you saw it on Gravel Cyclist 😄👌

[@joeminer989]

I have a domane frame I'm building up and the bike shop is saying they can't put spacers above the stem. I see that you have spacers above the stem how has that worked out for you?

[@GravelCyclist]

Hi Joe, these are not the stock spacers, they are two round spacers to prevent the stem from bottoming out, which I have slammed. The shop is correct in that you cannot use the two piece Trek spacers above the stem. The stem hasn't budged / loosened off in any way, and you saw how I rode the bike :)

[@joeminer989]

@@GravelCyclist thanks for the reply. I asked the shop about using standard round spacers and they were saying it's not permitted which seems crazy.

[@GravelCyclist]

@@joeminer989 Below, that's a definite, due to how the brake housings run through the headset cap, etc. You see it in my video, it works :)

[@housepfhoopz]

hi thanks for the review wondering whats your saddle height im thinking of buying a 52cm vs a 54cm

[@ekm3820]

I’m a size 52cm(5.7ft, 31 inseam) I had to get a long seat-post cos the short one was too short for me. My advice to you, have them give you a long seat post when you buy the bike.

[@housepfhoopz]

@@ekm3820 thank u

[@djurciuko]

@@ekm3820 Hey, I am solving same question. Looking forward to buy Domane in size 52 or 54. I am 5.7ft, 32 inseam. Smaller sounds better to me. Are you happy with 52? How is the fit? And what stem do you use?

[@ekm3820]

@@djurciuko 52 is perfect for your height. I’m loving mine. No issues just don’t forget to get a longer seat post.

[@soloist777]

What model is the ebike LGC is riding? TIA.

[@GravelCyclist]

Hey Lorenzo, she is riding the top-tier Domane+ SLR 9. We have a review appearing of this very sweet bike appearing soon. The bike is also available in a less expensive specification.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Great vid but you lost me at $13k, no bike is worth that money, not even an electric bike man.

[@GravelCyclist]

Other $$$ prices, top-tier Specialized Diverge STR is $14K, and I spotted a limited run Bianchi at Sea Otter earlier this year, $19K.

[@JohnPerales]

buy it and tell everyone you only spent 1k LOL.

[@gonzalezgaraypablo]

beautiful bike. But the price is amazingly stupid.

[@rafdegreve]

I am also looking for a new bike and checking brands. I am completely dazzled by how many normal hobby cyclists can buy/have nowadays these kind of bikes going up to 7000 Euros???? Also normal non-prof cyclists have full carbon wheels on top high-end bikes etc... stunning...

[@garagesale5948]

Toooooooooooo.......... Heavy