Should YOU buy the 2023 Trek Domane SL5 Gen 4?

The Trek Domane is the most comfortable endurance bike I've ever ridden. It's a bike I recommend to many people, and in this video, I'll share why.

[@jdoe836]

I own the SL6 Gen 4 with Pro51 wheelset. BUY IT IF YOU'RE ON THE FENCE!! I put 4,000mi on it since March 2023, it's a fantastic ride. I traded in my 2021 Domane SL5 (purchased in 2020) for this as the iso-speed is redesigned, wanted the Di2, and the bike is ~1-1/2 pounds lighter (~18.5 pounds) The bike is also much faster, especially with the Pro51 wheelset. I ride a 54cm frame with a 80mm stem.

[@catchthedream1142]

I miss my bike your channel made me love trek bikes so much

[@williammrdeza9445]

Thank you for the detailed and honest review! I am about to pull the trigger on a 2024 Domane and this was most helpful. It also confirmed my research and provides an additional level of confidence for my impending purchase. Really appreciate it!

[@hikerbikeromar]

You are most welcome, thank you so much for watching!

[@davidwarde7140]

I have this exact bike stock except I upgraded the tires with some brown wall 40mm GR1 setup tubeless. It looks sweet and is extremely comfortable with mixed gravel/road capability. Your trek AL reviews definitely influenced my purchase.

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thank you for watching!

[@rjpascua6134]

Just bought a bike. Feels great man thanks for the review

[@hikerbikeromar]

Congrats on the purchase!

[@user-qv3nr7zx2c]

Omar advised me to get this bike and he was absolutely right!! It is very comfortable and doesn't affect my bad back that i was worrying about! Generally every single piece of advice Omar has given me has been spot on!!! Thank you alot Omar!

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I am so happy you enjoy the bike. Here’s to many happy miles!

[@artursurma]

Great video. Thanks man!

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicholaszeppos9371]

Happy birthday !!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@hikerbikeromar]

🤣

[@adityadiwakar7014]

Video quality compared to your subscriber count is insane. Great video!

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thank you so much!

[@mikeb3268]

Just subbed myself too!

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thank you! 🙏

[@mikeb3268]

@@hikerbikeromar My pleasure, mate. I’ve got a gen 3 SL 6 and a Cannondale Supersix Evo. The Evo is my go to climbing bike, but the Domane can’t be beaten for comfort on those long endurance rides. Not slow, either. Anyway, you gave a great summary of the new gen 4 bike. Impressed!

[@andrewpndavies]

Such a great informative video. Brilliantly well presented. Really helped me choose a Domane. Thanks

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thank you for watching!

[@andrewpndavies]

I am picking up my Domane SL 5 Gen 4 Disc 2023 today. It only has the 11 gear rear cassette, but think that will do me. May consider taking your advice and changing the wheels though! Thanks again

[@hikerbikeromar]

@andrewpndavies you will absolutely love it. Congrats on the purchase!

[@andrewpndavies]

Thanks!! Though just had a call from the bike shop. It’s in but the stem has a v1 bracket fitted. They said there have been issues with the v1 and that they’ve ordered a replacement. Kudos to them for fixing it before it’s a problem - but I have no idea what that means! Was so looking forward to getting it too!! Going to be a couple of days.

[@hikerbikeromar]

@andrewpndavies oh man sorry to hear that! Like you said, that’s good they caught it in advance. Sounds like a fantastic bike shop. You’ll love it man, totally worth the wait. I took mine out again today and it’s just the perfect ride.

[@alexmassengale433]

I have the AL and not the SL but absolutely love it. Its super comfortable over long distances, has been very easy to live with, was reasonably priced, and holds its speed well. I don't race and prefer to ride solo so having a bit more speed really wouldn't make a huge difference.

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thanks for sharing!

[@fishbike2356]

"The most comfortable bike I've ever ridden". Exactly my words when on my first ride.

[@refixed]

Dude we need a garage tour!!!

[@hikerbikeromar]

Haha duly noted! 🙂

[@trickystravels]

I’m looking to get the slr 7 4th gen in trek segafredo paint job. It comes with sram force so that’s the only issue I have as have never used it. Never used electronic shifting before either.

[@AngelaSelvaggio-hs7tk]

What an awesome post! I gain so much knowledge, inspiration, drive and encouragement from all of your vids! Thanks so much for all the time you put into your videos for people like me that are just getting into more serious biking. Are you single? If you are, that's crazy because you are amazing!!! (ha ha. Hope that wasn't weird....but, really? Are you? :) )

[@kroaal]

I can't recommend this bike enough. I have the 2024 Domane SL5 with 105 12 speed, it is an absolute beauty. Very comfortable, capable, and responsive bike. For anyone considering this bike, I strongly recommend a proper, professional bike fitting to maximize your enjoyment of the bike.

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thanks for sharing!

[@REMODA92]

The SL5 comes standard with a 50/34 chain ring not 52/36 and 140mm rotors disc are usually installed on the back wheel not the front one.

[@wimpie031]

Can confirm the 50\34 chain ring, my rotors are 160mm front and back though.

[@MikeOttiger]

Thanks for the review, great information! Curious as to your opinion on how the Trek Domane SL5 Gen 4 would compare to BMC's Roadmachine Five?

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thanks! Both are great bikes. The 2023 Roadmachine is going to be a bit more aggressive and will probably feel a bit snappier and more racy, whereas the Domane in my opinion is more comfortable and predictable. I actually did a review on the 2023 Roadmachine Three which you can find below, which is similar to the Roadmachine Five. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4DKg2CMh6ufjJIsi=QWiWnaCRje8yGX06 The brand new 2025 Roadmachine I haven't ridden yet, but judging by the geometry, it will have a higher stack than the Domane but a longer reach. I'm curious to try it.

[@johnyoon5399]

I find myself following a similar progression in my biking journey - after having built up what I thought would be my dream bike based on a Specialized Aethos frameset, I find myself going back to my Cannondale CAAD13 more often than not due to the more comfortable geometry. I'm not finding any meaningful difference in performance between the two bikes either, except on climbs (according to Strava). I think this just goes to show that you get to the point of diminishing returns pretty fast after the mid-tier price point.

[@hikerbikeromar]

I agree!

[@DA-rp1wg]

Hey thank you for this great informative video!! I ordered mine last week. I just wonder wether you use spd pedals on this bike. Since you tends to prefer more comfortable casual build here I would like to hear your opinion as a new bicyclist?

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thank you for watching, and congrats on the new bike! You're going to love it. I haven't used spd pedals on this bike personally, but you can certainly do that and I they would be just fine. I also wouldn't rule out simple flat pedals if you are more casual focused. I know people who use spd pedals on super high end race bikes and they work great, so I'd say go for whatever is most comfortable for you.

[@kroaal]

I use SPD pedals on this bike, they work great for me. I appreciate the comfort of SPD cleats compared to SPD-SL, especially when getting off the bike. No regrets going with SPD for my style of riding (i.e. not racing)

[@ashtongilbert]

The IsoSpeed is no longer adjustable, by the way. The flap at the bag and the screw located on the top is for adjusting the seatpost. Trek has preset the IsoSpeed at its medium setting permanently.

[@tubesockets120v]

What is the weight range of the medium setting?

[@ashtongilbert]

@@tubesockets120v Not sure if theres a weight range, just the level of compliance you want i.e. how much you want it to give. I am 150lbs...I notice no actual give in the seat, but do notice a huge difference in comfort from the system

[@ariansafatian6293]

You're probably going too far by calling the Bontrager R3 Hard Case Lite tyres low end as the price difference between them and the Continental GP5000 is not very significant. The R3 Hard Case Lite are even the tyres that come with the Trek Madone SL6 (an actual racing bike). In the video you are referring to, you have replaced the original tyres of the Trek Domane AL 4 which are the Bontrager R1 Hard Case Lite and not the R3 ones. You also tested the tyres using an inner tube whereas the Trek Domane SL5 comes with tubeless tyres. Tubeless tyres usually allow the rider to go faster and the weight difference between the Continental ones and the Bontrager R3 Hard Case Lite tyres is only 20g. I'm not sure this would make a substantial difference for the average road cyclist. To me, they are perfectly fine on the road with a tubeless setup and they are very resistant to punctures.

[@maximcoupal1015]

What's a better choise, al vs sl....I dont know what going to carbon will bring be, except the storage compartment.

[@hikerbikeromar]

The main difference is the storage compartment and the isospeed which smooths out the ride. The AL doesn’t have those. It’s really up to you, but I think the AL is perfectly fine for most people.

[@craigla3815]

How much did it cost to get the aero wheels? I thought of the more expensive models for the wheels, but if i can swap out the wheels for aero like u I might just do that.

[@hikerbikeromar]

They were $1k brand new, but you might be able to find on a discount. Lots of sales these days.

[@anthonypeterson428]

I prefer the snappiness of the Cervelo Caledonia which is still nicely compliant.

[@diegoeleazar9154]

Have you tried them both?

[@JitinMisra]

Is Domane geometry more comfortable than canyon endurance ? They have same geometry? Have you ridden endurance ?

[@hikerbikeromar]

I haven’t ridden the Endurace, but on paper, the Domane has a more comfortable geometry. Everything I’ve read about the Endurace indicates to me that the Domane is more comfortable.

[@kewpiedoll3607]

I now have a Specialized Sirrus hybrid. I am on the verge of buying a Domane SL 5 Gen 4!! because I need to get a little more speed. I want to go on C* rides (11. -13 mph) now I only go on C rides at about 9 -11). Besides comfort do you think it will give me a little more speed??

[@hikerbikeromar]

Yes definitely! The Domane will be more aerodynamic and put you in a position that is more conducive to speed. Slap some Conti GP 5000 tires on there and it will be amazing.

[@kewpiedoll3607]

@@hikerbikeromar Thank you so much. Now I am getting different opinions on tire width. It comes with 32 tires which surprised me! Should I replace them with 28cc tires??

[@hikerbikeromar]

@kewpiedoll3607 good question! Personally, I would put 28mm continental GP 5000 tires on there for sure. They will most likely be faster than the stock tires. And you could probably sell the stock tires on eBay or FB marketplace!

[@korey2011engelmann]

how much of a difference is this sl5 compared to your al4 with upgraded tires and tubes?

[@hikerbikeromar]

Definitely a lot more comfortable given the carbon frame, and feels more premium in general. However, I don’t notice a difference in regard to speed.

[@wimpie031]

You can’t actually mount an extra bottle underneath the frame from my understanding. I believe the screws you pointed out are for the di2 plastic mount/cable guide system that’s inside the downtube. I’ll know for sure in March/late February when I get mine in Dark Aquatic ☺️

[@hikerbikeromar]

Ah, thanks for sharing!! I was told previously that you could, but your explanation makes more sense. Enjoy the new bike! I absolutely love that color.

[@wimpie031]

@@hikerbikeromarHeya, hope you’re doing well! Received the bike this week, sadly only a short 25km ride so far because of the shitty weather here 😂 Dark aquatic, a great colour! Anyways, update about the under frame “mounting” holes. The shop said, “Well technically it could be possible?” The hole sizing is about 570mm apart, so not a standard bottle cage distancing for the screw holes. I haven’t tried to see what the diameter of the screws are though, so that is something people need to check first. From my first glance it seems the diameter is a bit smaller then those for bottle cages.

[@hikerbikeromar]

@@wimpie031 Thanks for letting me know! That is helpful, perhaps it's possible with a bit of modification. Sorry about the weather, but congrats on the new bike!

[@andrewthill6060]

I heard there have been seat post problems with creaking. Is there some truth to that?

[@hikerbikeromar]

That’s a great question. I’ve heard the same but I’ve never experienced any issues, so it seems OK to me, but that’s mostly anecdotal.

[@benschgetscrunk]

Can you tell us the rev the ISO seat post came with? I read its fixed on newer revs

[@hikerbikeromar]

Mine is a Rev 2

[@JitinMisra]

They say the ISOspeed makes lot of noise , did they fix that ?

[@hikerbikeromar]

I haven’t heard any noise at all from mine, so I do believe it is fixed.

[@GREATVOVA]

I've heard that it was fixed since rev. 2 iso speed. New bikes shipping with rev. 4 iso speed.

[@jc10747]

Ok. But why is the not a “gravel” bike, or suitable for the Tour Divide?

[@52daytripper]

not enough clearance for 'wide' tires, the max tire that will fit the domane is 700x38

[@eziyac393]

basically cant get this bike anymore. also apparently has several issues with the seatpost and stock tires.

[@Vivianauxito]

Good video bro, Do you do product reviews for companies? We'd love to invite you to review our new product portable air pump

[@hikerbikeromar]

Thank you. I'd be interested in learning more. Feel free to DM me on Instagram and let's chat. I'm @hiker_biker_omar

[@Vivianauxito]

@@hikerbikeromar Omar, I have reached out to u

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

No it’s an absolute tank

[@donschlegel1972]

Do you work for giant

[@hikerbikeromar]

Nope

[@reginaldscot165]

No.

[@chgofirefighter]

Sadly, while it’s a fantastic road e-bike it’s not affordable for the masses. Next!

[@nicholaszeppos9371]

omar is a daddy !!!!!!

[@hikerbikeromar]

Hahahaha there it is!

[@JitinMisra]

What is your “aero race bike”? Also what size is that bike ?

[@hikerbikeromar]

My Aero race bike is a 2020 Cervelo S3, size 58. It fits me very well, but fairly aggressive.