STUNNING BIKE! Trek Domane SLR, SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE and Zipp 303 S wheels 2020 - First Look

I've got my hands on this stunning Trek Domane SLR equipped with SRAM's brand new Force eTap AXS Wide groupset, with wider range gears and increased tyre clearance, and the latest Zipp 303 S wheels, the first sub-£1,000 carbon wheels from the iconic US brand
SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset amzn.to/3eZzIsL
Here's the nifty tyre pressure guide axs.sram.com/t...
Thanks to Gore Wear for supporting this video. Check out their full range at www.gorewear.com/
I’m wearing the new Fabian Cancellara Collection:
Gore Wear C7 Cancellara Bib Shorts amzn.to/2XAxdHj
Gore Wear C7 Cancellara Race Jersey amzn.to/2UwKIpN
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[@SJ-tk4ri]

Lovely bike and another enjoyable upload. I like the notion and ability to go big with tyres, which takes the bike right into that all-road category. Watched an interesting interview with Gerard Vroomen, on the back of the release of the 3T Exploro Racemax, where he was basically stating this all-road/gravel influenced design is the future and defines what will be a shift away from pure fast race bikes to fast all road bikes with greater capabilities (and his surprise it’s taken so long to get here).

[@schoebelski6602]

38mm tyre clearance or even slightly more in the new Trek Domane, big plus in my books, would be enough for my gravel needs ....looks of the bike is also very nice to my eyes, very promising machine 👌

[@RobertKnight001]

I ended up getting a Project One version of this bike with etap wide super low gearing because of this video. I’m running gp5000 as tr 28mm in the back and 32mm in the front. It’s like of like having a Lexus road bike. Super comfortable for all day rides. Thanks for the help with my purchase. :)

[@davidarthur]

Good choice!

[@denethorpalantir2815]

I like the paint scheme, red on top and black on bottom.

[@YannickLB]

That's exactly the only thing I dislike! Red with black.. how cliché can it get.. These 2 colors together is what children think is cool. It lacks creativity and boldness

[@nateyoung4869]

Gloss Red and Matte Black are always a good look.

[@mbal4052]

YannickLB whatever, boring world if we all like the same thing

[@lenkiewitcz]

Free wheel sound checks should come with every proper bike review...My favourite sound....Great review.

[@davidarthur]

Thanks Travy! I'll definitely take your feedback and add a freewheel sound check to all bike reviews :)

[@emilioc700]

Been extolling the virtues of the SL and SLR since building mine back in January. Extraordinarily versatile and comfortable with very little weight penalty. It's like an Audi RS6 on two wheels.

[@DC-ih8bv]

For a heavy 200lb rider like me , these bikes are a great combo. My Cervelo was too light and felt too fragile on these NJ roads with my weight. My Trek Checkpoint ( nice bike )is a tad heavy so finding the niche in the middle is where I am headed.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

I've had all the top bikes for 20 years now and the Trek is the best of them all..

[@milanb.6022]

Wow. Thats like the ultimate everyman's road bike, it even takes mudguards. I dont normaly lust after carbon, but that is so thoughtfuly equiped. Well done indeed.

[@lechprotean]

just let me know when you next going supermarket shopping with this one...

[@milanb.6022]

@@lechprotean i wonder if an aero basket would count as a fairing 😂

[@jochenkraus7016]

There's that compartment in the downtube so you could really go shopping with it ;-) A seat post bag (unfortunately not suitable for carbon parts) sits behind you so the aero disadvantage might be not that big.

[@duartecid3978]

I can total relate to the move to smaller chainrings, recently swapped to a 46-36 and life got so much sweeter (smoother shifting, closer ratios, etc); makes total sense unless you’re racing, especially on most UK roads which are pretty much 80% towards becoming gravel roads anyway.

[@allenrosenblum3654]

What cassette are you running?

[@mariconor242]

I just got that bike this week albeit in SLR5 guise, the reason being I’ll be replacing the 105 groupset with a 4iiii ultegra power meter and was looking at those same zipp wheel set too. Very comfy bike I must say and pretty good in this standard form.

[@Samjac811]

would have been great to see you hammering up a hill with that wide range of gears! regardless, well done

[@davidarthur]

Hammering up hills coming soon 😀

[@craigwoodgate8804]

I am currently in the process of buying one of these bikes im glad that I found this review as its made my decision even easier I’m planning on taking out insurance as its a £2550 bike

[@johngardner1898]

I totally agree. I'm going to get one, probaby with the Rival 2x12! It seems to be the perfect machine.

[@jamar959]

Nice review, beautiful bike. Please keep us up to date on the Force performance. I recently made the jump to e-shifting with Force on a Giant Defy and I had high expectations. Sadly, it dumps the chain off the outside of the big ring at least once every ride! Now reading on line I'm not the only one with this problem. Some say it's poor adjust or install, others say design flaw. Not sure, but very frustrated!

[@mrwezbo]

Hey mate, I've a rival groupset (new) which does the exact same thing. Did you ever fix this? LBS Installed the groupset so hesitate to remove and reinstall it.

[@papoopa5800]

You get spacers for your bottom bracket which push your crankset out a wee bit

[@jibroniuk3604]

Superb bike from Trek...love the components from SRAM and the ZIPP wheels.

[@ilgour]

Best Domane money can buy on trek website 7.78kg without pedal. This bike is insanely heavy. SLR9 @ 12 250$ usd. Nice looking bike tough.

[@JasonHughesUK]

Love the "freehub sound test"! That needs to be a feature in all your reviews! 👍 👍 👍

[@willemrm4033]

At least the optional gear ratio's are getting more appropriate for the average road bike lover/buyer. Lots of people like to have a road bike because of the looks and boyish feeling it gives them, but are not up for the gears, Even at lower speeds it's more fun, and easier, to ride a light weight bike then a heavy one. Why took it so long to make that possible, small gearing on a light road bike? Of course, if one could easily have fitted an MTB crank, as a 26-36-46, on a (carbon) road bike, it would never been a problem, but chain line and shifting made that too complicated. I bought two bikes in 2017, a 50/34 and a 46/36, shimano but changed those front blades on both to a 44/33, TA Specialités.

[@hughjorgen30]

It is a really sleek looking bike. Looks are everything to me where bikes are concerned. The red n matte black work well.

[@jimthebikeguy]

Love it. That axs wide is what sram should have done day 1. The bike isn't really gravel though on those tires...😉

[@jaspreetsidhu5708]

I agree but I'd say any packed down gravel is definately doable.

[@steveindorset]

Great vid mate. Really got me thinking about one of these? 🤔👍

[@davidarthur]

It’s a great bike and a good one to consider

[@steveindorset]

@david arthur do you know how heavy it is??

[@davidarthur]

It’s 8.5kg

[@xhrrdg]

Zipp has seen the light that Cantu, Hunt, Next wheels have demonstrated with quality wheels at a reasonable price.

[@secularist1969]

Thanks for the review.

[@DuuudeMaaan]

Just looked it up and this bike starts at $11,300.....

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

I was looking for a price comment. Thank you for your service!

[@user-ns4wc4kf6w]

If I were to buy this bike and use it for 11300 miles, I'd know every 100 mile I'd do costs 100$

[@jameswitte5676]

I bought a SL6 Domane for about a third of the cost of this bike and I love it. Even if I had the money, I just couldn’t justify spending over $11,000.

[@steveindorset]

james witte I’ve been looking at the Domane and the Emonda, so is the bike heavy or does it feel heavy? Is it quick? What gearing and brand of gearing do you have? Does the isospeed work? Is it comfy?

[@lloydranola]

I think this bike as built can be built for around $7k

[@fernandocavazos2761]

Beautiful bike !

[@mikewells1070]

David i know people are excited about the new Zipos 303s - however have you ever tried out 3ts discus c45s? These tires preceded the zipps and built specifically for wider tires (large internal width) and aero optimized.

[@davidarthur]

I haven't tried those new 3T wheels yet but I am keen to get my hands on them

[@Countrystock]

I couldn't take a bike on Gravel. Would worry I'd damage it...... it's lovely

[@JesterJJJ]

@davidjarthur nice review, thanks. What's the URL of the tyre pressure tool you're demonstrating at 8:04 please?

[@davidarthur]

Here you go axs.sram.com/tirepressureguide

[@JesterJJJ]

@@davidarthur Superb, thanks very much!

[@andrewmoffat8291]

What are your thoughts on road hookless and the "no choice but tubeless" - relevant on these 303s and the new TCR that you also loved?

[@davidarthur]

It's an interesting topic. It seems more brands are going hookless for tubeless and there are numerous benefits but it can limit tyre choice and hookless isn't really intended for very high pressures, but that's okay when using wide tyres at below 80psi which i do mostly these days

[@turbosalsa]

Great review seems all these road bikes road race, endurance & gravel are merging into one. Thats good for the consumer.😁👍🏾

[@messi9991]

Yea but what does it cost? 10k? 12k? More?

[@n.heroep2786]

I can't help to notice the kickstand to prop the bike. What brand is the kickstand? I've been looking for a kickstand that's just light and simple.

[@jiml-j]

Hello David, another great review what is the front handlebar bag you’re using? Cheers Jim

[@davidarthur]

I’ve mostly been using one from Ornot

[@jiml-j]

david arthur thanks mate 👍⚒

[@crypto_que]

Love the video & the sexy Trek, I think we all ride mountain bikes with drop bars. If you have a modern bike with disc brakes clearance for 32c plus tires & an outboard FD its a mountain bike with road tires at this point.

[@gregsullivan7408]

I wish you'd mentioned that little point about it not actually being available to buy at the BEGINNING of the video! 🤣

[@mrvwbug4423]

I think Trek does offer a Force AXS build, though with Bontrager wheels.

[@noels8817]

Nice review, and being that it can tackle even the road less traveled, i.e., gravel and steep muddy descents - can I fit the new wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post onto the seatpost sleeve? The AXS can work in tandem so it can be programmed into the shifter. Question is will it fit onto that frame?

[@davidarthur]

Pretty sure you can’t fit a dropper post - the shape of the Domane post is specific to the frame and not round like Reverb

[@klausvencovsky7466]

David, the bike looks awesome and has great features. What is your take on the overall weight of the bike though? If I'm riding 95% of the time on pavement, would this still be a top choice?

[@davidarthur]

It’s 8.5kg for a size 56cm. For mostly pavement it would be an excellent choice

[@jonpoon3896]

Curious to see if this bike starts to show up in ultra races (Trans Am, Transcontinental, etc) in the next year or two

[@alainpfammatter8224]

great bike and components. The only disadvantage of this bike is the weight. Its a like 400g to heavy.

[@Esskay1]

Nice bike! Any excessive noise from the Force cassette? Seems to be a problem with the 10 33 version from what I read.

[@davidarthur]

I’ll definitely watch out for that over the coming weeks

[@darrenbarlow5759]

David my new bike arrived and it has the same set-up. I love having the extra gears to use for big climbs, but I feel like the 43/30 makes me lose some speed especially if I decide to pedal downhill. I do road riding (exclusively) and was considering putting a 48-35 on the front. What are your thoughts? Cheers pal

[@lacyleech7798]

The wheel set is a good choice

[@PhillRS]

I'd choose enve foundation over that...

[@AlexSanzeni]

48/35 + 10/33 and you easily climb the Gavia and Mortirolo (did it last week)

[@davidarthur]

Would love to test this groupset on those climbs. Very jealous

[@mk-yg7op]

Nice Frame. Unfortunately, no word on the new T47 bottom bracket.

[@Chimy1423]

What a stunning bike, what a stunning price. 😡

[@xhrrdg]

Trek Checkpoint is awesome.

[@darrenleroy]

I really despise Sram's graphics. I want it minimal. Stealth.

[@hnelke]

Thanks for the video over the Trek Domane. The Weight? Thanks Hubert

[@davidarthur]

It's 8.5kg with no pedals and 2x bottle cages and computer mount, size 56cm

[@rogerserra1315]

I purchased EMONDA SL6 pro. The screw which constraints the turn of the handlebar was broken. Thus the turn went beyond the limit and the ring marked go-go-go hitted the frame. The paint got damaged. I brought the bike to my supplier and they talked to TREK. TREK put a new screw and new ring go-go-go. TREK didn't want to repait the scratches on the paint of the frame caused by the limitless turning. Now I have a new super bike with scratches on the frame. I didn't expect that from TREK. Low customer support and poor warranty. Bad experience. I feel dissapointed.

[@uprightape100]

She's a beauty.......put on Speedplay MTB pedals and I'd be set.

[@thisandthatandotherthings]

Agree with your comments on appearance but I am most interested in how you rate its compliance vs Roubaix on rough chip roads and its weight? Alas weight and performance appears a little compromised on your review bike compared to others in the road endurance category with its groupset config - you would have surely found 43:10 was too easy to spin out?

[@davidarthur]

Two rides so far and not managed to spin out the top gear, it’s pretty tall it has to be said. First thoughts are that comfort is incredible and probably edges the Roubaix I tested, but I think the massive tyres on this Domane are largely responsible

[@thisandthatandotherthings]

@@davidarthur I guess my main concern would be maintaining downhill momentum - without access to a high gear on a bike when the road levels out I feel I slow back down too quickly. Being more comfortable than the Roubaix is a feat for the Domane but encouraging for anyone with concerns over the long-term maintenance / spare part availability / cost of the future shock. Interestingly both have threaded bottom brackets now - the Domane’s T47 is a feature I missed you commenting upon in your review but I expect you will also be reviewing the 2021 Giant Defy maybe as soon as next month so I am also awaiting what you think about the Domane vs Roubaix vs Defy.

[@ryanbarnoya5223]

The only thing I'll agree with is the nice etap groupset.

[@philipmorrissey9156]

Recent demo on domane. Could only describe as a sluggish overweight tank.

[@emilioc700]

2020 SL or SLR? Friend has an SL5, stock wheels are 2030g with non-tubeless 32c. Not a rocket but it tough and comfortable. My build is 60cm SLR with Pro Endurance geometry, D/A Di2 at around 18.5lbs with 40c Pirelli gravel tires, heavy duty cages, MTB pedals and Cr-Mo seat rails. It is a rocket.

[@BikePappy]

Just received my 2020 SL7 in a 56 with GP5000 TL 28’s. Ultegra Di2 with Look carbon blades. Also a rocket.

[@justride4414]

Hi David. What is the frame size? What is your height and is it align with frame size? Thanks

[@costasmandylor1565]

Question David: do you end up spinning out relatively quickly on that new SRAM drivetrain?

[@davidarthur]

Not so far - you can go pretty fast on a 43-10 top gear

[@milanb.6022]

43x10 is higher than 50x12, that's a pretty tall gear.

[@davidarthur]

Thanks for the great reply Milan. Lots of people mistakenly think the smaller chainrings will mean spinning out at high speeds but forget the 10t sprocket means you actually have quite a tall gear, certainly taller enough for normal riding away from racing

[@solefreak2]

How do Zipp wheels compare to Roval rims?

[@Star14trek]

Weight would be good idea? I have Trek Boone which is cycle cross older version even bigger tire clearance high 40mm with knobbley 650b 😁

[@warwickp8055]

David What is the specific Domane model name/number Love the wide cassette. Does any other brand implement it on a "road" bike? I cant find this model even on the Trek US site. Thanks W

[@davidarthur]

Hi Warwick - you can't actually buy this spec, it was built be SRAM with all their own components for the purposes of showcasing their new groupset and wheels. Trek does offer a current Force equipped bike in its range though

[@tabl10s]

Yo, Where's the follow-up regarding Tubolito's?

[@robdavenport3188]

Interesting. How does it compare with Tcr adv pro 1 disc on the typical Cotswold terrain?

[@davidarthur]

Only done two rides so far from conclusive, but the Domane is noticeably smoother. I’m going to put some 32mm tyres on the TCR soon though...

[@robdavenport3188]

david arthur I guess it would be. What does it weight in at?.

[@davidarthur]

The Domane is 8.5kg - should have added that to the video I know. I bit portly compared to the TCR but then they are from different categories. The Domane is a rival to the Defy really

[@rockylim735]

Domane, defy pro, roubaix? For grand fondos and light gravel? Which would you pick?

[@davidarthur]

For gravel the wide tyre clearance of the Domane would be a bonus

[@alfonsolizarazo9806]

IMHO I will swap the saddle and tyres immediately, other than that nice bike.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Wide wheels. I've still got a pair of 26 x 1 1/4" ( 32 - 597 ). Are they back in fashion?

[@davidarthur]

I think we already had this joke ;)

[@nogamenolife705]

Can anyone tell me whether etap or di2 is best for the average rider? Not sure how it goes for the normal rider who's not competitive.

[@awesomesloppyjoe]

My 2017 diverge expert is more roadbike than the 2021 Domane. Shorter chainstay and wheelbase. Still fast and smooth with 32mm tires.

[@markb1974]

The new Diverge is even cheaper than the Domane

[@awesomesloppyjoe]

@@markb1974 i dont know mate. The new diverge with the swat box and Future shock with damping starts at 3800$ . Everything else is just cheaped out.

[@gourami7]

Looks great but Sram gearing just seems wrong to me

[@ronwebb610]

I'm not clear whether this is a build Trek will be releasing or it was built up of parts?

[@davidarthur]

The bike was supplied by SRAM - they bought the frame and built it with all their new components so I can review them. Trek doesn't currently sell this exact spec but it does have one with current Force, not this new Wide version. I'm sure they will soon though

[@ronwebb610]

@@davidarthur Thanks David. Great review!

[@DARKFURY51]

What's the ideal tire pressure?

[@Tchairdjian]

Do you have a link to the Tire pressure guideline calculator please?

[@davidarthur]

It’s in the video description

[@mrvwbug4423]

*goes to Trek's website*, well I can't afford the Force AXS build ... but I can afford the 105 build haha, no, I don't need a road bike, I only just bought a full sus MTB in February

[@mister_ray]

With all this added "comfort" has come greatly increased weight. This is so far away from the bike that Cancellara raced on.

[@darkiee69]

Probably lighter and stiffer than what he raced.

[@emilioc700]

As Darkie pointed out, definitely lighter & stiffer than Fabian's ride from 8 years ago. My 60cm SLR is 18.5 lbs with 40c gravel tires, cages, CrMo rail seat and computer. If the ride quality and shock absorption are more important to a rider, an extra 300-400g isn't a deal breaker.

[@mrvwbug4423]

23mm internal width, those are wider than the wheels on my hardtail MTB, and I run 2.35 inch width tires on that bike haha.

[@jpschlosser]

23mm = 0.9 inches

[@sebastianm2381]

If only Sram were to finally sort out their hideous hydraulic levers. Shimano can't be the only ones capable of making it look as slim as mechanical, right?

[@lacyleech7798]

The best over all bike is Open U.p.p.e.r.

[@skyscraper5910]

now all bike are becoming hybrid bikes! lmao.

[@LordVilmore]

Sorry but you won't do any "racing" or even fast group rides on a 43/30. So this bike is good for people who dont ride at those speeds, but then why would they need all those expensive parts, why the expensive wheels etc? I have nothing against a bike with smaller gears and wider tires, more comfort, not everyone has to race and there is definitely a market for this. But then if you are doing that kind of riding, I don't see that aligned with all the other choices trek made here.

[@IamBlueDragon_]

Because they can and that makes them feel good and ride more. Why would people pay hundreds of thousands for a Ferrari while a cheap and reliable Honda Civic will do the job just fine. Stop being a jealous prick, want a nice bike, get yourself a job buddy

[@emilioc700]

The point is that the low gearing and frame tech make it a very high performance bike for steep climbs and really bad roads. The type that a lot of people like doing these days. The top gear is well over 100 gear inches, plenty for fast group rides on the road.

[@davidarthur]

Top comment Emilio. It's worth looking at gearing charts because even though SRAM is using smaller chainrings than the norm, the 10t sprocket still ensures you have a chunky big gear when you need it. How much time do you spend smashing the top gear compared to grinding the lowest gear?

[@LordVilmore]

@@IamBlueDragon_ Calm down, I think you missed the point buddy.

[@LordVilmore]

@@davidarthur yes the top gear is okay, true. But still, if you would choose gear to ride between 35 and 45km/h these are not the gear for you. So if it is made for hills and bad roads where you go slower, then I think there are better (and cheaper) more logical options around. Seems to me to be a bike that doesn't really know what it wants to be, and ends up into a very small niche, instead of being the "ultimate" bike.

[@Sam.dean.88]

3000 GBP for that frameset. Hmm. No!

[@habana6595]

8:01 Can you give us the link for this calculator please ?

[@davidarthur]

Hi sorry should have shared that - I've added a link in the description but I'll paste it here as well axs.sram.com/tirepressureguide Let me know how you get on with it

[@milanb.6022]

@@davidarthur Amazingly, i just entered all my data and it gave me the exact pressure i am already running. 80kg rider /10kg bike /35mmtyres /gravel = 50psi

[@greenophotography]

Hubs are Zipps?

[@davidarthur]

Yes

[@cliffcox7643]

"Less suffering than before", .... SUFFERING, That's what cycling is all about.

[@frankmaykut7266]

It’s only $11,000.00! Get real. Who are your listeners?!

[@davidarthur]

Where did you get this price from?

[@emilioc700]

The SL4 has the same basic tech and geometry, for USD2400

[@jjames2162]

2 things - 43/33 set up?? Why! (2) Trek makes excellent bikes unless you desire race geometry

[@davidarthur]

43/30 for less leg pain on the steep climbs :)

[@PierreC2]

nice bike...but most of us can't afford it..

[@davidarthur]

Do you speak for most people?

[@anthonypeterson428]

david arthur Yes he does.

[@yangguan4070]

A stick and two stones!

[@davidarthur]

High tech 😛

[@christopherx6641]

£6500 retail price?

[@gourami7]

Bloody hell !

[@davidarthur]

That would be a pretty good guess I reckon

[@guitarguy4372]

Still, 1000pounds for carbon circles is a piss-taking.

[@johnm91326]

Not a heap more than decent Chinese rims with brand name hubs now.

[@MrDamonLeBeouf]

"oh by the way you cant buy this." :-(

[@kidkarbon4775]

Personally I think that's a fugly bike, not at all desirable imho

[@janeztomazic5546]

wouldnt drive a Armstrong bike if you paid me to

[@adccars359]

When j-walkers hears my free hub, they go running for the curb🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@mixalis6168]

Looks expensive..

[@Zazizzlicious]

As always with this industry... $$$$ rather spend the cheddar on a motorcycle for about the same price. The bicycle industry, as always, keeps catering to lawyers, doctors, and engineers... Even mechanics who work at most bike shops can't afford these bike at EP pricing, what an F'n joke.

[@mohamednizam5776]

Hou Llo

[@MrAnon-2024]

Soon as you mentioned SRAM, interest lost!

[@michaelsnakebite4707]

1000£ for wheels..affordable!🤔 Just buy some gr8 chinese wheels, less than half price 😊

[@sycarter2024]

i love the bike but im sorry this is not a gravel or trail bike, not when your spending this kind of money on this bike unless ur made of money and love wrecking expensive bikes, this is not for the average cyclists ...

[@sbsb4995]

Disc brakes really spoilt the good look of the bicycles. it truly is the biggest gimmick in the history of bicycles. it is really sad.

[@mikespadafora9077]

I am tired of the word aero. So over hyped. I wonder if presenters get paid by the amount of times they say it.

[@davidarthur]

God I wish I got paid every time I said aero with aero the biggest development trend in the road market, I'd be a rich man! :)

[@MrBJPitt]

The more I see the Domane, the more and more it's style looks dated. Something odd about it. Like a Chrysler crossfire.