Trek Domane AL 3 Disc Review (2022/2023) - Thoughts after 1500KM -- Best First Road Bike?

[@JMower]

UPDATE -- So the 2023 AL3 was released, and I'm pretty sure it's exactly the same as the 2022 model. So everything I say in this video should apply to the 2023 model too.

[@Nick-mu9nx]

I just bought the Domane AL5, well I have only had it for 3 weeks. 445km ridden so far. I absolutely love it. I bought the bike as a gift to myself for losing some weight. I find the Domane really comfortable, happy to ride it for 3 to 4 hours without a problem. It is a joy to use. Enjoying your channel, like your rides around and seeing bits of China, Qingdao. Keep up the good work, inspiring.

[@myballsitchsomethingfierce6319]

I need monies to buy one, so far it seems like a decent bike for the price I've seen some other bike that cost as much as a used car, lol.

[@darrengarvie8832]

Yes wheels are the best upgrade to any bike I done that on my btwin that was about the same weight as your bike I also changed saddles to a lighter one I got cheap and the bike is now 9.5kg 🙂 it is only 1kg heavier than my focus carbon bike so not to bad.

[@daskleineM]

I bought a domane because of this video, and I'm happy with it, I wish I could've supported you with the purchase 👍

[@JMower]

Hey mate, glad you found the video helpful. I've had a year of good times with the AL3, hopefully you will to! There's a buy me a coffee link in the video description, can help out the channel there if you like!

[@Cracaphat]

Just got AL 3 on Thursday. First time to get such a bike. Enjoyed the review.

[@AaronBishop-st2ow]

One of the most amazing and smooth rides I've experienced

[@jrubinstein42]

I bought an AL3 frame cheap off a friend and using mostly second hand parts and not spending much now have it at about 8.5kg. It's a great frame to upgrade as and when you want to.

[@MrWilliamLi]

I have the same frame. Out of interest which parts did you change first?

[@jrubinstein42]

@@MrWilliamLi I only bought the frame so had to build it up from scratch. Ended up with mostly ultegra 6800 and a cheap pair of light Mavic wheels. You can get great bargains buying secondhand components.

[@dunleavy0994]

Just bought the trek domane al2, I'm a powerlifter looking to get more cardio done 🤘

[@TomášPlešivčiak]

Thank You sir! After last few days watching on youtube to find out someone Who show me how someone is tall And Also which size bought. Im 185 cm tall And i bough 58 cm size bike. So now i feel better. I bealive that i bought the right size of this bike. Thank You so much!

[@CoryIsMyName]

I just ordered the 4, and am pretty pumped for it to arrive!

[@kiwi22207]

How is the 4. Do you still have it.

[@CoryIsMyName]

@@kiwi22207 I do, and it's been great! I was in a similar situation, being my first road bike and coming from a hybrid bike. For my purposes, it checks every box. I put 50-100 miles a week on it between commuting and weekend rides. I'm 6'4" and I'm comfortable on it in an upright position when I need to be a bit more alert like on my daily commute, and it's enough to allow me to keep up with the group on rides with my local velo club.

[@GREATVOVA]

I own twin brother of this bike: Trek Checkpoint Al 3. Rode on it 10000 km in 4 years. This bicycle is a beast. I rode on it in every possible way: gravel, touring, commuting, racing, randonnee. It performs very well and is very reliable. I changed chains many times and this spring upgraded casette to 11-34 from sram. Next year i'll have to change front hub since it is almost done. Rear one is better made so it might survive another 10 thousand kilometers.

[@nandynick50]

Great video my friend. I just got this bike today and I'm super excited. I appreciate your video for helping guide me!

[@lawyal]

This is the kind of review i need see.

[@pedalandtringtring]

Thanks for the information.

[@Buck2901]

That is a fantastic review, thanks.

[@gijsvanhirtum3447]

Nice camerawork. Quality keeps improving. Great work!

[@nemixCOD]

Hey man! nice vid. I also got a entry level domane, I got the AL2. Got the 56 size and I am 195 cm. Biggest change for my bike was upgrading the tyres to some vitoria corsa controls 28mm, much lighter and feels so much nicer than the big tyres that come with it. I would suggest also getting laytex inner tubes. The overall ride of the bike is improved drastically. Try flip your stem, it will give you a more stretched position and help you get into a nicer position with less drag (I am bigger than you in weight and noticed this helped my energy expenditure a lot). Keep up the cool vids man, enjoying your journey! happy to see you're enjoying the bike ! ride on

[@JMower]

Cheers mate! I'm on the fence about upgrading the tyres, I'm a bit worried that going for something else might cause more punctures, and these ones have been so reliable so far. Once I finally do get a puncture (it's inevitable really), I'll probably change them. Thanks for the tip about flipping the stem, I didn't even realise that was possible 😂

[@Mike_in_Thailand]

@@JMower if you are worried about punctures then fit tyre liners, I've done over 8500kms on sometimes mediocre Thai roads without a single puncture since I fitted them to my bike, after having 2 punctures in the first 1000 or so kms before fitting them !

[@Trevor.Adams640]

Tyres will only last about 4000km anyway so upgrade them after you’ve worn them out. I use Continental GP5000s which are a good durable and reasonably light tyre but they aren’t cheap.

[@juri_mjatlin]

56 size for 195 cm? Isn't it small for AL2?

[@nemixCOD]

@@juri_mjatlin correct, I can get better reach on that size and I am extremely comfortable on it, had 58 bikes and XL and never could get comfortable. Don't just read online x size is for x size person. Find what's nice for you

[@emelcordova1906]

Hello, congratulations for the video. The Domane AL 3 can be fitted with 700 X 40c tires. Thanks for answering.

[@JMower]

Hey mate, The website says 35c is the largest that will fit, but normally manufacturers will allow a bit of extra space just to be safe. 40c might fit but I can’t guarantee anything

[@TomHenryTography]

Fantastic review. I'm exactly in your position where I've only ever had a hybrid bike, it's a steel frame, and crazy heavy compared to literally any road bike out there haha. Thanks for all the information and perspective

[@georgeiulian464]

Great review! Just bought one myself.

[@paulgaskell2664]

I enjoyed this review! I have bought this fact bike in the colour scheme - before I watched you video. Happy now that I’ve made the right choice, as this is also my first road bike 👌🏼

[@paulgaskell2664]

*I actually bought the 2023 model

[@JMower]

Good luck with it, many solid miles of riding ahead!

[@WildAthletics]

The best way in my opinion to get yourself more gears is to swap the chainrings to a 30/46. Im a bigger guy in a hilly area and love the subcompact 30/46

[@JMower]

Good idea, I didn't consider that! I'm hoping that I'll lose weigh soon, so then the bigger chainrings wont be too much of a problem.

[@anup1132]

Great review👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@ReadyF0RHeady]

nice review my man! which trainer do you use for this bike? is the kickr or kickr core compatible to this bike?

[@JMower]

Cheers! It will work with both, I believe you need to buy a cassette separately, so just make sure it's 9 speed and it'll be fine

[@myless789]

Hi! I'm really enjoying this video as I'm considering buying a Trek Dom AL 3. but at 7:13 what do you mean by tubeless ready?I'm new to cycling. Thanks !

[@JMower]

Hey pal, tubeless is the 'new' way of having tyres set up. Instead of having an inner tube, the tire sets directly on the rim. Inside you pour liquid called tubeless sealant, which is kinda like glue, so if you get a puncture the sealant will fill the gap stopping you from losing any air. It's quite cool, but not something that is really that important for road bikes, it's more popular with mountain bikers where you get lots of punctures from things like thorns etc

[@myless789]

@@JMower ok cool! Thanks for the reply:)! Btw what country do you live in? Looks like France to me.

[@JMower]

@@myless789 China 😂

[@myless789]

@@JMower yeah I was your profile and saw that 😂😂😂….see I live so France so I guess everywhere looks like France to me now 😂😂😂

[@myless789]

@@JMower in my defense though China does have a replica Paris 😂😂😂

[@ianfletcher5408]

Good review. I’m loving my AL3. Gears are fine for flattish Norfolk. I agree about the seat post I have had to adjust mine as it keeps dropping down.

[@JMower]

Mine has been fine since adding the carbon paste, might be worth trying?

[@fulldaywork4200]

Its funny that I've purchased a 58 size and we have the same height, weight, and body type. Ive just got a al3 2023 disc

[@marinalane9543]

I just bougth one for myself and I am wondering whats is the bluetooth thingy near the wheels

[@JMower]

It's for a cadence and speed sensor. I've never used it so I don't know if it's any good

[@symlysf]

How I wish I watched this video a year ago before buying my own domane al3. Got this in May 2021 as my first road bike and sold it within 2 months for a TCR. Decent choice for a first bike but it wasn't anywhere near the type of riding I do. Nevertheless, great video! Keep it up!

[@ronanmcnamee2008]

Il love to know more why you changed from it, I have a Alfa 1.2 that I bought used, don't do much cycling but still want an upgrade

[@jenniferlopez8961]

May I ask what city you live? I ask because I want to upgrade from my current Diamondback and I’m in a hilly area too which I find difficult with my current bike to climb with. I want to make a comparison in elevation with your city and mine if this bike would be a good upgrade, although a bit surprised the bike weighs more than I originally imagined (looks much lighter). Thanks for the review!

[@JMower]

Hi Jennifer, sorry for the slow reply, was on a weekend away! I live in Qingdao, China, which is a really hilly city. A lot of the hills here are around 10-15%. It's possible to change the crankset to smaller chainrings which would make the climbing a bit easier. Most of the weight is in the wheels, so in the future you could upgrade them. The frame on its own isn't that heavy.

[@gamingwithayan5475]

I am also thinking to buy it

[@MoonisAhmed]

Got the exact same bike in May this year. Have done about 700km. Upgraded tyres to gp5000. Best investment ever. Wheels aside, the Bike is the complete package.

[@JMower]

I'm thinking of getting the gp5000's too. A big upgrade over the stock tyres? Which size did you go for? 32s?

[@MoonisAhmed]

@@JMower wanted better rolling. Went for 28c, saw it as a good balance between speed and comfort.

[@RukiSeed]

Hey there! I really enjoy your vids being new to the road bike scene and all! Keep up the good work!! Just a quick suggestion, have you tried reversing the stem on your handlebars rather than having all those risers on top of it? Might achieve the same result.

[@JMower]

Good point! I didn't think of that. I'll give it a go, it'll certainly look nicer than having all the risers😂

[@wrae3833]

Good video!

[@timtibbitts1017]

I bought a 2022 Domane AL5 and have been very happy with it. Then right at 3 months and about 1500 km of riding, the right (rear) brake lever went bad. I ride mostly on a flat bike path, so use the brakes very little per 20 km. Suddenly the brake lever was very spongy, and took a long time to recover after applying the brakes. I figured it was a hydraulic problem. Since the bike was nearly new and under warranty, I took it to the Trek shop. They found the problem was not hydraulics, and that they would have to replace the entire brake/shifter lever module. Now I have gone 2 weeks without my new bike. Trek says Shimano is dragging their feet, getting a new lever shipped. At this point I am disappointed in both Trek and Shimano. Does Trek not have a Shimano 105 lever they could send for a customer’s new bike?

[@JMower]

Hey pal, sorry to hear about your experience. I don't know much about how Trek/Shimano work together, but I would also be annoyed with 2 weeks without a bike. Hopefully they'll sort it out for you

[@benbenvlogs3097]

I like the review good job, I same height as you and I ordered 61cm frame do you think it would be too big?

[@JMower]

Maybe a bit too big, trek seem quite reasonable with their returns so maybe just try it out for a while and see if it's comfortable

[@juss4401]

How is the shimano sora ?. I bought this bike but I’m thinking of just upgrading to the AL 5 for the shimano 105. I only ride on the weekends so I’m trying to figure out if the $690 is worth it or just keep this bike

[@darrengarvie8832]

Sora is good it lasts longer then the 105 group set I have had it on my btwin for 7 years I had to change the rear derailleur it was only £20 compared to £50 for the 105 which I'm having to change as it went into my wheel and looks like a banana ☹️

[@JMower]

I've had no problems with Sora so far. I've never felt limited by the gear range either. I had a quick look at the AL 5 specs, and for $690 you get hydraulic breaks and the 105 groupset. I've never used either of these, but from what I've read on the internet, hydraulic breaks are a big step up from the mechanical brakes on the AL 3. If you're only riding on the weekend then I don't think there's that much difference. But then again it's probably worth asking someone who's actually used these components 😂

[@Mike_in_Thailand]

If you are only riding for fun and fitness then the Sora is fine. You don't need the extra gears on the 105 groupset , the only downside I can see with my Sora is that if I wanted to install a power meter then in practice the only option are pedal power meters such as the Garmin or Assioma, with a 105 I could have a crank based meter.

[@JitinMisra]

@@Mike_in_Thailand I thought power meter is a crank , that should be compatible with any bike?

[@arpitpandey777]

How would you compare this bike with Triban Rc 500

[@JMower]

The specs are pretty similar, both have the same group set etc. The geometry is very similar too. Honestly, I'd say either bike would be fine for a beginner. The Triban is a fair bit cheaper though. If there's a shop nearby I'd suggest trying them out in person and choose the one that feels best

[@arpitpandey777]

@@JMower Yeah I'll try in person and then decide. For the same price as Al3, vanrysel ultra 900 AF is also available which comes with shimano 105 drive train.

[@JMower]

@@arpitpandey777 For the same price the 105 is definitely the way to go!

[@twgq]

I like the bike, more the frame, a lot. Also for semi-professional use. It´s good in so many points: geometry, mounting points, tire clearance, threaded BB, thru axles and price! I hope TREK will sell the frame only. The downside of weight isn´t such a huge problem. Wheels are at this budget always crap. Change to a 1500g wheelset and tubeless slicks, you will lost a lot. If budget is possible than second change seatpost, saddle and handlebars. This will drop the weight about 2 Kg. The frame isn´t for race oder climbing, so 9 Kg will be more than fine. Because of lighter wheels, you will gain more speed on climbing too.

[@maheshjagwani6003]

Hey buddy,nice video...just need to know what average speeds ur clocking on this bike ? Also,are the stock brakes any good?

[@JMower]

Average speeds around 30-32km/h on the flat, pretty comfortable to maintain that without too much effort. The brakes have been fine, lots of descents here and I've never felt the need for anything more. The tyres are the limit rather than the brakes, I've had the rear tyres skid a few times, so grippier tyres would let the brakes perform better

[@Yaros83]

Im 185 as well and looking at a 61, as 58 felt a bit small... (my inseam is 91)

[@Charles-vt4pj]

ha, you live in China! I'm planning to buy a commuting bike, and choose one between Marlin 7 or Domane AL2 disc. Hard to choose...

[@JMower]

I think you'd be fine with either, maybe if the road surface isn't that good then lean towards the Marlin. Especially if you want to jump between the sidewalk and the road a lot, I think the front suspension would be useful.

[@Nahduge]

Do you think you got the right size at 58? I am 186cm tall and had been deliberating between the 56 and 58 and eventually went with the 58 but still have my doubts.

[@JMower]

Hey pal, when I was deciding the size I read a few articles on whether to size up or down. It said that if you have longer arms than height you should size up, and if your arms are shorter you should size down. My arms are weirdly long (197cm) so I sized up. Overall I've had no issues with the size. The sizing chart on the trek website says size 56 is for 174-180cm so that seems a bit small for you. The 58 should be fine I think blog.halfords.com/what-to-do-if-youre-in-between-bike-sizes/

[@Nahduge]

@@JMower thanks alot for the reply! I have slightly shorter arms than height but almost even. Just went for a longer ride and I think its really about the adjustment period to a road bike. Would probably have been alot worse if I were on the smaller 56 for a longer duration.

[@harrymurphey2634]

... More Gears??? ... Yep they are selling the riding public on the "Compact Double" front gear set. I ordered my Domane 5.2 w/ a 3X10 gear set .... while I am very happy w/ my bike, this is the biggest reason this is my "last" road bike I will purchase as you can not get a front triple any more. I have a Mech Eng Degree !!!! ... so I understand gearing. And also I know how to shift gears very well and do not need the fancy electronic shifting which adds weight to the bike ... and makes the bike much more expensive ... and they wonder why bikes sales are dropping.

[@EblanteBatyr]

Is size 58 XL or L?

[@mrsdxbrandon]

Do you think this would be a good bike for like local/amateur bike racing?

[@JMower]

Hey mate, you'd probably be alright with this, it's a bit on the heavy side but throw on a lighter set of wheels and it should be good! For the price it's definitely worth considering anyway

[@LuisA-fc3ox]

Nice video. 25lbs for a $1100 bike. Wow. It’s a tank.

[@signordon1987]

why people tell me not to upgrade wheels on my triban rc 120?

[@JMower]

Sorry mate I don't know much about that bike, but if you want to upgrade your wheels then go for it. Just make sure they're lighter than the old ones you'll definitely feel a difference!

[@marcgtsr]

Your frame is used in more expensive models, I saw one with 105, vanrysel branded. I think its good frame, if you like it... go ahead.

[@Shihabdeenrecreationalcyclist]

Hi is this a gravel bike or road bike

[@JMower]

Hello, technically it’s a road bike, but I put some 35c knobbly tires on and it works fine as a gravel bike. If the gravel around you isn’t too bumpy it should be ok as a gravel bike

[@kris8165]

Beautiful bike ❤ But,how in the name of....did they managed to make a sucha heavy road/gravel bike??? Seriously, I have a weighty Trek SS 29er,and it weighs slightly over 11kg! I'm confused 😅 Greetings from Kris from Croatia 😎

[@JMower]

Hey mate, it's probably a combination of very large size and heavy wheels. It's a size 58 and the wheels together were about 4kg. I've made a few upgrades and the total weight is just under 10 kg now!

[@yoseftv9269]

Your height sir? Thank you

[@JMower]

185cm 👌👌

[@andyjame6351]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@bigjes]

I want to complete an iron man can I use this?

[@JMower]

sure! Maybe get some clip on aerobars and it'll work perfectly

[@doctordang3270]

Why r u wearing two watches…?

[@JMower]

Long story, got an apple watch back when I used to be fat it helped me lose lots of weight, then when I got more serious about fitness I got the garmin watch

[@TheAlbert12397]

It's called doing a Schwarzkopf! During the 1st Iraq War General Norman Schwarzkopf wore 2 watches. A Rolex for West Coast time and a Seiko for East Coast time!

[@DarianWade]

Bit of constructive criticism. When mentioning weight you should also show the weight in lbs on screen for us Americans. Our system sucks, but it's all we know unfortunately

[@JMower]

Good point! Will keep in mind for next time!

[@5FWS5]

MADE IN CHINA!