Trek Domane SL Gen 4 Review - Fantastic Bike, Flawed Delivery

I've been riding my Trek Domane SL5 Gen 4 for about 4 months. After around 1000 km of riding, it's clear that the bike is very capable, but a few subpar/defective components can very easily mar your initial experience with the bike. While I've been riding the SL5, the issues here - a slipping seatpost and subpar tyres and sealant would appear to affect all Domane SL Gen 4 models (Domane 2023 models). Thankfully, all these issues are fixable ... but will require you to spend some extra $$$.
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Why I Bought a Trek Domane
01:17 Short Seatpost
02:15 Bontrager R3 Tyres & Sealant
04:16 Slipping Seatpost on the Domane SL Gen 4
06:14 Trek's response
07:28 Closing thoughts
Links:
Domane Owners Lounge: / 514423345385271
Facebook Poll: / 2410393169121603
Ronit Debnath: / ronitdebnath
D Byk Store, Pune: dbykstore.com/
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⛑Gear⛑ bit.ly/buyfromcyclop
👕Hyve Jersey👕 hyvesports.com Code: INDCYC10
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[@lsmoothw]

Excellent review. I was considering this bike but I have seen several comments about the seat post. This is the most detailed information I’ve seen in one place. Thanks!

[@shantanu_pcc2498]

Thank you TIC for detailed reviews.

[@FaizKhan-pg8dh]

Good one.. straight to the point...! Hope the guys @trek take note of the issue 😢 soon 😢

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Then you'll buy one, right? :D

[@AtharvaVaidya]

Just came across your channel from this video. I had an option to buy this bike second hand for a good price. Glad I did my research. The other contender was through ALR5 Emonda but I finally pulled the trigger for a Scott Addict 30 Disc. For my strictly road usage, it's perfect. Also, beautiful video. The production quality is insane. You're up there with Cade media or GCN but for India so I hope you launch

[@holdencaulfied7492]

Sounds like you got a great bike. I like that the Scott Addict has a long wheelbase. I have a BMC Roadmachine and it's a great bike but has a short wheelbase and is a bit twitchy for my liking. For me, the best part of biking is descending, so any compromise to that such as a short wheelbase is a deal breaker.

[@sooty71]

Thanks for the insight. Keep it up.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Glad you found this useful!

[@ajinkyabodke_]

Good one,a new video every 3 months,looking for more videos to be posted soon!

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Thanks ... and I know - started this year planning to double the frequency and ended up halving it! Hoping to be able to devote more time soon!

[@redgar6467]

Thanks for the feedback and for leaving the last doughnut for me LOL

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Lol. Was wondering where that 🍩 went! I'm a bit heavier now then when I made the video. Need to be careful!

[@grantwilliams2912]

Great insight.. Like you, I love my Gen 4, but had to purchase a seat post to achieve fit (in my case, 5 deg set back) and Trek replaced the ISO to stop the slipping

[@TheIndianCyclist]

What wedge did you get? Rev 2 is still doing fine for me, bit does creak now and then :( Seen one report of a rev 4 wedge failing to stop the slippage too!

[@grantwilliams2912]

Mine is Rev 2.. No slippage, but I find it’s necessary to check the torque setting on the seat clamp mechanism once a month or so to minimise creaking to negligible

[@ketangaydhani2669]

Thanks for sharing. You've told the problem openly and frankly and I really appreciate this. Enjoy your upgraded bike with the new seatpost and assembly; and I'm looking forward to more of your vlogs with this bike - because I haven't seen any ride videos using this bike! 🙂

[@ketangaydhani2669]

Another question I forgot to ask - did you sell your previous bicycle (hybrid/mtb) or do you still have it with you?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Good to hear from you Ketan! Yes, time to make more videos - life is pretty busy these days (a good problem to have!). To answer your second question, much to my wife's chagrin - no, I haven't sold a single bike till date. My older road bike (which this one replaces) has been moved indoors onto my new stationary trainer (video coming on that soon!). I still need the MTB, and the only "redundant" bike of sorts is the cross-hybrid (which you see on most of the earlier videos). Don't feel like selling that just yet!

[@ketangaydhani2669]

@@TheIndianCyclist Nice to read that! So, I am not alone here. I already upgraded to a very good cross hybrid and for some strange reason I am absolutely hooked on to the Surly Wednesday ( a fat tyre bike). I know for sure that a fat tyre bike has a very limited use here in India but I love them so much that I am damn sure I want the Surly Wednesday. The only thing holding me back is the cost of this thing which is going to go upwards of a lakh and a half rupees with a decent groupset; which I am sure my wife too isn’t going to agree!! 😅😅

[@TheIndianCyclist]

I can understand the fascination with Fat Bikes - when I first got back into cycling in 2017 and was looking for a bike, that was the most attractive type of bike to me. However, would highly recommend waiting for the attraction to pass! Do put that money towards a bike that you can ride a lot - that's exactly what I did with the Domane; fair bit of cash, but I can use the bike for almost all my rides!

[@ketangaydhani2669]

@@TheIndianCyclist That is so true. I know it will be a passing phase and I am better off with a roadie or a hybrid! My hybrid bicycle cost me north of 50k and raised many eyebrows at home. Anything even up to the level of a Domane AL series and the equivalents; and I am sure that I won't even be allowed inside the house! Carbon is beyond me for sure!!

[@KevinTetin]

Today I rode a new Domane, excellent except for creaking as you describe. I am 6ft 1in, age 69 and 100kg, size 58cm bike. I suspect I will have to look elsewhere, shame as otherwise excellent. Very frustrating. Thanks for excellent review though.

[@holdencaulfied7492]

I'm the same size as you and I test rode one and it was great. Trek should make a different variation without the decoupler, I suspect it's a gimmick anyway; if you have 35c tires with lower pressure, you don't need the decoupler. I bet the next generation or two Trek will get rid of the decoupler, that's when I'll buy one.

[@ronitdebnath]

Nice Video.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Thanks Ronit! BTW, everyone - this is Ronit from the video: instagram.com/ronitdebnath/

[@PDM1967]

Holy crap. It seems that everyone has that creaking problem. The creaking on my sl5 was absolutely ridiculous. The trek store i bought it from fixed the problem a few weeks ago. I hope it stays fixed. I love the bike, but Trek’s hiding the issue makes me want to never by trek again.

[@holdencaulfied7492]

How did they fix it? I would consider it if there's a viable fix. Do you think the decoupler is a gimmick or is it useful? Or with 35c tires you don't need it?

[@PDM1967]

Not exactly sure. I think they replaced the ISO speed or a part which was defective. Have not had problems since. I think it is helpful in giving a comfortable ride.

[@jayare8424]

had the same problem with my creaking seatpost collar . it creaked like hell. I have the Trek domane al3. I put a piece of inner tube wedge between the post and collar and it worked. it's a great bike but yes that creaking would make u sell it asap..

[@ericchancellor2714]

Thanks for the vid. I have an slr 6. My seat pole keeps dropping and squeaking, and my bike shop couldn't figure out why. Hopefully Trek will honor a warranty claim. I've had bad experiences with Trek before.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

All the best! What revision wedge do you have - hopefully not the newest one (I've heard it's up to Rev 5 now)

[@curtisjohnston1341]

I like your bottle cage. I have the same color Domane and I have been trying to decide what color cages to go with that best match the bike. What brand and color is it?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

It was in the store and seemed like it was specially made for the bike! It's a Supacaz fly cage - red/black. I will say some of the paint has already started to chip off, but that's on the inside of the cage, not the outside, which is still perfect.

[@LackofFaithify]

Bought one of these things. Have about 40kg less than you and had every seat post and iso issue you did. Ended up taking it back once I figured out both were issues Trek knew about and did nothing to fix unless you happened to find out, take it in and press them on (at least at my local shop). I just kept wondering what else might be wrong with the thing? Bottom line, you should have taken that doughnut.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

LOL. Sorry to hear it's not just "heavier guys" ... your experience seems to mirror mine otherwise. Such irresponsible and frustrating behavior by Trek, globally!

[@juansalenko]

Great video, have ordered a Trek Domane, I guess I have the check the wedge when it arrives :)

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Fingers crossed! I know many are fine with Rev 1 too, but if you are fine with Rev 1 for awhile, say a year, I wonder if it will be fine forever!

[@juansalenko]

@@TheIndianCyclist I got my bike last night and I think it’s rev 1 actually. It’s not creaking now. But I’ll see what happens. I am 91kg so I guess it might be some problems

[@TheIndianCyclist]

About the same weight here. Keep a close eye on the seat height with the height markings at the back, even if not creaking. Gradual slips over time and/or slips of 5 mm are easy to miss.

[@juansalenko]

@@TheIndianCyclist had another issue. Both front and back wheel is loosing air. So going back to store. I mean it’s probably just something easy. But with new bike I rather have them fix it

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Were they set up tubeless? If they used bontrager sealant, take that junk out right away and start with Silca to give tubeless a fair shot. Just made a video on tubeless too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5naq2OLqL2NacU

[@TheAmericanPsycho.]

I had the SL5, but then the frame cracked and warranty took care of it with no problem. But this new SL 7 that i've had for around a year has recently had the seatpost slipping drastically to the point it is unrideable, especially on the trainer. Frustrating.

[@vijayramachandran3559]

Shocking quality and sneakiness on Trek's part! Btw why did you choose to go tubeless?

[@holdencaulfied7492]

Tubeless you can run lower pressure than with tubes.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Vijay, I wouldn't stay it was sneaky, but definitely surprisingly poor quality for just these components on a high end bike. Makes you do more to make it actually high end! I went with tubeless because the bike was delivered that way, and I was quite interested in what it promised. I've since changed my mind ... made a video on my tubeless experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5naq2OLqL2NacU

[@Michael-ts9yp]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a Domane SL7 Gen 4. The bike shop be installing the latest Rev on the seat post before pickup. I weigh 190 lbs so I don't anticipate an issue. In light of the newest Rev resolving the issue, would you recommend this bike?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Michael, I'm sorry I missed this comment. 1000 km in since my seatpost change and it's doing fine - I hope you bought the bike!?

[@Michael-ts9yp]

@@TheIndianCyclist No worries, I bought the SL7 and I'm very happy with it.

[@brandonclark8736]

I really appreciate having an Indian cyclists perspective. I'm sure there are many great places to cycle in Pune City. Might I suggest, however, that you please ride the bike much further on each ride. It takes some time to really "settle in" on a bike and you can't do that in a 5mile or 10mile ride. You should be aiming for ++20miles for every ride if you want to change your physique. Keep up the great work and I'll add you on Strava!

[@TheIndianCyclist]

All the great routes are outside the city, but I really shouldn't complain, Pune is far more blessed in this department than most cities in India. Am slowly increasing the amount I ride on weekdays, rides are now typically between 18 & 25 miles, but not waking up early enough limits your options as you have to deal with way too much traffic if you start a ride anytime after 8 or perhaps even 7 AM. With my new tyres (35 mm Cinturato Velo) which I just switched to, I'm feeling a lot better on the bike and hopefully set for longer weekend rides that should be around 50 miles. I agree, all things considered I need to ride this bike a lot more and take it on longer rides.

[@G91YS]

Why SL 5 and not SL 6 with electric shifting? I currently have a Kona Rove DL (steel) but it's heavy for my commute (60 km per day, 2 times a week). Wanted a Domane SL but the seatpost issues is worrying me, and can't choose if I'll want electric shifting later on or not.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Personally don't think electronic shifting is worth the money for me yet. I was coming from a somewhat entry-level aluminum bike, the shift to a carbon bike was big enough for me! The seatpost issues seem to be resolved with the latest wedges, so perhaps you can confirm with your store that they're aware of the problem and perhaps they can deliver the bike with the latest wedges instead of you having to run around for this post purchase. All the best!

[@edwardfrench9925]

I bought a 2023 (gen 3?) SL5 last week. First ride and the seat post collapsed. The LBS I bought it from suggested I should pay for a new clamp but when I pointed out it’s a known issue, Trek would warranty it (I asked them) and they had applied carbon paste (the Trek service bulletin says to use Alcohol NOT carbon paste) during the build they agreed to put it through as a warranty job. Now having to wait for parts and hoping it’ll be the latest spec clamp and someone actually takes the hint and reads the service bulletin. It was all news to the tech I spoke to today.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Interesting and disappointing to know that this is still unknown to so many Trek dealers. Did you get the new parts now? Hopefully a revision 4 or 5 clamp?

[@chirsd666]

Interesting...I'm riding a 2017 Domane SL6 (gen 2), which had issues with post slipping, so I used carbon paste to solve the slip issue and It's not been an issue since. But thanks to you, I now have a new fear unlocked 😀 Did the post collapse catastrophically riding at speed, or did it give you some warning?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Oh, the opposite. So slow that I didn't even realize it until it got really low! AFAIK, the problem is a gradual slip, not sudden. Also, not sure if it's the same problem though, given different generations.

[@edwardfrench9925]

So my bike has been repaired. The UK Trek warranty chap was great to talk to and sent the shop the latest guide for repair. Whether they followed it or not I don’t know but a new seat post and clamp was fitted and it hasn’t been an issue since. In my case it was a sudden band and drop in height.

[@chatt6154]

I got a very new domane sl6 gen 4 yesterday. The noise from the seat post is so loud that people can hear me coming from about 50 - 100m away. It sounds like heavy damage. Thats ridiculous loud.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Terrible to have this as your first experience with a brand new bike. Did you check what generation clamp / wedge you have?

[@daispatrick]

So trek did an end of year sale and promised a 4 month delivery time, eventually I received the bike last week after 7 months, assembled in Germany delivered to Belgium, but the shop said they claimed on arrival a new seatpost clamp because they knew about the problems, makes me wonder why it didn't had the new clamp in the first place, now I have a rev 4... Fingers crossed.

[@legionivo]

how did it go? Share your opinion please

[@daispatrick]

@@legionivo the weather wasn't that good last weeks, so I switched to my other bike, I only did 200km's probably too soon to be sure, but for now no slipping, no creeking.

[@G91YS]

Hello from Belgium too, was tempted to get the Domane SL5 or 6 but being also 94kg, the seatpost issue is worrying. I sent an e-mail the Trek store near me but alas no answer.

[@daispatrick]

@@G91YS I'm 80kilo, I ride mostly with a backpack, so thats e few kilo extra. I now have 1300km with this one and so far no creaking no slipping. Just pay the shop a visit and ask them directly.

[@slotre]

I have 2020 trek checkpoint al3. Which is identical to current domaine al3. Ever since I got the bike I’ve been facing seat post drops. I’m 95 kg. I thought I was the only one

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Sorry to hear that. The problem I'm experiencing though is specific to the carbon series with Isospeed tech, you are unfortunately hitting something else :(

[@gercort3101]

Who is the pressure for this tires for road and which is for Gravel? Thanks

[@TheIndianCyclist]

I'm sorry I missed this - for my weight (about 90-95 kg), I fill about 70 PSI no matter what terrain I'm riding.

[@MrOryly]

Slipping seatpost - is this a domane specific issue or does it also appear in the checkpoint ?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

This a great question - the service bulletin I had access to was Domane specific. I also found a checkpoint owners group on FB and there seem to be no posts about the seatpost, unlike one every other day on the Domane group, so I'm guessing the checkpoint is OK. However, great idea to specifically call out the slipping issue on the Domane and ask what the state is on the CP.

[@MrOryly]

@@TheIndianCyclist I still can't decide which of the two to choose :) the problem with the slipping seatpost tipped the scales a bit towards checkpoint. Although, domane probably fits my needs a bit better.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

For the longest time, I really wanted a Checkpoint. Then I realized that I would rather ride mountain bike trails ... with a mountain bike, instead of a "do-it-all" bike, so dropped the idea of getting a gravel bike entirely. The Domane has worked brilliantly as an "all-road" bike - you don't need a gravel bike to ride light trails and shitty roads, but a bike with clearance for wide tyres and some comfort aspects thrown in. Another thing to note is that the geometries are significantly different, with the Checkpoint being the more aggressive of the two which was also a big issue for me, as I was looking for a bike that's more comfortable. Maybe new Domane's come with the Rev 4 clamp which really seems to be working for a number of riders - do jcheck!

[@VideoPresence2020]

I agree with Trek’s tubeless failures. Had the same issue in 2013 with my new Project One Domane. Failure. Horrible tires. Trek is saving nickels at the cost of customer care.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Such a shame - the tyres look good and perform quite while otherwise, with what I felt was a great balance of grip and speed. Needed that extra bit of quality and puncture protection :(

[@MusicForTheBroken]

I found a Domane+ for a massive discount? What are your thoughts on this bike?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

I'm afraid I don't know much about the Domane +. What I will say is that I'm having a great time on the SL5 right now. I've given up on tubeless with 35 mm Cinturato Velo tyres, and the seatpost slipping issue really is well and truly fixed. So while it took me some time to get here, the bike is pretty awesome right now. Why I'm saying all this is because the Domane seems to be a great series, might take some work, but if the price is right, don't let my complaints give you pause. Good luck!

[@sachin9977]

Which tyre did you replace the front one with?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Pirelli Cinturato Velo 28mm (actually taken off my older road bike as a backup). It has worked very well, and I'm going to replace both when Cinturato Velo 35mm next!

[@craigla3815]

Are these problems only on the carbon fibre frames?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Yes, as they're specific to the ISO speed tech that's only in the carbon version.

[@michalpatrik1389]

Slipping seat post is probably problem of almost all unconventional solutions for fixing the seat post other way than using the classic clamp. Unfortunately in 90% it is hard problem which could not be fixed any other way than by a repair that interferes with the frame of the bike.

[@shreerajshivale8478]

May I get an insight on your editing process lol

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Sure! Any specific questions? Or you can DM me @indian.cyclist on IG.

[@VideoPresence2020]

Interesting how the 3013 six series Domane also has a dropping seat post design failure. That and the ovalizing BB90 bearing race suggest Trek struggles with carbon fiber bicycle engineering.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

One one hand, I love the fact that they're innovating - after all, ISOSpeed is one of the main reasons why I bought this bike! But for it to be a point of failure, for years ... so disappointing :(

[@JitinMisra]

You shouldn’t clamp the too tube like that on the bike stand.. you should only clamp the seat post

[@TheIndianCyclist]

It isn't really clamped, it's perfectly balanced and then just lightly 'held' with a very slack upper jaw :) the seatpost is carbon too ... I don't think that would be a good idea!

[@thisiscrs428]

Would like to get a Domane. The Problems are still a thing?

[@TheIndianCyclist]

With the carbon SL series, yes. I will add that my problem was solved with a Rev 2 clamp, this has failed for others and they now have a Rev 5 clamp too.

[@thisiscrs428]

@@TheIndianCyclist ouch… maybe I should go for another bike. But it wouldve been so perfect as Allroad bike.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

It really has been a great all road bike for me. You could check what clamp the bike in your store has, might also be fine if you're not too heavy! The Domane Gen 4 AL series might be worth considering!

[@ketle369]

Don’t buy bikes with any sort of “damping” insert in the frame. It’s a problem waiting to happen. If you want more damping run a bigger tire at lower pressure. 90% of dampening is in the tires and wheels. I got a Canyon Endurace 2018 disc but I bought it with a regular seat post and not the spring one only do avoid problems. With todays prices and many bikes having “smart solutions” that’s prioriotary I have come to the conclusion that next step is upgrading the wheels and keep the bike for all forseen future.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

The damping is exactly why I bought this bike and I'm sorry to say you're probably right! I'm learning this the hard way. Thankfully my problems have stopped for now, but I'm not sure for how long or how much comfort this actually adds.

[@holdencaulfied7492]

This. We're entering the next phase of bike design where tire width is everything. None of these gimmicks add much value, and to that list I will add these stupid aero seat posts. Just give me a round seat post with a clamp. My BMC has a D shaped post and it's notorious for slipping. If a bike can't fit 35c tires, I'm not buying it.

[@djjd3027]

In my opinion the wheels period are absolutely garbage on these. As a 225 lb/102 kg rider I've had to have my wheels trued every 5 to 700 miles. I don't have any issue with the seat post sliding down but it does creak. Not embarrassingly so but it definitely does.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

I did notice the wheels out of true the first time I went back in, but they seem to be just fine now at 1000 km in - I'll keep en eye on this too, thanks!

[@MADTrollsReefTanks]

Screw that. I weigh 260lbs. I would surely make that seat creep down

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Yeah, probably not a sensible choice at that weight - they are up to a revision 5 clamp now!

[@jarhead4657]

The dealers are lying they all know about it.

[@the.communist]

280mm seatpost, ridiculous

[@holdencaulfied7492]

You shouldn't have to extend the post so high. The bike has a short reach, so no reason not to go up a size. Your bike is too small.

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Without knowing my stats, you're so sure my bike is too small? :) As I mentioned in the video, I did try a size up - the reach was a definitely a problem for me, physically, and it was obvious to two qualified people at the store as well. In fact, while I'm now used to this reach, for a time I may have wanted to try and reduce it even on this smaller size. As far as the seatpost being too short, I presented a couple of points in the video why it should have been longer, irrespective of the rider.

[@holdencaulfied7492]

@@TheIndianCyclist I must have missed that part about sizing up. You said you got the smaller one so you could have a bigger drop from the seat to the bars... that makes no sense. The entire point of that bike is the high stack and the short reach. If you want a big drop, there are lots of bikes for that, like the Trek Emonda. I have a gravel bike and the selling point for me is the small drop from the seat to the bars, that's what makes it comfortable. Anyway, I can understand if the reach was too far, although I would have gone for a shorter stem if that was an option rather than going for a smaller size. But I'm sure you got the right size for you. I test rode one and it felt like the seat tube angle is overly slack.. it felt like I was sitting way back, like it feels when you're on a setback seat post. I shifted the seat all the way forward and put the seat as high as I could and it felt good. I love the high stack and short reach. Also that you can run 35c tires, that's amazing for a road bike. The stack is so high that for the first time I might be able take all the spacers out if I got one. But I want to thank you for your video for telling us about the decoupler and the seat post. I will look for something with similar geometry that doesn't have the complication of the decoupler.

[@sayno4137]

Just wait for Front Decoupler to fail... Gripper paste sorted it for me with seatpost.... SL6 has got me a dozen KOMs and plenty of Cups....(Even with sciatic back

[@TheIndianCyclist]

Thankfully? the gen 4 SL5 does not have the front decoupler anymore. Was removed in this generation.

[@sayno4137]

The R3 tyres are shit..... I swapped them out for Conti GP5000s TR... They are better but still prone to punctures in rear. Finish Line Fibrelink sealant is best I have used

[@TheIndianCyclist]

It's such a pity because I love the tread pattern and the way they look too. Hard to find something that will be good for road and light gravel too ... gp5000 unfortunately not good for this :(