Trek Domane+ SLR 9 eTap Review - $13k

[@twloughlin]

Even if you can't afford it or don't understand why it's priced so high, these types of bikes deserve comprehensive reviews like this for those people interested. Just like cars, the spectrum of style and price is wide. You are rolling in the high rent district with this baby, Court!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Lol, oh yeah! I really appreciate your comment Tom. I try to go deep and be thorough regardless of the bike. I am indeed thinking about the handful of people who are actually making a purchase decision. This is also why I prefer to do unpaid reviews as much as I can. Thankfully, I make enough with KZbin and shops on the website that it's possible. You made my day, thanks again.

[@braxtonperry1981]

EBR is very thoughtful Covering a wide spectrum Thanks from Bike Week Hobo 🚴🧠🫀

[@TysonRoehrkasse]

@CameraMule people always say this and it makes no sense! Sure you could get a motorcycle for the same price, but you can't use that motorcycle for any of the things you'd use this road bike for. Or ride it anywhere this road bike can go - bike paths/trails, in bike lanes, etc. And you don't get any exercise. A motorcycle and a road bike both have two wheels and handlebars but that's where the similarities end... completely different products for completely different use cases.

[@Idahomie]

@CameraMule Recession or the competition catches up...price will drop...like a rock.

[@MHH3180]

@@TysonRoehrkasse amen, it requires no lisc, insurance, doesn't pollute, make absurd noise or add to your belĺy fat. It is easier and thus easier to store & park. It is also much safer and maneuverable in urban traffic.

[@BikeronaTrek]

Update: I finally picked this bike up from my local Trek dealer, and I have been riding it for a month now. I have about fifteen rides on it and about 500 miles. What a fantastic bike in every way! It looks great, rides great, and is fast! It is worth every penny! I upgraded the wheels to Zipp 454 NSW, with Continental GP5000 tires, TPU tubes, and Ultegra rotors, that I had on my Emonda. The bike now weighs 27 lbs. and is faster with these wheels. I also upgraded the handlebar tape, and waxed the chain. I added clipless pedals, cages, and phone and computer mounts. I have averaged 20.1 MPH on a hilly 50 mile local ride, and averaged 23.4 MPH on a hilly local 20 mile ride. Group rides are so much fun! I still get a good work out too.

[@brentcollins9727]

The world’s first review of the new Domane + !!!! Congratulations! That thing is AWESOME!!!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Haha, thanks Brent! I took my time with the bike, missed the embargo launch date, just wanted to do a good job. I'm grateful Trek shared the bike so I could really get to know the TQ system, I really liked it :D

[@MHH3180]

Astonished at how close it is to the comparable traditional model. A sign of those things to come further down the price range. Of course it is not in my price range, that's okay. It is the most practical application of CF I have ever seen. For what it is, it is a great value! I predict that, down the road, all this tech will be available in touring and commuting geometries too. This from a guy that normally does not like CF, proprietary anything, integrated batteries, 1x, anything above 8 speeds or not available to the average cyclist. I could see an urban commuter, with space to store, replacing a car or even a motor scooter with this bike. Now the $13k doesn't seem so high.

[@user-qr4zu1hb4o]

Court, good to see your thorough review of the Domane+ SLR, glad to be taken along on the ride. The fun is contagious. I also see that the brakes work well! I have the SLR 6 105 'road' (entry carbon) version on order, but ETA is months away. Looking forward to seeing posts from others who may be getting theirs sooner, along with their ride impressions. Though selection seems broad, I had to temper my expectations since a cheaper SL version (~$ 3000 less) with a 2X SRM drivetrain (adding $400 back) is simply not available in the + version (though part of the non-motorized Domane lineup). Seems backwards since the added ~1.5 lbs. would not matter to the motor, amounting to

[@ElectricBikeReview]

The whine drops a lot with slower cadence. I prefer to spin fast and also used that footage for many video segments because of the climb and RPM tests. It doesn't seem as loud when riding normally, part of the noise is my camera position too. I think you'll love the bike, I was really impressed with the TQ motor :)

[@DadMichoMurphy]

My Creo loses power noticeably under 20% - so knowing it holds off until 10% is an upgrade in my estimation.

[@BikeronaTrek]

I finally ordered this bike, I waited till I could manage to afford it, and it will come in sometime in January of next year. I still have to sell my two older Trek bikes. But it will happen. I went with the SLR6 Pro in the custom rage red. It has a Praxxis crank and not Shimano. The only option I got was the custom personal name and painter signature. I can't wait. By the way the price went up $500, so the dealer price is $9,500 with Project One, which I got.

[@RahulKumar-vh4xr]

Thanks for the amazing review, picking my Domane+ up tomorrow

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Awesome! These bikes are incredible. I think you’ll have a blast!

[@Hov1688]

Are u happy with ur purchase?

[@bennetthasty7886]

Being merely middle class this is like a dream bike I could have a poster of this on my wall like I had a Ferrari poster as a kid 😂❤🎉

[@DadMichoMurphy]

This is elite level equipment, I love it! My Creo is going to get upgraded! :)

[@TheJournier]

Nice! Hopefully one day more affordable ebikes will adopt some of these features. So many ebikes are heavy and clunky with bad gear ratios. Drives me nuts. Haha

[@colby707]

Got a 2021 generation of Trek Domane+ LT 7 but oh my lord the upgrades they made from the fazua variant have been all absolutely fantastic. If it weren't for the fact that this is nearly 3x what I paid for mine, I'd have some buyers' remorse. I'll get one of these someday. Maybe when the $15k 2024 Domane comes out and is 25lb with 100mi of range. I feel like the SLR 9 could have possibly even been a 1x given how much BOOST that motor gives. The only advantage I have is I can entirely remove the motor and battery, although it's barely lighter than this bike even with the motor removed! The future for innovation in e-bikes is absolutely exciting!

[@BikeronaTrek]

This is a great review of a fantastic bike. This is the best performance e-bike yet from Trek. I wouldn't get this particular bike though, I would get a 105 or Ultegra equipped bike for a lot less money. After all, you have assist, and 105 isn't much heavier than eTap or Dura-ace. I have to sell some bikes!

[@frankiehoosier9165]

I really like the few day old beard shadow…..keep that !

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks Frankie! I have sensitive skin and like to wait a few days before trim or shave. It's nice to feel accepted regardless. Hope you're having a great weekend :)

[@dzembassy]

This Trek Domane+ e-bike is absolutely a work of art! Thank you for doing such a thorough review! I'm 60 years young and looking to get this style of e-bike in the next few months, so reviews like this are extremely helpful, because even though we have a plethora of bike shops (including Trek dealers) in the Buffalo, NY area, none of them carry anything this high-end in stock. The bike shops are happy to special order a bike like this for you, but your 1st test-drive is as an owner... My only complaint to Trek on this bike (especially at this price point), would be that they didn't install front and rear integrated lights. We've all been caught out on rides that go a little longer than maybe planned and having integrated lights for rider visibility and safety on ALL e-bikes should be a no brainer IMO.

[@Tchairdjian]

No Lights, but one big plus are the two remote buttons on the handlebar... Most TQ equipped ebikes don't offer this feature and adding them later are expensive and hard to find stock even if you're willing to pay... ie BMC, Scott, Pinarello all don't come with it. Lights are easy to add.

[@beerwilliemtspo5850]

Is the motor feel it's dragging when you are not using the assist? Fauzua vs. TQ. Here's my story: I have been using the Domane+LT since it came out. I really like the fact I can ride the bike on flat roads and slightly up hills and downhill. I have found that I can go 30 to 40 miles using the drive. I have gotten over 60 miles by conserving the assist till I need/want it. It works great in a mix of acoustic/e-bike road rides. I can stay in the group on the flats and downhills and love being able to stay in the group on the climbs. I like the weight of the new SLR Domane+ with the double chainring. The tests seen are about it being in drive all the time. I have a Bosch MTB, I am not pedaling it with no assist, to much pedal resistance. Do you have a comparison between no assist Fazua vs. TQ? Thanks, Keep it up!

[@vadusa]

Gorgeous e-Bike !

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Absolutely agree, and I love the color options!

[@Idahomie]

Another excellent review.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thank you so much, did my best to keep it down to Earth but also go deep on the details.

[@gosman949]

For electric bikes to really sell to the masses, the weight has to come down. This technology will start with the expensive road bikes, and hopefully come down to the lower price bikes in time.

[@bindingcurve]

Bikes for the masses are CHEEP bikes. There are lots of them out there for under $1500. Hell Walmart sells some OK ones for under $600 and a mid drive for $1500

[@gosman949]

@@bindingcurve electric bikes like electric cars, must come down in price for them to survive.

[@bindingcurve]

@@gosman949 dude, you can get a decent bike for $600 or a nice one for $1200. How much cheaper do you need? If you look around you can get them on sale. I picked up a rad mission for $450 for the kid.

[@Mainstayjay]

Is there really many people willing to spend 13k on an E-bike? I have an Aventon Level which is considered a budget option from what I hear. 2,400.00 Usd after getting a Topeak child seat and helmets and lights because my Level didn't have integrated lights. Didn't seem very "budget" at the time but wow, 13k? People out there must be working with a wildly different income. To want to spend that amount on an E-bike.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I guess so... and considering there are five versions, each with seven sizes and five colors. It's definitely expensive from my perspective, but it's also one of the coolest, lightest, and highest performing ebikes I've tested (for road cycling). It's my favorite actually. Yes, it costs more than 2x the value of my older used car, but if this is your main hobby and you plan to keep it for a long time, it's a healthy and fun way to spend some discretionary income.

[@jcoats5529]

Road bike enthusiasts often spend that much or more on a non electric bike. It's not that uncommon for them to own 5 or more bikes that total much more .You'd spend alot more racing cars and not have the health benefits of biking. I'll never criticize a cyclists ride.

[@bindingcurve]

Your comparing a Corolla to a Ferrari. But there are E-Bike Corvettes out there as well.

[@Mainstayjay]

@@bindingcurve the bike just seems ridiculous to me as far as price, apparently people don't appreciate my opinion but that's okay.

[@bindingcurve]

@@Mainstayjay You just don't ride. Get a taste for a really good bike and you just cant go back. I'm willing to drop 4K on a regular bike. Luckily I found a nice used one for $1400 ($2500 lower spec version of the 4K one). I put about 300 miles a month on it. And I also have a Ebike for commuting. It's way faster and cheaper, but not what a take out for fun.

[@randomname9758]

A non detachable battery is a no sale, deal breaker for me. Who am I kidding, I can't even afford the seat for this. 🥴

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, it's a trade-off for sure. I think the main battery is removable, just not easily. The range extender is a nice concept, and helps to make up for it in my opinion.

[@DadMichoMurphy]

You don't ever leave a bike like this outside or some sort of shed, so the battery not being removable isn't an issue. I might leave mine in the garage if I'm riding daily, but when the weather doesn't cooperate for a few days, it comes inside.. (referring to my comparable specialized model). Seems to work, After 2 years and about 5k miles, the battery is still showing 100% capacity.

[@sybianorgasms5531]

Specialized Turbo Creo SL is the standard. No other road ebike comes close to usurping it.

[@sybianorgasms5531]

Get the Comp model from Specialized. These prices are obscene for anything over the Comp model.

[@philforde5871]

Except this Trek

[@sybianorgasms5531]

@@philforde5871 Explain

[@bindingcurve]

@@sybianorgasms5531 The Comps are on sale, and it uses the same wheelset as my gravel bike. Damn you, I need to save money :)

[@sybianorgasms5531]

@@bindingcurve First of all I am NOT damned. Second, read this article about the Specialized Turbo Creo SL. The editor said ‘don’t buy this bike” speaking of the $13,500 high end model (S-WORKS) Creo as “it’s just not worth it.” He said “buy the Comp model”. I bought the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon Model. It is a wonderful piece of machinery and a WHOLE LOT OF FUN!!! I cannot afford to “give my hard-earned money” to have a better paint job, needless electronic shifting and carbon wheels. I saved over $7,000 dollars I didn’t have anyway and got the same FACT r 11 carbon frame and the same SL 1.1 motor, hydraulic disc brakes and Future Shock 2.0 that’s on the S-WORKS model. I just have mechanical shifting and aluminum wheels and that’s more than fine for my bike riding needs.

[@sortemout6]

VERY good review, thanks V much

[@robertthrossell4321]

Noticed the blue car pull out on you Court 😕.. Hapns all the time.. Gr8 bike by the way 👍😁

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I always ride with a helmet and try to include some lights or reflectors... and just take my time. Thanks for your concern Robert! Hope I can continue to stay safe and not get hit. I was wrapped around a corner by a car in Austin, TX years ago, but no injuries thankfully :)

[@frankiehoosier9165]

I just can’t comprehend “laying your bike down” that you took out a second or third mortgage on your HOUSE to BUY ???????

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Lol, it's that or risk having it tip over. I would probably hang it, or buy a very fancy soft rug to lay it down on :D

[@bindingcurve]

You get a floor stand, they are like $20 - $60 on amazon.

[@DadMichoMurphy]

@@bindingcurve I have two, one for my Creo and one for my Levo, so exactly right.

[@abwibrahim6309]

ممكن تقرير فيديو عن دراجة هوائية بثلاث عجلات للكبار السن تتحمل وزن ثقيل

[@briansullivan1353]

Thoughts on this vs the Specialized Creo you reviewed earlier?

[@eddiebatter]

Great review and nice bike: What’s the difference between this bike and the Domane+ SLR 6?

[@chow-chihuang4903]

It is nice the display provides metrics for rider output, not just that of the motor. What unit system was the bike set to? I think I saw 46 pop up on the speedometer! I appreciate your thorough review of a very nice ebike, even though it’s not my type. 😅

[@brentcollins9727]

Kilometers in Canada

[@arthurgarrison9088]

How does the Fazua system stack up against Bosch, Yamaha and Shimano as far as reliability? Wouldn't be very fun spending that much money on a bike just to have it constantly in the shop.

[@brentcollins9727]

This is TQ

[@ElectricBikeReview]

This is my favorite light weight ebike motor right now, then the Specialized MAHLE Motor on the Creo, then Shimano stuff, Brose, Bosch (since their motors tend to be heavier), then Fazua last. I haven't tried the latest Fazua stuff, but was disappointed with it years ago on the BULLS models I reviewed. It felt weak, the interface of the battery motor with the bottom bracket had some slop and felt vulnerable, and you couldn't charge the battery while mounted to the bike. TQ has done an incredible job, in my opinion.

[@robd003]

If you depleat the battery in ebike mode, will you still have enough power to shift gears or does that stop working too?

[@samsasi123]

Could you please also Review Domane+ AL, the entry level Domane+ with hub fazua motor?

[@bindingcurve]

Think long and hard about that. The inability to quickly swap a wheelset or quickly change a flat is not worth the $1500 savings over a Domane+ ALR mid-drive

[@samsasi123]

@@bindingcurve alr is no longer available

[@bindingcurve]

​@@samsasi123 My local Trek has one in my size black 58 and there is a red one 3 hours from me. Check the stores, they are out there. A lot of high end Treks are unavailable online. That rear hub motor really sucks if you want to run multiple wheelsets or if you get a flat. My kid runs a hub, and getting the wheel on and off SUCKS. Yes, we run armored tires and slime. I have a converted cheep mountain bike for commuting, It used the same wheels and my XC bike. I can quickly go from slicks to knobbies. My Checkpoint has twin wheelsets.

[@samsasi123]

@@bindingcurve thanks for the really good advice. I was actually going to buy a orbea gain but lack of torque sensing prevented me from pulling the trigger. I think now I am going to wait for 2023 version of Alr. Have a great day

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, I hope to cover the Domane+ AL soon. I think it actually uses the HyDrive (Hyena motor) same as what I've covered on the recent Trek FX+ 2 if you want some idea of performance electricbikereview.com/trek/2023-fx-plus-2-stagger/

[@84imreplica]

@Court, any idea when this bike will be available in Canada?

[@Steve-yo5jn]

Looks like it's available in Canada, but it might be restricted to 32km/h(20mph). I wish Court, would clarify these things 100% of the time for people in Canada(I think he still lives in Canada). It's an important detail.

[@84imreplica]

@@Steve-yo5jn Yes, it's now available, but at $13,140 it's very pricey. Unfortunately, Trek decided not to bring the least expensive model (SLR6) into Canada. Instead, they went with the SLR7, which comes with a Ultegra Di2 groupset. A fellow rider was told by his favourite local Trek bike shop that it would take 200 days for the bike to be delivered after it was ordered. 200 days!!!

[@abhipan0077]

I get ducati for that sort of money. Don't know what so innovative they put in there.

[@letsgoOs1002]

I don't get the point of these bikes? Like you can't race with it. Is it good for training?

[@Alex-bl6oi]

Commuting

[@mancello]

@@Alex-bl6oi Expensive commuter.

[@letsgoOs1002]

@@Alex-bl6oi 13000 commuter? That seems crazy.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Cross training and recovery. It could also help an injured member keep up with his or her group of competitive friends. It also lets riders go farther and take on different rides. Also just for fun! It's a race car, very enjoyable to ride up and down hills ;)

[@letsgoOs1002]

@@ElectricBikeReview fair enough

[@stillak]

What is the top speed with electric assist

[@blikes99]

In the U.S. 28mph, in the EU I believe 25kph

[@jjboohoo9641]

Why do you film in high traffic places

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, unfortunately there was a bit of traffic noise for this video. It has been raining a lot where I'm at, so I sought out an area that was relatively open, dry, and provided good roads to explore at higher speed. There was more traffic than expected. Sorry about that.

[@brianmolstad1255]

WHY did you demo this next to a freeway???

[@taylorjames4741]

19:01-19:06 Woah Court. Calm down buddy.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Lol, thanks Taylor! I wanted to push the bike a little and see how it sounded to go over the rough driveway and off the curb. Glad things worked out and I didn't eat pavement XD

[@brucevous1]

So what's the top speed on flat road please??

[@ghostrider7103]

This bike is the same price in the U.S.

[@mancello]

Fairly noisy motor considering relatively low output. Nice bike and spec but overpriced.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, I was expecting the motor to be a bit quieter based on the marketing material (1.5x to 2x quieter). Ultimately, it was more powerful than I expected too, so I'll take the extra noise at high RPM :)

[@jasonm4781]

it doesn't sound like a refined $13k electric bike would. You hear the whining of the motor which I personally find, annoying.

[@60westpro]

As someone who is looking for a e-bike you have a lot of reviews and may just say people want to know 2 main things - how fast can it go and how far at that speed !! You waste so much time going over peripherals - I appreciate the work you do but for heavens sake we all know its basically a standard bike with a motor -- How fast and far !!!!

[@vongdong10]

Oh didn't even know trek made the domane in an electric model. Saw the thumbnail and thought that's an awfully fat downtube

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, pretty cool to see this. I can tell they put a lot of energy into getting it right.

[@ayasolaris4971]

LolI just searched on the most expensive bike in my LBS

[@livegamingyt2833]

good bike but usually i hate bike in which i have to peddle to much ......

[@bindingcurve]

You want a moped.

[@livegamingyt2833]

@@bindingcurve nope i want hard peddle bikes which speed lot by less peddle i do own one

[@brianmolstad1255]

Can one get straight bars?

[@i20010]

At this price Ill get a suzuki 750 thank you.

[@williambray4134]

It's a $13,000 bicycle. Not my, or anyone's life.

[@ilovephotography1254]

This is a very $pecial bike.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Indeed it is... top of the line for the Domane+ series. It's kind of crazy to see how many versions they created, along with the sizes and colors.

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

$13k and riding it on these shitty bike lanes in north america, not thanks, I stick to cheaper ones and donate the rest to bike advocate that help us get better bike infra in our cities

[@NoodlesTBograt]

Thirteen thousand Dollars you could buy a very nice BMW for that amount of money

[@ElectricBikeReview]

It's always interesting to cover a top of the line model like this. You really could buy a lot of other awesome things for $13k, but it did live up to the price in my opinion. Great for cross training, distance, recovery, or just fun. Excellent product.