What to upgrade from the stock Domane AL 2 Disc Trek Bike

Justin's first climb with the Domane.
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Carlo Villarica - Bike | Photography | Podcast - Enthusiast
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BIKES
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MUSIC
A Typical Ride Out - Noir Et Blanc Vie

[@jayare8424]

I recently bought a TREK Domane al3 With Sora 2x9 , I was very hesitant on getting it because I'm use to 10 /11 spd groups , as for brake systems I have Hydraulic also but these mechanical brake do the job. I tested these brake on a California road with 12% climb and a steep down hill im glad to say it did its job well. I'm now fully in love with my trek. domane

[@carlovillarica]

Enjoy! IT's a great bike!

[@rjhenoctan6586]

Got my domane al 2 upgraded to grx groupset with panaracer gravelking 700x38c tires and I’m enjoying it so far

[@carlovillarica]

I think that's the move. Sounds like a really good all around bike

[@AiZuPlays]

If you don’t mind me asking, where did you buy the GRX groupset? :)

[@rjhenoctan6586]

@@AiZuPlays got it from Mark Acantilado here in Cebu, he did the bike assembly as well

[@barokzz4534]

I also don't enjoy the downhill with my RB :( I feel you, bai Justin..

[@carlovillarica]

hahaha

[@abakada0722]

For me I think getting a good feel with the bike first before doing any upgrades. If it was my choice then I may think about upgrading the point of contact parts first like the saddle, bar tape, stem length, and the size of the handlebar so that I can improve the riding experience and help me enjoy riding the bike more. 2nd would be the tires I have recently purchased the same bike but at the SL5 level and the tires that it came with was not the best it made the bike feel more sluggish. For me I think upgrading the groupset on this level of a bike is out of the question due to the cost, it would be better to just sell the bike then buy a bike with the groupset desired already installed. That's just my 2 cents.

[@carlovillarica]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@michaelsantiago1504]

1:45 the view is🔥

[@carlovillarica]

Yup! Always a good spot. Unfortunately it's in the middle of the climb and not at the top

[@patty109109]

I’ve got over 1000 miles on this bike. I like it overall and the saddle I find pretty comfortable. The stock mechanical disc brakes are total garbage and honestly makes me wonder how the heck i paid $1100 usd for a bike with worse brakes than any bike I’ve ever owned. They simply have no stopping power.

[@carlovillarica]

Ya I would upgrade it if you happen to live in a place with lots of hills

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

Hey!! 👋🏾👨🏾Hello!💐🚴🏾‍♀️Nice Countryside and Location! I’m a TREK FX2 ‘022 in QuickSilver Cyclist. I’m interested in the TREK Domane AL 4 or 5..a great,..fine bike for even an Elderly Cyclist such as myself! You didn’t go into much detail here,..was hoping you would’ve! ☹️> I’m getting a MTB bike (TREK Marlin 7) for the thrill ride it can provide but I do like the Domane for what it also can offer in Endurance Cycling!👍🏾 Please keep up the comical 🤣but interesting videos because I’ve Subbed‼️ ✨🚴🏾‍♀️💨😏👌🏾

[@carlovillarica]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video. Sorry I didn't get into more detail.

[@thesimplecommenter2377]

Im using a stock mechanical disc brake calipers for my budget gravel bike, the stopping power is not good. 😅 Probably gonna switch to shimano mechanical disc brakes. Di man hydraulic compatible akong brifters. 😅 Had a good exeperience with shimano tourney mech disc brake calipers sa akong mtb before 🤙

[@carlovillarica]

Try looking at those hybrid ones. It's mechanical with cables that actuate a hydraulic caliper. Or something like that haha Probably cheaper than changing the shifters and seems like a good in-between option

[@thesimplecommenter2377]

@@carlovillarica yes Sir. They recommend Zoom brand. But daghan bad experience/nega feedback sa zoom cable actuated.. have no idea kay wa pko kasuway hydraulic brakes even sa mtb nko hehe. Pero try nko other brands aside sa Zoom. Hehe. Thanks sir!

[@jonathangapay1724]

Shimano BR-R317 or BR-R517. Compatible with road shifters. Naa sa Lazada or Shopee. 😎

[@thesimplecommenter2377]

@@jonathangapay1724 salamat bai!

[@jonathangapay1724]

@@thesimplecommenter2377 i have the R517 sa road bike nako. Works almost like a hydraulic set. Make sure lang na minimized ang flex sa housing para dili spongy.

[@monkeyx17]

Upgraded the pedals to shimano eh500 pedals on this bike. Might upgrade the saddle next possibly

[@carlovillarica]

Nice! It's a fun bike

[@pillow7047]

Do you know where to buy Hydraulic STI?

[@carlovillarica]

Not sure. Askl your local bike mechanic

[@DennisTeohKokEe]

i suggest get a longer stem. the elbow almost hit his knee.

[@carlovillarica]

i think this was his first ride with it. He's changed the fit since then

[@bean4332]

Im just planning to buy the same bike!

[@carlovillarica]

haha beautiful bike

[@altogix2]

Got last dibs on the scamsack bag 😀

[@carlovillarica]

Yup! Thanks again!

[@jonathangapay1724]

Descending on the drops para less stress sa kamot. 😄

[@carlovillarica]

yup! More secure too

[@ryanancheta8528]

Nice bike. Just change the tires first.

[@carlovillarica]

That's the plan

[@ericsontan]

Malikot katawan nya mag bike hehehe

[@carlovillarica]

hahaahah

[@dukeofcebu]

i feel you sir justin haha i started with MTB also bought a few months ago RB. even with hydraulic brakes with my rb. going descend gives me fear. i only use it on flat long rides going north.

[@carlovillarica]

haha i got used to it. The thick tires helps give confidence during descents

[@bryand4438]

where is this route idol?

[@carlovillarica]

here's the route www.strava.com/activities/6208623936

[@mitchoi3581]

Noooooo. Bag's sold out

[@carlovillarica]

Yup. Right before posting this video too haha Will restock eventually. I'll announce via the Villain newsletter

[@BikeForFunPH]

ganda

[@carlovillarica]

yup!

[@KristianeLim]

Baiiii! Mechanical disc brakes are sh!t. Id rather ride my caliper rim brakes (which are also mechanical) but the power and modulation on those are far superior.

[@carlovillarica]

ya mech brakes aren't great haha it's fine on the flats for me, but downhill, it can be challenging

[@KristianeLim]

@@carlovillarica challenging is an understatement. Headache and maybe death is a more proper term hahahhhah

[@retz79]

Bai King, sanayan lang. Rim brakes stops faster but not on rainy days. Hehehe

[@KristianeLim]

@@retz79 i would still pick a rim brake bike over mechanical disc brakes in the rain. I have had rim brake bikes before i got the emonda that im riding now. I dont think i have had problems descending on rim brake bikes and i live in cebu which is super hilly and i personally like to ride the rain.

[@retz79]

@@KristianeLim i can only afford a race and training wheel now. Rotors are easier to replace 😅

[@dangcumigad]

Hi! Im new in cebu and looking for routes for endurance rides lang. no to ahon rides for now. Thank u

[@carlovillarica]

Hi Dang! Unfortunately, as you can tell from most of my vlogs, most of Cebu cycling is climbing. But for long endurance rides, I like going North. Usually from Mandaue to Danao or to Catmon. Or further if you are feeling up to it. If you happen to be in the southern part of Cebu, you can try going up Naga Uling. It's technically a climb, but it's very mellow till the last bit. Hope this helps.