2015 trek domane

• Help Center
• Chat with a Ride Guide
• Retail Store
• Bike Services

Reset Password

We will send you an email to reset your password.

Don't have an account? Create an account

Create Account

Already have an account? Sign In

• Favorite your products & save them to your account
• Save a search & get notified when new products drop
• Be first to know about the latest events & promotions

Bike Finder

Results have arrived, used bike buyers guide: trek domane model history.

The Trek Domane is an endurance road bike that can do it all — road race, commute, super-long rides, and even light gravel. Trek designed the bike frame's IsoSpeed Decoupler system to offer enough compliance for comfort, while maintaining pedaling efficiency. Here's your guide to the Domane line.

Written by: Micah Ling

Published on: Jun 8, 2021

Posted in: Guides

The Trek Domane is a classic example of an endurance road bike : It can do it all. You can hop in a road race with it, commute on it, take it for your long ride, and even venture onto gravel with it. Endurance road bikes are built to perform, but also to be comfortable.

What Trek Domane is right for you?

History of the Domane

The first-generation Trek Domane. 2016-2019 Domane -Addition of a front IsoSpeed decoupler to decouple the steerer tube from the head tube and further reduce vibrations -New slider introduced on Domane SLR models that allows riders to adjust the level of damping offered by the rear IsoSpeed -Disc version allows 32mm tire clearance 2020+ Domane -More aerodynamic frame -Even more tire clearance added, up to 38mm -Hidden Storage compartment in the down tube

The latest Domane design packs in aero, comfort, and storage features.

Different builds

Here are a few of our favorite Domane builds from Trek that we’ve seen at TPC.

Trek Domane 5.2 Compact Road Bike - 2013

Trek designed the Domane to absorb bumps but also sustain speed. Its IsoSpeed decoupler improves comfort without sacrificing power transfer. This system separates the seat tube from the top tube so that it can flex freely. The compliance helps the bike isolate the rider from bumps and vibration. At the front, Trek designed an IsoSpeed fork that used more rake and a reversed dropout. A carbon IsoZone handlebar featured closed-cell foam pads in the top and drops of the handlebar, to mute the jarring of cobbled roads.

Trek Domane 5.9 Road Bike - 2016

Trek Domane SLR 6 Disc Road Bike - 2017

To further improve vibration reduction, an IsoCore handlebar was added. It includes a layer of rubber inside the carbon fiber. Tire clearance gets bumped up from 25mm to 28mm on the rim brake version, and 32mm on the disc brake model. On high-end models like the SLR 8, there’s also an upgrade to electronic shifting and a removable panel in the down tube for the Shimano Di2 battery.

Domane SL5 - 2020

With the newest models of the Domane, the top tube IsoSpeed on high-end SLR models has been improved. It is tunable and offers a finer balance between stiffness and comfort. It uses a repositioned slider under the top tube and an additional elastomer integrated into the design to offer more damping (SL models retain the original non-adjustable IsoSpeed system). The tube shapes have all been tweaked, borrowing technology from Trek’s more race focused road bikes to improve aerodynamics. The new Domane offers more tire clearance and can fit up to 38mm tires. The Hidden Storage compartment in the down tube provides a discrete space on the bike to store spare tubes, tools, and snacks.

If you’re looking for a versatile bike, the smooth ride, predictable handling, and upright riding position make the Domane perfect for both a new cyclist looking to push their mileage, and a seasoned racer, interested in rougher roads. The IsoSpeed technology reduces muscle fatigue and joint stress by absorbing vibrations from varied terrain, making it ideal for someone who truly wants to explore. Generally, if you want disc brakes, look at 2015 models and newer. Trek offered the Domane with rim brakes from 2013 to 2019. From 2020 onward, the new generation Domane will only be available with disc brakes. If you want electronic shifting , look for 2017 and newer. And if you want clearance for tires as wide as 38mm, or aero features, look at the 2020 and 2021 models.

SHOP TREK ROAD BIKES   |  SHOP TREK BIKES

More Guides

Guides, Latest Sep 16, 2024

The Best/Craziest Deals of the 2024 End-of-Season Sale

Guides, Latest, Tech Sep 10, 2024

Zwift vs. TrainerRoad Review: Are They Worth It? Which Is Better?

Guides, Latest, Tech Sep 9, 2024

How Bright Should a Bike Light Be? The Best Lights for Commuting and Night Riding

Features, Guides, Latest Aug 30, 2024

SRAM Drivetrains Explained: The Road, Gravel, and MTB Groupset Hierarchy

Features, Guides, Latest Aug 27, 2024

The Best Bike and Gear Deals From the 2024 TPC Labor Day Sale

Features, Guides, Latest, Road Aug 5, 2024

The Tour de France Femmes Explained: 2024 TdFF Race Guide

Features, Guides, Latest, MTB Aug 2, 2024

How To Choose a Mountain Bike: 6 MTB Types Explained

Guides, MTB Jul 25, 2024

Fox Vs RockShox Mountain Bike Forks & Shocks

Guides, Road Jul 15, 2024

Look vs. Shimano Pedal Guide: The Best Clipless Road Pedals

Bikes, Features, Guides, Inside, Latest Jul 12, 2024

Mid-Year Check-in: The Best-Selling Bikes of 2024 (So Far)

Features, Guides, Latest, Road Jul 9, 2024

Crit Racing 101: 4 Essential Tips for Beginners

Features, Guides, MTB Jul 3, 2024

Race Tips from Leadville Trail 100 MTB Finishers

New arrivals.

Certified Pre-Owned

Santa Cruz Stigmata CC Gravel Bike - 2023, 60cm

Trek Checkpoint SL 5 Gravel Bike - 2022, 58cm

$1,849.99 $2,099.99

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Mountain E-Bike - 2021, Small

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Road E-Bike - 2021, XX-Large

$3,679.99 $4,999.99

Trek Speed Concept 7.5 Triathlon Bike - 2016, Medium

$1,649.99 $2,249.99

Trek Checkpoint SLR 9 AXS Gravel Bike - 2023, 54cm

$5,739.99 $6,499.99

Canyon Ultimate CF SL Road Bike - 2021, Medium

Cervélo R5 Force AXS Road Bike - 2022, 58cm

Chromag Rootdown G2 Mountain Bike - 2023, Med/Large

Trek Domane SLR Force AXS Road Bike - 2021, 56cm

Reeb Cycles Dikyelous Single Speed Mountain Bike - 2019, Large

Trek Speed Concept SLR 7 Triathlon Bike - 2023, Medium

$6,099.99 $6,899.99

Take our Bike Finder Quiz! Click Here

This product is currently out of stock.

We have some other related products that are in-stock we think you might like. Or, click here to view all our in-stock bikes.

WHAT’S OUR GUARANTEED BUYBACK?

For every CLCP bike we sell, we offer our buyback guarantee program. This program ensures your eligibility to receive cash, store credit, or a trade-in upon return of your bike in acceptable condition.The bike must not have any structural damage, although general wear and tear is expected as we hope you’ve been enjoying your bike.

Ask about this bike

2015 trek domane 5.2 road bike - 58cm, certified to the highest standards.

All frames are thoroughly inspected to verify they are not structurally compromised.

All wheels are trued, dished, tensioned, and serviced for your riding pleasure.

If your bike is equipped with a suspension system, it is fully inspected and/or serviced ensuring it is fully functional and performing properly.

Consumables

Brake pads, tires, grips, saddles and bar tape are all replaced if needed and necessary.

All components are inspected, cleaned, adjusted, replaced if needed, and tested to ensure they are in optimal working condition including drivetrains, braking and shifting components and electronics.

Sizing Guide

The following sizing charts are based on your height. Measure your height accurately without shoes and use this measurement as a starting point.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

If you're unsure about sizing or if you fall between sizes, consulting with a Bike Sensei at Cycle Limited is a valuable step. We would be happy to provide personalized guidance and help you select the best size for your specific needs. Ask a Ride Guide

FRAME SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS

The sizing charts will provide a range of recommended frame sizes based on your height. Different manufacturers may have slightly different sizing recommendations, so it's essential to use the chart specific to the brand and model you're considering.

Mountain Bikes

Size In Inches

4'10" - 5'2"

5'2" - 5'6"

5'6" - 5'10"

5'10" - 6'1"

6'1" - 6'4"

6'4" - 6'6"

Road, Gravel, Cyclocross, TT/Triathlon, & E-Bikes

4'10" - 5'0"

5'0" - 5'3"

5'3" - 5'5"

5'5" - 5'7"

5'7" - 5'10"

6'3" - 6'4"

Category: Road Bike

Condition: Certified Pre-Owned

Frame Size: 58cm

Loading... people are watching this.

*Please be advised that the displayed price pertains solely to the bicycle in the listing and does not include the wheelset (wheels and tires). However, we assure you that the cassette and skewers/thru axles are included in the sale. We strive to maintain transparency across our listings. By offering the option to purchase this bike without the wheelset, we offer you the flexibility to select one that aligns with your preferences and needs. Should you have questions or need further details about the components included in your purchase, please contact our team. We are committed to ensuring your satisfaction and confidence in your purchase.

This bike is Certified Pre-Owned

Shipping & assembly.

Your bike ships fast for a flat rate of $99 within the continental U.S. International shipping is available and will be calculated upon checkout. 

Each bike is shipped in our custom oversized double walled Cycle Limited box to ensure the safe arrival of your bike. Our bikes are shipped ready to ride and fully tuned with minimal assembly required. All bikes are shipped with the front wheel removed and handlebar readjusted. 

All orders ship within one business day. Order confirmation is sent via email immediately after purchase is made. Tracking information is provided once your order has taken off and is on its way to you

14 Day Returns

We believe that you should be fully satisfied with your purchase, which is why we offer a 14-day return policy on all our bikes and accessories. If it's not the perfect fit, send it back. We won't judge. Choose between store credit in full or return the bike with a 10% restocking fee back to your original payment method.

Buyback Guarantee

At Cycle Limited, we value your investment and cycling satisfaction. Our Buyback Guarantee Program underscores our commitment to offering you flexible options for your purchased bike when you are ready to upgrade or sell your used bike back to us. We have streamlined the process for you to sell your bike to us and will offer you top dollar to purchase the bike back. Under this program, you are eligible to receive cash, store credit, or trade your bike for a different model, granted it is returned in acceptable condition.

Criteria for Acceptance:

• The bike should be free of any structural damage.

Click Here to sell your bike.

All photos in this listing are of the actual bike in its current condition. Our photographers document all components along with any scratches, cosmetic imperfections, or blemishes so you may confidently evaluate this bike's condition prior to your purchase. Every bike listed for sale is currently 'in stock' and ready to be shipped. This is a live website: once a bike sells it is automatically marked ‘out of stock’ and removed from the site.

Description

The 2015 Trek Domane 5.2 exemplifies Trek's dedication to creating endurance road bikes that combine comfort, performance, and innovation. Meticulously designed, this bike embodies the perfect harmony of smoothness and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for cyclists seeking long-distance comfort without compromising on speed. The Domane 5.2's carbon frame is engineered with IsoSpeed technology, featuring a decoupled seat tube and a fork designed to absorb road vibrations, providing an exceptionally comfortable ride. Equipped with a reliable Shimano drivetrain, the bike ensures smooth gear transitions and efficient power transfer. Its geometry strikes a balance between endurance-focused comfort and responsive handling, making it ideal for all-day rides. With its focus on endurance and performance, the 2015 Trek Domane 5.2 underscores Trek's commitment to delivering a road cycling machine that invites riders to tackle challenging distances with comfort and confidence, all while enjoying the thrill of the open road.

Specifications

• Weight 16 lbs 6 oz
• Model Domane 5.2
• Color Yellow, Black
• Frame Material Carbon Fiber
• Drivetrain 2x11
• Fork Trek, Carbon Fiber
• Fork Travel N/A
• Rear Shock N/A
• Rear Shock Travel N/A
• Handlebar Bontrager RL, 44cm
• Brakes Shimano Ultegra, Rim
• Brake Type Rim, Mechanical
• Stem Bontrager RXL, 80mm
• Shifters Shimano Ultegra 6800
• Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra 6800
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra 6800
• Cassette Shimano, 11-28
• Crankset Shimano Ultegra, 175mm
• Chainring Shimano Ultegra, 50-34
• Seatpost Trek Ride Tuned Seatmast, Carbon Fiber
• Saddle Specialized Power
• Wheel Size 700C
• Wheel Set Bontrager Aeolus Pro 5, Carbon Fiber, Bontrager Hubs
• Front Tire Enve SES, 700x25c
• Rear Tire Enve SES, 700x25c
• Bottom Bracket Press Fit
• Charger Included N/A

Mechanic Notes & Comments

This 2015 Trek Domane 5.2 is in excellent condition and ready to ride!

Payment & Security

Payment methods

• American Express
• Diners Club

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

How we ship your bike

It is crucial that your bike reaches you promptly and safely. At Cycle Limited, our trusted logistics partners ensure that your order is packed, shipped, and handled with the utmost care.

Your dream bike is one click away!

Bikes arrive fully tuned and 90% pre-assembled.

Certified Pre-Owned

This bike has passed our certification process and is ready to ride!

Guaranteed Buyback

For every CLCP bike we sell, we offer our buyback guarantee program.

Shipping & Returns

Shipped directly to your door.

Shipping is a $99 flat rate fee for the lower 48 states via UPS. International shipping is available and will be calculated upon checkout.

Professionally packed and shipped

Get riding within minutes. All bikes are shipped with the front wheel and handlebar disassembled. Select intricate bikes may require additional assembly.

14 day returns

If this bike isn’t perfect for you, our team will help you find the right one! Choose between store credit in full or return the bike with a 10% restocking fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i place an order.

All orders may be placed directly on this website. All of the items listed here are in stock and ready to ship. Simply proceed to checkout to fill in your contact, shipping, and billing info. Once your order is placed, a confirmation email will be sent via email. All orders are shipped within 1 business day. Once your order has shipped, you will receive tracking information via email. All bikes will be sent with the signature required upon delivery. You may schedule a specific delivery date and  time once you receive tracking information. 

Is this bike currently in stock?

Yes, this bike is in stock in the Cycle Limited warehouse and ready to ship! This is a live website and inventory is kept up to date in real time. As soon as a bike is sold, it is automatically removed from this site. 

Are bike prices negotiable?

All prices listed on the website are firm and non-negotiable. We do have a current promotion for $50 off when signing up to our exciting newsletter.

Are these photos of the actual bike?

Cycle Limited takes all photos displayed on this product page. The photos you are seeing on this product page is of the actual bike in its current condition. All imperfections, scratches, or damage of any kind are included and highlighted in the images and not edited out for full transparency.  

What assembly is required for my bike upon arrival?

All bikes are shipped with the front wheel off the bike and handlebar needing to be readjusted.

What forms of payment are accepted when purchasing a bike?

We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc. We also offer financing through Affirm. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders .

Can I return or exchange the bike if I am unhappy with my purchase?

Yes, every bike we sell comes with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. If this bike isn’t perfect for you, our team will help you find the right one! Choose between store credit in full or return the bike with a 10% restocking fee. The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. If for any reason the bicycle arrives with any damage, Cycle Limited will provide you with a prepaid shipping label for its return.

Our Reviews

Trusted by cyclists worldwide

We own our bikes

Cycle Limited operates exclusively as a direct seller—not a marketplace. Every bike we list is owned, inspected, and held by us; we don’t consign or list for others. Our meticulous pre-purchase inspections and certification process ensures every bike meets our high standards, guaranteeing you quality and transparency in every purchase.

Your cart is empty

Subtotal:$0.00 USD

Frame Material

Fork Travel

Rear Shock Travel

Front Derailleur

Rear Derailleur

Bottom Bracket

Charger Included

Chat with our team 7 days a week from 8AM-9PM EST.

Email us at [email protected]. We will respond within 24 hours

Give us a call on Monday through Friday at (833) 205-9242. 9AM-6PM EST.

2015 Buyer's Guide: Trek Domane Disc 6.9

It's not perfect—just spectacular

The Domane Disc 6.9 has its quirks. But I also think it may be the smartest, friendliest bike I've ridden.

I'll start with the quirks—namely, the signature IsoSpeed decoupler pivot , which allows the seatmast to flex farther and more easily than if it were rigidly attached to the top tube. Other reviewers, and my BICYCLING colleagues, seem to agree that IsoSpeed has amazing bump-swallowing capabilities. For the most part, I find the Domane more compliant and smoother-riding than most road bikes. In the saddle, I notice striking overtones of stillness and efficiency—with two asterisks.

The first is that the IsoSpeed cushions only my butt. The ride feels a bit disjointed because the front of the bike diffuses impacts less than the rear does. The Domane's front end still feels more compliant than most (and the squishy-but-not-bulky Bontrager IsoZone foam padding under the Bontrager bar tape helps), but it's not as forgiving as the rear end.

Asterisk two: IsoSpeed does its thing only when I am seated. When I am out of the saddle, the front and rear smooth the road in a more synchronized way. That is good, but the bike feels noticeably different from when I am sitting. This is generally true to various degrees on almost all bikes, but the change is more pronounced here.

Still, the IsoSpeed works. And it is part of the reason the Domane became a favorite bike to take on longer rides and rougher roads: because it is so damn smooth and—though I usually dislike the word—comfortable.

Now to the other characteristics that make the Domane a high-performance, yet practical and easy-to-ride bike.

I'm used to $8,000 road bikes being efficient and blindingly quick. And the Domane Disc 6.9 does feel even stiffer to me than Trek's Madone 7 race series—it should feel quick on the climbs. But the the handlebar seems heavy, and I'd estimate that the discs add a weight penalty of at least half a pound. I never felt slow climbing on the Domane Disc, but I never felt fast either. The bike does have low enough gearing that spinning up hills doesn't require God's own quads, and it's coupled with the best shifting in the road market, Shimano Di2.

And going down, oh my. Here's an anecdote that summarizes my experience: Coming off a high mountain pass in Colorado, I saw that I was closing in on a slower-moving car in my lane, and sat up to have a drink. I casually glanced at my bike computer and noticed that I was moving at nearly 60 mph—with just one hand on the bar, the bike still brilliantly composed.

Feedback and accuracy are also exceptional in fast corners. Coupled with Shimano's tremendous R785 hydraulic disc brakes, the Domane is my number one with a bullet for any road descent. The IsoSpeed could play a role here as well, theoretically keeping the bike more connected to the road.

The Domane Disc is one of the first road bikes available with thru-axles front and rear. These improve steering precision because they stiffen the frame/wheel interface, says Michael Mayer, Trek's road brand manager, and they also ensure that the wheel is properly aligned in the dropout, reducing the chance of disc-rotor rub.

And if you're a fan of big tires, the Domane's 25mm Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lites will make you smile, as will the clearance for tires that are much wider. The bike easily accommodated the 29s I later installed, and I think I could have gone up to 32mm. The wheels are also tubeless-ready.

The Domane has the best brakes, the best shifting, stability at speed, precise handling, a smooth ride, the ability to take wide tires, tubeless-compatible wheels, thru-axles, fender mounts, mortal-friendly gearing, low weight, and a lifetime frame warranty. This bike offers so much that despite its quirks, I can't deny it: The Domane Disc is one of the best road bikes available.

What You Need to Know •Refined, high-performance bike that is smooth and versatile • Thru-axles front and rear that are convertible to traditional QR with some sacrifice of stiffness •The best shifting (Shimano Di2) and braking (Shimano R785 hydraulic discs) on the road market

Weight: 16.7lbs (54cm) Price: $8,300 Info: trekbikes.com

Fenders Are Cool This was the first modern bike I knew of that had legitimate pro racing lineage as well as fender mounts. When we got our first snow in Colorado, I unabashedly installed fenders.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

Bike Reviews

Liv’s Pique Advanced 1 is a Fast and Fun XC Rocket

The Spot Mayhem 140 is Brilliantly Unconventional

The 13 Best Road Bikes of 2024

Firefly’s Custom Gravel Bike is Cycling Artwork

The 14 Best Electric Bikes, Tested by Our Editors

Trek Checkpoint & Checkmate Gravel Bikes Reviewed

This Bike Made Me Laugh, Cry, and Puke—Buy It!

The Specialized Crux DSW Is Simple and Brilliant

Best Hybrid Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The 10 Best Mountain Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

Giant TCR Advanced Improves on Its Legacy

Speed, Balance, Refinement: Trek's Gen 4 Top Fuel

Review: Trek Domane 4.5 – A High-End Frame and Smart Build Kit

While many brands have introduced “endurance” road bikes over the last few years, few have taken the idea to quite the extreme as Trek.

Trek Domane 4.5 – A High-End Frame and Smart Build Kit

The Domane was developed with considerable input from Swiss pro cyclist Fabian Cancellara , who is known for his steam-engine riding style, using his massive power output to crush cobblestones in the fabled Spring Classics. He is said to enjoy the bike so much that he rides it year-round, even in the Tour de France, choosing it over Trek’s racier Madone model.

The frame features the intriguing IsoSpeed decoupler , an ingenious system that separates the seat tube from the top tube and seatstays, and allows the seat tube to flex and pivot at the mounting point. If you stand next to the bike and put your weight on the saddle, you can see the seat tube flex slightly, but while riding it is imperceptible until you hit a bump.

A High-Performance Machine

Make no mistake: IsoSpeed is not a suspension system, and this is still a high-performance machine. If you’re expecting something akin to a suspension seatpost, think again. The frame’s ride quality is distinctly carbon—a muted road feel with less of that high-frequency vibration you feel from some aluminum frames, but still generally stiff.

Iso Speed makes itself most noticeable when crossing railroad tracks or other high-speed, sharp impacts that would normally require you to lift or shift your weight on the saddle to avoid being bounced. Not having to do that means you can keep your cadence smooth and the power high. The system seems so extreme some might think it’s a gimmick, but I’m convinced. Trek is as well—the technology will soon be adapted to its line of hardtail mountain bikes .

At the other end of the bike, the fork deserves some of the credit. It was developed with an asymmetrical steerer tube that is slightly thicker side-to-side than front-to-back, giving it a touch of compliance, but it never felt soft or shuddering.

The difference between the Domane 4.5 and the higher-end models is in the stiffness of the carbon fiber itself, and that this version uses a standard 27.2mm seat post rather than a seatmast that is integrated into the frame. I actually prefer the standard post, as it can be swapped for countless alternatives and provides an easy spot to clamp the bike in a work stand.

Trek’s DuoTap Hidden Speed

Other frame details include a spot for Trek’s DuoTap hidden speed and cadence sensor, an integrated chain guide to eliminate dropped chains and more generous tire clearance than most frames. It also has removable fender eyelets, so you can keep the clean look if you’re not using them. For an even smoother ride, you can ditch the tubes and set up the Bontrager Race wheels tubeless—another technology that is easy to dismiss until you try it.

It would be a mistake to write off the Domane as a “comfort” bike for weekend warriors. Despite accommodations for a smooth ride, it is as stiff and race-worthy as I could ask. Yet the slightly longer wheelbase makes it extremely stable, and it’s one of the few bikes I’ve ever plunged downhill at 40mph with a crosswind while still feeling relaxed. The fit adds to the comfort factor, as the slightly taller head tube gives you a more head’s-up position than Trek’s race bikes. Paired with a set of shallow-drop Bontrager handlebars , I felt great in each of the riding positions, an essential element of a long, comfortable ride.

Domane: Initial Acceleration is Direct and Instant

The adage “laterally stiff and vertically compliant” has gone beyond cliché to become something of a running joke in road bike circles. The notion that a bike can be a stiff-as-heck race machine and still be comfortable over rough pavement on long rides is not unlike a unicorn—a magical beast that surely can’t exist. But on the Domane, initial acceleration is direct and instant, with the massive, squared down tube and BB90 bottom bracket all but eliminating lateral flex.

SUBSCRIBE TO BIKE HACKS NEWS

Want the best cycling experience? Sign up for the latest bikes, gear, and accessories reviews out there.

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy

Back in Issue #16 I reviewed the Volagi Liscio, which also features an unusual seat tube arrangement—the seatstays bypass the seat tube and connect to the top tube. While the Liscio was smoother than the Domane in a straight line, it can’t compete with the Domane in terms of power transfer and handling accuracy. The Domane makes no sacrifices in these areas.

The Shimano Ultegra build kit performed flawlessly, as I expected. The compact crankset paired with an 11-28-tooth cassette offers tons of range for tackling the steepest pitches. The 105-level brake calipers offer power to spare, as a single finger is often enough to bring the bike to a stop.

Hitting the street for less than $2,800, the Domane 4.5 struck me as a steal, considering the high-end frame technology and the smart build kit. While it will likely be pitched to riders looking for a high-performance ride for centuries and gran fondos, the Domane is a race bike at heart that won’t beat you up on the weekdays.

Vital stats

• Price: $2,730
• Sizes Available: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 (tested), 62cm
• Weight: 18.12lbs
• Bike and Bet: The Ultimate Guide To Mobile Gaming For Cyclists
• Benefits of Cycling Every Person Needs To Know About
• The Best Bikes For People Who Are Overweight
• Best Bikes For Road And Trail in 2024 – Versatility at Its Finest
• Trek 4300 Mountain Bike Review – Should You Buy It?

View all results

• Accessories
• Biking Gear
• Electronics
• Exercise Bikes
• Hoverboards
• Mountain Biking
• Skateboards
• Tires and Wheels
• Home & Garden
• Kitchen & Dining

• MAGAZINE OFFERS
• BIKE INSURANCE
• Best Products
• Maintenance
• Accessories
• Long-Term Reviews
• First Look Friday
• Bike of the Week
• Tech Features
• Routes and Rides
• Bike Galleries
• BikeRadar Bargains
• Buyer's Guides
• Fitness & Training
• Sizing & Fit
• Mountain Biking UK
• Cycling Plus
• BikeRadar Podcast

Trek Domane 5.9 Dura-Ace review

The essence of what an endurance bike should be

Robin Wilmott

Every occasion we get to ride Trek’s Domane we're astonished anew by its capabilities. From the outset it’s like climbing aboard a suspension bike – or at least a cyclocross machine with large, low-pressure tyres. But that description doesn't do justice to the urgency that’s matched to its unerring comfort – on the tarmac it just conquers any and every surface texture, from billiard table-smooth to broken and potholed.

It should have no right to be this good, but ride one and you’ll see why Cancellara prefers the Domane as his year-round race bike, not just for the cobbled Classics . The key is the Isospeed Decoupler, which allows the essentially floating seat tube to pivot and flex freely at the top-tube/seatstay junction, and the similarly effective Isospeed fork.

For dyed-in-the-wool roadies brought up to believe that stiff and rigid means more speed, and cushioning is for wimps, the result is mind-altering. Not only is the majority of unwanted road vibration killed off well before it reaches you, but power transfer and handling finesse are completely unaffected. You get a blisteringly rapid race bike with more comfort, more grip and more confidence. It’s the true definition of endurance – a bike that looks after your muscles and contact points, so you remain fresher for longer, and can therefore ride further, faster.

It really is a win-win situation. On short climbs, the Domane can punch with the best, and there’s no compromise on sustained gradients, but on the exposed, corrugated and heavily potholed gravel roads that comprise the high point of our test route, where winter had replaced dust with slimy mud – conditions only a ’cross bike should love – the Domane was never less than planted.

The ride quality with slick 25mm tyres inflated to 90psi felt more like 32mm tyres at 40psi. Control was never in question, slippy off-camber line changes and pothole weaving were simple, and rejoining rain-lashed tarmac we felt a level of trust in the Domane’s performance that enabled us to commit to technical corners with confidence.

The Domane's ride quality is awesome even on rugged surfaces – but there's no lack of killer instinct

Our frame may have lesser carbon than the one Fabian rides, but mechanical Dura-Ace is the big man’s choice for foolproof operation on the cobbles, and it would be our preference. Silky smooth, devastatingly efficient and ergonomic, it has pro written all over it. The Bontrager RL wheelset is a cost saver, but acquits itself very well, proving the value of matching wheels to a frame. They’re 24mm wide, shallow and asymmetric, with 25mm rubber that measures 26mm, adding extra stability to an already composed ride. With the asymmetric frame, the wheels give willing, if not electric, acceleration, but always feel positive and exceptionally nimble whether driving into a headwind or stomping up a local berg.

The clever Ride Tuned seatpost slides externally over the frame’s extended seat-tube. It’s simple to adjust, adds rigidity and seals the frame against water and filth ingress – just as well, given the conditions we tested in. Bontrager’s Paradigm saddle is a fine shape and extremely comfortable, and there are even Trek’s hidden mudguard mounts for those days you’re not racing to Roubaix.

There are no concessions to aerodynamics, just a superlative race bike that thinks it’s a fat bike. It climbs with the best, descends better than most, and will go places no other road bike should. It’s as much of an all-rounder as the man who took his third Flanders crown last spring.

Share this article

Contributor

• Terms & Conditions
• Subscribe to our magazines
• Manage preferences

• Trek 2022 Domane SL 7 700c Rigid Fork

We’ll make this a great experience

It’s our mission to provide you with world-class hospitality every time you visit us online or in-store. We’ll always take care of you. It’s the Trek way.

Awesome free shipping options

All accessory orders over $49 ship to your home for free, and all accessory orders ship free to your local retailer for in-store pickup.

30-day Unconditional Guarantee

If for any reason you’re not 100% happy with your online order from trekbikes.com, you can return it in like-new condition within 30 days. No questions asked.

More options