trek domane unbound

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Trek Domane Bikes Compared: Which One to Choose?

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In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek Domane endurance road bikes (also sometimes called all-road gravel bikes) by comparing the Domane AL 2 to SLR 9 .

You will also learn:

• Who are they best suited for?
• Why I think you shouldn’t buy Trek Domane with SRAM groupset.
• And which model gives you the best value for your money?

KEY TAKEAWAY

Trek Domane bikes are ideal for on and off-road adventures. They are lighter but less terrain-oriented than the Trek Checkpoint family . The models differ in components (e.g., electronic shifting) and frames. The more expensive ones are usually lighter and have a higher-grade carbon frame, but usually diminishing returns.

Let’s dive deeper to help make your decision easier.

Trek Domane AL 2 to SLR 9

The following table summarizes the main differences between all Domane bikes.

Domane Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the Domane series below.

Domane Pros

• Wide tire clearance (up to 38mm)
• Aluminum and carbon models are available
• Versatility
• Relaxed geometry
• Availability in multiple sizes and colors
• Integrated cable routing
• Lifetime warranty

Domane Cons

• Slower than Madone and heavier than Émonda road bikes

Domane Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek Domane road bikes.

Frame and Geometry

The Domane bikes are part of Trek’s road and gravel bikes lineup (together with Trek Checkpoints ). They’re made of aluminum or carbon , depending on the price range.

The names of the bikes have abbreviations that refer to the type of material used for the frame:

• AL  are  aluminum  frame bikes.
• SL are bikes with 500 series OCLV*  carbon (mid-range).
• SLR are bikes with 800 series OCLV carbon (high-end).

*OCLV carbon is Trek’s patented carbon fiber process ( learn more ).

ALR Domanes are great for beginners, thanks to their affordability. They are competitive with bikes from other manufacturers.

SLs are the best mid-range option. They are lighter than ALs but heavier than SLRs. But they are much more expensive than ALs and more affordable than SLRs.

And finally, SLRs are the most high-end, which results in lower weight but higher price.

Most Domanes are available in 47-62 sizes, so whether you are short or tall, you should find a size that will suit you. They are also available in multiple colors to suit your liking.

Their geometry is relaxed, similar to other endurance road bikes or all-road gravel bikes.

It’s ideal for long-distance riding at a slower pace because it is more gentle to your lower back and neck. The following picture shows the comparison with Canyon Endurance CF 7.

Weight & Aerodynamics

Trek Domane frames are heavier than Émonda, especially due to their thicker tubes, hidden storage compartments, and IsoSpeed decoupler on the higher-end models.

However, they take inspiration from Madones, so you can also enjoy some aero gains.

Unfortunately, no data from wind tunnel testing are available. However, if you don’t count every second and prefer comfort, Domane is hands down a better option.

Wheels and Tires

Most low to mid-range Domane models come with Bontrager Paradigm SL (or Comp) aluminum wheels. More expensive models have carbon wheels like the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 or better.

Fortunately, all the wheels are tubeless-ready. Just make sure that the model you choose has tubeless tires if this feature matters to you.

Domane bikes are known for their wider tire clearance compared to Madone and Émonda (28mm). They can fit tires up to 38mm, making them ideal for light gravel, dirt roads, and other off-road adventures.

The wider tire clearance is what makes Domane bikes so versatile. You can ride them fast on paved roads, but they can also handle off-road terrain.

Unlike many gravel bikes on the market, the Domane bikes have 2X drivetrains, not 1X.

Trek fits them with Shimano and SRAM groupsets, and the number in the bike name indicates the groupset.

• Models ending with 2 use Shimano  Claris  (R2000) groupset.
• Models ending with 3 use Shimano  Sora  (R3000) groupset.
• Models ending with 4 use Shimano  Tiagra  (R4700) groupset.
• Models ending with 5 use Shimano  105  (R7000) groupset.
• Models ending with 6 use Shimano Ultegra , 105 Di2 (R7100), or SRAM Rival AXS groupsets.
• Models ending with 7 use Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) or SRAM Force AXS groupsets.
• Models ending with 9 use Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) or SRAM Red AXS groupsets.

Interestingly, the Domanes with SRAM are heavier than the Domanes of the same series with the Shimano groupset. In addition, those with Shimano are also cheaper.

This is somewhat strange because Shimano retail prices are higher than SRAM’s. That’s why I recommend choosing Trek bikes with Shimano groupsets unless you prefer SRAM.

TIP : You might also be interested in this comparison of Shimano vs. SRAM .

Unlike the Émonda and Madone, Trek Domane bikes have racks and fender mounts , making them a better choice for bike packers.

Additionally, they also offer hidden storage compartments for extra storage capacity.

Lastly, carbon frame Domanes have an IsoSpeed decoupler that improves riding comfort by absorbing road vibrations.

So, which Trek Domane bike is the best?

If you’re considering buying a Domane, I suggest a model with a Shimano groupset. They are lighter and less expensive than the equivalent SRAM models.

The AL models are ideal for beginners and those who want to try a versatile road bike.

I believe the Domane SL models offer a better price-value ratio than SLRs because they are much cheaper while being reasonably lightweight and have similar components. The Domane SL 6 with the Shimano 105 Di2 is a good deal.

Check out the SLR line if you have more money to spend and don’t want to compromise.

Trek Domane FAQ

Trek Domane bikes are for bike packers and those who don’t want to limit themselves to paved roads only. Wider tires on Domanes will allow you to ride off-road through light terrain and experience new adventures.

The main difference between Domane and Madone is that Domane is a more versatile road bike thanks to the wider tire clearance, while Domane is faster because it’s an aero road bike. For more detailed info, please check out my comparison of Domane vs. Madone .

The main difference between Domane and Émonda is that Domane is a versatile (endurance) road bike with wider tire clearance. Émonda is a simple, lightweight racing bike. Domane is somewhere between Émonda and Madone. Learn more in my Domane vs. Émonda comparison.

The main difference between Domane and Checkpoint is that Domane is a versatile road bike that can also be classified as an all-road gravel bike. It has narrower tire clearance and fewer mounting points than Checkpoint. Checkpoint is a pure gravel bike with different gearing. Check out my Domane vs. Checkpoint comparison for more details.

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2020 Domane SLR gravel build

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Just got a myself a Domane SL5 for the same reasons. I'm not going to race it but for greenway and gravel riding it ticked all the boxes for me. Looking forward to getting it onto the backroads in the coming months.  

As their Checkpoint doesn't have front Iso, the Domane is a logical alternative. I asked a Trek factory rep why the Checkpoint didn't have front Iso and the answer was, they didn't think riders would want the extra cost. I disagree, having ridden a Boone (F&R Iso) for a year and a half as a gravel bike. That front Iso is a magic on washboard descents which are so common on gravel. 54mm clearance is nutty on a "road" bike when you think of it. I have to believe this is a product managers way of targeting the gravel racer without having to make a whole new product.  

I've been riding a 2015 62cm Domane with DA mechanical group on the road, great bike but with rim brakes I could just fit 28mm slicks. Now building a Warbird 60cm frame with Di2 for 40mm+. I like your idea of running the wireless junction external for easy battery disconnect. My plan was to put it just below the battery for the cleanest installation, but I may reconsider.  

I wouldn't say the SLR and SL are entirely different animals at all (the different rear dampener and BB are not going to change the Di2 layout) and given there's not many Domanes on here it made sense to post in the only Domane Di2 thread here but I guess not.  

17 is a different frame than the 20. -Cable ports in different locations. -Fixed port diameters vs adapters for hydro/mech/Di2 -Di2 battery hold built into DT accessible through storage chamber vs access through BB -Different BB threads/diameter SL different than the SLR. -Adjustable vs non adjustable rear iso So my personal experience with my 20 SLR probably won't help a 17 SL owner. In any case, no one will open this thread to answer your questions, thus my suggestion to begin a new thread. I've built, owned and admin'd a few forums as well as many FB pages. Just trying to help you get answers. Trust me, you'll get more help with a concise, clear thread title describing your project. Feel free to post a link here.  

Beautiful P1! Orange is faster. Two quick questions, why did you swap out the Aeolus Pro 3V Wheelset and how's the Michelin Gravel Tire?  

I built mine from a frameset so there were no components. The power gravels are incredibly grippy. I have tried a lot of different gravel tires and I think it has good rolling resistance for grip on hard pack to slightly loose conditions. I have since switched to the Pirelli Gravel H which rolls even faster, has a tiny bit less cornering grip but is a much tougher casing. If you are concerned with grip more than rolling-resistance I think the power gravel is the best tire going right now.  

I found an Emonda thread somewhere else, its 100g lighter than the SL. I guess no added benefits other than saving those grams (semi-WW here)  

Hey Emilio, can you measure the distance between the rear tire and your front derr? Im just afraid there wont be enough space for the bulbous 1st gen Red eTap FD. I ended up getting an SL5 and will slowly mod it.  

About 3mm with Pirelli Gravel H that measures out to 41mm. SLR (mine) has slightly shorter chainstays than SL, so thats also a factor.  

Actually my chain stays are shorter by .5 (size 50) I think I should be ok. I intend to use 38c (Challenge Gravel Grinder), hoping that inflates true or just short of 40mm Thanks  

Hi, just curious how much off road riding you are doing with your Domane? I have super long legs, which requires short reach and high stack, and the 62 Domane is the only bike that hits my measurements perfectly. Super bummed that the Checkpoint is lower and longer. I ride fire roads (with lots of climbing and descents) and single and double track. Currently ride a Stigmata, but it's really not suited to my proportions. Do you think the Domane is as off road capable, or are you riding more proper gravel? Cheers  

Thanks for the quick reply! Yeah, due to my wonky proportions, endurance geo IS regular geo for me. I still have 7cm saddle to bar drop on my set up, it just involves long seat posts and raised stems. My bike fitter said I was the perfect candidate for a custom frame. The Domane in endurance fit is the only frame with such a short reach and tall stack. Good to know it handles it all well! Definitely something to consider, as 40c is all I need. Cheers  

Beautiful build! So what would you say are the major reasons for running a domane over a checkpoint? Is the geometry of the checkpoint so much more "gravel" to choose it if you were to ride more "real gravel" than paved roads?  

freyrida said: Beautiful build! So what would you say are the major reasons for running a domane over a checkpoint? Is the geometry of the checkpoint so much more "gravel" to choose it if you were to ride more "real gravel" than paved roads? Click to expand...

Does anyone know if the 2021 Domane will have even more tire clearance?  

Bike companies dont usually do that in the product cycle unless theyve royally screwed up a product (Venge Vias) Theyll most likely change components, but not the frame  

Thanks for the thread Emilio. Great looking bike and the 2020 Domane seems like a perfect road/gravel dual-purpose bike. My girlfriend has the 56 cm 2020 SL 7 etap build for road riding and totally loves it. It is heavier than my 2016 Supersix Hi-Mod Evo 58 cm, and a bit of a workout for her on the uphills, but she just screams on the flats and downhills. You really managed to get the weight down on your build. I personally need to do a bike change because of neck/arm issues (cervical stenosis) which requires me to get a more relaxed/upright geometry. Really have not had a chance to test ride a 2020 Domane in my size yet. I'm 6'1" with a long inseam (BB-saddle top = 83 cm), so I am thinking of the 60 cm size. Not sure of which geometry (Std Domane vs Endurance Pro 1.5), as it looks like the entire bike is very different, not just in stack and reach. I also need to consider max seat height. I will need to contact Trek about that. Did you ever compare the ride of the two geometries? Do you know offhand what your BB-saddle top are? How tall are you? Inseam? Thanks.  

greenmasi said: Did you ever compare the ride of the two geometries? Do you know offhand what your BB-saddle top are? How tall are you? Inseam? Thanks. Click to expand...

Beautiful bike... love the color (too many blah bike colors nowadays). Quick question. You said in the build specs you have the 11-40XT cassette. Are you running a road link? Couldn't tell from the pics --was thinking the RX805 could only handle 34 rear. If you are running the road link, how does it shift? As a racer, I am sure you demand spot on shifting.  

Thanks. Yah, Roadlink as mentioned in OP. Shifts perfect. Not just "good", perfect.  

Hi All, I've been considering the Gen 3 Domane or a titanium gravel bike that can take up to 40mm tires. I've heard that once the tire pressure decreased to a certain point, the IsoSpeed's contribution to comfort is relatively negligible. The gravel trail next to my house has many bridge joints, gaps, and other sharp bumps that jolts my MUD pretty good. A ti gravel bike would be more versatile. While I would definitely trade versatility for IsoSpeed's comfort, but not if it is negligible with 38 or 40mm tires. Would like to know everyone's thoughts on that. Thanks!  

Emilio, Did you have to use the brake caliper mount on the rear? I noticed you have 140/140. I was checking my groupset and just found out my rear doesnt have it. According to some sites, if Im running 140mm, I dont need it Thanks  

No separate mount on rear. Bolted directly to frame.  

Thanks!  

Without having the grx in your hand to compare I'm not sure. Because of the curvature of the tire, a bigger chainring reduces clearance. Sonny runs a 50T on his Domane SL but has mechanical ultegra so it clears. I run a 46T with fat DA Di2. Sonny's has more clearance than mine with 40c's because of the smaller derailleur even though he's got a bigger chainring.  

Thanks for the feedback!  

Digging the skinwalls BTW. Might also add that my wheels are 22mm internal, Sonny's are 23mm. We're both around 41mm wide tires. Wider wheels might change your effective tire width. Let us know what your solution is.  

Those rims are 25mm internal. Probably try some 38mm tires 1st but will post the results.  

GRX FD is offset and wider clearance than DA or Ultegra to accommodate wider tires. Check but I think its 2.5 mm, so the overall Q is 5mm wider. I think you'd need a GRX crank to get that benefit. But that would give you clearance to run 40s.  

https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/info...and-matching-shimano-grx-and-road-compon.html  

Thanks, very helpful. Sounds like I’ll stick with the current setup and try a 38mm tire. I ride the bike on the road for the most part and don’t want to replace the DA Power Meter with the GRX cranks.  

Power2Max makes a set of PM cranks with GRX spacing (just ordered one to try).  

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Trek Checkpoint vs Trek Domane – What’s The Difference?

The Trek bike battle! Grail vs Road! Which bike is best? We are going to compare these two bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each.

Both bikes offer many different build options that we just do not have the capacity to compare one on one.

But we will take a fairly similar bike build option from each model (close to the medium range and compare for your reference)

Right off the bat, these bikes differ with the Checkpoint being the ultimate do it all bike. A gravel bike made for adventure, whether you’re racing Unbound Gravel, bikepacking on a remote logging road, or cruising down the bike path.

While the Domane is a performance road bike that delivers incredible endurance and comfort without sacrificing speed. Built for all-day road rides.

But let’s still introduce these bikes in more detail and compare them when it comes to geometry, specs, and other characteristics, giving you a grand view of these bikes’ differences.

In the world of cycling, both the Trek Checkpoint and Trek Domane stand out as leading choices for riders with specific needs.

The Checkpoint series excels on gravel and off-road trails, while the Domane is built for smooth and efficient road cycling. Below, we compare several models from both series to help you find the perfect ride.

Introducing the Trek Checkpoint

The Trek Checkpoint seems to be one of the most popular gravel bikes on the market.

So that means they are a great gravel bike option, right?

The main feature of the Checkpoint is the lightweight OCLV Carbon frame with IsoSpeed, a decoupler at the top tube/seat tube junction that provides additional compliance over rough terrain so you can stay stronger for longer.

A carbon gravel bike made for epic all-road adventures.

The Checkpoint is still fast, but more importantly comfortable and smooth, and its versatile design ensures that you’ll reach all the places you dream of exploring on two wheels.

Introducing the Trek Domane

The Domane is a performance road bike that delivers incredible endurance and comfort without sacrificing speed. Wherever you ride it – tarmac roads, hard-packed gravel, or the cobblestones of the world’s greatest one-day races – the Domane family is smooth, fast, and fun

It is a road bike that is capable of venturing from tarmac to light gravel. Technically a light gravel bike. Also thanks to its long-haul geometry you can expect bike comfort when riding long days in the saddle.

So whats the difference between the two?

Price – Checkpoint vs Domane

When it comes to price the Checkpoint ranges from  $3,499 to $12,249  while the  Doman has a plethora of options ranging from  $1,129 to $13,199.  But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals?

There are so many different models to choose from for each bike. For this article, we have taken their mid-range (best bang for buck option as a main comparison. Instead of comparing all models together.)

Weight – Checkpoint vs Domane

All different build options and models weigh differently. But from the numbers above we can see the Domane is more suited to riding fast and performance-based riding, thanks to its lightweight construction.

Weighing only 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) is the 2024 Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 which is Treks top of the line model priced at $13,199.

While the Trek Checkpoints top of the line model weighs in at 17.9 lbs (8.12 kg) the Checkpoint SLR 9 priced at $12,249

While both mid-range SL5 models weigh 19.7 lbs / 8.94 kg (Domane) vs 21.4 lbs / 9.71 kg (Checkpoint)

You can see around an 800-gram difference in the mid-models, while the Domane’s higher-end model is 300 grams lighter than the Checkpoint’s higher-end bike. This is where we saw a big difference in the bikes.

Meaning the Domane is definitely more suited for fast-paced riding on roads compared to the Checkpoint. However, the Checkpoint is rather light for a gravel bike.

Tire Clearance – Checkpoint vs Domane

When it comes to tire clearance the Checkpoint can fit up to 45 mm x 700c while the Domane fits 35mm x 700c. As the Grail has wider clearance, it lends itself to be the superior bike when it comes to all-around adventure and riding gravel more so than the Endurace

Geometry: Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 vs. Trek Domane SL 5 (2023 Models)

Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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