NEW Trek Domane 2023: It's Better, but is it still Relevant?

Despite all the changes to the new 2023 Trek Domane, are endurance road bikes like this still relevant when faced with stiff competition from gravel bikes and increasingly capable road race bikes?

Content
00:00 New Madone changes
8:47 Are endurance bikes still relevant?

Supported by Saddleback

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[whizler]

I think a better question is, for the vast majority of cyclists, whether racing bikes are still relevant, given most of us don't race. And neither do many of us still retain the flexibility to take full advantage of them. The comfort afforded by endurance bikes, particularly on longer rides, seems far more paramount than finishing your ride a few minutes faster.

[DirectorLJ]

I am a Trek dealer in New York City. We sell, by far, more Domane than Emonda and Madone put together. David, for sure, Endurance/"All Road" bikes are getting squeezed on either side, however, the Domane is the best, "Real Person" bike. Not overly racy, nor is it a bicycle version of Ewan and Charlie. It's the road bike for most of us. I, for one, love this bike. Ain't jus' sayin it, honest! :) Thanks, David!

[oneschance]

I remember when you couldn’t get a TREK bike for pre embargo testing. Now yow you have the only one in the UK. Not early, but still a privilege to be amongst the first. I haven’t seen anyone else review it yet.

[nigelhough]

Endurance bikes still are the best option for most riders due to their geometry more applicable to riders who haven’t got the body mass of Kate Moss or an FTP of 300w.
Race bikes still have aggressive geometry which means sore neck and shoulders for most.
Race bikes if you race and endurance for the rest.

[bikebudha]

THE reason to buy a Domane is the relaxed geometry. Unless you are getting paid to ride, your 'speed' means nothing. Being more relaxed and upright makes longer days SO much more ENJOYABLE. Which is what is really important.

[thomasblak]

I ride 80% road 20% gravel but I wouldn't purchase an Emonda because the head tube is too short for my liking (30 mm shorter). I wouldn't purchase a pure Checkpoint as the head tube is even shorter than the Emonda and the reach is longer than both bikes. The Domane is perfect for this 62 year old who isn't getting more limber with age, only worse. Endurance bikes are perfect and I hope they continue building them. Great video and your question is a great talking point.

[RickinHKG]

A great review, as always. SLR 6 with Shimano 105 for USD$8000. The top model SLR 9 with SAM RED USD$13200. The world has gone made.

[vv]

I have a 2020 SL6 and it rides like a dream! the frame geometry fits like a glove, better than and with zero touch point modifications that I need to (or have needed to) on my full on race bikes. Gravel bikes are toads, the bigger tires don't 'plane' above smooth roads like a proper road bike. My Domane glides over the pavement with ease unlike a gravel bikes I have ridden (Diverge) and climbs like a mountian goat and is super comfortable despite being a few pounds heavier than my other road bikes. 50+ mile rides at a whim and I feel great at the end of the ride! Endurance bikes have a future because they are road race fast and they're a lot more comfortable than say a Madone. Endurance bikes are fast bikes for regular people.

[buster.keaton]

The Domane is a popular bike in Wisconsin, Trek's home state, as it allows for exploring our lumpy roads and occasional gravel bike trails w/o feeling beat-up at the end of the ride. My 2020 SL7 is by far the nicest bike to ride that I've ever owned in 35+ years of cycling. The Gen 4 model addresses the one issue I have with my Gen 3, that being the seat post mast allowing water into the frame.

[RicardoRocha-lgxo]

Endurance bikes are absolutely relevant, from a geometry standpoint. Most of us are not suited for long and low race bikes. For me, even my Domane ALR is still a tiny bit too short and too low (given my short arms and bad back)

[erniebecquer]

I’ve been riding my Gen 4 Domane SL6 eTap for about 3 weeks, the bike is amazing. I’m a 55 y/o - I’m a petite 208 pounds 😂 I bought this bike because I enjoy the endurance geometry, I upgraded from a 2019 Gen 3 Domane SL6, the new bike is lighter and rides faster and still extremely comfortable. I ride around 250-300 miles a month, usually in 20-30 mile chunks and for me it over delivers, it’s really fun riding this new bike. I think this bike fits a broad range of cyclist, let’s face it we all can’t ride in the Tour de France 🇫🇷. But when your riding this bike you almost feel like you are, SRAM drivetrain is awesome and works flawlessly, I’m running the Bontrager R3 tires tubeless 32c and they are great so far. I have to tip my hat to Trek they made a comfortable endurance bike, that can stand up to anything with your average Joe behind the bars.

[ThumperTA]

I have a Domane with two wheelsets. Currently running 32c GP5K on the road wheelset and 38c GravelKing SS+ on the "gravel" wheelset. I'm not doing tons of big chunky gravel or long runs of single track but I've been pretty impressed by the capability of the bike.

[degal]

Owner of a Domane SL7 2021 eTap SRAM Force- Im very pleased with the bike. I changed tires from 28 to 32 so it can be now used as allround bike, long distances/endurance, taking the hills very well, light gravel as well.All good :)

[wescheslak]

I ride a DOMANE .
I run 38 mm Gravelking Slicks, tubeless.
I absolutely love it.

[jonathan]

David, you have the best content of this type on YouTube. Good job. Keep up the great work.

[FisherFAST]

Have a Domane AL4 that is used 90% of the time for long rail trails on crushed limestone. I was able to fit a set of Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 40c tires on this bike with frame clearance to spare. The front derailleur needed to be changed to a 105 R7000, otherwise the Tiagra 4700 long arm would touch the tire. Extremely happy with this setup for long distance on light gravel.

[stevehartmann]

GCN Tech just did (9/8/2022) a poll question asking what type of bike geometry is preferred. Race or endurance and the results from the viewers was 62% preferred endurance geometry to 38% for race geometry.

[rafaelfranco]

I think endurance bikes will stay sort of relevant for genral public due to geometry. Racing geometry is getting so aggressive these days that only really fit people will fit ( no pun intended). An if you're not interested in gravel the endurance may be the way to go. I'm on that situation since the geometry of my 10 years old TCR is more similar to todays Defy than the new TCR.

[Bravesdarrell]

I have a 2021 Domane SL5 & I love it. I’ve been riding a Domane sense 2013. I’m not a racer I just enjoy riding. So I’m interested in the new Domane. Can’t wait to throw my leg over the saddle .

[mikkelroulund]

I sold my Pinarello endurance bike to buy a Giant TCR. I’m very happy with the switch, I go much faster now and I’m not experiencing fatigue more than before. I actually find the TCR more enjoyable