trek domane sl 4 review

2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 Review

Trek has been one of the leading manufacturers in the cycling industry for decades, and their latest release is no exception.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a high-end road bike that promises to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride while also being fast and efficient.

In this review, we will take a closer look at the features of the 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 and evaluate its performance on the road.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this bike may be the perfect addition to your collection. So, let’s dive into the details and see what this bike has to offer.

The Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a road bike that has been designed for endurance rides and long-distance cycling.

With a lightweight carbon frame and a comfortable riding position, this bike is perfect for riders who want to take on challenging rides without sacrificing comfort.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a top-of-the-line road bike that offers exceptional performance and unmatched comfort.

Designed for serious cyclists who demand the best, this bike is packed with advanced features that make it the perfect choice for long-distance rides, races, and everything in between.

– Advanced 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame construction for maximum strength and durability.

– IsoSpeed decoupler technology absorbs bumps and vibrations for a smooth, comfortable ride.

– Shimano 105 2×11 groupset featuring a 11-34t cassette and compact 50/34t chainrings provide reliable shifting and excellent performance.

– Tubeless-ready Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels and Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 700x32mm tires for improved traction and reduced rolling resistance.

– Flat mount Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power and control.

– Bontrager carbon seatpost and alloy handlebars for a lightweight, responsive feel.

– Sleek, modern design with eye-catching color options.

– Excellent customer reviews and ratings.

Frame and Design

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 comes with a lightweight 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame that has been designed to provide maximum comfort on long rides.

The frame features Trek’s IsoSpeed technology that helps to absorb road vibrations, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.

The bike also comes with a carbon fork that helps to reduce weight and increase stiffness.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 comes with a Shimano 105 2×11 groupset, which is known for its reliability and smooth shifting.

The bike features a compact 50/34T crankset and an 11-34T cassette that provides a wide range of gears for climbing hills and sprinting on flats.

The bike also comes with Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels that are lightweight and provide excellent aerodynamics.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 has been designed for maximum comfort on long rides.

The bike features Trek’s IsoZone handlebar system that helps to reduce road vibrations and provide a comfortable grip.

The bike also comes with a Bontrager Verse Short Comp saddle that provides excellent support and comfort for the rider.

Performance

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a bike that is designed for endurance rides and long-distance cycling.

The bike’s lightweight frame and comfortable riding position make it easy to ride for long hours without feeling fatigued.

The bike’s Shimano 105 groupset provides smooth shifting and a wide range of gears, making it easy to tackle challenging climbs and sprint on flats.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a road bike that has been designed for endurance rides and long-distance cycling.

With its lightweight frame, comfortable riding position, and reliable components, this bike is perfect for riders who want to take on challenging rides without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re looking for a bike that can take you on long rides and provide maximum comfort, the 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is definitely worth considering.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek Domane SL 4 Review: Balancing Low Weight, Performance and Comfort

The Trek Domane SL4 is a high-quality racing bike for competitive riders looking to upgrade to their first carbon frame.

The Domane SL4 is built with Trek’s 500 Series OCLV carbon frame and includes front and rear IsoSpeed technology.

This gives the frame excellent stability and strength which can be felt in how responsive the bike is.

It comes with a slightly heavy wheelset and uncharacteristically thick tires which add comfort but also extra weight.

This makes the bike slightly heavier than even some high-quality aluminum bikes and is most noticeable on hill climbs.

Note: Trek Domane SL 4 has been discontinued. For the next bike in the line, see our review of Trek Domane SL 5 . 

Trek Domane SL4 Quick Overview

Main features, is the trek domane sl 4 right choice for you, is it worth the money.

MSRP $2,399.99

To keep costs down, Trek has fitted the Domane SL4’s high-quality OCLV carbon frame with some mid-range components. This sacrifice means it is not as lightweight as other carbon bikes.

• Frame : 500 Series OCLV Carbon, front & rear IsoSpeed
• Fork : Domane SL carbon, tapered carbon steerer
• Front Derailleur : Shimano Tiagra 4700
• Rear Derailleur : Shimano Tiagra 4700, 10-speed
• Crank : Praxis Alba M30, 50/34 (compact),
• Number of Gears : 20
• Brakes : Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc
• Tires : Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 700x32c
• Weight : 21.75 lbs / 9.87 kg

The Domane SL4’s central feature is its 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame. To compliment it, Trek has fitted a Shimano Tiagra groupset and hydraulic disc brakes.

500 Series OCLV Carbon material

Trek’s patented 500 Series Optimum Compaction Low Void (OCLV) carbon frame uses heat and pressure to minimize the existence of strength-compromising voids in the material.

This makes the carbon incredibly strong and resilient while maintaining its lightweight properties.

The frame is designed around Trek’s endurance geometry for maximized control, handling, and responsiveness.

The midsized 52cm model has a 74.2-degree seat tube angle and 71.3-degree head tube angle with 53cm effective reach. The standover height ranges from 65.7cm on the low end to 83.5cm on the largest model.

IsoSpeed frame technology

Trek’s IsoSpeed frame features front and back decouplers to dampen vibration while maintaining efficiency.

The system has been featured on bikes that have won the Strade Bianche, Ronde van Vlaanderen, and Paris-Roubaix races.

The IsoSpeed integrations feature a rocker cup that allows flex in the seat tube and steerer tube while maintaining zero lateral movement.

If you haven’t ever ridden a bike with IsoSpeed technology, you’ll notice the difference – it offers a completely solid feel while dampening almost all vibration from the road.

Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag

The Trek Domane SL4 features the Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage which is a hollow compartment in the downtube that fits a puncture repair kit.

It’s large enough to fit a spare tube, tire levers, CO2 cartridges, and an Air Rush Elite inflator.

It replaces the need for a bulky seat bag and ensures that you’ll never get caught out on the road with a flat again.

Everything fits snugly and conveniently under the water bottle cage to maintain a clean aerodynamic design. Other riders will wonder where you keep your spare tubes and repair kit!

Shimano Tiagra groupset

The Trek Domane SL4 is kitted-out with a full Shimano Tiagra groupset, including the shifters, chain, front and rear derailleurs, and 10-speed cassette.

There is also an option for a slightly upgraded Shimano 105 R7000 front derailleur. The Tiagra HG500 rear cassette features cog sizes from 12-28T.

It would have been nice to see the slightly lighter 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset on a bike of this quality but the Tiagra is by no means a bad product.

It’s a groupset that has stood the test of time and proven itself in many professional events over the years.

Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc brakes

The Trek Domane SL4 is finished off with Shimano Tiaga flat mount hydraulic disc brakes.

This is another feature that adds a dose of extra quality to the Domane SL4, allowing for wider tires and instant stopping power in any weather.

For any rider serious about attempting some adrenaline-pumping, high-speed downhill racing, hydraulic disc brakes are a must.

On the Domane SL4, they are supported by 160mm Shimano SM-RT70 brake rotors with Shimano’s Centerlock mounting system for quick and easy removal.

There are 8 sizes available from riders 4’11” to 6’3.

The Trek Domane SL4 is a good entry-level carbon frame racing bicycle but it may be frowned upon by a rider who has owned previous carbon bikes.

For a carbon frame bike, it is simply too heavy to impress a professional rider.

However, if it’s your first carbon bike you’ll appreciate the additional stiffness and stability that the larger wheels offer.

The Domane SL4 is not a flat-out speed machine, but rather a carbon bike that can handle rougher terrain than most.

Check out our reviews on other Domane models: AL 2 , AL 3 , SL 5 and SL 6 .

Related:   Trek Bikes Explained – In-Depth Overview

The Domane SL4 is not expensive for a full carbon bike with Shimano components and hydraulic disc brakes.

Plus, it holds the Trek badge of guaranteed quality. However, riders that really want to attack uphills at speed will likely need to upgrade the rims and put lighter, tubeless tires on.

It is also uncommon to see Shimano’s Tiagra groupset on a high-quality carbon bike.

If it came standard with a Shimano 105 groupset then I would say it’s excellent value-for-money. As it stands, it’s simply a decent carbon bike for the price.

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2 thoughts on “ trek domane sl 4 review: balancing low weight, performance and comfort ”.

I bought this bike, the Domane SL 4. I was disappointed with the Isospeed and the comfort it is supposed to bring. I cannot feel any difference with my other bikes. The Isospeed on the Domane SL 4 and SL 5 is NOT the same as is used on the Domane bikes that won Paris Roubaix. If you want the real deal you have to buy a Domane SLR bike.

Hi Adrian, Thanks for the input. Higher-tier bikes make a difference in speed, handling and comfort.

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The New Trek Domane: A Great Bike Made Better

The new Domane is everything great about the old bike, plus lighter and quicker.

The Takeaway: Trek’s best road bike gets faster, lighter, quicker, and better

• Frames are 300 grams lighter
• Slight aerodynamic improvements
• Compatible with any bar and stem

Price: $3,500 (SL 5) to $13,200 (SLR 9 eTap, tested) Weight: 19.7lb. (SL 5) to 16 lb. (SLR 9) 16.8 lb. as tested (SLR 9 eTap 52cm)

Trek Domane MK.4 Gallery

Trek Domane Generation Four—What is New

My biggest knock against the third-generation Domane was the weight. It was an excellent and feature-rich bike but a little hefty. So, I am happy to report that one of the most significant changes to the fourth generation frame is it is lighter by about 300 grams (more than half a pound. A large part of the weight savings came from simplifying the bike’s signature rear IsoSpeed Decoupler and eliminating the IsoSpeed Front system that debuted in the previous generation Domane.

When asked why Trek eliminated IsoSpeed Front, Jordan Roessingh, director of road bikes, stated that much of the system's benefit—which never offered the same compliance improvement as rear IsoSpeed—was made redundant by riders' increased adoption of higher volume tubeless tires run at lower pressures. Combined with the system’s weight penalty, Trek decided the juice was not worth the squeeze and punted IsoSpeed front into the dustbin of history.

Meanwhile, at the rear, Trek removed the adjustment from the SLR’s top tube IsoSpeed. All frames now have fixed compliance. Reggie Lund, a design engineer at Trek, said that it found, “A lot of our riders were never taking advantage of the adjustability on the previous generation bike,” so they decided to remove the feature which simplified and lighted the frame. Roessingh stated that the new Domane’s fixed compliance is in line with the previous generation SLR’s IsoSpeed set to the most compliant position.

SL-level frames also see a change to their rear IsoSpeed system. Trek has multiple iterations and generations of IsoSpeed. While third-generation Domane SLR frames had adjustable top tube IsoSpeed, third-generation Domane SL frames had non-adjustable seat tube IsoSpeed. SL and SLR fourth generation Domanes get the new non-adjustable top tube IsoSpeed.

Roessingh said that one of the drawbacks of the third-gen Domane’s non-adjustable seat tube IsoSpeed was that the system got more rigid as the seat tubes got shorter. In short, smaller and likely lighter riders experienced a rougher ride than larger riders. Top tube IsoSpeed eliminates this compromise and lets Trek tune compliance per frame size, said Rosseingh, so all riders experience similar levels of comfort.

Another signature feature of carbon framed Domane models that went to the dustbin was Trek’s No Cut semi-integrated seat mast. Instead, all models now use a seat post, although a proprietary D-shaped post instead of being round. Thankfully, Trek offers two lengths (280 and 320mm) and two offsets (five and 20mm) to help riders dial in fit. The seatpost clamp hides under a snap-on cover on the top tube, which helps clean up the lines of the new Domane.

Another way Trek cleaned up the Domane’s appearance is with a new stem with a cap that hides the hoses and housing before they enter the frame through the upper headset cover. But while the bike appears to have fully integrated routing, you can swap stem lengths without pulling the hoses or housing. The bike is compatible with a standard handlebar, and riders can use standard stems. However, if you want to install a standard stem, you will need to acquire a different upper headset cover from Trek, and you will probably want to zip-tie your hoses and housing together underneath the stem.

Trek’s Domane stem comes in sizes 60 to 130mm in minus-seven degree rise and 60 to 100mm in plus-seven degree rise. The faceplate features a single bolt mount for a computer/light/camera. Unfortunately, the Domane stem’s one-bolt mounting standard is different from Trek’s one-bolt mounting system for the Madone and Emonda and also different than any of the other stems with this feature (3T, Cervelo, Fizik, Specialized, Felt, Easton).

Trek also states that the new Domane is more aerodynamic than the previous generation due to the updated shape of the fork, downtube, seat tube, seat stays, and more-integrated cables in the front. However, Trek did not provide any data on the aerodynamic improvements. When I asked Roessingh for time or watt improvements, he told me, “I don’t think we have a specific claim other than saying we do know the bike is faster. But it’s not a huge amount so it’s not a claim we’re labeling as one of the headlines of the launch.”

One small new feature added to the Domane is a mount in the top tube for a feed bag. What has not changed is the Domane has clearance for up to a 38mm tire, hidden fender mounts, the threaded (T47) bottom bracket, and the in-frame storage accessed through the hatch in the downtube.

SL and SLR frames are compatible with mechanical drivetrains. But, there is a catch outlined in Trek’s FAQ, “The frame does not have a front derailleur housing stop, which means that you are limited to front derailleurs with a built-in stop, like Shimano toggle front derailleurs.” That means the frame is not compatible with SRAM or Campagnolo mechanical-shift drivetrains.

Trek Domane Four—SL Versus SLR

There are two grades of Domane frame: SL and SLR. According to Roessingh, “SL and SLR are essentially identical from a feature set perspective and frame shape perspective.” The biggest difference is the carbon: The SL uses Trek’s “500 Series” carbon while the SLR uses “800 series” carbon. That material difference results in a 200-300 gram reduction in frame weight. According to Trek, this puts the SL frameset at 2,500 grams and the SLR frameset around 2,200 grams.

Trek Domane Four—RSL for the Racers

Although Trek’s professional racers ride a Domane in some events, typically the cobbled classics, they do not ride the standard frame. Instead, they use the Domane RSL (Race Shop Limited). It is the frame ridden to victory in the 2022 Paris-Roubaix Femmes by Elisa Longo Borghini , and it has a few notable differences from the mainline frame.

The primary distinction is fit. The RSL fame is much lower and longer than the SL and SLR Domane. Using a 56cm frame as an example the RSL’s reach is 21mm longer (395 versus 347mm) while the stack is 43mm shorter (548 versus 591mm). The RSL also has a much shorter trail length (51mm compared to 61), likely because of the increased weight the RSL’s geometry places on the front wheel.

Other changes include eliminating the top tube bag mounts and in-frame storage hatch—you do not need those things when you have a fleet of team cars behind you—and the fender mounts. These changes help shave weight off the frame compared to the standard Domane. The RSL frame also has less tire clearance—its maximum tire width is 35mm instead of 38mm—but will fit larger chainrings (RSL: 2x 54/40, 1x 54T; SLR and SL: 2x 52/36, 1x 50T) than the SL and SLR models. Another noteworthy difference: The RSL is only compatible with electronic shifting.

Trek only offers the RSL as a frameset ($4,200) and only in sizes 52 to 60cm, four fewer sizes than the mainline frame. Claimed frameset (frame and fork) weight is 1600 grams for the RSL. On paper, that makes the RSL a whopping 600 grams lighter than the SLR. But when I fact-checked that weight delta with Roessingh, he told me, “The way we measure ‘frameset” weights in those metrics isn’t apples to apples. It includes a bunch of hardware and components. The RSL frame weight is only about 100g lighter than the SLR’s.”

Trek Domane Mk.IV—Geometry

Most of the Mk. IV Domane models carry forward the Mk. III’s endurance geometry with no changes. It is a shorter reach and a taller stack fit, with a longer wheelbase and mellower handling than a race bike. Trek offers nine sizes, from 44 to 62cm.

The RSL version previously mentioned features a lower and longer fit race fit that is even more aggressive than the Madone and Emonda race bikes with the brand’s H1.5 geometry. The RSL is only offered in five sizes, from 52 to 60cm.

Trek Domane Mk.IV—Builds, Prices, and Weights

Trek’s rolling out the new Domane with 11 models: five SL builds priced between $3,500 to $7,500 and six SLR models priced at $8,000 to $13,200. Only one model, the $3,500 SL 5, has a mechanical shifting drivetrain (Shimano 105); all the rest have electronic drivetrains from Shimano and SRAM. The SL 5 is also the only 11-speed bike; the rest are 12-speed.

All models come with Bontrager tubeless-ready wheels and Bontrager’s R3 folding-bead, tubeless-ready tires in 32mm.

Claimed weights start at 8.93Kg (19.7 lb.) for the SL 5, with the lightest complete bike coming in at 7.25kg (16 lb.). One interesting note on prices and weights: For the same relative equipment level— Ultegra Di2 versus Force eTap AXS —most Shimano-equipped bikes are less expensive and lighter than the SRAM-equipped bikes. There is a big “but” because all SRAM-equipped Domanes from the SL 7 eTap and up have power meters while the Shimano builds have standard cranks. The other exception is the SL 6 ( Shimano 105 Di2 ) and SL 6 eTap ( SRAM Rival eTap AXS )—the Shimano bike is $600 cheaper but slightly (10 grams) heavier.

As always, the Domane will eventually, though not immediately, find its way into Trek’s Project One customization program for riders who want to pick their parts and paint. Trek also offers the SL ($2,499), SLR, and RSL (both $4,200) framesets for purchase.

Trek Domane Mk.IV—Ride Review

Trek’s Domane has been a favorite of mine since the first generation, but the third generation was flat-out amazing. Comfortable, practical, and fun, it had most of the speed of a race bike without the bullshit that makes race bikes so limited and limiting. It fits big tires! You could run any bar and stem! It could store a burrito in the downtube! And it was fast .

So when Trek told me they were sending me the new, fourth generation, Domane I hoped and prayed that they found a way to make it better without messing up what made it so great. And friends, my hopes and prayers were answered because riding the fourth generation Domane was like reacquainting with a dear old friend, but one who lost a bunch of weight and now goes to therapy. Because this bike is everything the gen-three Domane was, but better.

You can read what I said about the third-generation Domane when I reviewed it and when I wrote it up as our 2020 Bike of the Year and take all of the good stuff and apply it to the new, fourth-generation Domane. But my complaints about it being a little heavy are gone. And with the weight reduction, the gen-four Domane unlocks new performance levels.

The biggest difference is the new bike is quicker, snappier, and just flies. When you hear someone talk about a comfortable road bike, it usually suggests a bike that is squishy and slow feeling. But when you get on a bike that is fast, quick, and communicative but also floats and coddles the rider like a newborn baby, well, that is a special bike. And that is what the new Domane is: Special. A great bike made better. A bike for the modern road rider: Freaking fast, wonderfully comfortable, and oh so practical.

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. 

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• Rider Notes

2020 Trek Domane SL 4

A carbon frame endurance bike with mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

For This Bike

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Domane SL 4

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• 6'0", size 56, Just right
• 5'7", size 54cm, Just right

Oct 2021 · Ben Delaney

Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo) rode off the front of the peloton on the pavé and into the history books on Saturday, winning the first ever Paris-Roubaix Femmes aboard a Trek Domane with some custom touches. Deignan said her solo attack was definitely not the team plan, but that once she had a gap, she just kept … Continued

Read Review

Jul 2021 · Mat Brett

Smooth-riding endurance bike with loads of tyre space and masses of versatility

Smooth ride

Space for big tyres

Internal storage

Not especially light

Jan 2021 · Dave Rome

Trek's new entry-level road bike combines an endurance fit with sporty handling and a whole bunch of versatility.

Huge tyre clearance, unique geometry is great for the purpose, quite comfortable ride quality, easy to service and upgrade, rides lighter than it feels to pick up, Shimano Tiagra just works, rim width, quality thru-axles.

Basic and heavy frame, making the bike tubeless requires new tyres and a handful of parts, extremely heavy wheels (especially given the bike’s price), handlebar drop shape is too compact.

Jul 2020 · Terry McKall

Entry level road bike or weekday commuter? How about both

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a great looking road bike with a ton of features. Trek's new Domane AL Disc is definitely worth a look.

Apr 2020 · Troy Templin

Trek’s Domane+ offers added boost (sometimes)

Dec 2019 · Richard Windsor

The versatile and comfortable Trek Domane SL 6 put to the test

Comfortable

Slightly sluggish on steep hills

Smooth, fast, and smart: The new Domane is everything a modern road bike should be.

A stunning blend of speed, comfort, and versatility

Huge model range

A little heavy

Last updated July 17 Not listed for 1,381 days

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This product has been selected to feature in road.cc recommends. That means it's not just scored well, but we think it stands out as special. Go to road.cc recommends

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

• Exceptional
• Not so good

The Trek Domane SL is a smooth-riding road bike – even an all-road bike – courtesy of IsoSpeed tech both front and rear, which helps it damp down small vibrations and bigger hits. It's not the lightest bike out there, but if ride quality is your main concern, it's a real contender.

First of all, a quick explanation of the bike we're reviewing. The Domane SL frameset arrived at road.cc built up with the new SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset so that we could review those components too. It's not a standard build, but we've not reviewed the Domane SL before and thought we'd take the opportunity.

> Buy now: Trek Domane SL Disc frameset from Trek for £2200.00

Our 58cm bike, complete with Zipp 303S wheels set up tubeless with WTB Exposure 700 x 30mm tyres, weighs 8.82kg (19.4lb).

Trek does offer the Domane SL 6 eTap with a SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset for £4,200, although this model is fitted with Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 wheels.

Okay, on with the show...

IsoSpeed is the headline news here, so let's kick off with what it actually is. You can scroll down a few paragraphs if this is old news for you.

Trek first introduced IsoSpeed in 2012, although it has evolved since then. Rear IsoSpeed came first, decoupling the top of the seat tube from the rest of the frame. The aim is to take the edge off big hits and smooth out smaller vibrations by allowing a small amount of movement at the saddle, thereby keeping you feeling fresher for longer. That's the plan.

How does it do it? Although the seat tube is fixed to the bottom bracket area in the normal way, it isn't moulded to the top tube or seatstays. Instead the tubes are joined by a pivot, allowing the seat tube to flex more than would otherwise be possible.

Front IsoSpeed is a more recent introduction, the idea being greater compliance at the handlebar. Front IsoSpeed comes in the form of a rocker cup at the top of the headset that allows the fork's carbon steerer to flex backwards/forwards, but not from side to side.

Put another way, the upper section of the headset can tilt to take advantage of the inherent flex in the steerer, meaning the stem and handlebar can move slightly in response to rough roads. See? It's simpler than it sounds.

Best of three

The Domane frameset comes in three different flavours. At the entry level there's the Domane AL, with an aluminium frame. This one doesn't feature front or rear IsoSpeed although, a little confusingly, Trek does describe the carbon fork as IsoSpeed on the basis that the legs are designed to absorb vibration. Complete bike prices start at £695, although the cheapest disc brake model is £895.

At the top of the range there's the posh Domane SLR, which comes with front and (adjustable) rear IsoSpeed. Bikes are priced from £6,600.

In the middle you get the Domane SL bikes, which are made from a lower grade of carbon than the SLRs – Trek's 500 Series OCLV, rather than lighter and stiffer 700 Series OCLV. You get both front and rear IsoSpeed, neither of which is adjustable. That means you can't alter the setup according to the terrain but, on the other hand, it's simpler.

> road.cc Frameset of the Year 2020/21

The most accessible 2022 complete SL currently available is the Domane SL 6 eTap mentioned above, although the 2021 Domane SL4, with a mostly Shimano Tiagra groupset, is £2,325.

On the road

So the big question is: how much difference does the IsoSpeed technology make? Don't think that all this tech means the Domane SL feels unlike any other road bike you've ever ridden.

First of all, if you've ridden mountain bikes with loads of travel, IsoSpeed is nothing like that. Not even on the same page. Cast all thoughts of mountain bike suspension from your mind.

When you're riding on level, well-surfaced tarmac, IsoSpeed doesn't feel unusual at all, and even over rough roads it's subtle. In some ways it feels like running wide tyres at fairly low pressures... though in other ways it doesn't feel at all like that (I'll explain in a mo).

You get just a bit of movement to insulate you from what's going on beneath your wheels, and it's more noticeable at the saddle than the handlebar. Crack into a steep-edged pothole at warp speed and you still feel it – just slightly less than you otherwise would.

The main feature, though, isn't the protection from the big hits, it's the smoothing you get from the smaller stuff: little holes, manhole covers, drains, frost damage, badly patched tarmac, kerbs on and off the cycle path... you know, all those things you constantly encounter on a typical ride.

It would come in handy over cobbles too, although chances are you don't have too many of those around your way.

Again, IsoSpeed doesn't eliminate bumps and vibrations from any of this stuff, it just turns it all down a few notches. It's forgiving. The rougher the surface, the bigger the difference IsoSpeed makes. It's great on old, scuffed up tarmac and it's also pretty active on gravel roads although, naturally, the tyres make a big difference here.

> 19 of the best 2021 gravel bikes & adventure road bikes

The Domane takes a maximum size of 700 x 38mm. It isn't designed as a gravel bike – and most people would prefer something a bit wider for full-on gravel – but it's brilliant for short cuts to link up two sections of tarmac, for instance, and if you fancy riding gravel on 38mm tyres, well, you can fill yer boots.

I said above that IsoSpeed can feel like you have large, low pressure tyres – but not entirely. The big difference is that a big tyre can feel squishy and mushy when you put the power down, and that can be annoying on the road.

IsoSpeed doesn't feel like that at all. There's no extra bounce when you're out of the saddle, and no additional lateral movement. The front end tracks and steers well, with no nasty surprises when you bang it hard into a fast, downhill bend.

Speaking of surprises, the frame-integrated storage compartment is a natty addition. You flick a lever on the down tube – where the bottle cage attaches – to release a plate and access the space inside.

The cover has a multi-tool slot on the back, and Trek also offers a tool roll specifically designed to fit. It takes stuff like a CO2 canister and chuck, tyre levers, a spare tube, an emergency Snickers bar... you do carry an emergency Snickers bar, don't you?

Specialized does something similar on its Diverge gravel bikes, and while packing things in these cubbyholes is a bit of an art, it's a really handy addition for emergency essentials.

The Domane SL is relaxed by road bike standards. Trek calls it an endurance fit. I've been riding the 58cm model with a 54.8cm seat tube, a 56.7cm effective top tube, and a 19.5cm head tube. It's a tall bike with a 61.1cm stack height, while the reach is short at 38.0cm. That puts the stack/reach at 1.61 for this size.

Some people are going love how the ride position is more upright than a more speed-orientated bike's, such as Trek's Madone or Emonda, for instance, while others won't be down with it at all. It depends what you're after.

Trek says the current generation Domane is much more aero than previously – courtesy of truncated airfoil tube profiles – but there's only so far you can tweak your position, and that's always going to be more significant when it comes to drag. Personally, I can't see typical Domane SL buyers being over-concerned with aerodynamics, although I guess it all helps.

The brake hoses are exposed only between the ends of the handlebar tape and the front end of the top tube, just behind the stem, where they duck inside via a removable plate. This ensures a clean look and keeps them out of the wind.

As mentioned, the bike I've been riding has a SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset so there are no shift cables/wires to worry about anyway, but if there were any, this is the only place you'll see those too.

Other features you need to know about include the adjustable seat mast that's particular to the Domane – held by an internal clamp accessed via a slot in the extended seatpost – and the T47 bottom bracket. Hooray for threaded BBs!

Mudguards? You can fit 'em easily enough. You get threaded holes on the fork legs (filled with itty bitty grub screws when not required) and another beneath the fork crown. You get more at the bottom of the seatstays, and fairly discreet mountings for a chainstay/mudguard bridge towards the top.

The only real downside to the Domane SL is that it's not particularly light. Trek claims a frame weight of 1,365g while, as mentioned, this complete bike came in at 8.82kg (19.4lb). Okay, the SRAM Rival eTap AXS isn't a lightweight groupset, but then a few hundred grams on the frame doesn't affect the ride as much as some people would have you believe.

The money bit

There aren't many road bikes designed to smooth the ride quite like the Domane. The most obvious rival is the Specialized Roubaix, which has Future Shock front suspension – a spring in a cartridge above the head tube that allows movement of the stem and handlebar.

The top-end Specialized S-Works Roubaix Team frameset is £3,700, but comparing prices with the second-tier Domane SL is unfair. Trek's flagship Domane SLR frameset is £3,500, so there's not a great deal in it.

The Domane SL keeps you comfortable thanks to relaxed geometry, front and rear IsoSpeed tech, and the ability to take tyres up to a whopping (by road bike standards) 38mm wide. It's as versatile as it is smooth, and if you want to mix up the surfaces you ride on while retaining plenty of speed, the Domane SL is a strong option.

Smooth endurance bike with loads of tyre space and masses of versatility

road.cc test report

Make and model: Trek Domane SL Disc frameset

Size tested: 58cm

Tell us what the frameset is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Trek says, "The lightweight Domane SL Disc Frame Set is built with 500 Series OCLV Carbon and includes road-smoothing Front and Rear IsoSpeed, so you can stay stronger for longer. This carbon endurance road frame is designed for flat-mount disc brakes, has a built-in storage compartment, and includes a headset and a Domane Disc full carbon fork."

Trek tells you everything you need to know about IsoSpeed over here: www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/inside_trek/isospeed

Trek says, "IsoSpeed challenges the traditional design of a bicycle frame. Devoid of the more favoured approaches to the compliance quandary (such as suspension systems, elastomers or a vibration damper), IsoSpeed maintains the diamond-shaped frameset geometry but 'decouples" the seat tube from the top tube, allowing the seat tube to flex with the forces of the road. The result is a bike that moves with the road while maintaining the feel and efficiency of the traditional race bike design.

"One of the consistent pieces of feedback from riders that have enjoyed rear IsoSpeed was that even though they could plough unfazed through rougher roads than ever before, they could still feel the road shock through their arms from the front wheel. Our solution was to take everything that works from IsoSpeed and move it up the bike. The same technology that provides great compliance at the saddle now delivers compliance at the front end. Front IsoSpeed, located at the top of the headset, is captured in a rocker cup similar to rear IsoSpeed. This allows the steerer tube to flex, providing additional compliance at the front of the bike. The rocker cup of the upper steerer has zero lateral movement, allowing the bike to steer and handle with precision."

State the frame and fork material and method of construction

Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, front and rear IsoSpeed, internal storage, tapered head tube, internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, DuoTrap S-compatible, mudguard mounts, flat-mount disc, 142x12 mm thru-axle

Fork: Domane SL carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, mudguard mounts, flat-mount disc, 12x100 mm thru axle

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

It's built to a very high standard.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Trek calls it an 'endurance fit,' and it's pretty relaxed by road bike standards. I've been riding the 58cm model with a 54.8cm seat tube, a 56.7cm effective top tube, and a 19.5cm head tube. It's a tall bike with a 61.1cm stack height, while the reach is short at 38.0cm. That puts the stack/reach at 1.61 for this size.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

It's taller and shorter than an equivalent Madone or Emonda, say, putting you in a considerably more upright position.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Yeah, this is what the Domane is all about. It feels very comfortable courtesy of the front and rear IsoSpeed, and the ability to fit tyres up to 38mm wide. The relaxed geometry takes the strain off your back and neck, too.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

The IsoSpeed tech allows up/down movement, but doesn't affect the lateral stiffness of the bike.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

It feels pretty efficient, yes.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?

My shoe just missed 30mm tyres; there's a small amount of overlap with larger tyres.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? It's pretty neutral

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

This is a bike that's more about stability and ride quality than sharp handling.

This isn't especially focused on accelerating or sprinting.

Your summary

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

The most obvious comparison is with the Specialized Roubaix, which has Future Shock front suspension – a spring in a cartridge above the head tube that allows movement of the stem and handlebar.

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? If ride quality was my highest priority, definitely

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

The performance is very good. Although the price is higher than many other road bikes, it's very good when you consider the tech that features here.

Overall rating: 8 /10

About the tester

Age: 48   Height: 190cm   Weight: 80kg

I usually ride:    My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years   I ride: Most days   I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

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Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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£2,325 for a Tiagra equipped bike is having a laugh......

It's horses for courses. I had an SL5 disc with Vison 40mm carbon rims and 105 as standard a few years ago and tbh, it's a nice enough bike but I found it dull as dishwater...as did a couple of people I know who bought better and lesser versions of the same model year.

The person I sold mine to loved it however and boasted of smashing PB's. If you can I'd advise a test ride

How upright are we talking? Can you still stretch yourself out riding the drops?

SaintClarence27 wrote: How upright are we talking? Can you still stretch yourself out riding the drops?

More than likely, provided you get the correct size.

The only way to answer that is to sit on one. A decent substitute is to compare the geometry to a model you're familiar with.

It's certainly taller, but not that much shorter than an Emonda say.

I have both and they're setup within a couple of mm of each other

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Review: Trek Domane SL Road Bike – Quick, Comfortable, & Easy to Recommend

It's easy to see why the domane all-road bike is so popular, even if it rubbed me the wrong way at times..

• Comfortable fit geometry
• Seriously smooth ride
• Surprisingly snappy handling
• Useful downtube storage
• Price is higher than most
• Not especially light

18.73 lb (actual)

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

There’s a decent likelihood that if you see someone riding a Trek road bike from the last decade or so, it was the brand’s Domane model. The ubiquity stems largely from its fit geometry, which has historically been very welcoming to riders of all abilities. Furthermore, the Domane’s unique IsoSpeed decoupling suspension system promised levels of comfort that other road bikes couldn’t quite match.

The IsoSpeed suspension system lives on in this latest Trek Domane SL road bike, but the rest of the package might be the biggest change we’ve seen with the Domane yet. There’s aero tube shaping, a lighter frame, and an added sense of performance that wasn’t quite there with previous Domane SL bikes.

We spent 1,000 miles on the Trek Domane to find out just how good the Domane is, whether that pursuit for speed has removed any form of comfort, and the potential downsides of living with a bike like the Trek Domane SL.

Quick hits: Seven things to know about the Trek Domane SL

• The Trek Domane lineup features three main framesets: the top-tier Domane SLR , the aluminum Domane AL , and this mid-range Domane SL carbon road bike. The Domane RSL is available as a frameset.
• Every Domane features fully internal cable routing through the headset, though the stem functions similarly to a traditional stem.
• The latest Domane SL and SLR bring a new internal storage compartment for a tube, tools, and an included neoprene storage sleeve.
• Max tire clearance is a quoted 700c x 38 mm.
• A new Domane SL frame weighs a quoted 1391 grams, 300 grams lighter than the previous Domane SL.
• Domane SL features a rear IsoSpeed decoupler to improve seated comfort, though it is no longer adjustable.
• Domane SL is available in seven sizes to fit riders between 4’11” to 6’5”.

Frame details

The Trek Domane is known for being an approachable road bike. Much of that comes down to handling geometry that values straight-line stability over race bike agility. Its fit geometry is more accommodating of a non-competitive cyclist than other bikes in its category.

The IsoSpeed seat tube flex system isolates riders from road vibration in a way few other bikes do. And while there are a number of changes to the latest Domane SL, most of those characteristics carry on.

IsoSpeed is a critical component of any recent Trek Domane road bike. Previous generations really went for it, offering not only adjustable rear IsoSpeed systems but even a front-end system to balance comfort between the two ends. This latest system essentially overhauls IsoSpeed, largely for the better.

Most notable is that this latest iteration is said to offer as much flex as the softest setting in previous IsoSpeed systems while using a simpler D-shaped seat post. Previous Iterations of IsoSpeed used a carbon seat mast to offer the flex they wanted, but it was far more fiddly to use than this simpler system.

The front IsoSpeed system is gone, as the swap from 28 mm to 32 mm is said to be plenty comfortable. The fact that this system has far fewer moving parts and wear items should result in fewer creaks and durability issues compared to previous-generation systems. Trek says the system needs no servicing for the lifetime of the bicycle, and I never had issues with it in my time with the bike.

The Domane SL isn’t a particularly light bike. Some of that comes from the addition of a downtube storage hatch located under the bottle cage mount. Inside is a neoprene mini tool sleeve as well as plenty of space to add more snacks and perhaps a vest should you need to. It’s a genuinely useful storage area, with a sturdy latch and hatch system.

Trek’s Domane continues with internal cable routing, though this system is among the more refined systems I’ve seen and worked with. Cables are external at the bars until they’re routed under the stem, leaving some slack to play with stem height. And while the spacer profiling limits what types of stems you can swap with, doing the swap itself is an easy enough process that almost anyone can manage.

The internal routing system itself is one of the better setups I’ve seen. A guide at the inside of the downtube includes a holster for the Shimano Di2 battery, with guides for brake hoses and cable housing easily accessible from the downtube storage hatch. It’s easy to work on, all things considered.

Tire clearance has always been a strong suit of the Domane, and that hasn’t changed. Max clearance is a quoted 700c x 38 mm tire. I was able to fit a 40 mm (42 mm width as measured) Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tire front and rear without rubbing. That clearance makes light gravel and dirt road riding doable, but it would be problematic on a muddy or chunky ride.

Other bits of note include the use of a T47 threaded bottom bracket, the addition of top tube bag mounts, and hidden fender mounts. The frame gets its own integrated chain keeper, a nice touch that indicates the general user-friendliness of the bike.

The build brought in for review was the Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4. The highlight of the bike is the Shimano 105 Di2 drivetrain. The Bontrager Paradigm 25 wheels feature tubeless-ready alloy rims with a wide 25 mm internal width. The 32 mm Bontrager R3 Hard-Case tires, Bontrager Verse Short saddle, and Bontrager alloy handlebars complete the build.

A size 56 cm bike has a quoted weight of 8.62 kg (19 pounds. My 50 cm build weighed in at 8.5 kg (18.73 pounds) without pedals and accessories but with tubes in the tires.

The Domane has a reputation for being an upright road bike with handling that might be best described as stable. While the bike is stable, the geometry is far more agile than you’d expect.

Trail figures are around 59 to 61 cm across just about every size but the 44 cm bike. Handling geometry is quick enough for most people, though the low 75 to 80 mm bottom bracket drop and 420 mm chainstays add some straight-line stability back.

Fit geometry and rider positioning can be considered as upright, with a taller stack height and short reach dimensions. These numbers are taller and shorter respectively than even most all-road bikes, but I’d argue the numbers are realistic for most riders. Those looking for a more than 6 cm of saddle to bar drop (particularly on small sizes) will be better suited to something like their Emonda or Madone road bikes.

Standover heights across most sizes are about as low as I’ve seen on an endurance road bike, which is helpful for the height-challenged among us.

Riding the Trek Domane SL

The value of the Domane doesn’t necessarily come from its cost or its tech-forward features, but rather in its promise of being a comfortable, approachable road bike. That isn’t lost here: the Domane is one of the most approachable road bikes you’ll find and an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a road bike.

The Domane rides as smoothly as it always has on smooth tarmac and chip-seal. The way the bike goes about smoothing out those small, constant vibrations is impressive. Roads I remember as feeling particularly jostling felt far smoother, both at the saddle and at the bars.

Much of that smoothness comes down to the 32 mm wide tires, which are wider than you’d find on most other all-road and endurance bikes out of the box. That said, narrower tires didn’t detract much from the bike’s smoothness over chip seal-type surfaces. Stay seated, and let the rear end of the bike do its job.

As much as I liked the Domane SL, the bike didn’t feel as eager as I would have hoped. Steeper climbs and even pedaling from a stop indicated that much of that came down to rotational weight. But with a set of carbon wheels and a good set of 30 mm tires, the Domane really woke up.

A set of Hunt Aerodynamicst 44 wheels and 30 mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tires gave the bike the feel of a bike far more willing to not only get up to speed but maintain it as well. If you’re itching to make an upgrade, rest assured that a decent set of carbon wheels – like their own Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37V – wake the bike up dramatically.

The stock Bontrager wheels are serviceable otherwise. They’re on the heavy side at over 1950 grams with tubeless tape and valves, but spoke tension and overall build felt like they were going to last. As serviceable as they are, however, it helps to know that you a swap to mid-range Hunt carbon wheels cut over 1 pound (520 grams) from the weight of the bike.

The Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tires are grippy and seem to be long-lasting. That said, I felt the tires felt stiff and slow. A simple tire upgrade alone makes the bike feel considerably more eager.

I found little fault in the rest of the build kit. Shimano 105 Di2 works phenomenally, with quick shifts and gearing plenty low for fondos. The Bontrager Verse Short saddle is wonderfully supportive for how soft the saddle feels. The Bontrager short-reach handlebar choice deserves some praise; its 38 cm width in a 50 cm frame is smaller than most product planners choose but the right size for smaller folks.

The Domane SL rubbed me the wrong way

There was one notable fault I found with the bike, however: the IsoSpeed cover rubbed the inside of my legs on a 125 mile (200 km) road ride enough to create a rash.

A bit about me: I am fairly small at 5 foot, 6 inches and 130 pounds (59 kg) in kit. My legs aren’t particularly big, but they aren’t as lean as they could be either. I’ve received a professional fit and matched that fit onto the Domane SL to ensure my cleats (and feet) are roughly where they should be.

Here’s what the lead engineer of the Domane SL had to say:

“The Domane SL maintains the same thigh clearance as used on other road bikes. How far the max width carries up the seat tube can very slightly between models and this variation may be what you are experiencing compared to another Trek road bike. If it is an issue you could try going to a smaller size which moves his saddle up compared to the frame.”

The Domane SL top tube is wide, particularly as it approaches the seat tube junction. It’s wider at the seat tube junction than any other road bike I’ve ridden this year, though I don’t usually have problems with wide top tubes. The design weakness comes is the location of the IsoSpeed cover; the plastic cover seemed placed perfectly to rub the inside of my legs just above my knee raw.

Could I have sized down? Not really. I was on a 50 cm frame with the seat post extended to its minimum insertion point. Any smaller and I would need a drastically longer stem that would alter the handling Trek intended the Domane to have from the factory. Ultimately, some helicopter tape along the seam stopped the rub, but should I have to do that with a new frame?

Like as with any other bike, give the Domane a test ride before you buy it, particularly if you’re smaller or have bigger thighs like I do. I suspect I am in a very, very small majority of folks to experience this. Considering how many Trek bike dealers there are in the world, it should be easy enough to take the bike for a spin.

The Trek Domane SL 6 vs the competition

Call it an endurance road bike or an all-road bike, this segment is one of the most competitive segments you’ll find. The three endurance road bikes I’ve ridden in recent memory are the BMC Roadmachine , Canyon Endurace , and Cannondale Synapse . The Domane offers the most upright fit geometry, but all are fairly comfortable to ride for the average cyclist.

Surprisingly, I found the Domane to have the quickest steering of the bunch. Despite that, it feels about as stable in a straight line as the other bikes. Add in the IsoSpeed system that seemed to smooth out chipseal as well if not better than the other bikes too as well as its internal frame storage and the Domane starts to stand out.

The Endurace edges the other three bikes out on value for money, offering Shimano Ultegra Di2 and nicer tires at a lower price point. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were able to find the Trek, BMC, or Cannondale on sale at a local bike shop, in which case you start to find good value for the money.

I would also take a close look at the Trek Domane AL , one of the most impressive bikes I’ve ridden in recent memory. It might lack the ultimate polish and ride smoothness of the carbon bikes, but the handling, rider fit, and wide 32 mm tires are still there. It’s a fantastic bike.

Choose the Domane SL if you’re looking for about as smooth a ride as you’ll find, want internal frame storage, and need the ultimate warranty support that comes from seemingly having a Trek dealer on every block.

Long story short, I came away surprised by the bike. The latest generation Domane SL is every bit as smooth as you’d expect a Domane to be, and an approachable bike too. There’s a reason why it’s a go-to recommendation for most cyclists: the Domane reliably ticks every box for most road cyclists.

You pay for the privilege of riding the Domane, but considering how smooth the bike is over tarmac, I’m sure a vast majority of riders will be more than happy with it. The clearance for gravel bike tires, the internal frame storage, and the general refinement of the bike are all icing on what is a truly versatile all-road bike.

Just make sure you ride it so it doesn’t rub you the wrong way.

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Trek Domane SL5 review

Are you sitting comfortably? You soon will be...

Robert Smith / Immediate Media

Aoife Glass

Comfortable ride with handy on-bike storage

Heavier than most bikes at this price point

Trek's Domane SL5 is a compliant, comfy ride, and while it does sacrifice speed, if you’re not phased by that trade-off, you’ll enjoy many miles of riding in comfort on this bike.

Trek, like Specialized, eschews women-specific geometry, instead opting for a unisex fit that’s designed to better suit all riders. This may mean you’ll want to swap out the saddle but, since most riders opt to fit their preferred seat anyway, this isn’t something I’d mark a bike down for.

• Women’s bike size guide
• Best women's road and gravel bikes
• Best women’s bikes: a buyer’s guide to find what you need

The Domane SL5 features a carbon frame and fork constructed from Trek’s 500-series OCLV carbon. The tapered steerer gives a responsive, stable feel. It’s not the most agile bike but the stability instils confidence, particularly on long, fast descents when it’s reassuringly predictable.

IsoSpeed is the stand-out feature of the Domane. This is essentially a polymer-based decoupler at the stem and seatpost that acts to absorb vibrations and isolate the handlebar and saddle from road chatter. The result is not only noticeable, it’s addictively good.

If you value comfort above all else, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bike as good.

A new and very welcome feature for 2020 is the in-frame storage. An internal storage compartment in the down tube, which is accessed by removing a panel that sits under the down tube bottle-cage mounts, provides enough room for storing essential bits and pieces.

Pop in your spare tubes, levers and tools and you won’t need to carry a saddle bag. Or you might want to stow an emergency set of lights just in case you get caught out.

The oversized down tube and bottom bracket area give a great feeling of power transfer when putting down some leg muscle. While this bike never feels as agile or racy as the likes of the Liv Avail and Canyon Endurace , partly because of the smoothing effects of the IsoSpeed, it’s actually got a great lick of pace and the comfort means you can keep pushing harder for longer without fatiguing.

Another great feature is the seat mast, which is integrated into the seatpost and designed to allow micro-adjustment. It’s a dream feature for anyone who needs to get their saddle height just right for comfort and performance.

Wide tyre clearance means plenty of room for chunkier tyres or muddy conditions, or for a set of mudguards for wet-weather riding.

Internal cable routing keeps the frame neat and sleek and the vibrant, colour-shifting purple paint is eye-catching.

The Domane has a huge range of sizes, from 47 up to 62, for riders of heights from 152cm (4ft 11in) up to 190cm (6ft 2in).

Shimano 105 may not be a premium groupset, but it offers very smooth, reliable shifting. The 50/34t chainrings combined with the 11-34t cassette give a wide range of gears that are both suited to and standard for endurance-focused bikes, providing good gear choices at each end of the range to master steep hills and fast sprinting.

Bontrager finishing kit includes a Comp VR-C alloy handlebar, carbon seatpost and Arvada Comp saddle with steel rails.

The Elite stem is Blendr compatible, which means it’s easy to fit a range of accessories, such as Bontrager lights and computers, GoPros or Garmins without fiddling with imperfect mounts.

Wheels are the tubeless-ready Bontrager Affinity Discs, fitted with Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite tyres in a 700 x 32c size.

One downside is that at 9.94kg for the size 54 tested, it was the heaviest bike I had on test, due in large part to the heavy budget wheels and tyres.

The Bontrager wheels weigh in at over 1,800g, while the Bontrager R1 Hard-Case tyres come in at around 410g and they are not tubeless-compatible, so there’s also an inner tube adding to the weight.

Even if you don’t want to invest in new wheels straight away, upgrading to lighter, tubeless tyres will save you a chunk of weight relatively cheaply, and make this bike a whole lot more sprightly.

When it comes to comfort, the Domane still can’t be beaten, though. Endless hours in the saddle over all types of road surface flew by and I could happily have just kept on trucking because the plush ride kept my legs feeling perky.

How we tested

This bike was tested against four other bikes that we consider to be some of the best for female riders – some unisex, some women’s specific.

On paper and based on experience, these five bikes are leading lights in their various fields – whether that’s comfort endurance, race endurance, gravel and adventure, or all-rounders – based on price and performance.

Testing took place (pre-lockdown) in the Welsh mountains, Mendip hills and on the flat and fast Somerset Levels (plus the odd gravel path and wooded singletrack).

Other bikes on test:

• Liv Avail Advanced Pro 2
• Sonder Colibri Ti Force 22
• Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2
• Juliana Quincy CC Rival

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Trek Domane SL 4 – Review  

  April 15, 2022

By   m bhatia

This section sheds light on the primary product details of the Trek Domane SL 4 bicycle. These details include the size, colors, weight, and other information.

After the pandemic, many people have started taking their health seriously. If you are looking for a way to shift to a healthier and cleaner way of living, then the answer to that is cycling. Using bicycles for daily commutes is very eco-friendly and can help keep your body fit and active. This article focuses on one of the USA’s best bicycle brands, Trek.

Trek is a USA-based bicycle and cycling product manufacturer and distributor. The brand has a huge range of bicycles and cycling accessories produced across 1700 independently owned bicycle shops spread across the globe. Manufactured outside the United States, mainly in countries- Taiwan, Germany, the Netherlands, and China, Trek bicycles have outstanding built quality.

Technical Specifications:

Frameset :-

Frame  : 500 Series OCLV Carbon, front & rear IsoSpeed, tapered head tube, DuoTrap S compatible Frame fit  : Endurance Fork  : Domane SL carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts

Wheels  : Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, center lock disc Tires  : Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 TPI, 700x32c

Drivetrain :-

Shifters : Shimano Tiagra R4725, short-reach lever, ten-speed

Front derailleur : Shimano 105 R7000, braze-on

Rear derailleur : Shimano Tiagra 4700, long cage, 34T max cog

Crank :  Praxis Alba M30, 50/34 (compact)

Bottom bracket : Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing

Cassette :  Shimano Tiagra HG500, 12-28, 10 speed

Pedals :  N/A

Components :-

Saddle : Bontrager Arvada Comp, steel rails, 138mm width

Seatpost : Bontrager aluminum internal seat mast cap, 10mm offset, short length

Handlebar : Bontrager Comp VR-S, alloy, 31.8mm

Stem : Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree

Headset :  Integrated

Brakeset : Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc, flat mount

Domane SL 4 frame design and size: 

The front and rear IsoSpeed gives the Domane SL 4 the desired powerful performance. The tapered head tube puts the rider in a perfect streamlined riding position to steer easily at high speeds. The frame supports the DuoTrap S, which offers the best-in-class connectivity for Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ devices.

With Trek Domane SL 4, the company has worked wonders with the bike’s overall appearance. The internal cable routing technique gives the bicycle a clean, aerodynamic, and appealing look.

The size chart with the suitable rider height is given below for reference.

What are the different components included in Trek Domane SL 4?

In Domane SL 4, Trek has incorporated the 32 mm Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite tires, unusual for road smoothing bicycles. This tire choice brings up the overall Domane Sl 4 weight to 9.87 kgs or 21.75 lbs.

The powerful disc brakes and the R1 Hard-case lite tires offer a wider grip and responsive brake power. The all-weather treads of this tire ensure safe driving in all weather conditions and badly cracked roads and pavements.

The Bontrager Affinity Disc or rim mounted on the wheels gives the rider all the confidence required when cornering through turns. Domane SL 4 uses 14g stainless steel in the spikes of its wheels, which protects them from rusting, ensuring longevity and durability.

The Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag is great for storing your tools and other stuff. This storage bag fits inside the bicycle’s frame, and it is very convenient to use.

How does it feel to ride a Domane SL 4?

The acceleration of the Trek Domane SL 4 is not up to the mark compared to other bicycles in the same category. Cannondale SuperSix EVO Carbon 105 and Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 7.0 have faster upward energy and are lighter than Domane SL 4. But SL 4 stays ahead of its competitors due to its comfortable riding experience and incredible climbing ability.

The SL 4 is a great ally when cruising through the downhill. The wide tire coverage area and powerful Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc brakes prevent the bicycle from skidding and scampering over the road’s surface. 

The handling of this bicycle is very steady despite its short reach and mid-height stack. The Domane SL 4 does not feel pedestrian or cramped and is an excellent bicycle for spending your time riding through the streets of your city.

What We Like

• Incredible Built Quality.
• Excellent Handling Efficiency.
• Smooth Riding experience even on downhills.
• Highly comfortable for going on long rides.
• Most affordable bike with IsoSpeed and disc brakes.
• Internal storage compartment for tools

What We Don't Like

• Heavier than its competitors.
• Lower component specifications.
• Labored climbing performance.
• Limited color options.

Why should you buy a Domane SL 4 road bike?

Domane SL 4 Disc is the introductory carbon model in Trek’s road-smoothing family. Although this bicycle offers incredible performance at a great value, an inexperienced rider would not be able to bring out the best from this bike. 

If you are a cyclist who participates in races, sports, and other bicycle events, then the SL 4 is the go-to bicycle. 

The Domane SL 4 is the best choice for people looking for a carbon bike with a super smooth ride that will help them perform their best on long rides. The added capability and confidence offered by the disc brakes and wider tires make the SL 4 perfect for cyclists riding along the hillside. 

Designed to tackle even the most challenging terrains with comfort and precision, Trek Domane SL 4 is best suited for people who face a variety of terrain regularly rather than focusing solely on speed.

Is the Domane SL 4 Trek bike value for money? 

The Trek Domane SL 4 is an affordable endurance bicycle. This bike will not disappoint its customers regarding comfort, performance, and ability to maneuver through various terrains. If used effectively, the Domane SL 4 can completely change your perspective on cycling.   

The bicycle’s rigid construction and top-quality parts ensure its longevity over the years. Trek manufactured this bike to last long without costly maintenance or updates. Investing in this bike is worth it, and you won’t be disappointed by its performance.

What is the difference between Domane SLR and SL?

The Trek Domane SL and Trek Domane SLR are carbon frame endurance bikes with hydraulic disc brakes designed by Trek. The Domane SL has aluminum wheels, while the Domane SLR has carbon wheels and better quality components.

Is the Trek Domane a gravel bike?

The Trek Domane SL is a gravel bike. This bicycle is very light in weight and built to handle rugged terrain. The advanced OCLV Carbon frame, Front and Rear IsoSpeed used in this bike allow the cyclist to comfortably ride through even the burliest gravel roads.

Is Trek Domane an endurance bike?

Yes, a section of the Trek Domane bikes like SL 4, SL 5, etc., are carbon frame endurance bikes built for comfort without compromising on the performance of the bike.

What is the primary difference between Trek Domane and Emonda?

The two of Trek’s most dominant bikes are the Trek Emonda and Trek Domane. Trek designed the Emonda bikes for speed and agility for the race road bike category. The Trek Domane bicycles are built for comfort and improved ride quality and fall in various endurance road bikes.

The Endnote:

The Trek Domane SL 4 will deliver the most comfortable and exciting riding experience without compromising on the performance part. This bicycle will arouse the adventurous part of you with its fantastic speed and all-weather mobility. The SL 4 is a versatile bicycle due to its wide range of capabilities at a very affordable price.

Hence, if you like a comfortable, smooth and powerful riding experience or have a thing for the adrenaline rush that cycling through different terrains brings, then the Trek Domane SL 4 is the product that will surely fulfill all your riding needs.

The Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 in review – Head-to-head in our all-road group test

The Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 claims to be a high-end, performance-oriented bike. It doesn’t show at first glance. Upon closer inspection, however, it’s full of hidden details and technical gadgetry. We found out how the most expensive bike on test fares against the competition in our all-road group test, with its hefty € 10,999 price tag.

This bike was tested as part of our 2023 all-road group test – you can find an overview of the group test and the featured bikes over here: The best all-road bike of 2023 – 10 all-road bikes in review

Trek already stood out from the crowd in our gravel race bike group test with the well thought-through and uncomplicated Checkpoint. In our all-road group test, Trek take on the competition with the Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4. Although it isn’t the flagship model, it has all of the standout features, including IsoSpeed damping at the rear and a storage compartment in the down tube. The damping elements and geometry are identical across the latest Domane range. But our supposed high-end bike for just under € 11,000 saves on the components, and is somewhat restrained in terms of handling. How does it fare in the all-road segment and our test field?

Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 7 – More than just average?

Trek have established their own, unique design language. As such, there’s no mistaking the Domane SLR 7 for anything else. It combines the characteristic shield-like head tube with the Trek head badge. The curved top tube flows into the seat stays, and the classic, aero-optimised, oversized down tube with the bold Trek lettering completes the picture. The bike also features an updated version of Trek’s in-house IsoSpeed damping mechanism, swallowing bumps and impacts. The design is superior to the simple flex in the Specialized Roubaix, and it’s clearly noticeable, at least at the rear. Another standout feature is the designers’ attention to detail: a magnetic, colour-matched cover hides both the seat post clamp and the mounting point of the IsoSpeed system. The frame also comes with a storage compartment in the down tube, one of only two bikes in our test to do so, alongside the Argon 18, as well as an integrated chain guide. The latter helps to keep the chain in place when things get bumpy. Underlining its all-road character, the Domane caters to a wide range of use cases. For example, the top tube bag mounts allow you to expand the onboard storage capacity for longer rides. With mounting points for mudguards, the bike is ready to tackle any weather, making it our first choice for commuting.

With a price point of almost € 11,000, the components aren’t quite what you might expect. While the SRAM Force AXS 2x groupset comes with a power meter and offers a gear range suitable for all-road use, it isn’t SRAM’s top end model. As such, the Trek isn’t on par with the similarly priced bikes from Wilier and SCOTT, both of which come equipped with Shimano’s flagship DURA-ACE groupset. The same applies to the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 wheels. Although they’re beyond reproach, they don’t stand out for their brilliant performance or looks either. The tires on the Domane are sourced in-house too, and the 32 mm Bontrager R3s offer extremely solid handling, sufficient grip – even on loose terrain – and roll efficiently on smooth asphalt. With 38 mm tire clearance, the frame also has plenty of room left to be converted into a true all-road monster. The cockpit can also be customised easily thanks to the external cable routing past the stem and the absence of a one-piece design. However, the more affordable Wilier and SCOTT do them one better here, too, relying on a higher-quality one-piece carbon cockpit. Unfortunately, it’s also the only bike on test with which we had to contend with rattling cables. The SRAM hoses are routed internally through the frame, running along the bottom of the down tube, where additional cable guides or foam sleeves might help to reduce the noise. Overall, the bike is conspicuously inconspicuous in its components and looks – not least because of the green colour, based on Disney’s “Go Away Green,” which is intended to make objects not draw attention. Thus, by and large, the almost € 11,000 bike is somewhat boring and easy to forget.

Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4

Specifications

Seatpost Domane Carbon Brakes SRAM Force eTap AXS 160 mm Drivetrain SRAM Force eTap AXS 2x12 Stem Bontrager RCS 100 mm Handlebar Bontrager IsoCore Pro 440 mm Wheelset Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 Tires Bontrager R3 700x32c

Technical Data

Size 47 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 Weight 8,54 kg

Specific Features

Storage compartment in the down tube Mounting points for bags, mudguards, and bottle cages The only bike on test with a power meter Cleverly integrated IsoSpeed damping mechanism at the rear

On cloud 9 – The Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 absorbs all the bumps

The Trek’s ride feel is significantly influenced by the IsoSpeed system. It works extremely well, smoothing out all the bumps without decoupling the rider from the experience completely. It also works well together with the rigid front end: while having no damping up front bothered us on the Checkpoint gravel bike, resulting in an imbalance between the front and rear, it suits the all-road bike perfectly. The handling is stable and composed, restrained for a road bike, tracking true and straight. It’s confidence instilling even on unfamiliar roads and rough terrain. The Domane is the most fun on long, fast corners, where the handling and conservative riding position can play to their strengths. It remains predictable and intuitive on gravel roads and cobblestones, and it has the potential to venture even further off-road considering the maximum tire clearance. Pulling away, the bike feels somewhat sluggish, as it isn’t super reactive or agile, though it will get up to speed willingly and hold it there efficiently over long distances. It doesn’t blast up the climbs quite like the bikes from MERIDA or Wilier, but it’s destined for relaxed all-road riding. It will get up every mountain pass, master the descents, and just eat up kilometres on the straights. The Trek Domane is fun to ride thanks to its good-natured and intuitive handling. The long-distance comfort makes it the perfect choice for epic all-day rides, never dishing out any nasty surprises.

Textbook all-road, though eye-wateringly expensive.

Who is the Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 for?

The great strength of the Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 is its versatility, making it an interesting option for different use cases and conditions. The ample tire clearance, mudguard and top tube bag mounting points, the – albeit small – storage compartment in the down tube, the chain guide, and, finally, the standout IsoSpeed feature make for an incredibly versatile bike. It doesn’t just cater to classic all-road riding – from smooth asphalt to gravel – but also cuts a fine figure as a commuter or long-distance tourer. The timeless design and subtle colour give the bike a discreet look, which suits the Trek well. If you’ve got the necessary change and are happy to accept a few compromises regarding the components, you get a capable all-road bike for all occasions.

Tuning tip: Foam sleeves for the internally routed cables to quieten things down.

Riding Characteristics

• comfortable

Value for money

Size: 47 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 Weight: 8,54 kg Price: € 10,999

Indended Use

Conclusion on the trek domane slr 7 axs gen 4.

The Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 is chock-full of features. It offers sufficient long-distance comfort via the IsoSpeed system and has plenty of tire clearance. Thanks to the predictable and restrained handling, it’s capable of more than just classic all-road riding and turns out to be a great choice for the more adventurous among us. With its € 10,999 price point and mediocre spec, however, the Domane is neither affordable, nor does it offer great value for money.

• coherent and versatile concept
• very comfortable thanks to the inconspicuously integrated IsoSpeed system
• timeless look that you won’t get tired of looking at

• internally routed cables rattle loudly

You can find out more about at trek.com

The testfield

All bikes on review: Argon 18 Krypton (Click for review) | Merida Scultura Endurance 9000 (Click for review) | Parapera Atmos² (Click for review) | Pinarello X (Click for review) | Rondo Ratt CF (Click for review) | Rose Reveal Plus (Click for review) | Scott Solace eRide 10 (Click for review) | Specialized Roubaix Comp (Click for review) | Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 | Wilier Granturismo SLR (Click for review)

No, it’s not about perfect race tracks, it’s about efficiency. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient – those who want to speed along high-speed passages need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. We interpret “Smooth tarmac” bikes as follows: Hard efforts at high speeds with a maximum efficient bike on a consistently well-paved road. Effort-joy ratio: 80:30 (not everything has to be 100%!) ↩

… also known as bike riding. Broken-up roads in the hinterland, deadlocked gravel roads, loose surfaces – sometimes muddy, sometimes bone-dry. For this, it takes bikes with super all-round, handling and wearing qualities uphill and downhill. Effort-joy ratio: 50:50 ↩

If you want to use your bike almost every day, you usually do not need an extremely tuned racing machine. Solid components, which are able to cope with the rigours of continuous usage in any kind of weather, are part of the basic equipment. At the same time, the bike should have practicable details: integrated fenders/assembly options, luggage racks/attachment points and a light system or at least the option of installing bike lights. The position on the bike should be rather relaxed, the overall comfort high, so that the Afterwork Ride becomes a cure and not a curse. Effort-joy ratio: 30:70 ↩

You can find more info about our rating system in this article: Click here! ↩

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter

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Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 Review

The 2023 Trek Domane went on a serious diet for its 4th generation. Now with just half the IsoSpeed as before, wider tires and a comfort-tuned carbon layup make up the difference on the Gen 4 Domane. In review for almost a year now, the Domane SLR 9 AXS is likely a shoe-in for 2023 bike of the year honors.

Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4 Features:

• 800-Series OCLV Carbon frame and fork
• Rear IsoSpeed only
• Aerodynamic Kammtail tube shapes
• Integrated frame storage in downtube
• Full SRAM Red AXS drivetrain with Quarq Zero power meter
• Internal cable routing for a clean look (and watt savings)
• Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheelset
• Bontrager Verse Short Pro saddle with carbon rails
• Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF 42mm bars
• Clearance for 38mm tires
• T47 threaded bottom bracket
• Weight: 16.6 lbs (56cm, actual)
• MSRP: $13,199

Domane SLR Gen 4 stunner

This particular frame and build kit represents the best that Trek offers in their Gen 4 lineup. At a $13,199 price point, there better not be anything left to be desired. No doubt, every box is checked with their highest-level wheels, components and paint. SRAM Red AXS is the best there is and an integrated power meter is a necessity for demanding riders. Including the versatile and fast Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 Wheelset is also a great choice — even though someone paying this much for a bike may want a set of Zipp 353 NSW wheels. (As luck would have it, I tested those on this bike too.) That said, the Domane SLR 9 is for those with deep pockets or adept budgeting skills.  For more details you can ogle over the specs on the Trek web site .

While this spec is the best of the best, thankfully much of the performance I’ve come to love can be had at lower price points. The SLR models start at $7999 while the SL models start at $3499. Trek also offers Domane SLR, SL and RSL framesets should you wish to swap parts from your existing bike and/or do a custom build.

Utilizing Trek’s best 800-series OCLV carbon throughout, the Domane SLR 9 AXS is light enough to go toe-to-toe with many climbing bikes, yet comfortable enough to ride all day on all terrain. You’ll notice that the simplified IsoSpeed unit is now only in the rear and absent from the head tube. That alone dropped hundreds of grams off the frame. Tube shapes are now optimized for aerodynamics as well, for a true one-bike quiver.

Most high-end bikes now come with full internal routing from drops to stays. While the sleek lines do make for an amazing aesthetic, most of the time that type of routing limits stack height variations or cockpit changes unless you’re a skilled mechanic. Thankfully, Trek has outfitted the Domane SLR AXS with a separate bar/stem and unique cable routing that allows for cockpit and fit changes without much fuss. The secret is the Bontrager RCS Pro Blendr Stem , with its cable-concealing cover that hides and routes brake cables neatly through the head tube. Spacers can be inserted or removed and stem length/rise can be accommodated (within a reasonable range) without brake hose disassembly.

Fit and geometry

A quick note on the overall fit and geometry of the new 4th-gen Domane. As Trek’s most popular model, the Domane is built to fit everyday riders and high-octane riders alike. You can slam it or let your body dictate the right feel. For me, the geometry is as if it was custom-built. With two 5mm spacers and a 100mm stem, the reach is spot-on and I’m in the proper position to attack all types of terrain in absolute comfort. And, because it has a separate bar and stem, I can further change the cockpit as needed.

Something to note is that if you have long legs for your frame size, you might find yourself needing a longer seatpost than comes standard. I have a 30″ saddle height and that’s within a few millimeters of the max height. I don’t see alternative lengths available for purchase, but perhaps my sample bike inadvertently came with a shorter length?

Compared to other endurance bikes, like the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE and the BMC Roadmachine X One , the Gen 4 Domane looks and feels pro with minimal spacers. I love the sleek look, but most of all I love that I can get into the correct body position for best performance on the Domane. It’s not always that my 48-yr-old self can have a bike that looks sleek and pro and fits like a glove, but that’s what I get with the new Domane.

Of course, your best fit starts with your friends at your local Trek dealer, who can begin with their fit system and refine from there. Or, you can get fully-dialed with a professional bike fitter for maximum performance. (I use my friend, Jeff Sherrod at Precision Bike Fit here in Sandy, UT.)

First rides and more

As you should know by now, I actually ride test bikes and products for a long time before posting a review. I have the luxury of not being beholden to editorial timelines or advertising campaigns. With this bike arriving in August 2022, I’ve had it a long time. Utah’s epic snow year did draw things out — but that’s not the only reason. The real reason is because this bike is so much fun. So, beyond a first ride impression, this is a well-rounded review of how the Domane SLR performs on all types of terrain and conditions — including gravel.

My first three pre-launch rides went swimmingly. Each one was on roads and Strava segments I’ve ridden hundreds of times. At this point, PR’s and cups are hard to come by, but each ride had a handful with several other segments just barely off those top times. Call it “Domane Courage,” but my initial results had me convinced that there’s something to this new bike.

Let’s talk about climbing first since it’s obviously second-fiddle in that department to the Emonda. Long, mountain ascents are best served by a light and snappy climbing bike, but the Domane ascends quite capably. At 16.6 lbs, it’s not the lightest bike, but it still beats everything but the pure climbers. Aerodynamics, comfort and power transfer all add to the Domane’s climbing ability. I can settle into a rhythm and knock out even the longest climbs while seated or standing. I love mixing things up with a quick shift and standing to add variety and power through steeper sections.

Some endurance bikes feel floppy when standing and climbing, but not the Domane. The frame is rock-solid and all power is efficiently converted into forward motion without wandering or wonkiness. With all the efficiency, I still appreciated the 1:1 gearing on the steepest climbs, but didn’t use it all that often as I danced my way up most climbs.

When it comes to rolling terrain, the aerodynamic shapes and fast-rolling wheels come into play. Yes, the Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 32c tires are a little wider than the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheelset, which does reduce aerodynamics, but they also aren’t the fastest-rolling treads on the market. Still, they are comfortable and durable, which usually wins the day. Back to rolling terrain… the Gen 4 Domane SLR simply shines at speed. Once you’re pedaling along at a good clip (18-21 mph), momentum is maintained and the entire bike just slices through the wind and keeps speed through undulating terrain. Not since the 2020 Specialized Venge Pro have I had so much fun on rolling roads.

Whether you’re coming back down the Utah’s Alpine Loop or descending a shorter hill, the Domane SLR delvers confidence beyond confidence on any descent. Speeds are deceiving because the ride is just so pleasant and planted. Trek has nailed the perfect combination of road feel and road dampening. It’s easy to point it where you want it and the bike follows — almost like it’s tapped into my brain. With some luck, wide open roads have been my reward and I’ve been able to open it up and spank any descent at speeds I haven’t hit in years.

One of the keys to the Domane’s greatness is how well it handles. Most endurance bikes lack that race bike panache. They don’t track perfectly through tight corners while maintaining momentum or a progressive track. With the Gen 4 Domane, I have found it to handle as well as the best bikes I’ve tested. Yes, that means I’d stack it up against a Pinarello Dogma and the Specialized Venge Pro (two of my all-time favorite bikes). It’s as if the bike anticipates corners and allows me to angulate into and out of them in a whiptastic way. Momentum is maintained and it pops out of turns with speed. Winding descents are an absolute gas and I just can’t seem to get enough of them.

With excellent 1:1 gearing and stiff, responsive layup, I can climb up anything, roll through any roads and descend like a rock. Considering the Domane SLR’s body of work, I see it as the one to beat — by a clear margin. If you want an even racier Domane, you can custom-build the RSL frameset to your liking, but tire clearance is reduced to 35c on that frame.

Going from dual IsoSpeed to a singular, simplified unit does have some people saying that the new Domane feels less cushy than before. For me, it’s just right. Rolling at 55-60 psi with the R3 32c tires offers plenty of comfort and the IsoSpeed is icing on the cake. I appreciate Trek’s approach and the simplification this decision provides.

Domane SLR does gravel

With 38mm tire clearance, the new Domane is ready for all the local gravel routes and a wide variety of gravel tires on the market. With IsoSpeed, tubeless gravel tires and wide rims, comfort is outstanding. Instead of removing the Bontrager R3 tires, I decided to mount up a set of WTB Vulpine 36c tires to the Zipp 303 S Carbon wheels and give it a go. These tires measure out to 36.5mm and there’s plenty of clearance for even wider rubber.

I didn’t hesitate taking the Domane everywhere I ride other gravel bikes with even wider tires. Road approaches led to rolling gravel and winding singletrack. Across all terrain, the Domane responded with an adeptness I hadn’t imagined. One one of my first gravel rides, I hit a segment I’ve ridden nearly 150 times and got the third best time ever. I was floored. The Domane is not only fast and efficient on the road, but gravel too.

On singletrack, it feels just as capable as it does on wide-open gravels. The only thing I miss from my Open WIDE is the added flare from the ENVE SES AR Bars . Well, and I do miss a little more rubber to charge even harder on rough terrain. But, standing climbs, fast flats and descents are all tackled with capability beyond anticipation with an “endurance” bike. If you can find the right treads, I’d max them out at 38c and find yourself a second set of gravel wheels ( Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 or Pro 3V are both great choices for easy swapping).

For gravel or other long rides, the downtube storage is a huge bonus. With a flat kit in there and a few other small items, you can get away without a saddle bag and augment it with food or other items in jersey pockets. This storage compartment remains water-tight and keeps mud and dirt at bay. Plus, it includes a sleeve that’s set up to quietly carry tools and a flat kit.

Alas, not everything is perfect

Now that I’ve showered the latest Domane with praise, it’s time to be nit-picky a little bit. Ultimately, my biggest grip is with the handlebar selection. In my opinion, an endurance/gravel bike should not have traditional drop bars. The Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF bars included here feel like a miss-spec. Not only are compact drop bars more wildly popular, they would feel better on this bike and put riders in a more versatile position when riding in the drops. The C-curved drops feel dated and out of place on a bike like the Domane. Why the shorter and more comfortable-dropped Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-CF bars weren’t spec’d is beyond me.

The proprietary seatpost and IsoSpeed system is greatly simplified from the adjustable one from years past and provides excellent compliance and comfort without sacrificing efficiency. However, after a few creaky rides, I had to empty a sinful amount of carbon paste on the post and seat tube to keep it from creaking. Thankfully, it did fix it. On top of that, the oddly-short seatpost for a 56cm size is a little baffling.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs, riding the 56cm. With the stock tires, running tubeless, I settled on 55 psi front and 60 psi rear. 

• A beautiful combination of aerodynamics, efficiency and comfort
• Handles as adeptly as most race bikes
• Versatile tire clearance for all terrain
• Simply flies down curvaceous descents
• Tons of fun on gravel too
• Downtube storage is an added bonus
• Dropped a ton of weight over previous model
• R3 tires are versatile and grippy
• STABLE at speed without any twitchiness whatsoever
• Creaky seatpost required a ton of carbon paste
• Short seatpost maxes out at just over a 30″ saddle height on a 56cm frame
• Why the compact drop VR-CF bars weren’t spec’d is beyond me

The Bottom Line: Trek Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 4

It’s hard to imagine a better overall “bike” on the market today. The Gen 4 Domane has all the right mix of aerodynamics, comfort and speed to enjoy anything you can throw at it. At speed, it’s a hammer and it just devours mountain descents with Italian-like precision. It does yield a little to pure climbers when the roads tick upwards, but that’s only a mind game since the overall package is just so delightful.

Buy Now: Visit TrekBikes.com

I settled right into the new Domane like an old friend. The geometry and spec delivered a near custom-fit for my body shape and riding style. Above all, this bike is just plain fun to ride -- everywhere. While it shines on all terrain, I love the responsive, race-like handling without any twitchiness that's sometimes associated with a fast-handling bike. It's the right combination of all the things to elevate this bike to the top of the endurance bike class, in my mind. The Domane SLR 9 AXS is expensive, but the same performance can be had at lower price points.

• Ride Quality 10
• Handling 10
• Descending 10
• Pedaling Efficiency 10
• Aesthetics 10
• Parts Kit 9

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A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. With extreme attention to detail, he has been a technical product manager for top 10 web properties, eCommerce businesses and SaaS companies for 20+ years. The combination of outdoor experience and technical savvy gives him a unique perspective that is channeled into every gear review. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground. He rigorously tests every product and usually uses them beyond their intended purpose -- just for the sake of testing. (Note: Jason receives sample products in exchange for authentic reviews. He is not paid, nor influenced to share anything other than his honest opinions.)

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Küat sherpa 2.0 hitch rack review, see & be seen: trek carback bike radar review, review: gorewear spinshift ls jeremy collins jersey.

Please, 55 psi front and 60 psi rear on road tires or gravel tires?

That was with the stock Bontrager R3 TLR 32mm tires on the Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheeset. When I ran the WTB Vulpine 36’s on the Zipp 303 S wheelset, I ran 38 front and 40 psi rear. You can do it!

i’m in Austin TX, i’m riding my Cervello P5TT bike, I’m about to buy a new road bike, one i won’t need to upgrade as i “want” more features. happy to spend the price tag of the Trek SLR9 gen 4, (there is a little wait on it though) just wondering if you would recommend looking at anything else in the same category ? TIA

You have some good rolling terrain and rough roads/gravel out there in TX. I can’t imagine a more versatile overall bike than the new Domane SLR 9. With it, you can ride everywhere, or just the road, if that’s all you typically ride. Trek really has checked off all the boxes here — it’s responsive and light, but also comfortable and smooth. I honestly don’t know of another overall bike I’d recommend over the Gen 4 Domane.

Thanks for the first class analysis. One question I have. If you had to choose, which bike would you choose: the classic Domane or the electronic Domane +? Which did you enjoy more?

I am currently faced with the choice of which version to buy. I have some reservations about ebikes, but the prospect of riding more flexible routes and more distance in the same amount of time and still getting out there is appealing to me.

Does the + really ride like a classic bike?

Curious to hear your feedback. Jan

Thanks for the kudos and a great question about the Trek Domane+ SLR vs. the Trek Domane SLR. Both are awesome bikes for sure and the Domane+ does have many of the great features of the acoustic Domane, but it doesn’t ride like the regular Domane.

Reasons to buy the Domane+ SLR: – Covering more terrain – A little help on longer climbs – It looks and feels as close to a regular Domane as it possibly can (but it can’t match it)

Reasons to buy the Domane SLR: – MUCH lighter – Smoother overall ride – Snappier and more lively ride feel – You don’t have to worry about running out of battery (~2 hours with lots of climbing like we have here in Utah) – Handles much more adeptly – Based on your country, the Domane+ may not have the level of assist that it does in the USA (28mph here, which is great)

I really, really liked riding the Domane+. It was a really fun bike. But unless I REALLY needed an eBike, I would choose the regular Domane every time.

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Moscow: An Honest Review of this Amazing City

“ You’re going to Russia?!?! Why? ” I heard these words pretty much every time I announced my upcoming trip to the east.

This reaction is understandable. Most people in Europe and the United States have a Putin-provoked distaste of the Russian Federation, which is growing by the day. Politicians claim that Russia’s sole mission is to diminish and undermine western powers to strengthen its own. After all, the name Vladimir comes from two old Slavic words, which together mean “great ruler of the world.” Make of that what you will…

Even the non-political vision of Russia is unfavorable. Most think of a cold, grey, backward place with Soviet architecture or battle-hardened, weather-beaten people. However, arriving at the sleek Moscow Domodedovo airport, I was impressed. I had been right to rebut popular notions of an unwelcoming and stony place.

However, almost immediately after leaving the airport, the ground for my righteous vindication became shaky. Driving into the outskirts of Moscow, my mind drew comparisons to television images of North Korean suburbs. Miles of uniform houses and bleak tower blocks lined the roads.

At the Izmailovov Delta Hotel next to the famous market of the same name, things were not looking much better. Truly peculiar decorations and violently colored walls competed for one’s gaze in the hotel lobby. Luckily, the rooms themselves were perfectly comfortable, though not particularly noteworthy. I’d stay central next time.

After dropping bags, I ventured toward the Izmailovov market for a look at how the locals live. From a distance, the buildings that encase the market are vivid, intricate and quite something to behold. As it was late in the day, the market was empty. Shop shutters were closed and stalls were folded up. I got the same uneasy feeling I get when walking through Disney Land – as if this was what remained after the recent collapse of a utopian society.

While nearly all the vendors had packed up and gone home, a few stalls remained opened for business. All that was left was an abundance of satirical matryoshka dolls containing various countries’ political leaders in historical order.

A tattooed burly salesman came over to me as I withdrew François Mitterrand from the wooden bowels of Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.

“ Where are you from, friend? ” He asked.

Ignoring my response, he launched into a speech about his armed forces days and the political situation in Russia.

“ You really ought not to trust the government, ok? Putin is a dangerous man, you see. Someone’s always watching in this city. ”

The whiff of Glühwein that carried with each sentence made me doubt the erudition of his analysis. Then again… this is what we hear in the news. I was not sure what to believe. After thanking the man and hastily filling Charles de Gaulle with the rest of the presidents of the Fifth Republic, I made my way back to the hotel.

Emerging from the underground we rounded the corner and immediately found ourselves in Red Square. The sight demands you stop and stare.

The insurmountable walls of the Kremlin line the length of one side; halfway along lies Lenin’s tomb and opposite is the lavish exterior of the Gosudarstvennyi Universalnyi Magazin shopping center (or GUM, as it’s referred to, thank God). The architectural marvel of Saint Basil’s Cathedral stands at the south end, with the State History Museum at the other. Even though the foreboding structures radiate a rouge pastel hue into every corner of the square, there is a sense of openness. No-doubt there was a somewhat different atmosphere when thousands of Soviet soldiers goose-stepped through the square. Interestingly, the Russian army still marches like this today.

Walking around central Moscow, history oozes from every spire and pillar. Buildings seem to lean over as you walk past, as if peering down on whoever dares to enter these austere places. For every moment or event in Russian history, there is a dedicated museum.

The quality of each museum is notably high. In particular, the Armory inside the Kremlin holds astonishing collections of royal carriages from across the world and throughout the ages. The world-renowned Fabergé Eggs are displayed here too.

Having wandered around for so long during the day, we had no time to eat before attending the Ballet that evening. Sitting in the Bolshoi, the long day began to catch up with me.

It is now that I must make a confession: while attending a performance by one of the world’s greatest ballet companies, I fell asleep.

Thankfully, I woke up later in the second half and was treated to the final leaps and prances of Shostakovich’s The Bright Stream. As someone who is not a ballet aficionado, that was probably enough.

Feeling significantly perkier afterward, a late dinner was in order. Just behind the Bolshoi is VOGUE Café , a gastronomic outpost of the famous magazine. It claimed to serve an eclectic mix of Japanese, Italian and Russian dishes. Intrigued, we entered.

Adventurously, we accepted the offer of some Russian wine. Full bodied and berried, it was delicious. Our evident surprise led the waitress to explain that Russian food and drink has improved hugely over the last few years. As it turns out, since the United States and the European Union placed sanctions on Russia after their annexation of Crimea, food imports have been scarce. As a result, Russian producers have been forced to meet the demand and quality expected today. As a result, Siberian wines and cheeses now win awards around the globe.

When we left the restaurant, it was late. Only a day had passed, yet we had filled every minute with history, culture and food. The next three days followed a similar format and we continued to make our way down the list of museums and sights. A boat ride along the river is a must-do for alternative views of the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Afterwards, sit on the rooftop Strelka bar opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and watch the 3-mile-long line of pilgrims move slowly forward.

On the third day, we were due to board an overnight train to Saint Petersburg, but there was still so much left to do. Truth be told, it was probably too much for another three days, let alone one.

Nonetheless, I was satisfied. Moscow had revealed itself to be a fascinating and impressive city. While the city infrastructure isn’t as up-to-date as most capitals, the needs of every modern traveler can be met. It certainly isn’t the cold and unfriendly place envisioned by most in the west. Moscow’s winning attribute is its omnipresent sense of untouched history. This is a feature that is so often lost amongst hordes of tourists in Europe’s capitals.

It goes to show: what we hear about places we haven’t been in the news or through general hearsay, we can formulate pretty strong prejudices in our mind. While the political realities may still be ugly, by visiting, you can learn to separate and appreciate the everyday, the culture and the history of a place. On one side of a great red wall in central Moscow, a tyrannical leader works. On the other side, wholly separated, lies a magnificent Red Square where an overwhelming sense of history reveals the essence of Moscow and of Russia. And it is truly remarkable.

Russia Tourism: https://www.russiatourism.ru/en/

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Scenery Review : Moscow City XP by Drzewiecki Design

• drzewiecki design

By Stephen September 24, 2016 in Payware Airports and Scenery Reviews

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You fly for hours, anticipating your arrival, wanting to take in the area and the views of another country far away from your departure airport. The airport and the area you leave from is detailed and visually full, and you know you have a great airport scenery waiting for you at the other end of the flight, then when you arrive...

...  Nothing, but flat plain emptiness and the same boring standard X-Plane basic scenery, worse there is no OSM (Open Street Map) data in the tile either, so there is no road or autogen detailing in there as well, just well nothing.

When Drzewiecki Design released their UUEE Sheremetyevo Airport XP , I loved it because it was like a visitor from the Cold War past, the Soviet era, and it was also great scenery and great choice of a destination to fly to from any of the capitals of Europe...  but that was it, just this great airport in the middle of nothingness, bland....   zero ville.

Now Drzewiecki Design has released "Moscow City"  a scenery package to compliment their UUEE Sheremetyevo, and boy how much a difference this release has done to this totally boring area.

To get the full first impression effect I flew JARDesign's A320neo from EFHK Vatnaa, Helsinki to UUEE Sheremetyevo which is flight Finnair AY153 which is a daily 9.25am service.

First Impressions

I was surprised to start picking up scenery still quite away out from central Moscow, as I approached my 6000ft transition altitude. Here there was buildings and houses and the physical visual notes you were arriving somewhere.

Looking hard at the horizon through the A320's windows and you could see the iconic silhouette of Moscow city.

The scenery provides lite versions of all Moscow's Airports, this is UUWW Vnukovo, which was easily recognisable as you flew over. As you fly closer to the centre of the city the density of the objects below becomes quite heavy as the landscape fills in. You have all kinds of infrastructure including, blocks of flats, tower blocks, factories, housing, skyscrapers and almost everything that makes up an urban landscape, in all there is 2000 custom-made buildings that makes up this impressive scenery.

A note here in that you don't get that rolling as you move feeling effect where as it just suddenly appears in front of you and then quickly disappears behind as soon as you have flown out over the area. There is a slight effect of that as there has to be, but only in the far distance and as you can see from the images the views in every direction are widespread and visually it is very good to excellent.

The "Seven Sisters" or "Stalinist skyscrapers" built from 1947 to 1953 are all in the scenery with their "Wedding Cake" architecture or officially  Russian Baroque               - Gothic style. Most famous is the Moscow State University, front and centre of the image below.

Central Moscow is excellent and extremely realistic, and you really need a travel guide to pick out the landmarks and detail, but it is hard to miss the Red Kremlin complex  and St Peter's square from the air.  Both sides of the aircraft is visually full until you have crossed right over the city.

I am not a fan of the generated 3d OSM scenery, but this is very good in blending in perfectly with the X-Plane default scenery and giving you a smooth transition from country to urban and back again with great realism.

Over the city and turning north towards Sheremetyevo, another Moscow airport UUMU Chkalovsky is represented on the turn.

The city skyline is now easily visible on landing at Sheremetyevo, and that really helps in the arrival factor, more so in that the cities building infrastructure spread now comes up and around the airport to fill the gaps to the city itself, and making the original  Sheremetyevo scenery that was so open and lonely in the old X-Plane view is now a big part of the whole in this combination. No doubt it really brings this always good scenery now alive and very usable.

Sheremetyevo Airport

Before we move on to the city itself. It is important to note the area around UUEE Sheremetyevo itself.

Compare the large image above to the earlier image at the start of this review to see the amount of change there is around UUEE Sheremetyevo with the addition of this Moscow City package. The two sceneries are of course meant to be used together, and in reality it would look odd if you had Moscow City scenery installed without the Sheremetyevo scenery included to fill out the northern areas. A highlight is that both sceneries together form a single whole, as the areas between the airport and the central city area are well filled in and that gives you a huge area of coverage and the full visual aspect.

To get a closer lower look at the Moscow Center I commandeered Dreamfoil's lovely Bell 407.

There is a 4.000km² total area covered with this scenery here, and you have expect some sort of building replication to cover all that ground. There is of course but as well in the fact there is also enough variations as to not keep it all interesting and not obviously visually obvious.

The closer you go to the central area, the variations in the buildings change there in style and density as well. And then more of the iconic buildings start to appear as you get closer in again to the middle. The business district is excellent, with a lot of business towers and the more modern futuristic skyscraper architecture that stands out in every view point in eye scans across the city.

The more recent is in tune with the more older Stalinist era that makes up the Moscow skyline.

The Kremlin Complex and the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (St Basil's) is excellently represented and so is "Red Square"

There are Orthodox churches everywhere and all the big icons in the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Grand Arena of the Central Lenin Stadium, Otkrytive Arena and department stores, museums and power stations and more....

I did have issues with many buildings floating, including the Kremlin. I tried both "Runways follow terrain contours" on and off with no flattening of the objects and there is no information in the manual either on how to fix the problem.

Night lighting is very good, yes there is again a repeatable pattern to the majority of the hundreds of the apartment blocks that does stand out, but the more individual buildings do all have that personal touch and some buildings look really very good.

The highlight here is the business district which looks magnificent and is very realistic from any direction at night as is the lit Stadium.

Although away from the central area the Ostankino Tower that stands 540.1 metres (1,772 ft) tall, and is the tallest freestanding structure in Europe and it looks great at night and is a very good position indicator from the air from any direction.

Included Moscow Airports

As noted also included in the scenery are seven airports and several helipads.

UUWW Vnukovo

The futuristic Vnukovo International is very good for a lite version, with great terminals and lots of small detailing. Only thing missing is the static aircraft and a bit more ramp equipment, but otherwise it is highly usable.

UUDD Domodedovo

The oldest of Moscow's International airports is Domodedovo. Again it is quite devoid of static aircraft and I am not crazy about the blue terminal glass work, but it is still a very workable scenery to use and has a lot of well made objects.

UUBW Zhukovsky

Zhukovsky was a major aircraft testing facility since the  cold war years, with most of the major Russian Experimental Design Bureau's having facilities here. It is also now used by the Ministry of Emergency Situations! and cargo carriers. It was also used as a test site for the Soviet Buran  reusable Spacecraft because it has the world's second longest pubic runway at at 5,402 m (17,723 ft). Mostly it is a collection of very large hangars but has a lot of static aircraft in storage.

UUMO Ostafyevo International Business Airport

A former military airbase. Ostafyevo features a new modern glass terminal, and caters primarily to business aviation.

UUMU Chkalovsky

Chkalovsky is a military logistics airport that is famous for it's support for the Russian Space program and transport to Star City and the Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center. Yuri Gagarin left here on his final flight before crashing by the town of Kirzhach.

UUBM Myachkovo Airport

Myachkovo is a small General Aviation Airport that is owned by the Finpromko company. Cargo aircraft up to the size of the Ilyushin ll-76 freighter can also use the airport.

UUMB Kubinka

Kubinka has been a significant Russian military airbase and large airshows are held here to show off the Russian military might.

There is also provided UUU1 Kremlin Airport, within the Kremlin walls, but I couldn't get it to work? There are two pads in H1 and H2.

Your first thoughts after reviewing this excellent Moscow scenery is not with this actual package. You then wish that you could have this extensive scenery at London, Rome, Madrid, Berlin and the list could go on with any of your favorite European Cities, and don't count a load in the Middle East and Asia. But a London scenery like this would certainly be a godsend in our X-Plane world. Drzewiecki Design has already done Warsaw and Manhattan, so there is always hope.

It is not cheap either and you need to add in their UUEE Sheremetyevo scenery package on top of that as well. But you get an awful lot of ground covered here for your money, with the area covered here that is extensive...  huge and flying into Moscow will never be the same again.

A few areas to note in one that in my case a few of the buildings floated, the download is huge load at 1.4gb and this Russian area is not the best for navigation aids and programming FMS units as most waypoints are not recognised. Most of the airports ILS coordinates also have to checked and recalibrated (Drzewiecki Design do provide all the correct coordinates) so there is a little work to do to set up repeat services but the work is worth the results.

Not only is the actual Moscow city and all it's buildings supported, you also get seven (if lite versions) of Moscow's other airports included as well, but the framerate processing of all this huge amount of objects and scale is pretty good to excellent. Framerate does hurt more on a lower (helicopter) level and certainly you need a computer with a little extra power is in no doubt required, but overall for the size of the area the scenery is extremely efficient.

Yes I was impressed by this Moscow City Scenery, as this once very barren area of X-Plane is now a very attractive repeat destination as nothing can give you a greater fulfilment than seeing your destination appear in the distance and then give you a huge visual experience as you fly over and approach your destination.

Moscow City certainly delivers that and more...  Just more sceneries like this please!

Moscow City XP by Drzewiecki Design is NOW available! from the X-Plane.Org Store here :

• Extremely detailed model of Moscow metropolitan area in Russia
• Almost 2000 custom-made buildings and other objects, all high quality, FPS-friendly and with night textures
• Whole Moscow center done in 3D as well as all other important landmarks - museums, palaces, skyscrapers, towers, bridges, railway stations, Zara stores...
• Trains, ships, 3D people, cars, airport vehicles, static aircraft - anything you can imagine
• About 4000 sq.km of photoreal 0,5-1m/pix terrain with autogen
• Sceneries of all surrounding airports including UUWW Vnukovo, UUDD Domodedovo, UUBW Zhukovski, UUMO Ostafyevo, UUBM Myachkovo and UUMB Kubinka, with all airport buildings, detailed layouts, people, airport vehicles and more
• Very detailed Kremlin model with newly constructed heliport

Requirements

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Installation and documents:

Download for the Moscow City XP is 1.47gb and the unzipped file is deposited in the "Custom Scenery" as four files:

DDZ Moscow City XP (3.99gb) - Yes GIGABYTES!

DDZ Moscow City XP Layer 2 (30.20mb)

DDZ Moscow City XP Documents (1.0 mb)

ZZZ_DDZ Moscow City XP Terrain (20.10mb)

Installation for Windows comes with an .exe installer that deposits the files in the correct order required (however I still moved the ZZZ- folder to the bottom via the INI text install list.

Installation Instructions are provided for Mac and Linux

You need to check all airports ILS coordinates are correct, instructions are provided.

Documents: Two documents include

Moscow City XP MacLinuxinstall

Moscow City XP Manual (seven pages)

Review System Specifications:

Computer System : Windows  - Intel Core i7 6700K CPU 4.00GHz / 64bit - 16 Gb single 1067 Mhz DDR4 2133 - GeForce GTX 980/SSE2 - Samsung Evo 512gb SSD 

Software :   - Windows 10 - X-Plane 10 Global ver 10.50

Addons : Saitek x52 Pro system Joystick and Throttle : Sound - Bose  Soundlink Mini

Plugins: JARDesign Ground Handling Deluxe US$14.95 : WorldTraffic US$29.95

Scenery or Aircraft

- Airbus A320neo by JARDesign ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$59.95 : A320neo Sound Packs by Blue Sky Star Simulations ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$19.95

- Bell 407 by Dreamfoil Creations ( X-Plane.OrgStore ) - US$34.95

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• 7 months later...

Thank you for this very thorough (as always) review. I just bought it (it's on sale) and have only one disappointment so far: Red Square has no ILS or any landing aids at all for that matter. And what a nightmare of an approach! Also I was hoping the package would include an add-on that gives my c172 a big cup holder for my Stoli. Otherwise the scenery is gorgeous. What a country!

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Theater of Conquest: Moscow (Level 4 City Event)

The new Warpath game-mode Theater of Conquest: Moscow (Level 4 City Event) is coming soon with tons of new activities, maps, and rewards!

Theater of Conquest: Moscow

• New snowing city level 4 – Moscow
• Kremlin: This strategic place is the pinnacle of Glory in Moscow, and rests in the heartland of this territory.
• Forts: Forts enable either an attack DMG or DMG Resist Buff for Alliance Members. 4 Forts provide attack buffs and another 4 forts provide resist buffs.
• Settlements: Alliances can capture these to allow its members access to more exclusive Arms EXP and Ammo on the Black Market.
• Blockhouses: These defensive fortifications activate troop durability or troop firepower buffs (Four Blockhouses for each buff).
• Arms Factories: These Factories provide Alliance Members with a 5-star unit every 2 days after 12AM UTC.
• Gold Deposits: Collection sites where commanders can mine Gold.
• New achievement demonstration – seasonal medals, and so many more!

Theater of Conquest: Moscow Participation Processes:

The event takes place in 5 stages: Preselection, Matching, Warm-up, Conquest, and Reward!

Preselection Phase

Alliances in the same server undergo an intense contest for 8 days to decide who will qualify for the Conquest: Moscow.

The top 32 Alliances will be qualified for Conquest: Moscow. The number will vary due to different active player numbers in different servers.

The qualified Alliances will be locked that player cannot join or leave the Alliance, and the Alliance cannot disband. The locking state continues until the end of Conquest: Moscow.

Matching Phase

Your Adversaries will be selected from the qualified Alliances. Groups will be formed with 8 Alliances in each to enter the Conquest.

The matching will only take place within the same server for now.

Warm-up Phase

A Warm-Up Round is held before entering the Battle of Moscow, where alliances contend for alluring buffs.

Conquest Phase

The Warm-Up Round then closes as the War in Moscow kicks off. Alliance Members representing their League in the War can then enter Moscow to fight in the War.

Every 8 Alliances will be assigned into one match for the fights, but only one will win.

While the Conquest: Moscow is in progress, participating Commanders can move into Moscow from cities around the world for free, and can spend 1 Entry Permit to move back to the original city during this phase.

Reward Phase

After the Conquest Phase ends, all Commanders who participated will earn the new officer: Ivan Andreyevich Volkov (Winter Huntsman) , and his beloved dog Shemyaka.

The higher rank you and your Alliance have, the more rewards you will get.

Alliance leaders will be able to assign extra rewards to those who perform the best during Conquest: Moscow.

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