TrekDomaneSL5
Back in 2012, the original Domane’s rear IsoSpeed was a ride quality game changer, then along came front IsoSpeed to even up the bike’s overall ability. Now that technology has trickled down to Trek’s most affordable carbon fibre Domane, to give the SL 5 the same familial feel.
The frameset is constructed with 500 Series carbon, one level down from Trek’s high-end Domanes, and the seat mast’s clever enclosing cap is alloy rather than carbon. But the groupset is all 105, with directmount brakes, and Bontrager provides everything else.
Our bike’s 175mm head-tube plus 15mm tall headset top cap gave us a spacer-free, but still aggressive riding position, even though it’s Trek’s H2 relaxed front-end geometry. The Domane doesn’t scream endurance bike, as its shallow rims, plain profile and 25mm tyres look conventional, and that’s how the bike feels. It’s a fast road bike that cunningly does its thing, allowing you to get on with doing yours.
Subtle systems
Whether riding seated or standing, braking or cornering, there’s no sense of what the frameset is doing. Nothing moves discernably, but the passive IsoSpeed systems work continuously to keep vibrations and sharp bumps from reaching you.
The first time you hit a patch of corrugated or fractured tarmac you understand what IsoSpeed does. Rather than undulations deflecting the front wheel, it absorbs and nullifies the effect of big hits, keeping the wheel straight, and giving you a smoother ride. The rear end removes jarring vibrations that can fatigue muscles faster, helping you ride for longer.
Weightier issues
The Bontrager TLR aluminium wheelset does carry a few hundred more grams than some, but is tubeless ready, adding versatility. Acceleration from slow speeds is dulled a little, and powering up climbs gets tough quickly, but they’re fine for steady rides.
The Domane SL 5 frameset ensures a lively ride that encourages you to push harder, but pays you back with reduced fatigue from vibrations. The 105 compact gearing is ideal, and the SL 5 is superb value for so much tech.
The Domane is a fast road bike that cunningly does its thing, allowing you to get on with doing yours