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Trek Domane SL 5 – Review 2023 

 March 23, 2022

By  m bhatia

Trek Domane SL 5

Trek Domane SL 5

Shop if:

You want a smooth ride that will keep you going strong all day.

Available size:

44, 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm

Colors:

Satin Trek Black / Rage Red/Deep Dark Blue Fade / Trek White/Quicksilver

Weight:

56 - 9.20 kg / 20.29 lbs

Our Rating:

4.7 / 5

Price:

The all-new Domane is designed to provide exceptional endurance road bike comfort without sacrificing performance. IsoSpeed road-smoothing technology allows you to ride for longer periods of time with less tiredness, while aerodynamic tube designs cut through the wind for greater free speed.

Domane is smooth, fast, and exciting no matter where you ride it: paved roads, hard-packed gravel, or the cobblestones of the world's greatest one-day races. 

The Trek Domane SL 5 Disc is all about speed, comfort, and versatility. The OCLV Carbon frame incorporates both Front and Rear IsoSpeed to smooth out road bumps and reduce tiredness so you can stay stronger on extended rides.

It boasts a Shimano 105 transmission, disc brakes for all-weather braking, and an easy-access inside storage pocket for storing ride essentials.

Technical Specifications:

Frameset :

Frame : 500 Series OCLV Carbon, front & rear IsoSpeed

Frame fit : Endurance

Fork : Domane SLR carbon, tapered carbon steerer

Wheels :

Wheels : Bontrager alloy

Tires : Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32c

Drivetrain :

Shifters : Shimano 105 R7025, short-reach lever, 11 speed

Front derailleur : Shimano 105 R7000, braze-on

Rear derailleur : Shimano 105 R7000, long cage, 34T max cog

Crank : Shimano 105 R7000, 50/34 (compact) 

Bottom bracket : Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing

Cassette : Shimano 105 HG700-11, 11-34, 11 speed

Pedals : N/A

Components :

Saddle : Bontrager P3 Verse Comp, steel rails, 145mm width

Seatpost : Bontrager carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 20mm offset

Handlebar : Bontrager Comp VR-S, alloy, 31.8mm, 81mm reach, 118mm drop

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

Headset : FSA integrated

Brakes : Shimano 105 hydraulic disc, flat mount

Domane SL 5 frame design and size: 

Trek's IsoSpeed system includes front and rear decouplers as well as a rocker cup that allows the seat tube and steerer tube to bend. This contributes to a smooth ride without sacrificing road contact and stability.

The frame's endurance shape is developed to provide the rider a secure, controlled feeling in the saddle.

When it comes to carbon frames, the 500 Series OCLV is a little heavier, which is especially evident on hills. It compensates for this by easily cutting through uneven surfaces. 

Trek Domane SL 5

Trek Domane SL 5

With a slightly higher headtube, the endurance geometry used in the Domane range of road bikes is designed for long-distance rides.It aims to strike a compromise between speed and comfort, with a more relaxed seating position than other carbon racing bikes. 

The slanted top tube meets the seat post at an angle that gives the impression of moving virtually continuously into the seat stays.

The downtube is also slightly thicker than typical, with a small curve that produces a pleasing profile view. A true one-of-a-kind carbon frameset is the result of a union of technological perfection and high-quality materials.

The Trek Domane SL 5 2022 is available in eight distinct sizes to accommodate heights ranging from 4'11 to 6'5.

What are the different parts included in Trek Domane SL 5?

Trek's choice of Shimano's 105 groupsets for the 2022 Trek Domane SL 5 was a wise one, and it complements the bike's high-end carbon frame.

Shimano's 11-speed cassette, shifters, chain, hydraulic brakes, front and rear derailleurs, and front and rear derailleurs make up the entire groupset.

The entire set works together to deliver outstanding, fault-free mechanics and smooth operation, allowing you to concentrate on the road ahead.

The Shimano 105 is one of the most durable drive chains on the market, and it has long been a favorite of cyclists all around the world.

The rear gearing and brake lines are run internally through the carbon body of the bike, keeping the frame clean. This not only covers the cables, but also improves the aesthetics and aerodynamics of the entire system.

Unfortunately, the front disc brake cable is not routed through the fork, leaving a tangle of zip ties running down the left fork. It's an unusual pick for a road bike at this price bracket, but it performs just as well, albeit with a less appealing appearance. 

How does it feel to ride Domane SL5? 

The Domane SL5 is perfect for everything. It's not often that we find a decent, comfortable riding posture right away, but the  Trek has a very upright stance that feels like it'll respond to a lot of power.

The sharp seatpost places us directly over the front end, while Shimano's hydraulic brake hoods provide a comfortable resting spot for our hands.

The Domane's 32c tires are a game-changer – it's eye-opening to spend so much time on such wide tires.

Their high-volume, low-pressure setup removes all road grit, leaving us refreshed enough to skip the cafe.

Second, although it may appear to be a minor point, the Domane's handlebar tops are fitted with foam pads before they're covered in tape, which means you can ride for miles with your hands on the bar tops with no vibration traveling up your wrists.

What We Like

  • IsoSpeed, which provides smooth rides over obstacles.
  • Serves a variety of purposes, from racing to adventures and club rides.
  • Comes with a storage compartment.
  • Comfortable over long distances

What We Don't Like

  • Can be a bit slow on steep hills.
  • At this price, it's heavier than most bikes. 

Why should you buy a Trek Domane SL 5 road bike?

The Trek Domane SL 5 is a serious carbon-framed road bike for serious riders who regularly travel great distances.

It would be ideal for semi-professional cyclists and athletes who regularly want to prepare for contests and events.

You'll adore it if you're simply a weekend rider and can afford it.

A bike of this kind, on the other hand, needs to be put through its paces by podium contenders.

It's durable, fast, fairly light, and, most importantly, it's incredibly smooth.

Is Domane SL5 Trek bike value for money? 

  • Endurance frame geometry that has been scientifically proven and tested. 
  • Shimano components of the highest quality.
  • A budget of less than $3,000.

Yes, the Trek Domane SL 5 is unquestionably a piece of gear that fulfills all the boxes and provides outstanding value for money.

In a comparable price range, there are quicker and lighter carbon road bikes, as well as tougher bikes, but none of them strike the right balance quite like the Trek Domane SL5.

This is a bike that will last a long time and will require little maintenance or improvements.

FAQs:

Is Trek Domane a good road bike?

The Domane 3rd generation is one of the top road bikes on the market. The Trek Domane's third generation is not just the best Domane, but also Trek's best-ever road bike. And it's currently one of the greatest road bikes on the market.

Is the Trek Domane SL 6 a good investment?

The Domane SL 6 is a durable bike that is also fun to ride, earning it a spot in this year's Editor's Choice. The Trek Domane SL 6 is the kind of bike with a super-stiff frame and race geometry. 

Is The Domane too heavy?

Yes, it's a heavy bike, but it climbs well, feels robust, and has no power loss. The weight penalty is due to the frame tubes' compliance and aerodynamics. It's not because of the Isospeed of the bike.

The Endnote:

The Trek Domane SL 5 is a road bike that dares to go where no other bike has gone before. This is due to the fact that, unlike some road bikes, its features are made of high-quality materials to ensure efficiency.

The Trek Domane SL 5 is a road bike with a 500 series OCLV carbon frame with IsoSpeed, high-performance gear, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and big, comfy tires. A storage box, blender compatible stem, fender mounts, and a micro-adjustable seatmast round out the bike's versatility.