2015 trek domane 4 series

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Trek Domane 4 Series Road Bike

Domane 4 Series flies past any other carbon endurance race bike in its class, with IsoSpeed for race comfort, endurance geometry for stability, and Power Transfer Construction for speed.

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Smooth ride

Saddle White bar tape Heavy wheels

The ride is very smooth through the saddle, but a lot is transmitted through the handlebars. The bike is very stable on downhills up to my max of 44 mph. Upgraded the cassette and chain to Ultegra and shifting the rear became much smoother; cheapest maintenance change to do when your chain is worn. Upgraded the wheels to Dura Ace and lost about 1.25#; climbing instantly became better. Next upgrade is carbon handlebars 46cm and hopefully I'll get less road transmission into my arms. The dirty white bar tape will go away. The saddle was replaced early on with a Brooks. I average about 200 miles per week and do a significant amount of moderate climbing. So far there is about 7000 miles on the bike and I really enjoy it. I didn't give it a 5 overall because there is always something better out there, but this is the bike I'll be riding for a few more years at least. One of my better purchases. I recommend this for anyone looking for nimble, comfortable ride. Probably not for a racer, because lighter models are available.

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No longer care if there is chip seal. Smooth ride for your butt. Good component set.

Race light wheel spokes do not hold up. Remember you are isolated from a lot of the impacts the bike is absorbing. Hands and feet still vibrate. Section of road with caterpillar track damage hurts my feet but the vibrations don't get to my seat. White bar tape immediately looks dirty. Bontrager seat is not comfortable. 4 series carbon not so light. Notice seat movement with cadence over 105. (but smoothed out stroke, originally noticed movement over 90 cadence). Carbon bike: SKS raceblade fender mounts mar the surface finish. I need to get the Trek fender mount accessory pieces.

Smoooooth! Good commuter and distance ride. Bet you will change out wheels and seat. Reliable and takes a beating so you don't.

Very stiff, very smooth, great handling. 6800 ultegra group is brilliant. Wheels feel excellent, stiff durable and smooth. Spokes are standard dt which will make replacements cheap and easy to source.

Seat hurt me, but others may like it...not a deal breaker.

2014 Trek Domane - I've been riding and racing for about 15 years, have owned 1 custom steel, 2 aluminum, 1 carbon and a scandium alloy bikes. This is a huge step up! The marketing jargon is true, the bottom bracket is as stiff as any bike I've ridden. However the isospeed REALLY works, I was even pedalling seated across stock grids! It handles great, and all (except stock saddle) the bits feel spot on. Oh and it looks great. It's actually a really nice pearlecent white which you can't see on the website. I test rode giant defy advanced, cannondale synapse, specialized roubaix. All the others were good, but this was the best, I don't want to change anything other than the seat. This was also the cheapest. Oh yeah I'm not little either with a fighting weight of 90 kg if it can be this good for me, I reckon it's pretty darn good. Highly recommend it.

Those little nuts on the presta stems Reflectors Air in tires

This is a great bike. I like riding it.

Ultegra/105 components, superior seat vibration relief, light and stiff frame, metallic paint scheme.

None so far after 500 miles

Great mix of Ultegra and 105 components for this price range. The standout though is the Iso Speed decoupling, its no gimmick and definitely smooths out road chatter and bumps from uneven pavement. Its not a miracle cure and your hands still get rattled up on rough pavement but coming from a Synapse using the same saddle, there is a HUGE difference in what you feel transmit to your seat. The frame is beefy and offers great comfort for up to 63 miles, my longest since owning it, with just slight discomfort which I know my upcoming fitting will remedy. The frame has a BB90 bottom bracket, hidden fender bolts, a chain dropping prevention device (I've dropped mine 3 times, LBS says it needs adjusting) and will take 28mm tires which is my next upgrade and has been highly recommended. The other Bontrager RL components seem like good pieces so far.

Canondale Synapse

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Review: Trek Domane 4.5 – A High-End Frame and Smart Build Kit

While many brands have introduced “endurance” road bikes over the last few years, few have taken the idea to quite the extreme as Trek.

Trek Domane 4.5 – A High-End Frame and Smart Build Kit

The Domane was developed with considerable input from Swiss pro cyclist Fabian Cancellara , who is known for his steam-engine riding style, using his massive power output to crush cobblestones in the fabled Spring Classics. He is said to enjoy the bike so much that he rides it year-round, even in the Tour de France, choosing it over Trek’s racier Madone model.

The frame features the intriguing IsoSpeed decoupler , an ingenious system that separates the seat tube from the top tube and seatstays, and allows the seat tube to flex and pivot at the mounting point. If you stand next to the bike and put your weight on the saddle, you can see the seat tube flex slightly, but while riding it is imperceptible until you hit a bump.

A High-Performance Machine

Make no mistake: IsoSpeed is not a suspension system, and this is still a high-performance machine. If you’re expecting something akin to a suspension seatpost, think again. The frame’s ride quality is distinctly carbon—a muted road feel with less of that high-frequency vibration you feel from some aluminum frames, but still generally stiff.

Iso Speed makes itself most noticeable when crossing railroad tracks or other high-speed, sharp impacts that would normally require you to lift or shift your weight on the saddle to avoid being bounced. Not having to do that means you can keep your cadence smooth and the power high. The system seems so extreme some might think it’s a gimmick, but I’m convinced. Trek is as well—the technology will soon be adapted to its line of hardtail mountain bikes .

At the other end of the bike, the fork deserves some of the credit. It was developed with an asymmetrical steerer tube that is slightly thicker side-to-side than front-to-back, giving it a touch of compliance, but it never felt soft or shuddering.

The difference between the Domane 4.5 and the higher-end models is in the stiffness of the carbon fiber itself, and that this version uses a standard 27.2mm seat post rather than a seatmast that is integrated into the frame. I actually prefer the standard post, as it can be swapped for countless alternatives and provides an easy spot to clamp the bike in a work stand.

Trek’s DuoTap Hidden Speed

Other frame details include a spot for Trek’s DuoTap hidden speed and cadence sensor, an integrated chain guide to eliminate dropped chains and more generous tire clearance than most frames. It also has removable fender eyelets, so you can keep the clean look if you’re not using them. For an even smoother ride, you can ditch the tubes and set up the Bontrager Race wheels tubeless—another technology that is easy to dismiss until you try it.

It would be a mistake to write off the Domane as a “comfort” bike for weekend warriors. Despite accommodations for a smooth ride, it is as stiff and race-worthy as I could ask. Yet the slightly longer wheelbase makes it extremely stable, and it’s one of the few bikes I’ve ever plunged downhill at 40mph with a crosswind while still feeling relaxed. The fit adds to the comfort factor, as the slightly taller head tube gives you a more head’s-up position than Trek’s race bikes. Paired with a set of shallow-drop Bontrager handlebars , I felt great in each of the riding positions, an essential element of a long, comfortable ride.

Domane: Initial Acceleration is Direct and Instant

The adage “laterally stiff and vertically compliant” has gone beyond cliché to become something of a running joke in road bike circles. The notion that a bike can be a stiff-as-heck race machine and still be comfortable over rough pavement on long rides is not unlike a unicorn—a magical beast that surely can’t exist. But on the Domane, initial acceleration is direct and instant, with the massive, squared down tube and BB90 bottom bracket all but eliminating lateral flex.

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Back in Issue #16 I reviewed the Volagi Liscio, which also features an unusual seat tube arrangement—the seatstays bypass the seat tube and connect to the top tube. While the Liscio was smoother than the Domane in a straight line, it can’t compete with the Domane in terms of power transfer and handling accuracy. The Domane makes no sacrifices in these areas.

The Shimano Ultegra build kit performed flawlessly, as I expected. The compact crankset paired with an 11-28-tooth cassette offers tons of range for tackling the steepest pitches. The 105-level brake calipers offer power to spare, as a single finger is often enough to bring the bike to a stop.

Hitting the street for less than $2,800, the Domane 4.5 struck me as a steal, considering the high-end frame technology and the smart build kit. While it will likely be pitched to riders looking for a high-performance ride for centuries and gran fondos, the Domane is a race bike at heart that won’t beat you up on the weekdays.

Vital stats

• Price: $2,730
• Sizes Available: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 (tested), 62cm
• Weight: 18.12lbs
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Cycling Plus

Trek Domane 4.3 review

Vibration-damping road bike with IsoSpeed tech

We were blown away by the premium 6-Series Domane , which introduced us to the pavé-pancaking IsoSpeed fork at the front and decoupler technology at the rear. You get these on the 4.3 as well, and the bike finished in the top five of our 40 Cycling Plus Bike of the Year contenders :

Trek domane 4.3

Tech ed Warren Rossiter talks through the Domane 4.3

Ride & handling: Comfort without compromise

Any worries that a lower grade of carbon or spec would dilute the effectiveness and performance of the 4.3 are unfounded – it’s 1.8kg (4lb) heavier but also £5,200/US$4,430 less than the 6.9, and for £1,800/US$2,499 you get a simply astonishing frame and an addictive ride quality.

First ride impressions are fairly conventional, until you realise that the usual road chatter and vibration is muted to the point of being barely noticeable, although the road feel, so crucial to precise handling, is unaffected.

Arguably, the road feel was accentuated because the Domane seems to be in contact with the surface more of the time. Turning into corners on roughly patched tarmac was refreshingly undramatic, the wheels seeming to tuck in and bite instead of skipping across the surface.

With such impressive stability and poise, exploring the Domane’s limits becomes de rigueur on almost every ride. Go looking for rough stuff expecting to lose fillings and instead you’re cosseted by a sublimely floaty feeling.

Of course, on the most extreme roads there’s still an element of vertical movement, but sudden kicks and general vibration are removed. Not beating about the bush – the Domane’s ride is little short of astonishing.

Frame & equipment: IsoSpeed tech with functional kit

The IsoSpeed system doesn’t have a threshold below which it feels inert. There is no intrusive movement that could affect your pedalling action, as the active component of the Domane is the whole seat tube, not just the seatpost.

The decoupler is basically a rotational pivot attaching a lug on the front of the seat tube to the top tube, allowing the tube to bow and flex along its length in isolation from the frame, with no more effect on seating position than a slim carbon seatpost. The increased active length results in several times more shock absorption without the need for excessive movement in a restricted space.

Complementing the rear end is the IsoSpeed fork. This has a 1 1/8in to 1 1/2in tapered steerer tube for huge rigidity, and a constant radius curve that continues slightly ahead of the dropout to maximise its bump-smoothing ability.

Despite sounding like a full suspension bike, the Domane sports an oversized down tube and muscular asymmetric chainstays, which envelop a simply massive BB90 bottom bracket shell, and combined with the fork’s lateral stiffness make it as responsive as any fast road bike out there.

As ever, at this price there are some parts we’d quickly upgrade, and with so much technology in the Domane’s frame the wheels are the obvious place to start. The Bontrager Approved hoops roll well and resisted the worst we could fling them at with no problems, but they aren’t on the same level as the frame and are a little sluggish.

Shimano’s 105 was faultless as ever, though Trek still include an integrated chain catcher to prevent it dropping between chainset and bottom bracket. The exclusively Bontrager finishing kit is all competent stuff, but could benefit from judicious upgrading when budget allows.

That said, we’d gladly choose to take the Domane out more often than more exotic machinery because the frame offers so much comfort with no performance penalty. A stunningly simple but superbly accomplished design.

This bike was tested as part of Cycling Plus magazine’s 2013 Bike of the Year feature – read the full results in issue 273, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio .

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Review: Trek Domane 4.5

Vital stats

• Price: $2,730
• Sizes Available: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 (tested), 62cm
• Weight: 18.12lbs

Posted in Best Of Bicycle Times Bikes Gear Trek

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$3k Endurance Bike Shootout: Trek Domane 4.7 Review

• Price : $3199
• Frame Size : 56cm
• Weight : 18.03 pounds
• Front wheel with skewer, tire and tube : 1130 grams
• Rear wheel with cassette, skewer, tire and tube : 1720 grams
• Frame Material : Domane 400 Series OCLV carbon
• Color : White
• Fork: Trek IsoSpeed
• Shifters : Shimano Ultegra
• Front Derailleur : Shimano Ultegra
• Rear Derailleur : Shimano Ultegra
• Cassette : Shimano Ultegra (11-28)
• Chainrings : Shimano Ultegra (50-34)
• Chain : Shimano
• Brakes : Shimano Ultegra
• Wheels : Bontrager Race
• Tires : Bontrager R2, 25c
• Bars : Bontrager Alloy Blade
• Stem : Bontrager RL
• Headset : FSA
• Saddle : Bontrager affinity 2
• Seat post : Bontrager
• Cables/Housing : Jagwire Lex-SL
• Cable Routing : External

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Brent_Smith

How about adding the Orbea Avant to the list. I paid $3299 for an Ultegra disc equipped bike last year. Fantastic bike. Thanks Jason.  

Am I the only one who thinks the Domane rear end is scary in a bumpy turn? I feel it in the front in my hands, but the rear feels like I'm skidding because there's very little feedback.  

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Results have arrived, used bike buyers guide: trek domane model history.

The Trek Domane is an endurance road bike that can do it all — road race, commute, super-long rides, and even light gravel. Trek designed the bike frame's IsoSpeed Decoupler system to offer enough compliance for comfort, while maintaining pedaling efficiency. Here's your guide to the Domane line.

Written by: Micah Ling

Published on: Jun 8, 2021

Posted in: Guides

The Trek Domane is a classic example of an endurance road bike : It can do it all. You can hop in a road race with it, commute on it, take it for your long ride, and even venture onto gravel with it. Endurance road bikes are built to perform, but also to be comfortable.

What Trek Domane is right for you?

History of the Domane

The first-generation Trek Domane. 2016-2019 Domane -Addition of a front IsoSpeed decoupler to decouple the steerer tube from the head tube and further reduce vibrations -New slider introduced on Domane SLR models that allows riders to adjust the level of damping offered by the rear IsoSpeed -Disc version allows 32mm tire clearance 2020+ Domane -More aerodynamic frame -Even more tire clearance added, up to 38mm -Hidden Storage compartment in the down tube

The latest Domane design packs in aero, comfort, and storage features.

Different builds

Here are a few of our favorite Domane builds from Trek that we’ve seen at TPC.

Trek Domane 5.2 Compact Road Bike - 2013

Trek designed the Domane to absorb bumps but also sustain speed. Its IsoSpeed decoupler improves comfort without sacrificing power transfer. This system separates the seat tube from the top tube so that it can flex freely. The compliance helps the bike isolate the rider from bumps and vibration. At the front, Trek designed an IsoSpeed fork that used more rake and a reversed dropout. A carbon IsoZone handlebar featured closed-cell foam pads in the top and drops of the handlebar, to mute the jarring of cobbled roads.

Trek Domane 5.9 Road Bike - 2016

Trek Domane SLR 6 Disc Road Bike - 2017

To further improve vibration reduction, an IsoCore handlebar was added. It includes a layer of rubber inside the carbon fiber. Tire clearance gets bumped up from 25mm to 28mm on the rim brake version, and 32mm on the disc brake model. On high-end models like the SLR 8, there’s also an upgrade to electronic shifting and a removable panel in the down tube for the Shimano Di2 battery.

Domane SL5 - 2020

With the newest models of the Domane, the top tube IsoSpeed on high-end SLR models has been improved. It is tunable and offers a finer balance between stiffness and comfort. It uses a repositioned slider under the top tube and an additional elastomer integrated into the design to offer more damping (SL models retain the original non-adjustable IsoSpeed system). The tube shapes have all been tweaked, borrowing technology from Trek’s more race focused road bikes to improve aerodynamics. The new Domane offers more tire clearance and can fit up to 38mm tires. The Hidden Storage compartment in the down tube provides a discrete space on the bike to store spare tubes, tools, and snacks.

If you’re looking for a versatile bike, the smooth ride, predictable handling, and upright riding position make the Domane perfect for both a new cyclist looking to push their mileage, and a seasoned racer, interested in rougher roads. The IsoSpeed technology reduces muscle fatigue and joint stress by absorbing vibrations from varied terrain, making it ideal for someone who truly wants to explore. Generally, if you want disc brakes, look at 2015 models and newer. Trek offered the Domane with rim brakes from 2013 to 2019. From 2020 onward, the new generation Domane will only be available with disc brakes. If you want electronic shifting , look for 2017 and newer. And if you want clearance for tires as wide as 38mm, or aero features, look at the 2020 and 2021 models.

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The All-New Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Gets a Half-Pound Lighter with More Room for Tires

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Now on its fourth iteration, the Trek Domane AL is packed with updates, a lighter frame, and room for larger tires. The new Gen 4 Domane comes in economical offerings for the most bang for the buck and looks like a gateway bike for other disciplines.

The Domane AL is Trek’s entry-level do-it-all road bike boasts the most versatility in its lineup. The frame is aluminum, the fork is carbon, and the accessory mounts are plentiful, meaning this bike can do much more than a local fondo.

Whats New — Trek Domane AL Gen 4

The Trek Domane AL is entering a new life in Gen 4, and it’s getting bigger all-road tire clearance (up to 38mm), a sleeker frame design with internal cable routing.

New Frame and Fork Material

Trek says the new Domane AL (complete bike) is around half a pound lighter than the previous Domane AL Disc model.

How? Mainly from the redesigned frame made with Trek’s 100 Series Alpha Aluminum and a new full-carbon fork.

Can it double as a gravel bike? Yes — Word from Trek is that the max tire size is 38mm, which seems true for most tires, though it depends on your rim width. We had zero problems getting a 40mm Maxxis Reaver tire rolling in the frame, but the chainstay clearance is slightly tight. It’s good that Bontrager makes the GR1 in a 35mm width; that tire on this bike would be fast and fun.

Don’t let the carbon fork fool you; it doesn’t make this bike less of an all-arounder. The fork and newly designed frame come with plenty of mounts for fenders, bag (top tube), and anything you can think of to improve your commuter or race.

Universal Derailleur Hanger

For the first time, Domane AL comes with a new thru-axle for Universal Derailleur Hanger compatibility. This design is the same UDH on Trek mountain bikes. This means fewer hangers around the basement and more cross-category compatibility with other bikes.

What’s That Handlebar?

The front end is more modern on the new Domane, thanks partly to the headset’s internal cable routing and an updated bar. The Trek Domane AL Gen 4 gets a modern road bar with a shorter reach and a 4mm flare between the hoods and drops.

Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Geometry

The geometry remains unchanged for the Domane AL from previous versions. The setup is the Trek endurance geometry, which isn’t too aggressive and laid back enough for newer riders to feel comfortable.

Available Sizes : 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60cm

Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Models and Pricing

The new Trek Domane AL Gen 4 comes in three different build options, starting at $1,200 and tops out at $2,000. All have the same updated 100 Series Alpha Aluminum frame and a new full-carbon fork.

The difference is in the components and hubs. All three bikes feature the same handlebar/stem, saddle, rims, and seatpost.

Where they differ is the top-end 105 version gets Bontrager Alloy sealed bearing hubs, and the Claris and Tiagra versions get Formula RX-512 alloy hubs.

Top Level Domane AL 5 Gen 4

• Groupset: Shimano 105
• Weight: N/A
• Price: $2,000

Mid Level Domane AL 4 Gen 4

• Groupset: Shimano Tiagra
• Weight: 22.82lbs/10.35kg
• Price: $1,700

Entry Level Domane AL 2 Gen 4

• Groupset: Shimano Claris
• Weight: 23.26lbs/10.50kg
• Price:$1,200

Trek Domane AL Availability

Those looking to test ride or purchase a Domane AL are currently available globally on Trekbikes.com and through Trek’s global network of retail partners.

Look for a review of the Trek Domane AL 3 shortly as we put it through the paces this fall alongside the new Bontrager Aeolus Pro 49V wheels.

Jordan Villella is the Racing Tech Editor for BikeRumor.com, specializing in cross-country mountain, gravel, road, and cyclocross. He has written about bicycles and bike culture for over fifteen years with no signs of stopping.

Before BikeRumor, Jordan raced professionally and wrote for MTBR and the now-defunct Dirt Rag Magazine. He’s covered the World Championships, World Cups, and everything in between — where he loves to report what people are riding.

Based in Pittsburgh, PA,  Jordan coaches cyclists of all abilities with  Cycle-Smart ; you can find him racing bikes around North America and adventuring with his family.

For an inside look at his review rides follow him on Strava .

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How about dropping weights in metric too. Can’t be that difficult.

Just added – thanks!

The “brake bridge” in the photos is for mounting fenders and need not be installed for normal use…the formed headtube is also not new, my 2018 Emonda ALR has a hydroformed headtube, also. Glad Trek is still making aluminum road bikes, though.

This formed headtube is a new formed headtube. I think even the first gen Domane AL had a hydroformed headtube too. But they’ve updated it with every iteration.

Pretty great that there’s a $1200 bike, even if it’s Sora

Crazy, over 23#!. my 30 year old steel slim chance is 19#, my aluminum co-motion tandem is only a pound heavier. I was selling Centurion Ironmans 30 years ago, steel, and only 20# at $550! Progress?

I stopped reading when it said headset cable routing.

Cables passing through the headset at this price level – INSANITY! The owner will never want to pay what it will cost to replace the bearings. A quick note, you wrote that it has: “a modern road bar with a shorter reach and a 4mm flare between the hoods and drops” I know you guys struggle with metric, but I assume you mean 4 degrees, because 4 mm is effectively nothing there.

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• Rider Notes

2017 Trek Domane S 4

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

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.

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May 2018 · Anna Cipullo

A bike that’s comfortable and forgiving, but stiff and powerful in all the right places. Buy if you want an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride, but aren’t willing to sacrifice speed or control for the privilege

IsoSpeed and big 32mm tyres really smooth out the road, exceptionally comfortable, excellent climber, built-in ANT and Bluetooth sensor

A fraction heavier than some competitors, but still a better climber

The Trek Domane SL7 endurance road bike comes in a wide variety of specs, prices and with disc or rim brakes. But the real selling point is the IsoSpeed decouplers front and rear that reduce bumps and impact forces to improve long distance cycling comfort. Read our Trek Domane review for tech details & more!

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Trek Domane SLR 10 RSL: Race Shop Limited – The American manufacturer doesn’t really do understatements, not even when it comes to the name of their bikes.

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Mar 2017 · Andy Waterman

The Trek Domane 4.3 Disc is the future, and it only takes one ride for you to realise it

Geometry is perfect

It is not a lightweight set up and will quickly be superseded

Feb 2017 · Matthew Pioro

The endurance bike gets smoother

Oct 2016 · Henry Robertshaw

Slider down the side of seat tube lets you alter the ride quality

Incredibly versatile

Comfortable on long rides

Great power transfer

Excellent wheels

Tyres cut easily

No adjustability on lower models

Last updated July 21 Not listed for 2,463 days

Is Trek Domane 4.5 Worth Buying? [Trek Domane 4.5 Review]

Table of Contents

2016 Trek Domane 4.5 Review

• Price : $2500 (used site)
• Category : Road Bikes
• Frame : OCLV carbon
• Gear : 2×11
• Tire : 700×25c

What we like about it : The 400 series OCLV carbon frame, hidden fender mounts, and 2×11 speed drivetrain for your long road rides.

What we don’t like about it : Hard to find sources and limited quantities.

Rating (4.7/5.0)

Introduction

Is the once great “General” still as good as it was today? I think the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 was very hard to get at the time, and even if you got it, you had to wait a long time to get it. However, now with the constant updates of Trek, it is no longer in production. However, it is a very classic road bike. Both performance and comfort are no problem today.

Next, I break down the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5’s uphill and downhill performance, key features, and components and specs for a breakdown, as well as how it compares. If you’re interested, stay tuned!

Trek Domane 4.5 Road-Uphill Review

Classics never go out of style. This 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 is still hot on used sites, even though it’s discontinued. That’s thanks to its durable configuration and design.

I found this 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 in my friend’s garage, so I decided to review this 2016 Trek Domane 4.5.

Coincidentally, I moved back home to rural Ohio some time ago, where the population is sparse and there are only large expanses of forest and rolling hills. I wanted to take the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 to enjoy my hometown. And so, I began a ride of over two months.

I re-wiped this bike down and adjusted the slightly loose screws and seat post. The road in front of me would lead to a nearby nature park, and the first half of the road was a very smooth tarmac with only a few minor undulations.

I started in this 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 wondering if it would go on strike in the middle of the ride. However, it turned out that I was overly concerned.

The first thing is that the comfortable saddle and grip of the Trek Domane 4.5 made me feel relaxed as soon as it made contact with me. It was like I was holding a sponge, but with more support than a sponge.

Secondly, ISOspeed’s carbon frame and fork allow me to go uphill without too much strain, reducing the stress that the terrain puts on me. I can enjoy the upward climb with more focus.

Not only that, but the gentle geometry gave me more energy on the uphill. I didn’t feel any pressure on my spine from long rides.

In addition, it has a slack 71.9° head tube angle with a 73.3° seat tube angle. I think this is the main reason why I can always be able to maintain a comfortable position while riding.

Once again, the Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite’s tires provided me with reliable support. The tread pattern on it fits tightly to the ground as it rolls, firming it up and smoothing it forward at the same time. I was especially surprised by its grip when I encountered some of the steeper uphill grades, which had the feel of an old but still sharp knife.

I can say very directly that it will outperform some of the newer bikes like this.

Trek Domane 4.5 Downhill Review

If the uphill performance of the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 is a 90 in my mind, the downhill performance will be slightly lower, but that’s only five points lower! But I think that’s a pretty good score for a bike that’s a few years old.

I still didn’t feel a lot of strain on my lower back on some of the drop-off descents. Yes, I dived slightly and the Trek Domane 4.5’s ISOspeed frame allowed me to gain acceleration more easily in the process.

And, I have to say that it is configured with a Shimano Ultegra 2×11 speed gear range which was exactly what I was expecting. The rich and dense gear ratios coupled with the stable crankset made my speed soar and the whole descent was very smooth and unobstructed. The big trees lined up on both sides were left as blurred shadows in my perspective, while the roadside grass could be vaguely seen swaying in the wind.

Its v-brake also kept up with me when I hit some of the more curvy turns, and I didn’t have to work too hard to hold the brake lever down and squeeze the corner with ease. However, the Trek Domane 4.5 may not have as quick a time to recover and is slightly less responsive than the hydraulic disc brakes. But in the uncrowded countryside, this had little effect on my riding.

Overall, it does have some limitations in terms of braking. But if it is on a wider route, there is no problem. So I would recommend not going to some muddy land to ride the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5, it is not suitable.

Main Features

Frame group.

First of all, its exquisite paintwork is on full display on this bike. The bike comes in very classic and understated colors, Matte Trek Black, Dnister Black, and Viper Red.

Secondly, carbon is already prevalent within the road bike segment. However, brands will still strive for excellence and keep looking for breakthroughs. Trek can be called a connoisseur in this area.

On the frame, the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 features the exclusive IsoSpeed. as a result, it not only has the power transfer of a traditional carbon frame, but it is also smoother than a traditional carbon frame.

It maintains a diamond-shaped frame geometry that allows the seat tube to flex. This setup helps the rider in achieving an aerodynamically efficient position and reduces fatigue.

And, as it turns out, the Trek Domane 4.5 is not exaggerated. There are many past Spring Classic winners equipped with this frame.

The geometry of the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 isn’t perfect, but it has the standards that an endurance road bike should have.

First, the 73.3° seat tube angle is not very steep; it allows the rider to bend gently to gain more efficient speed and stay smooth.

Secondly, the Trek Domane 4.5 has a 71.9° headtube angle. It gives a looser feel, but I think it’s just right. Because it doesn’t affect our flexibility when steering even when we keep driving at high speed.

On top of that, its 42cm rear lower fork length is relatively short. This also means that the rider will be riding closer to the rear tire of the bike, which helps to improve the rider’s speed up hills.

Components and Specifications

Shimano ultegra drivetrain.

The Shimano Ultegra drivetrain gives us a range of 2 x 11 speeds. This is more than enough play for a road bike.

Moreover, the Trek Domane 4.5 features a lightweight crank, hollow outer sprocket, and wider tooth spacing, which increases frame clearance. The lightened crank design optimizes the bike’s power transfer efficiency.

Not only that, but the 11-32T cassette will also be more advantageous when climbing, and the larger gears will make our pedaling relatively easier.

In addition, the front derailleur of Trek Domane 4.5 also offers a lighter shifting operation than before, mainly because of its new linkage structure. So, we don’t need to worry about not getting the exact speed we want when operating.

Shimano 105 Braking System

The bike is equipped with dual lever v-brakes that are not only affordable but also reliable.

The Trek Domane 4.5 has an integrated shift cable that is both lightweight and strong, yet very smooth and easy to use. Yes, you only need to hook your finger to brake. It’s rider friendly and easy to maintain daily.

In addition, the optical gel electric coating on its surface can protect the cable from corrosion. And the durability of the cable will be improved.

Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite Tires

The wheelset of the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 features Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite tires on Bontrager Race rims.

First, the Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite tire is a road tire with Hard-Case Lite puncture protection for durability. Its lightweight tread casing increases the tire’s traction.

Therefore, even if we encounter a sharp turn, this set of tires will have excellent grip so that we can finish the turn smoothly.

Secondly, Bontrager Race rims are strong and fast, not only well-designed but also very light in terms of weight.

In addition, it is easy to disassemble. That is to say, we do not consume much energy either to maintain it or to replace it.

Other versions of Trek Domane 4.5

In the above article, we have learned that this bike uses mechanical brakes, while its other version is set up with a hydraulic disc brake system. They don’t bring the same riding experience. If you are interested, you can check out the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 Disc Compact.

2016 Trek Domane 4.5 Disc Compact

In my opinion, the Trek Domane 4.5 with Shimano RS685 hydraulic discs is indeed slightly better in terms of braking.

And, it was also replaced with a disc-type balanced joint. It can make our handling smoother and make its braking smoother.

In addition, even in hot weather, its good heat dissipation performance can keep the bike running properly.

There is one thing to say, the hydraulic version of the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 is a good choice if you have enough budget.

However, if you think you want a lighter road bike, then the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 is the ideal choice for you.

What we like about it

• 400 Series OCLV carbon provides an ultra-lightweight frame
• IsoSpeed technology helps us reduce fatigue on the ride
• Concealed fender brackets prevent tires from being attacked by heavy mud
• Shimano Ultegra’s drivetrain is smooth and quiet enough
• Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite tires have great grip

What we don’t like about it

• Not strong enough braking system
• Fewer colors

1. What is the frame material of   the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5?

The 2016 Trek Domane 4.5’s frame material is carbon

2. What is the drivetrain  of the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5?

The drivetrain of the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5 is Shimano Ultegra

3. What sizes are available for the 2016 Trek Domane 4.5?

2016 Trek Domane 4.5 Specs

Comparison T able

Trek domane 4.5 vs cannondale synapse carbon 4.

The Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 is made of Synapse carbon, and it has a SynapseSense rear triangle. Hidden flex fields in the seat tube and seat post help absorb shock, while the proportionally responsive design allows the rider to get the most out of the riding position.

Compared with Trek Domane 4.5, its framework has its characteristics.

However, in terms of drivetrain, it goes for the Shimano Tiagra series, which offers 2 x 10-speed shifting. It is significantly weaker than the Trek Domane 4.5’s Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, both in terms of top speed and handling.

Obviously, at the same price point, Trek Domane 4.5 is much more cost-effective.

Trek Domane 4.5 vs Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 7.0

The Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 7.0 is a women’s road bike that comes in beautiful aquamarine colors.

At the same time, it has a saddle designed for women riders. This saddle has a decompression cutout to provide maximum comfort for female riders.

However, compared to the Trek Domane 4.5, it has a slightly more moderate set configuration performance. If you are a female rider who wants to try long-distance road riding, such a configuration is perfectly adequate and you can consider this bike.

2016 Trek Domane 4.5 vs 2019 Specialized Roubaix Sport

This 2019 Specialized Roubaix Sport frame is made of Fact 9r carbon. And its Future Shock provides a smooth feel to the rider by moving up and down like a telescopic mountain bike fork. In addition, the 11-34 cassette offers a wide range. And its geometry is designed to meet the rider’s requirements for an endurance bike.

But after our comparison, we don’t see much difference between them. But Trek Domane 4.5 is a bit cheaper.

2016 Trek Domane 4.5 vs 2019 Specialized Women’s Diverge Sport

The 2019 Specialized Women’s Diverge Sport is a women’s road bike.

In terms of components, it uses a Shimano 105 drivetrain and Shimano 105 R7070 flush-mount disc brakes.

And its tires utilize the 700 x 38cc Sawtooth Sport, which provides excellent grip for the rider. These are not much different from the Trek Domane 4.5.

However, it has a saddle built specifically for women and is ergonomically designed for women.

I think that everyone should choose the bike that is more helpful for their riding, and everyone is different.In case, the above comments are helpful to you, please remember to share the subscription. Have a great day!

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