$1699 Trek Domane AL Gen 4 Review (2023)

Рет қаралды 35,847

Күн бұрын

"Trek launched the all-new fourth generation Domane AL today, an aluminum road bike that offers lasting comfort, performance, and greater all-road versatility with a high-quality aluminum frame and new, lighter-weight design that far outpaces its price point." - trekbikes.com
"Trek’s best-selling Domane AL got a comfort and versatility upgrade with bigger all-road tire clearance for capability on everything from pavement to gravel, clean and modern aesthetics, and integration typically found on higher-end bike models - all wrapped up in a lighter-weight package."
Right for Any Road:
"New 40mm tire clearance (as measured) lets riders comfortably venture from smooth pavement to bumpy backroads and most gravel trails."
Chapters:
0:00 Opening
0:35 Domane Introduction
1:06 Domane AL Generation 4
1:45 Mounting Points
2:18 Front-End Cockpit Parts
3:29 Seatpost
3:53 Universal Derailleur Hanger
4:36 Shimano Tiagra 4700 Groupset
5:49 Bontrager Wheelset
6:29 Pricing
7:06 Riding Experience
11:09 Closing
11:48 General Madness
In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew provides a short-term review of the new to market, fourth generation Trek Domane AL.
Learn more about the Trek Domane Gen 4 and more at trekbikes.com
Links of Interest:
Trek Bicycles - trekbikes.com
2023 Trek Domane SLR Long-Term Review - • 2023 Trek Domane SLR L...
2023 Trek Domane+ SLR eBike Long-Term Review - • 2023 Trek Domane+ SLR ...
Sea Sucker Talon Review - • SeaSucker Talon Bike R...
Gravel Cyclist's Route Library - www.gravelcyclist.com/gravel-...
Amazon Affiliation Link:
No cost to you, but every purchase made helps keep Gravel Cyclist up and running! - www.amazon.com/?&_encoding=UT...
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Пікірлер: 71

@rolffuchs2737 10 ай бұрын

I`ve ridden it and it is absolutely great. Never thought an aluminum bike could be so comfy. And at the same time it is stable and agile enough.

@kiwi22207 Ай бұрын

I might get one. Do you still lovd it. What color

@rolffuchs2737 Ай бұрын

@@kiwi22207 Anodized, so it`s a dark grey and the lightest version.

@flexboss 10 ай бұрын

Seems like a very nice bike. Not surprised about the Tiagra groupset. Had it speced on my recent bike (2019 Checkpoint ALR 4) and it never caused any issues. Since it’s 10-speed it is easy (and cheap) to upgrade with a GRX rear derailleur and a similar crankset. Will give you more ”gravely” gearing and the support of a clutch to limit the chain whipping the stays. Nice review as always 👍🏻

@yungyacht 2 ай бұрын

Just got my gen 4 and it’s great

@user-gq6qk2kn7v 3 күн бұрын

Have Claris version gen4. Test rode it for shits and giggles and was stunned by smooth ride. Sleeper for sure

@GravelCyclist 3 күн бұрын

Love the word sleeper, typically reserved for unsuspecting high HP cars 😀👌Adding to that, you are absolutely spot on.

@bcm1013 10 ай бұрын

Love the C3 Vette JOM. So much better than the mid to late 70's when they mucked up the design with bumper covers and 'fastback' rear window.

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

Spot on, the chrome bumper '68 to '72 Vettes are the most beautiful of the C3's.

@Miiloh Ай бұрын

Got mine a couple days ago and absolutely love it

@kiwi22207 Ай бұрын

I might get one myself. First road bike.

@Miiloh Ай бұрын

@@kiwi22207 It's amazing, you won't regret it. Very comfortable to ride while also having the benefits of a traditional road bike

@kiwi22207 8 күн бұрын

@Miiloh I just got the blue one. Love it so far after a couple rides.

@koucya.331 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for your wonderful review! It was very helpful. So, I have a question... Is there any possibility of it being released in Japan? Thank you for your reply.

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

Hello there, assuming Trek has some retailers in Japan, I would say yes.

@jen1n992 4 ай бұрын

Love mine and this review.. but I am also VERY interested in whatever the puppy is digging up in the back.

@GravelCyclist 3 ай бұрын

Thank you. The dogs are rather naughty, and have dug up a mole in the past. I do my best to dissuade this behavior.

@nohandle641 7 ай бұрын

Fantastic video and review. What size would you recommend for a 6ft tall, 33" inseam rider?

@GravelCyclist 7 ай бұрын

Hello there, I suggest you contact your local Trek dealer, bike fit is a very personal thing. Thank you.

@treyhorn5645 10 ай бұрын

Nice bike. Frame reminds me of my posiden x. This is better value for parts alone. Damn I would have bought that over my 2nd PX.

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

The Poseidon is nice, but this new Trek is far superior. An even better value is the 105 12-speed version at an additional $300.

@charng 10 ай бұрын

i think it'd be awesome to have sram apex axs on it. no need to worry about routing shifter cables. no need to buy front derailleur. front 42T and rear 44T should let you climb any road surface. i hope there is a frameset option. the 60-bolt rotor is kind of let down or at least i think it's easier to get centre-lock rotors.

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

SRAM Apex AXS is an absolute winner. I am posting my review of that groupset soon.

@ktb5741 10 ай бұрын

Hooray! The return of General Madness!

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

This one was a bit different from the norm.

@ktb5741 10 ай бұрын

Still loved it. Gave us a better look at that sweet Vette!

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

I have a few more personal vehicles that may feature in future videos. You could say I'm a fan of muscle cars / sports cars :)

@Rose.Of.Hizaki 7 ай бұрын

Been looking for a new bike to replace my old 2015-16 commuter (Triban 540) and the Domane takes top position out of all the other candidates. Maybe Im approaching the bike with rose tinted goggles on but I remember when $800-1300 used to get you a 105 groupset equipped bike. Tiagra has come a very long way in the last decade though. Looked at the AL5 but that costs $2500 here and there is no way im paying that for a ALu bike let alone a commuter that's going to be seeing the worst of the weather. At least Tiagra should be harder wearing.

@starryde 10 ай бұрын

Your assessment of the GR1 tires was maybe a bit kind to Bontrager…I found them to be pretty awful and making the switch to Specialized Pathfinder Pros completely changed my bike (a Checkpoint, but the sentiment would be similar). Trek would do well to have a competitor in the stock tire category. OR, Bontrager could just get out of the tire game altogether so Trek could source a better OE tire.

@MrSchattka 10 ай бұрын

This is proof that you do not have to spend thousands of dollars for a decent riding bike.

@diegoeleazar9154 6 ай бұрын

The great thing about this bike is the geometry. Most "endurance" carbon bikes are dull. Since its made from aluminum it is stiff. I believe that comfort comes from wheels and body position. It's perfect for 🦖 people.

@paulgeronimo4613 6 ай бұрын

Hi! I'm planning on building an all-road bike. Would you know if this frame will take the new 105 di2 12 speed? Thanks!

@GravelCyclist 6 ай бұрын

Hello there, it certainly will accept that groupset. Good luck with your build!

@daskleineM 4 ай бұрын

I'm very upset I got the Gen 3 model, because it doesn't fit as wide tyres on it.

@bazejponoc2058 9 ай бұрын

Hello Gravel Cyclist !! How tall are you ?? And what size bike do you have ?? Thanks in advance for your answer !!

@lkbfreak 10 ай бұрын

Great review as always! I just don't get one thing: Trek's claiming that gen 4 frame and fork are half a pound lighter but looking at specs, gen 3 weights less! :) And this cable integration on lower priced bikes is a crime. I own gen 3 Domane AL 3 and after upgrades the bike weights 8,9 kgs and is dream to ride.

@JG...... 10 ай бұрын

I've got the same model, mind sharing some tips on how u got the weight so low? Everything replaced except the frame?

@torstenkenning 10 ай бұрын

I am also very interested about your mods. Ordered a Domane AL5 Gen3 myself today!

@lkbfreak 10 ай бұрын

@@JG...... Yep, I kept only the frame. The rest is Fulcrum lightweight wheels, carbon seatpost from Enve, San Marco Aspide seat (106 g), carbon handlebars, Juin Tech hydro mechanical brakes and changed whole mechanical groupset to 105 (compact, 11-34). Tyres are Schwalbe GOne. Without pedals and bootle cages I got 8,9 kgs. Just by removing the stock wheelset you'll save at least 500 grams.

@DarrenX9 10 ай бұрын

@@lkbfreak Wouldn't it have been cheaper to just buy a better bike?

@lkbfreak 10 ай бұрын

Yes off course if you're starting from the scratch. In my case, I had all the upgrade parts on my previous bike which I swapped with Trek and sold the old bike for almost the original price with lower spec'ed components. Maybe I've just been lucky... 😂🤗

@mikaelchristensen9486 10 ай бұрын

Quick q....what spec number is this? Cant find a gen 4 in that colour😢

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

Looks to be out of stock on the Trek website. "Hex Blue to Marianas Blue Fade"

@aengus.l 2 ай бұрын

Gen 4 says 35mm max clearance?

@Flinches 10 ай бұрын

Are they making an ALR version?

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

Not that I am aware of.

@Gravel-Cult 10 ай бұрын

Nice to finally see the Vette in its full beauty! What year?

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

1971, matching numbers 454 LS5, genuine AC car, 4-speed, and low miles... < 50K miles.

@Gravel-Cult 10 ай бұрын

@@GravelCyclist Low miles definitely make it a keeper! : ) I knew someone that bought one of the backup cars from the "Stringray" TV series which was filmed here in BC. It was mess in terms of the modifications they made to the car, but it looked cool. I have no idea if he kept it as he was flipping vettes trying to get to an early model convertible Corvette which was his dream car.

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

Some of those TV / movie cars are highly desirable to the right collector.

@ianthedondaws7559 10 ай бұрын

What are doing with your life ? Mmm I think your enjoying it very much 👍🤘🏻keep it up

@nicolotomasini4523 10 ай бұрын

Hello, on the old Trek Domane AL2 or AL3 Gen3 the tyre clearance on website is declared 35mm, is possible to fit 38? A reseller told me he putted 38 mm on the old gen3. As confirmed 38 on the new one, have you tried on the Gen3 to fit a bigger tyre? This question because I am evaluating a trek AL2 or AL3 Gen3 or the new gen… thank you!

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

Sorry, no experience with a Gen 3. Good luck!

@torstenkenning 10 ай бұрын

I cannot answer by my own experience, yet, but I ordered a Trek Domane AL5 Gen3 a minute ago and hope to receive it in a week. I assume that a 38 will fit in the rear as I read s.o. else reporting this. Probably it will make a difference what tyre model you choose as some are narrow, some are wider than spec'd.

@nicolotomasini4523 10 ай бұрын

@@torstenkenning ok thank you, because as newbie I don’t know if 35mm is enough for gravel or not…

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

I rode 35mm on gravel for years, before wider tyres were a thing. You'll be fine, and develop some good skills in loose conditions.

@torstenkenning 9 ай бұрын

No Insights, yet. Hand noch Tine top Ride my new bike, yet.

@keithcottongim7930 10 ай бұрын

I commented on the video you made earlier on the carbon Trek Domane. Maybe last year??? I have an open mold frame that is very similar to the same geometry as the Domane. With 40mm tires I get toe strikes with real tight turns. Which I rarely make a turn that tight, I do run my cleats all the way back (road shoes if I use my MTB shoes it’s worse) and wear a size 13 shoe. As a gravel bike the Domane would be a short wheelbase.

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

For certain, the Domane AL or its carbon brethren, are not fully fledged gravel bikes, but they work well enough in this capacity. Thus, I chose to show that functionality with the new variant of the AL's increased tyre clearance, in real-world riding scenarios. This was a short-term vs my usual much longer-term review, but I didn't pull any tight turns to experience toe overlap issues. Thank you.

@dortadamas 9 ай бұрын

Domane breaking Checkpoint

@hansschotterradler3772 10 ай бұрын

Awesome bike for beginners. I see the AL5 comes with the 105 12 speed. I'd spend the additional $300 to get that. Upgrade wheels/tires down the road.

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

Have to agree Hans, the 105 12-speed is worth the extra cost.

@anteros3584 9 ай бұрын

On one side I agree, however atleast here in the Netherlands the 105 di2 full groupset is now on sale for €950. The cheapest Trek Domane is the AL2 for €1200 with all the same components besides groupset and bottom bracket. Would probably buy the AL2 and upgrade to 105 di2 for it's compatibility with higher end groupsets.

@caseypleasant1922 5 ай бұрын

Trying to decide if the extra $300 for the AL 5 is worth it?

@GravelCyclist 5 ай бұрын

Only you can decide that. Good luck with your decision!

@kiwi22207 8 күн бұрын

It would be if the colors weren't so awful on the 5

@lokerola 10 ай бұрын

This looks like it could make a good cyclocross bike. You might want to throw on a GRX 400 46/30 crankset and some CX tires and be ready to race. Hmmmmm.... EDIT - Sweet Vette!

@kasu1033 9 ай бұрын

It's unsafe to ride a Domane at a CX race. The pedals hit the rough ground so easily due to lowered bottom bracket.

@kumsatx 10 ай бұрын

What's maximum clearance ?

@GravelCyclist 10 ай бұрын

This is referenced in the video, did you watch?

@stevenfreeman7798 8 ай бұрын

Al5 mutch better and the gearing is better with 12 speeds and a 34 tooth cog on the back so 1 to 1 gear ratio bloody handy on the steep stuff as these bikes are not the lightest!!!.