What I Love and Don't Love About My Trek Domane AL 3

Рет қаралды 22,054

Күн бұрын

I've been riding my Trek Domane AL 3 for about four months now. In that time I have become very accustomed to the bike. I have found that there are three things I absolutely love about the Domane, and two things that I don't.
I love the color and shape of the Domane's frame, I love the fit and geometry of the bike, and I love how easily it descends and coasts. I don't love how the bar tape stretched and deformed, and I really don't love how the seat post wont stay put over a long ride.
That said, the Domane really is the best road bike I've ever owed or ridden. I have zero buyer's regret, and there is only one thing that would make it better...if it were bright red!
Costs
Initial purchase: $1,414.00 USD plus taxes
Look Keo Sprint clipless pedals: $39.95 plus tax, Amazon.com
Specifications
Frameset
Frame 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal routing, fender mounts, DuoTrap S compatible, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle
Fork
Domane AL carbon, tapered alloy steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle
Frame fit Endurance
Wheels
Hub front Formula RX-512 alloy, 6-bolt, 100x12mm thru axle
Skewer front Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever
Hub rear Formula RX-142 alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle
Skewer rear Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever
Rims Bontrager Affinity Disc, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, presta valve
Bontrager Paradigm SL, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, presta valve
Spokes 14g stainless steel
Tire Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x32c
Max tire size 35c without fenders, 32c with fenders
Drivetrain
Shifter Shimano Sora R3000, 9 speed
Front derailleur Shimano Sora R3000, 31.8mm clamp
Rear derailleur Shimano Sora R3000, mid cage, 34T max cog
Cranks Shimano Sora R3000, 50/34 (compact), 170mm length
Bottom bracket Shimano RS500, 68mm, threaded external
Cassette Shimano Sora HG400, 11-32, 9 speed
Chain Shimano Sora HG53, 9 speed
Components
Saddle Bontrager P3 Verse Comp, steel rails, 145mm width
Seatpost Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2mm, 8mm offset, 330mm length
Handlebar Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy, 31.8mm, 100mm reach, 124mm drop, 42cm width
Handlebar tape Bontrager Supertack Perf tape
Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length
Headset FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom
Brake Tektro C550 mechanical disc brake, dual piston, flat mount, 160mm rotor
Weight 56 - 10.30 kg / 22.71 lbs

Пікірлер: 63

@louloutchtch Жыл бұрын

I was reluctant to buy a Domane (AL2) but watching your videos helped me kick it off. Have rided it and loved it as well. Thanks for sharing your authentic experience Jim ✌️😃. Greetings from France 🇨🇵

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!

@ozo310sk8 7 ай бұрын

I picked mine up a year ago and have had zero mechanical issues. I do love the geometry. I have back and joint issues all over that I don't feel them during a ride....the next few days is another thiing!

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder 6 ай бұрын

It's my favorite road bike!

@AzaanUiX 10 ай бұрын

Planning to get this beast soon , this vid was quite helpful 🎉

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder 10 ай бұрын

I am glad you like it. :)

@Wlodek1410 Жыл бұрын

1:40 cool cocpit, cool handlebar tape

@bastogne315 Жыл бұрын

Love your voice..❤❤❤❤so relaxing.

@CoachJimJacobsen Жыл бұрын

Thanks. :)

@Sir-Prizse Жыл бұрын

I've been riding my Domane AL 2 Disc for almost 2 years now and funnily enough the first thing I have changed is the seatpost, it was slipping like crazy. I ate through the saddle after just a few months and I also changed the handlebars for a narrower short reach bar. The reach is now spot on, even with a longer 100 mm stem. It is the first bike I can ride over long distances without pain In almost 9 years that I have been cycling. I like the bike so much that I'm going to upgrade it. My biggest criticism is the paintwork, my frame is prone to paint chipping.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Congrats! At least I wasn't the only one with a sliding seat tube. The basic geometry is good on these bikes.

@Wlodek1410 Жыл бұрын

0:48 True, the video will never not make the charm of this bike

@tenten5499 Жыл бұрын

Jim is my spirit animal. I want a rockhopper! Jim gets a rockhopper! I want to make it a 1x…Jim makes it 1x! I’m now looking at gravel bikes! So of course here is Jim! Thanks!

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Ha ha! I don't know about that, LOL!

@pederpetersen9601 Жыл бұрын

Hey :) I have the same bike and had similar issues. New bartape and some carbonpaste on seatpost worked fine. No slippage. Really enjoy the bike though.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

The seat tube measured at 27.0mm so I put a 27.2mm unit in, and now it's fine. I think Santa will bring me new bar tape.

@riversidecyclery Жыл бұрын

Sorry for being "late to the party", but I came across your video when looking for info on another matter. A couple of recommendations on your "dislikes", assuming you're still having issues. 1. In the video, your bar tape is wrapped in the "wrong direction". As it is wrapped, your hand tension/grip/pressure is going to work/serve to unravel the tape, so I'm not surprised you've had that issue. The "solution" is to wrap the tape in the opposite direction than you have it (in the video). Still starting at the bottom of the bar, and terminating at the top (near the stem), but wrapping it in the opposite direction than you have it. That way, as you're gripping the tape, the pressure is going "with" the direction of the wrap (and actually tightening it), versus against it (and unraveling it). 2. On your seatpost clamp, not sure if you greased the threads on the bolt. Oftentimes, straight from the factory, those threads aren't properly lubricated (if at all), so the bolt binds as it gets tight, and then it doesn't properly tighten fully. You mentioned you use a torque wrench, but, if the bolt is binding, it's going to hit the torque reading sooner than if the bolt was lubricated and allowed to tighten fully. Of course, if you have lubricated the bolt threads, then that answers that "thought", and my next recommendation would be to go with a different clamp, one with a bigger bolt and higher torque setting, because, aluminum on aluminum, there's really a lot less of a concern than either carbon on aluminum, or, of course, carbon on carbon.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the thoughtful posts. I ended up installing a better grade of tape on the bars, and that worked well. The seatpost was 27.0mm instead of 27.2. I installed a 27.2mm unit left over from upgrading my Marin hardtail, and it fit perfectly. My local bike shop offered to warranty the seat post but since the problem was fixed, I didn't bother.

@riversidecyclery Жыл бұрын

Oh, yes, that's interesting about the seatpost sizing. I had a customer in recently looking for a seatpost clamp, and they were "guessing" they needed a clamp that was "probably not more than an inch in diameter", and I told them that "seatposts/clamps can be .2 millimeters off and not provide sufficient clamping". Then they said, "It can't be more than an inch and a quarter, so to sell them one that size. So I told them it'd be best if they either brought the item in for me to measure it, or go home and measure it themselves. They said they didn't want to make a second trip, and I said if I sold them the wrong sized clamp, they'd be making a second trip anyway. They got "huffy" and started heading for the door, saying that I "didn't want to make a sale", and I said that I was happy to make a sale, but I wanted to be sure I was selling them the correct part that they needed. So they left and I figured I lost a sale. Well, they returned a few days later, and said they measured the diameter, and it was 1-1/8 inches. I happened to have a clamp that size sitting right next to my cash register, so I made the sale and they went home happy. And the thing was, they were needing the clamp for the steer tube on a push scooter (for their son), so my overriding concern (since I don't sell scooters, and, like bikes, you never know if one brand is spec'd the same as another) was their son's safety, and, if I sold them the wrong sized clamp, what if they were riding it and the handlebars separated from the steer tube? And then, who would be "at fault", the "non-expert" father who "guessed" at the size, or the "expert" retailer that sold them the part? So, that was a "long story", of course, and it was (technically) about a "clamp", and not a "post", but it's the same principle, that .2 millimeters can make a difference in the clamp properly securing the post. Thanks for the reply, and I'm glad you got things squared away. 👍

@jilliem Жыл бұрын

I purchased the al2 and replaced the bar tape. It was also wrapped in the wrong direction.

@tinnguyenmd Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your great videos. Glad to hear the bike is comfortable! I understand you got the 54 cm frame. How tall are you?

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm 5' 8" with a 32 inch inseam.

@kevinborovsky3558 Жыл бұрын

Great looking bike. For the seat post issue what if you bought a quick release style? Anyways glad u are so pleased with the bike

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Thanks. It might work but I'm going to try Richey Liquid Torque, which is similar to Loctite blue.

@Motorsportsgeek Жыл бұрын

I had extra bar tape and I doubled up over the stock tap where my hands go so I have two layers. More comfortable but also will make the stock tape last longer since its poor quality tape.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

That's a good idea, thanks.

@ScabbedOverSwollenLymphNodes 4 ай бұрын

I’m making the transition from running to cycling after essentially having my running career cut short due to a bad back. I’ve got some stenosis and budging discs that I’m working on in PT. Im glad to hear that you’ve found a bike that is comfortable for you and am hoping I have the same experience. Cheers!

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder 4 ай бұрын

Thanks, and good luck with your back. I've been there and I sympathize.

@petrpospisil1127 Жыл бұрын

Hi Jim. A possible solution to the slipping seatpost might be liquid torque by Ritchey.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

That you. I've never heard of that but I will certainly check it out!

@TheSphmn Жыл бұрын

I have the same bike, same issue. I used finish line gibet grip and no more issue

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

@@TheSphmn thanks

@moflyboyblanquito541 Жыл бұрын

I don’t know if I lucked out. But I love mine.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

I could not be more pleased with mine.

@ss_whole Жыл бұрын

Put some grease on your seat post so it does not move, works on my bikes

@silpasilpaa.s8227 Жыл бұрын

Super👍👍👌

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@arnoldoblanco4136 Жыл бұрын

Hello Jim , thanks a lot for your honest review. The AL 3 is the model I want as my firts road bike however I am not sure yet about how good or bad are the mechanical brakes. So far only riding MTB with hydraulic brakes and I love it. Any advice on the brakes that comes with this model? Thanks in advance

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

I also have hydraulic discs on my mtbs and cable brakes on my road bikes. Although, the AL3 is my only disc brake road bike. So far, I have found the cable discs to be really good, especially compared to rim brakes. I think I'll eventually upgrade the discs and pads, a lot easier and more cost-effective than upgrading the groupset to get hydraulics.

@arnoldoblanco4136 Жыл бұрын

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Hello Jim, thanks for your answer. I think I will test the brakes before considering any upgrade, If you say they are ok I am sure they are ;) See you. Thanks

@arnoldoblanco4136 Жыл бұрын

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Hello Jim, thanks for your answer. I think I will test the brakes before considering any upgrade, If you say they are ok I am sure they are ;) See you. Thanks

@emelcordova1906 Жыл бұрын

Hello, congratulations for the video. Can the Domane AL 3 be fitted with 700 X 40c tires? Thanks for answering.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Hello. Thanks. According to Trek, the biggest tires the Domane can take are 35mm.

@FisherFAST Жыл бұрын

Yes... I have a Domane AL4 and have fitted 700x40c Pirelli Gravel H tires. I needed to also change the front Tiagra derailleur though to a 105 for tire clearance on the rear. It may not be an issue though for the Claris/Sora.

@silpasilpaa.s8227 Жыл бұрын

👍

@thekerryman Жыл бұрын

Nice looking bike but surprised it bears the Domane name without the IsoSpeed. That must only be possible on carbon.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

In this generation, the Iso feature was in the head tube rather than the seat post. They went back to the seat post with the current generation.

@mavcek Жыл бұрын

Re the seat post problem, without being rude what weight are you... Just curious if this would add to the problem

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Nope, not rude. I'm at 202 right now. The Liquid Torque fixed it.

@comedyman112 Жыл бұрын

how did you solve the sinking seat post issue?

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

The post was 27.0mm, instead of 27.2mm. So I swapped in a spare from my Marin hardtail and the problem was solved!

@alfridantnt9694 Жыл бұрын

what is your height and what is the size of the bicycle frame? I can't decide 54 vs 56

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

Hi, I'm 5' 8" with a 32 inch inseam and I can't ask for a better fit with this 54.

@alfridantnt9694 Жыл бұрын

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder thanks ;)

@tk4165 Жыл бұрын

Hi, the post may not be the right size. Try a different one and see if that helps.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

I did. The stock one was 27.0mm instead of 27.2. I installed the post from my Marin hardtail and it fits perfectly.

@lucanus8997 11 ай бұрын

The seat post slipping sounds like a defect to me. Do they all slip, or just yours? I would return if I could.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder 11 ай бұрын

I can't speak about any others. The shop offered to warranty it but by then I had solved the problem.

@Sheisintomalakasdino Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure how Trek got this geometry so right, I too have back issues, I've owned specialized, Cannondale, felt, cervelo, all of these bikes gave me back issues, Trek git this completely right with the domane.

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Жыл бұрын

It's so nice to be able to ride pain free, isn't it? My hat is off to Trek.

@jazzfan7491 9 ай бұрын

9 speed is probably nice and quiet

@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder 9 ай бұрын

It is indeed, I think largely due to the relatively wide spacing on the cogs, which minimize chain rub.

@jazzfan7491 9 ай бұрын

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Yes my 9 speed hybrid with cheapo Sora is way quieter than my fancy carbon race bike with 11 speed Ultegra (2014 vintage, I must admit)