trek sl6 domane 2023

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Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 47cm, 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm, 62cm

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed, internal storage, tapered head tube, internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle
• Fork Domane SL carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle
• Battery Shimano BT-DN300
• Hubs Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, Tubeless Ready, 25 mm rim width, Shimano 11/12-speed freehub, 142x12 thru axle
• Wheels Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, Tubeless Ready, 25mm rim width
• Tires Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32c
• Chain Shimano SLX M7100, 12 speed
• Crank Size: 47, Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 165mm length; Size: 50, 52, Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 170mm length; Size: 54, 56, Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 172.5mm length; Size: 58, 60, 62, Shimano 105 R7100, 50/34, 175mm length
• Bottom Bracket Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing
• Front Derailleur Shimano 105 R7150 Di2, braze-on, down swing
• Rear Derailleur Shimano R7150 Di2, 36T max cog
• Shifters Shimano 105 R7170 Di2, 12 speed
• Brakeset Shimano 105 hydraulic disc, BR-R7170 flat mount caliper, resin pad w/fin
• Handlebar Size: 47, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 36cm width; Size: 50, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 38cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 54, 56, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 42cm width; Size: 58, 60, 62, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 44cm width
• Saddle Size: 47, 50, 52, Bontrager Verse Short Comp, steel rails, 155mm width; Size: 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, Bontrager Verse Short Comp, steel rails, 145mm width
• Seatpost Size: 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, Domane carbon seatpost, KVF shaping, 20mm offset, 280mm length; Size: 58, 60, 62, Domane carbon seatpost, KVF shaping, 20mm offset, 320mm length
• Stem Size: 47, Bontrager RCS Pro, -7 degree, 70mm length; Size: 50, Bontrager RCS Pro, -7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 52, 54, Bontrager RCS Pro, -7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 56, 58, Bontrager RCS Pro, -7 degree, 100mm length; Size: 60, 62, Bontrager RCS Pro, -7 degree, 110mm length

Q: How much is a 2023 Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4?

A 2023 Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4 is typically priced around $4,699 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2023 Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4?

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size 2023 Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4 should I get?

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Trek Domane SL6 2023 Review

Trek redesigned the Domane lineup last fall. With new colors, better build kits, and some updates to the frame, it stacks up to be one hell of a do-it road bike. The new Domane sports a more streamlined look, with some design details from the Emonda; a sleek top tube with chiseled edges and an aerodynamic-ish down tube to help slice through the wind. Trek decided to forgo the front iso speed on the new gen4. With the stock 32mm tires, IsoFlex bars, and decent bar tape, this bike feels plenty smooth. My current setup comes in at 21.7 lbs with 2 Bontrager elite cages, Time attack xc4s, spur bell, and 38mm tires all paired with the Shimano 105 Di2 group set. They do have builds as light at 16lbs but that’s an astonishing $13k bike… The SL6 slots in at $4,699. Not a bargain and could use a better set of wheels at this price but the quality, reliability, and shop support make up for that in the long run.

My road riding days were peak in 2018 before I became obsessed with mountain bikes. I’ve put most of my road miles in on rim brake 11-speed Etap on full carbon bikes to alloy frames with first-gen 105 hydro. It was all pretty solid stuff but nothing like this Shimano DI2. It is a huge step forward from those for sure.

The Shifting

Shimano’s 12-speed 105 Di2 is a half-wireless group set. The battery is connected to the derailleurs and the shifters are wireless. Since the bike came put together I just charged it and it was good to go. The shifts are easy, quick, and reliable. With a great hood size and an adjustable lever, it will fit most hands pretty comfortably. When shifting under load there is a good clunk coming from the gears, but no mis-shifts or Dura-Ace is very quiet and super smooth but not noticeably better with precision and speed. The biggest thing I hear people talk down is that the 105 doesn’t get the braking servos that are on the Ultegra and Dura-Ace. I haven’t had them so I probably don’t need them. You could even upgrade rotors and pads for improved power if needed.

I have about 500 miles in on this bike and haven’t had to charge it yet. To be honest I have no clue how long it’s going to last and I’ll just run it till it’s dead. My guess is 600-1,000 miles. I’ll find out soon. The charging port is located on the rear mech and clips onto it pretty well. Long cable to reach any outlet in the garage or gear room. I believe it only takes 90 minutes but I didn’t count. I’ll check it in the next cycle. The battery is in the down tube and can be accessed from the internal storage door if needed. One thing I have noticed is that the Di2 wire is pretty close to the rear wheel sometimes. It’s got some slack to it, probably making it harder to pull out, but I have had it buzz my tire twice after some rougher rides. As well, the integrated headset routing isn’t for me; but that’s for later.

• Trek Domane SL6 54cm 21.7lbs
• Shimano 105 DI2 12 Speed
• 172.5mm Cranks and 50/34 Chainrings
• 11-34 Cassette
• 38mm Panaracer Gravel Kings w/tubes
• Time pedals

My Riding Experience

The Trek Domane is growing on me. Smooth, snappy, and capable of all-day riding. I would say 40% of my riding has been on gravel rail trails and it’s been efficient and effective. The tire clearance is plenty for what I want this bike to do, with 38mm being the max. I could have looked at a gravel bike like the Checkpoint, but I just wasn’t happy with the gearing they offered. Getting a more traditional road setup was just going to suit my riding style better.

At faster speeds this bike feels stable and sporty but in a more upright comfortable position. Smashing the pedals feels efficient. The threaded BB and Shimano crank have had no creaks, wobbles, or issues. I have been pleasantly surprised with how capable this bike is off-road. I thought it would feel fragile and unresponsive but it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it. One of the downsides is that the rear mech and chain slap a lot. Not a strong clutch. I would probably replace it with a GRX 12s DI2 whenever they decide to make it a thing.

Some other great features are hidden fender mounts (35mm tire clearance). All Domanes also have top tube and down tube mounts for all sorts of things. I like this for storage: the  Orucase Top Tube Bag . It’s big enough for a phone and plenty of snacks for long days. You could turn this bike into a light bike packing/multi-day adventure bike. Oh and let’s not forget about the down tube storage either. Great for a tube, lever, and tool. I usually bring a mini pump with me, not the biggest fan of co2, but that should fit in there as well.

The Not So Good

As much as I have loved the shifting, comfort, and capability of this bike, there are a few weak points.

First is the integrated headset cables. I know it’s a road bike and it makes it more aero, but adjusting the stem and spacers was quite annoying for me since I ended up doing it 4 to 5 times to dial everything in. That being said, once it’s set up, it completes the look.

Secondly is the bar tape. As pictured below this started to just separate on the bends on both sides at the same time. I usually have my hands on the hoods. On one ride it was mostly rough gravel and about halfway through it just started to peel and come apart. Maybe my hands were in the wrong spot but I feel like there wasn’t any pressure on them that day and could have just been a fluke.

Third would be the Bontrager Paradigm comp 25 wheels. I will say they are good but not great.. for the price of the bike I would like to see something a bit lighter than 1780g. The hub engagement is fine and I do like the 25mm internal width for running the wide tires. A similar spec Emonda is only $300 more and comes with carbon wheels that are over 100g lighter and more aero.

Lastly would be the seat post. Trek uses this D-shaped design and the bolt to tighten it is in the worst spot. It’s so bad they had to make this magnetic cover to keep it hidden.

The Domane SL6 has been one of the better all-around bikes I’ve owned so far. The bike that just does it all, can and will. Any Domane SL or SLR is seriously worth looking into if you want the snappy feel like a race bike but the extra tire clearance and comfort of a gravel bike. This bike won’t be winning any races with me riding it, but it’s going to help me crush my fitness goals, improve my riding habits, and give me more smiles per mile than any of my other recent road bikes.

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Trek Domane SL 6 Review: Top-Quality Parts and Endurance Performance

Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4 is Trek’s second-highest bike in the carbon SL range and it spares no expense on top-quality parts and manufacture.

From here on up is the Domane SLR range, bikes that are focused on team-sponsored events and are mostly unaffordable to individual riders.

At its core, the SL 6 boasts Trek’s groundbreaking IsoSpeed shock reduction system built into its patented 500 Series OCLV carbon frame.

Together, the two offer one of the best carbon road bike framesets available, providing rigid stability and exceptional comfort.

Trek Domane SL 6 Quick Overview

Main features, is the trek domane sl 6 right choice for you, is it worth the money.

With a Shimano 105 groupset, internal Di2 routing, Paradigm Comp rims, and a carbon seat post, it’s clear to see that Trek spared no expense when building the Domane SL6.

• Frame : 500 Series OCLV Carbon, front and rear IsoSpeed, DuoTrap S compatible
• Fork : Domane SLR carbon, internal brake routing, fender mounts
• Front Derailleur : Shimano 105 R7150 Di2
• Rear Derailleur : Shimano R7150 Di2
• Wheels : Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, tubeless-ready
• Number of Gears : 22
• Brakes : Shimano SM-RT70
• Tires : Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, aramid bead, 700x32c
• Weight : 19.63 lbs / 8.90 kg

Get From TREK

The Domane SL 6 features quality parts from top to bottom, starting with the IsoSpeed frame and working down to the 105 groupset and Paradigm rims.

It’s a bicycle that personifies speed, comfort, and efficiency in every way possible.

Shimano 105 groupset

Domane SL 6 used to sport a Shimano Ultegra groupset, but this year they’ve switched it back to 105.

While it might seem like a downgrade, 105 is one of the most popular groupsets among road cyclists and amateur racers.

Shimano 105 groupset offers performance and reliability all in one

OCLV carbon IsoSpeed frame

Trek has spent years developing its IsoSpeed system and it’s come through several iterations to reach the current product.

Designed as a means to absorb road shock without sacrificing efficiency, IsoSpeed is a somewhat futuristic frame technology.

It works by decoupling the seat tube from the frame using a rocker cup that permits some flex while maintaining rigidity.

While it might sound like overkill, it works so well you’ll likely never want to ride another bike without it.

This has been combined with its highly compacted, low-void carbon frame to add strength and confidence on even the roughest terrain.

If you’ve ever come off of a long ride feeling like your flesh has shaken off your bones, you’ll appreciate IsoSpeed technology.

It is particularly welcome on the famous cobbled streets that any European rider will be very well familiar with.

Paradigm Comp wheels

Trek Domane SL 6 comes fitted with Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 TLR Disc road wheels with a Shimano 11-speed freehub on the rear.

The tubeless-ready rims have a 25mm inner width designed for wide road or gravel tires.

The SL 6 also comes with uncommonly large tires, in this case, Bontrager R2 Hard-Case aramid-bead 700x32c tires.

It’s an odd feature for a road bike but the extra fork clearance can actually take tires up to 38c in size.

Endurance geometry

The geometry on Trek’s Domane SL range of bikes is designed to balance speed with comfort. It utilizes a slightly higher head tube to put the rider in a less aggressive position.

This provides better stability and comfort while maintaining a high degree of performance.

This helps the rider to conserve energy over long distances so there is still some juice in the tank for the final home stretch.

Micro-adjust seatmast

Amongst the Domane SL 6’s multitude of features is the micro-adjustable carbon seatmast.

It’s lightweight, aerodynamic, and provides millimeter-perfect adjustments for the exact right fit.

Professional riders will know the difference that even a millimeter in seat height can have on performance.

With the micro-adjust seatmast, you’ll be able to shave those much-needed seconds off your record time.

The Trek Domane SL 6 comes in 9 different sizes to fit heights of 4’11” to 6’5″.

• 44 : 4’11” – 5’0″
• 47 : 5’0″ – 5’2″
• 50 : 5’2″ – 5’4″
• 52 : 5’4″ – 5’6″
• 54 : 5’6″ – 5’9″
• 56 : 5’9″ – 5’11”
• 58 : 5’11” – 6’1″
• 60 : 6’1″ – 6’3″
• 62 : 6’3″ – 6’5″

Trek Domane SL 6 is a professional carbon road for riders who compete regularly in races, sportives, and cycling events.

As the price indicates, it is not designed for casual use. The true potential would not be fully realized by an amateur rider.

However, the Trek Domane range does serve something of a niche in the carbon road bike world.

Rather than focusing purely on speed, Domane bikes are best suited to riders who will be tackling a variety of different terrain.

If you often find yourself held back by cobblestones, gravel, or dirt track, then the Domane SL 6 could be the answer you’re looking for.

It’s specifically designed to tackle undesirable terrain with smooth and calculated efficiency.

Check out our other reviews on Trek Domane Bikes: AL 2 , AL 3 , SL4 and SL5 . 

Related: Trek Bikes Explained – In-Depth Overview

However, if purchased for the right reasons and used for its intended purpose, the Domane SL 6 will certainly make the buyer feel they have got their money’s worth.

The strong and build and quality parts mean the bike will last for years without the need for any expensive repairs or upgrades.

It represents the type of investment that may cost a lot initially but pays off in the long run.

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2 thoughts on “ trek domane sl 6 review: top-quality parts and endurance performance ”.

I’m wondering about a point that was made in your review. You state that the IsoSpeed decouples the steerer tube and seat tube from the frame, but the Generation 4 Domane under review only has a rear IsoSpeed decoupler. (You can see this if you follow your link to the Trek web site for the bike under review.) The last Domane that had both front and rear IsoSpeed was Generation 3, which was discontinued in 2022.

Hi Steve! You’re right, thank you for pointing that out. It was an honest mistake that has now been corrected.

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Trek Domane SL6 review

IsoSpeed front- and rear-equipped sportive bike that's one of our Endurance Bike of the Year 2020 contenders

David Caudery / Immediate Media

Warren Rossiter

Ride quality, assured handling, smoothness throughout

It carries a bit more weight than its rivals

For 2020, the Trek Domane’s front and rear IsoSpeed suspension-equipped chassis has undergone a major overhaul. It's lost a little weight, gained further aero shaping and, now that the design is disc specific, it’s opened up tyre clearance to a massive 38c size.

The geometry's been tweaked too, to a short reach at 380mm, with a mid-height 611mm stack for a 58cm-sized endurance bike.

What hasn’t changed, though, is the key to the Domane’s continued success – its palmarès includes wins at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders – and that’s the quality of the ride.

Bike of the Year 2020

The Trek Domane SL6 is part of our annual Bike of the Year test.

Head to our Bike of the Year hub for the full list of winners, categories and shortlisted bikes, as well as the latest reviews – or read our behind-the-scenes feature on how we tested Bike of the Year 2020 .

Trek Domane SL6 frame

At the heart of this is its IsoSpeed decoupler. Simply put, it maintains the diamond-shaped geometry but 'decouples' the seat tube from the top tube, allowing the seat tube to flex with the lay of the road.

Trek has done a great job in reshaping the Domane and the bike now looks super-clean with little in the way of exposed cables anywhere, adding to the aerodynamic appeal.

The front-end routes the cables under the bar and stem and around the steerer tube, entering the frame just behind the head tube in a similar fashion to how Cervélo routes cables on its long running S-Series aero bikes.

The new Domane frame also includes quite a neat little surprise under the down-tube bottle bosses. There you'll find a compartment with a quick-release lever with enough space to store a spare tube, C02 cartridge and multi-tool. Inside there’s also a custom-sized tool wrap to stop any rattles or shakes.

It’s a neat idea and one I really like because it keeps your jersey pockets free of stuff and the bike looks cleaner without a grubby, mud-splattered saddle pack.

Trek Domane SL6 kit

Trek’s choice to specify 32mm tyres is certainly at odds with most endurance bikes and elevates overall weight to the 9.5kg mark, which is more in line with a gravel bike than a road-ready rig.

However, the SL6 doesn’t feel heavy when you’re riding it and the R2 tyres are impressive, featuring durable all-weather tread and hard-case protection that covers the roughest ground smoothly – everything from roughly chipped tarmac to frost scarred lanes and even light gravel – which makes up for carrying a few hundred extra grams over its rivals.

I’ve been impressed by their grip and puncture protection too, during plenty of winter test miles.

They sit well (and wide) on the Paradigm Comp 25 wheels. The Paradigms have an alloy rim that’s seriously broad at 25mm wide internally, which shapes the R2 tyres with a smooth, constant radius that boosts confidence when cornering.

Those wheels are beautifully put together with a build comprising serviceable brass nipples that hold the aero-bladed spokes in place, while the Rapid-drive, 54-tooth rear picks up quickly and spins smoothly. At 1,775g, they're not the lightest wheels but they're damn tough.

Unfortunately, unlike the Paradigm wheels, the tyres aren’t tubeless-compatible, so should you want to get the benefits of an inner tube-free ride, more versatility on tyre pressure, the elimination of pinch punctures and an ever-widening range of tyre options in the larger sizes the Domane can handle, you’ll need to replace them.

Just like pretty much every bike out there in this price range, Ultegra is the order of the day and the kind-to-your-knees 50/34 gearing is matched to a wide 11-34 cassette.

This equipped me with a low enough gear to attack the steepest of inclines knowing that a one-to-one bottom gear was there in reserve.

Trek Domane SL6 ride impressions

In an ideal world, the Domane would be a little lighter because it doesn’t share the same sprightly upward momentum as its lightweight endurance rivals, such as Canyon’s Endurace or Cannondale’s Synapse, but it boils down to a trade-off between class-leading comfort or climbing prowess.

Downhill, though, the Domane is a supreme partner. The IsoSpeed-equipped chassis sits down and grips where plenty of bikes can skit and skip across the road surface, especially when the surface is less than ideal.

Paired with excellent Ultegra brakes and Ice-tech rotors, the SL6 is one of the most enjoyable descending companions out there.

The Domane’s handling feels very stable and, despite that short 380mm reach and mid-height 611mm stack, doesn’t feel cramped or particularly upright or pedestrian. It’s just a very good place to spend lots of hours in the saddle.

Trek Domane SL6 overall

The SL6 has a huge amount going for it. The ride quality never fails to impress and it handles with assured stability without being dull.

If I was looking for a bike for a big challenge on sub-optimal roads then the Domane would be the first bike on that shortlist.

Trek Domane SL6 geometry

• Sizes (* tested): 44, 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58*, 60, 62cm
• Seat angle: 73 degrees
• Head angle: 72 degrees
• Chainstay: 42.5cm
• Seat tube: 54.8cm
• Top tube: 56.7cm
• Head tube: 19.5cm
• Fork offset: 4.8cm
• Bottom bracket drop: 7.8cm
• Wheelbase: 1,022mm
• Stack: 61.1cm
• Reach: 38cm

With thanks to...

BikeRadar would like to thank 100% , Q36.5 , Lazer , Garmin and Facom for their support during our Bike of the Year test.

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Trek Domane SL 6 review

The versatile and comfortable Trek Domane SL 6 put to the test

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The Trek Domane SL 6 is a do-it-all bike that offers amazing comfort over long distances. It may not be the most sprightly bike out there, but it's a versatile machine that won't let you down, and comes with a great spec at a competitive price.

Comfortable

Slightly sluggish on steep hills

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Trek Domane SL 6 enters Editor's Choice 2019 thanks to its superb versatility and great spec that provides comfort over any endurance ride. I've done century rides, touring rides and fast paced group rides with the Domane SL 6 never letting me down. A reliable bike that is a pleasure to ride, the Domane SL 6 is well worth it's place in this year's Editor's Choice.

The Trek Domane SL 6 is a very different kind of bike to the super-stiff frame and racey geometry I'd usually choose to ride. It's endurance setup and all-round capabilities won me over though and I was left hugely impressed after putting in a lot of miles on it.

>>> Best road bikes

>>> Buy now: Trek Domane SL 6 at Evans Cycles for £3200

The Domane is Trek's endurance offering, with its ride-smoothing IsoSpeed frame technology the unique selling point over other brands. The SL 6 is the mid-range offering, retailing at £3,200 with the most expensive version (the SLR 9) retailing at over £9,500.

The front and rear IsoSpeed is certainly the most noticeable thing when first riding the bike. Coming from a super-stiff frame, it's instantly noticeable how forgiving this bike is over rough roads and was perfect for the varying quality of British lanes in the early winter.

The IsoSpeed decouplers sit at the rear of the top tube and in the head tube, but unlike the higher end models in the Domane range you aren't able to adjust the rear IsoSpeed for more stiffness or more comfort on the SL 6. It would be a nice option to be able to adjust the bike to the style of riding your doing, but the comfort offered here on the fixed setting felt great nonetheless.

One concern ahead of riding the SL 6 was whether the dampening technology would compromise any power transfer or how fast the bike would feel. The SL 6 carbon fibre frame has some quite bulky tubes, and was responsive to seated and sprint efforts along the flats and draggy inclines. The aerodynamic shaping of the tubing also added to that feel.

Really steep climbs with efforts out of the saddle was the bike's weakest point however. It didn't feel sprightly - particularly in comparison to the Specialized Tarmac and Giant TCR I'd just ridden - and wasn't inspiring any attacking on the harsh ramps. But the Domane isn't really designed for that, though it features a wide range of gearing (50/34 at the front with 11-34 rear) that did allow me to get over anything with no trouble.

The best thing about this bike is definitely it's versatility. I used it for short commutes, long weekend rides, some short fast rides and even for multi-day touring. Trek has helped this feeling of versatility by building in neat features like the down tube storage compartment for your tubes, tyre levers and CO2 canisters, as well as built in mounts front and rear for Bontrager lights; all great touches that helped on those long rides and while touring.

Wheels can often be a mixed bag at this sort of price range, but I was impressed by the Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 wheels provided on the Domane SL 6. With a rim width of 25mm, the wheels came shod with 32mm tubeless Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite tyres that I thought rolled really well and felt plenty fast considering their size and shallow rim depth. Moreover, the wheels felt stable and robust, adding to the comfort factor for endurance riding. I had no punctures or issues with the wheels at all over hundreds of miles of testing. The frame also allows you to add up to 38mm tyres if you want to as well as mud guards, perfect for winter or taking the bike over cobbles or light gravel paths.

The SL 6 comes with mechanical Shimano Ultegra R8000 which as usual performed brilliantly with crisp and reliable shifting. The bike uses flat-mount Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes which really added to the feel on long or technical descents.

In terms of value I think the Domane SL 6 is in the expected range for what its offering, coming in £200 cheaper than the comparable Specialized Roubaix Comp for example. Although this isn't the kind of bike I would usually ride, I was genuinely taken with what the SL 6 offered with it's all-round capabilities.

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Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.

An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).

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2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 Review

Trek has been one of the leading manufacturers in the cycling industry for decades, and their latest release is no exception.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a high-end road bike that promises to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride while also being fast and efficient.

In this review, we will take a closer look at the features of the 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 and evaluate its performance on the road.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this bike may be the perfect addition to your collection. So, let’s dive into the details and see what this bike has to offer.

The Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a road bike that has been designed for endurance rides and long-distance cycling.

With a lightweight carbon frame and a comfortable riding position, this bike is perfect for riders who want to take on challenging rides without sacrificing comfort.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a top-of-the-line road bike that offers exceptional performance and unmatched comfort.

Designed for serious cyclists who demand the best, this bike is packed with advanced features that make it the perfect choice for long-distance rides, races, and everything in between.

– Advanced 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame construction for maximum strength and durability.

– IsoSpeed decoupler technology absorbs bumps and vibrations for a smooth, comfortable ride.

– Shimano 105 2×11 groupset featuring a 11-34t cassette and compact 50/34t chainrings provide reliable shifting and excellent performance.

– Tubeless-ready Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels and Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 700x32mm tires for improved traction and reduced rolling resistance.

– Flat mount Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power and control.

– Bontrager carbon seatpost and alloy handlebars for a lightweight, responsive feel.

– Sleek, modern design with eye-catching color options.

– Excellent customer reviews and ratings.

Frame and Design

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 comes with a lightweight 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame that has been designed to provide maximum comfort on long rides.

The frame features Trek’s IsoSpeed technology that helps to absorb road vibrations, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.

The bike also comes with a carbon fork that helps to reduce weight and increase stiffness.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 comes with a Shimano 105 2×11 groupset, which is known for its reliability and smooth shifting.

The bike features a compact 50/34T crankset and an 11-34T cassette that provides a wide range of gears for climbing hills and sprinting on flats.

The bike also comes with Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels that are lightweight and provide excellent aerodynamics.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 has been designed for maximum comfort on long rides.

The bike features Trek’s IsoZone handlebar system that helps to reduce road vibrations and provide a comfortable grip.

The bike also comes with a Bontrager Verse Short Comp saddle that provides excellent support and comfort for the rider.

Performance

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a bike that is designed for endurance rides and long-distance cycling.

The bike’s lightweight frame and comfortable riding position make it easy to ride for long hours without feeling fatigued.

The bike’s Shimano 105 groupset provides smooth shifting and a wide range of gears, making it easy to tackle challenging climbs and sprint on flats.

The 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is a road bike that has been designed for endurance rides and long-distance cycling.

With its lightweight frame, comfortable riding position, and reliable components, this bike is perfect for riders who want to take on challenging rides without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re looking for a bike that can take you on long rides and provide maximum comfort, the 2023 Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is definitely worth considering.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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• Rider Notes

2023 Trek Domane SL 6 Gen 4

A carbon frame endurance bike with upper mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes.

Cycle Limited

2023 Domane SL 6 Gen 4 - 60cm

In Stock: 60cm

Domane SLR 7 Gen 4 - 2023, 47cm

In Stock: XS

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

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.

Domane SL 6 Gen 4

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(descending)

Add custom gearing

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

4'11" – 5'3"

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5'8" – 6'0"

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6'0" – 6'4"

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• 6'0", size 56cm, Just right

Feb 2024 · Dave Rome

Trek’s most budget road bike, revamped, and still with class-leading tyre clearance.

Room for 40 mm tyres has this one ready for the gravel-curious. Solid build kit and frame will shrug off loaded commuting and mixed surfaces. Ready for fenders and a rack. Welcoming geometry and comfortable touch points.

Disc brakes make for a heavy bike

And the mechanical disc brakes here aren’t stellar. Heavy wheels and tyres make the bike feel more sluggish than it wants to be. Through-headset cable routing makes no sense on a bike with mechanical gears and brakes. Ultimately cheap gearing and brakes for a bike that

While Trek’s entry-level

Isn’t as affordable as it should be.

Read Review

Jan 2024 · Mat Brett

Find out about this endurance bike’s clever tech that smooths the road to keep you feeling fresh

Dec 2023 · Alvin Holbrook

It's easy to see why the Trek Domane SL all-road bike is so popular, even if it rubbed me the wrong way at times.

Now on its fourth iteration, the Trek Domane AL is packed with updates, a lighter frame, and room for larger tires.

Sep 2023 · Calvin Zajac

Can the Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 prove to be the ultimate all-road bike and adventure buddy in our 2023 all-road group test?

Coherent and versatile concept

Very comfortable thanks to the inconspicuously integrated IsoSpeed system

Timeless look that you won’t get tired of looking at

Internally routed cables rattle loudly

Mar 2023 · Robin Wilmott

The Domane AL 4 Disc is a good budget endurance bike that’s excellent on the road and very capable away from it

Well rounded, coherent ride

Great comfort

Useful practicality

Crankset deviation

Squeaky-feeling saddle

Thin handlebar tape

Jan 2023 · Josh Croxton

Fewer Isospeeds means it's a little less comfortable, but the new Domane SLR 9 is fast, fun, and ready for an adventure

Easy to use storage compartment with neat & organising tool wrap

Simplified Isospeed vibration damping

38mm tyre clearance

Power meter included

Neat, low-maintenance integrated cockpit

Oh boy is it pricey

I would hope for top-spec tyres at this price

Oct 2022 · James Spender

The Domane is a tremendously smooth bike thanks to Trek’s IsoSpeed rear damping system and high volume, 32mm tubeless tyres

Over-engineered

Last updated June 27 Not listed for 295 days

Domane AL Gen 3 or Gen 4?

Find out which Domane is right for you

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