Back to basics: Review of the Trek Domane SL 6 AXS

​The Trek Domane is undoubtedly one of the pioneering products in its category. Fans of the model range might be disappointed at first glance by the fifth generation of this long-distance icon – particularly if they appreciate the enormous technical effort the US brand has put into this comfort road bike in previous years. The complex IsoSpeed suspension system, which in previous models decoupled the seat tube and top tube near the seat tube clamp via a ball bearing, has been removed in the latest iteration. The front IsoSpeed system, which allowed the steerer tube freedom of movement to absorb impacts via a pivoting headset, is also no longer featured on the current Domane. The Trek Domane SL 6 AXS costs 3,999 euros and is available here, for example.

Tyre volume instead of ball bearings

Instead, you now get a fairly no-frills, pragmatically designed frame set without any major technical extravagances. The developers cite as their reason for omitting this feature that the cost and benefit of the system are no longer proportionate on a modern endurance road bike: IsoSpeed was a solution for the era of highly inflated 25-millimetre tyres; today, this role is taken on by tyres that have become significantly wider. Consequently, Trek has fitted the new Domane with 35-millimetre standard tyres, which are among the widest in the test line-up. ­

In fact, the thick tyres merely mask the fact that the frame set’s comfort rating has deteriorated only slightly compared with its predecessor. The round carbon seatpost now fitted also provides quite good suspension compared with competitors, meaning that the new Domane fully meets the comfort standards expected of its category. The same applies to the riding position, which is distinctly upright and made even more comfortable by the fitted aluminium handlebars with a 20-millimetre rise.

Heavy, but practical and sturdy

A positive side effect of the slimmed-down frame – which presumably also costs less to produce – is that the spec is now competitive. Whilst previously with the Domane you either had to pay a premium or accept compromises on the spec, the Trek, with its SRAM Rival AXS and simple carbon rims from its own Bontrager brand, compares favourably. The fact that, at almost nine kilos, it is still one of the heaviest bikes in the test is partly down to the wide, robust tyres, but also to other details such as the basic aluminium handlebars and the saddle.

Ready for a wide range of occasions

The bike rides superbly, handling fast corners predictably; it impresses with comfortable tyres that roll well, comfortable contact points and components that work flawlessly. That said, you have to look a little harder to spot the unique features on the new Domane – but there are distinctive details to be found. For instance, the frame features small threaded mounts on the top tube and in the chainstay triangle, to which frame bags of various sizes can be attached. There are also mounts for fixed mudguards on the fork and rear triangle. These even fit over the wide standard tyres; the bike theoretically accommodates tyres up to 40 millimetres wide, which means the Domane’s range of use can be expanded considerably.

With the classic clamped handlebars and brake cables running beneath the stem, the riding position can be adjusted with minimal effort. The bike is easy to maintain, and the components are robust and designed to last. Last but not least, the lifetime guarantee on the frame set is a strong selling point. The bike is also available in a more affordable version with mechanical Shimano 105 and aluminium rims for €2,499; according to the manufacturer, this doesn’t make it much heavier. However, for the lightweight SLR version with premium components, you can spend over 10,000 euros; one of these versions, featuring SRAM Red 1x13 groupset, is said to weigh just 6.6 kilograms.