The New Domane SLR or Is Carbon Comfortable Enough Yet?
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The New Domane SLR or Is Carbon Comfortable Enough Yet?
I have to admit, this made me laugh:
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
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I have to admit, this made me laugh:
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
#3
Vain, But Lacking Talent
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I never had the chance to own a steel road bike as I was always into BMX and mountain biking up until a few years ago so I never was able to appreciate a good steel frame. (I would still love to own a columbus tubed bike, however, as I think they are beautiful)
Had the chance to test the new Domane SLR out last week and was really amazed at how it works. The control to change the stiffness is really cool. You can make it absorb so much or stiffen it up so it does not feel as "lazy" in the bends.
I know a lot of people who said the previous domane felt dead to them and I can understand. Definitely think the new design is way better and will allow you to have the best of both worlds. You can ride a stiffer frame for when you are on normal pavement or smooth trails and adjust the dampening for when the roads go south in quality or you are on a vacation in Belgium.
Really enjoyed it for the little time I had with it and look forward to going on a longer ride with one now that is released officially.
Had the chance to test the new Domane SLR out last week and was really amazed at how it works. The control to change the stiffness is really cool. You can make it absorb so much or stiffen it up so it does not feel as "lazy" in the bends.
I know a lot of people who said the previous domane felt dead to them and I can understand. Definitely think the new design is way better and will allow you to have the best of both worlds. You can ride a stiffer frame for when you are on normal pavement or smooth trails and adjust the dampening for when the roads go south in quality or you are on a vacation in Belgium.
Really enjoyed it for the little time I had with it and look forward to going on a longer ride with one now that is released officially.
#5
Vain, But Lacking Talent
I have to admit, this made me laugh:
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
Also, I love a good steel frame as much as the next guy, but I've never seen a steel road bike that could be set up for rider weight/preference. Come to think of it, I guess I've never seen any road bike that could be set up for rider weight until now.
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Knowledgeable builders have been building for rider weight/preference for decades.
Last edited by Jarrett2; 04-04-16 at 01:18 PM.
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The zeal of True Believers...
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Steel structure's properties can't be manipulated the way carbon structure's properties can. Thats not marketing. Thats fact.
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Extra butter anyone?
#12
Vain, But Lacking Talent
I'm not disagreeing with the fact that a $500 dollar steel frame isn't awesome. I'm just saying that specific frame is going to work for a pretty narrow range in terms of rider weight and preference. Which is fine if you've got 10+ years of experience riding numerous frames and tubesets to find what you like. Or, you know, you could get a Domane, turn a bolt and move a slider up and down until it feels awesome and then keep riding. It may not be for you, but you can't sit and laugh as if it's not something customers will find to be an attractive and useful feature.
#13
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I have to admit, this made me laugh:
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
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I'm sure customers will find it attractive. They've been trained by marketing to find new carbon things attractive.
Find it useful? Eh. Might check back with owners after a few months to see how many times they've touched that 4mm screw
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There's some serious pro-steel agenda and I can't tell if it's just old people who can't let go or if it belongs to the person that is just dollar conscious. I mean, yeah, of course, $11,000 bicycles are stupid for everyone out there except the man who has everything else already. But to say a $500 steel frame from yester-years competes with it is kinda hokey.
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I have to admit, this made me laugh:
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
Trek Domane SLR with front and rear IsoSpeed launched - BikeRadar
2017 Trek Domane SLR: full tech details and first impressions | CyclingTips
So carbon fiber replaces steel bikes. Then people ride them for a few years and figured out they are too uncomfortable as they are. So manufacturers add vibration dampeners and vertically compliant seat posts, but that's not enough. Finally Trek creates the Domane with a seat tube that actually flexes a little. Hmm, that sounds familiar.
But then the front end is too stiff, so they make a new Domane where the seat tube flexes a little bit AND the steerer tube flexes some as well. Hmm, a frame designed so that it has some compliance built into it. That sounds familiar again. Not only that, they made the tire clearance great so you can also run bigger, more cushy tires on it.
So for between $5,000 - $11,000, Trek has made a carbon bike that *might* be as comfortable as a $500 steel road bike. Hmm
My Emonda is just as nice as a riding road bike as my many steel bikes, but it's lighter and faster....and surprisingly cheaper to buy.
I really love steel bikes, but a good carbon bike is great too. There is room for both materials in bike-dom. But honestly, a $500 steel bike is still a pile compared to a $2000 or more steel bike.
Trek, with this new Domane, is making a bike that can be setup to be very compliant (for long efforts like a century or beyond) or setup stiffer for the hour long club ride. Sounds fine to me. I can see certain riders wanting a feature like that.
When I was shopping for a new road bike I test rode the Domane 5.9 and I honestly felt that bike was not only as smooth riding as my Rivendell Roadeo, but was lighter and quicker up hills.
Last edited by RJM; 04-04-16 at 02:00 PM.
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I can only assume when someone makes this type of statement that they are blessed with some really smooth roads in their area.
My time on a Emonda didn't yield the same belief. I couldn't get off of it quickly enough once the road became less than smooth.
I spoke with a woman at a cycling event yesterday that said she had sold her old steel bike and got a new aluminum bike with a carbon fork recently. She thought that something was wrong with her new bike because when she started going fast on it, the front end would rattle and shake on chip seal roads and her old bike didn't do that.
My time on a Emonda didn't yield the same belief. I couldn't get off of it quickly enough once the road became less than smooth.
I spoke with a woman at a cycling event yesterday that said she had sold her old steel bike and got a new aluminum bike with a carbon fork recently. She thought that something was wrong with her new bike because when she started going fast on it, the front end would rattle and shake on chip seal roads and her old bike didn't do that.
#19
Vain, But Lacking Talent
Look, we're all very happy that you like your steel bikes and find no need for a carbon bike. That's awesome, really. We're glad that you're glad. Take a moment to embrace the philosophy of "Live and let live" and just walk away from this silliness.
#20
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There's some serious pro-steel agenda and I can't tell if it's just old people who can't let go or if it belongs to the person that is just dollar conscious. I mean, yeah, of course, $11,000 bicycles are stupid for everyone out there except the man who has everything else already. But to say a $500 steel frame from yester-years competes with it is kinda hokey.
#21
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The majority of riding on my new bike is to hammer two hour club rides or solo interval puke fests, which the Emonda is suited greatly for. To tell you the truth, when I am riding like that I don't have the time or the inclination to think about road surfaces and how uncomfortable they are. (The Emonda is better at this than my last bike...it's quicker) If I was going to be going cruising on 5 hour long rides at a more moderate tempo I would be more inclined to purchase the Domane. It's still a fine bike with a more relaxed geometry and it is more comfortable over rougher roads.
So far, the Emonda has been fine for the roads where I ride (which aren't glass smooth, but they aren't busted up either), but I'm not riding gravel stuff with it, nor have I taken it down any cobbled streets.
Last edited by RJM; 04-04-16 at 02:19 PM.
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If this is a discussion you do not wish to read or continue to participate in, are you sure that I am the one that needs to walk away?
#23
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I can only assume when someone makes this type of statement that they are blessed with some really smooth roads in their area.
My time on a Emonda didn't yield the same belief. I couldn't get off of it quickly enough once the road became less than smooth.
I spoke with a woman at a cycling event yesterday that said she had sold her old steel bike and got a new aluminum bike with a carbon fork recently. She thought that something was wrong with her new bike because when she started going fast on it, the front end would rattle and shake on chip seal roads and her old bike didn't do that.
My time on a Emonda didn't yield the same belief. I couldn't get off of it quickly enough once the road became less than smooth.
I spoke with a woman at a cycling event yesterday that said she had sold her old steel bike and got a new aluminum bike with a carbon fork recently. She thought that something was wrong with her new bike because when she started going fast on it, the front end would rattle and shake on chip seal roads and her old bike didn't do that.
I honestly don't find the Emonda harsh at all and I'm coming from a Rivendell Roadeo, so if there were some huge difference in jarring ride quality, I think I would be feeling it.
#24
Vain, But Lacking Talent
lol, it's a discussion forum about road bikes. This is the newest announced road bike that I'm aware of. We're having a discussion about it, its engineering, its cost, relevance, how it compares to other road bikes, etc.
If this is a discussion you do not wish to read or continue to participate in, are you sure that I am the one that needs to walk away?
If this is a discussion you do not wish to read or continue to participate in, are you sure that I am the one that needs to walk away?
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