McBTC

Looks like Trek isn't making my next bike in its 2019 model line-up. I saw a $2.2K Trek Domane SL 5 - 2018 in my size and while I'm not against CF I don't need to save the few pounds of frame weight (and, I'd rather have a aluminum steerer).

The SL has caliper brakes and comes stock with 28 tires which is what I'd like to have-- so, having disc brakes to accommodate larger tires isn't necessary; however, for me.

An ALR 5 Domaine (105 components on an aluminum frame) at, e.g., ~$1799 list would be the ticket-- it'd have me trying to make a deal. Unfortunately, that combo it's not an option... closest would be an ALR dressed up in Tiagra.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

Yep...I was waiting too but found out that it was discontinued. I just took delivery of a '19 Domane SL 6 Disk tonight...BTW, I think the steerers on the AL Domanes are carbon anyway...Are they not making an Aluminum Checkpoint?

Edit...Yep...Here it is. May be the ticket...

​​​​​​https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...rCode=greydark

McBTC

Checked it-- missing out on rear iso-speed but... may be a great bike but it'll be different. Guess I could talk myself into CF and maybe up myself to the disc to allow for 32 wheels but even then, I thought by '19s there's be some color options other than black with a bit of red but for the '19 SLR5 Disc, no such luck.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

I originally went out to buy an ALR 5 but they were all gone. I ordered an Canyon and it didn't fit right and went back. At that point, I was done and just spent the extra cash..I looked at the SL 5 when I bought mine as well but, I was able to get the SL 6 for 600.00 more so to me, it was worth it. And, I was able to get it in Grey. I didn't consider the SLRs. I already spent more than I planned.

McBTC

So... you have rim brakes? What size tire are you running? I'm not sure SL versus SLR means much to me since I guess both have ISO front and back (if they're offering both in '19, how different can they be, other than perhaps, more expensive wheels) and rim brakes would be okay too especially if they'll handle up to ~32s since anything more than 28s probably would just be a bonus I might not even opt for. It looks like all of the 105-configurations have a freewheel up to 34T instead of 32T so that's not a decider (with an 11 spd hub I think it's nice to at least have a compact setup with a 1-to-1 gear option (34x34). In any event I'm going in thinking about spending ~$1700 and with Trek's Domane it looks like I'm already at over $2,2K for the most basic offering in 105 componentry. Trek's trade-in program looks like my '15 Z85 would be worth ~$300.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

I got the disc model. The SLR frame is quite a bit lighter than the SL frame and the rear iso speed is adjustable but those weren't a concern for me.

WhyFi

I always sound like a broken record, but if you can find a 2018 Domane SL 5 Gravel, it's a) the same frame as the Domane SL 5/6 Disc b) comes with Ultegra-level levers and calipers for the same price as the SL 5 Disc c) is not black (matte blue/gray). It really is one of the better values out there.

Campag4life

WhyFi. I am not disputing what you said because you may have personal experience, but why then would Trek sell two identical bikes except for a different paint job and call it something else? You are saying a std Domane is a Domane Gravel except for the tires they put from the factory that many replace anyway.

Seems odd that Trek would go with Gravel tire clearance on the std. Domane.

Can you shed any further light?

WhyFi

Marketing. A) it will "only" clear 35mm tires b) until the release of the Checkpoint earlier this year, they didn't have a true gravel bike but wanted to get in the action.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

The Domane SL6 Disk comes stock with 32mm tires and has plenty of room to spare.

Campag4life

I see. There is review on the web that likes the Domane Gravel but they call it out for being an imposter for not being able to fit tires bigger than 35c and you know if you ride gravel on occasion, depending on the severity of the road, 35c is too narrow for some gravel grinding.
Specialized does it differently. They have the Roubaix and Diverge...but, the frames are different. Diverge can fit much wider rubber and therefore a more suitable gravel bike when the road is more severe.

Campag4life

Comports with what WhyFi stated. Honestly this is more generalization and less specialization if you think about. Many will do nicely with 35c and smaller which makes the Domane a good all arounder but not the tool for the job on knarlier gravel roads when tire size closer to 40c works better.

WhyFi

Like I said, they have the Checkpoint now. The gravel name and upgraded trim were stop-gaps/enticements until the Checkpoint was ready for production. The Domane Gravel is no more, but you can find them on the shelves occasionally and they're a great value if you do.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

I personally don't get the Gravel bike thing...I have an XC Mountain bike that is plenty fast on gravel roads and not slow on the pavement.

WhyFi

There'sa fun GCN video of a race between Simon on a gravel bike and one of the mtb presenters on an XC. I think it takes place in Italy, too.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

I saw that. Awesome video! Can't remember who won though. I'm going back to watch it again.

Campag4life

I am totally with you. I built a light 29er expressly for gravel grinding and I could shred the gravel on the thing. For gravel grinding I want a slightly more upright but still stretched out XC flatbar set up with Ergon grips. So much more comfortable than a dropbar bike for the rough stuff. Love a drop on smooth tarmac...not so much on gravel.

WhyFi

IIRC, Si got two flats and still killed him.

Campag4life

Great video tho maybe different video which is about 'which bike is fastest'. Believe best times on the cobbles was set on the 29er. They talked about the comfort. Likely my opinion is colored by my advancing years and why a racing mountain bike is fastest for me on rough road...can't take the beating.

On a similar note, I am in literal awe of the Paris Roubaix race...how fast those guys rip the cobbles on effectively wide tired road bikes. They are from a different planet.

When out in the fast group there is one section of road we ride through sometime we come through at 25mph or so and it literally beats the $h!t out of everybody. Many know that ride rough road fast, faster you ride, the more brutal it is. Top Classics racers are real men.

Cobbles on 29er:

Pizzaiolo Americano 

I can't find the video now...

McBTC

The '18 SL 5 I saw didn't mention 'gravel' on the tag but... are we talking about the same bike? I guess now that you mention it, the top bar may been more gray than black; however, the calipers were labeled 105 not Ultegra but... you say they're the same as Ultegra too or just the levers?

It comes with 28s all around and there's plenty of room in the back between the top of tire and the seat stay bracket but, no way for me to know from looking if a 32 also would fit in there-- are you saying there's room for 32s but not 35s?

In any event, I'm not used to paying full MSRP for a year old bike, especially when the new models already are arriving. That said, I don't often see a road bike in my size on the shelf, ready to go so... my eyes were blinded by the sparkle.

McBTC

Re, above-- think I get it... the 2018 SL 5 Gravel is a disc bike whereas the '18 SL 5 model I saw on the shelf has caliper brakes so... not a 'gravel.' . Still, it'd be interesting to know if 30-32 tires would fit under those calipers.

voyager1

I too am disappointed in the Domane ALR5 not coming out, what would be a good alternative from another brand? My local Trek store steered me towards the Edmonda. I haven't test rode it yet, but I was wanting the relaxed geometry I thought. I am looking for: AL frame, 105 and a disc brakes. If I look at the Emonda might as well looks at the CAAD12 from Cannondale I figure. I currently have an old Trek 1200 which I think is pretty relaxed in fit... it fits well for my riding so far too! Just worried that the Edmonda will be too aggressive.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

You may want to consider the Bianchi Impulso if there is a dealer local. Relaxed geometry on a great overall bike. For a bit more, you can get the Intenso which is basically the same bike in carbon. Both have BSA bottom brackets too...

wayne310

ya i emailed trek on fb.

they said they are promoting checkpoint this year so no domane.

domane 2018 in alloy is too heavy imo..200 series alloy