Gyro

I presently have a 2014 Domane 2.0. Are the current Domianes in this model range better that a 2014, the same or less?

Cyclist0108

Three improvements (at least):

1. Accepts wider tires
2. Threaded BB.
3. Through-axles.

The iso-coupler may have been improved as well.

vascof1

Probably disc brakes too if you consider that an improvement.

WhyFi

Adjustable rear IsoSpeed (available on SLR models) was introduced in 2016, I think, and revised in 2020. Front IsoSpeed (on the carbon fiber models) was also introduced somewhere around 2016.

PoorInRichfield

My previous Domane, a 2014 5.2 with several upgrades...My current Domane, a 2020 SL7 with several upgrades...Between my two bikes, about the only thing they have in-common is the name "Domane" and that they're both boring black.

My 2014 was considerably lighter and "felt" faster. However, my average speeds on the same routes I regularly ride suggest otherwise. I know that average speed is a poor gauge of anything, but the 2020 Domane is so much more comfortable that I don't feel as physically beat-up at the end of a ride like I used to. The 2020 has a front ISO-decoupler where as the 2014 does not. Quite frankly, it's one of those things that you think probably doesn't matter until you go back to riding a bike that doesn't have it... then you realize it matters!

For the riding I do which is mostly hilly roads and occasional light gravel trails, the 2020 has been the perfect bike. The gearing is considerably different on the 2020 and is much friendly for riding hills with the 34t rear cog. The disc brakes have enabled me to have a second wheelset with wider tires for gravel use. I hated the brakes on my 2014 with the carbon wheels... they stopped poorly in dry weather and almost became none-existent in the wet. Granted, most older Domanes came with aluminum wheelsets that braked much better, but still not as well as discs.

Some might find the 2020's downtube storage to be unnecessary or gimmicky, but I love it. I no longer have a seat pack. All the stuff I need is in the down tube and it doesn't make any noise when I ride.

If the underlying question is really, "Should I buy a 2020 Domane to replace my 2014 Domane?", I'd have to give a solid, "It depends..." If your 2014 is doing everything you want it to and you enjoy riding it, then "no", don't spend thousands on a new bike. If you're looking to maximum comfort while road riding with a hint of gravel riding and your budget allows, I don't think you'll be disappointed in the 2020... even though it's a bit on the chubby side when you stick it on a scale.

Cyclist0108

That thing is sweet. I really covet the SL7, but I have what is functionally the same thing in hand-made steel, also from 2014. But if you can justify both of those, I should be able to justify getting the 2020 SL7 (or 2021?). The ability to fit wide tires and the threaded BB are the clincher, but I really like the Trek logo on the downtube . They did that very tastefully. How wide a tire can you cram in there if you ignore all the official directives?

jaxgtr

I just ordered the 2021 SL7 and I believe you can fit up to a 38 tire.

jpescatore

I have a 2017 Domane SL6 disc and it is significantly different from the 2014.

For the reasons poorinrichfield cites in his post, I really thought about trading up to the 2020 but can't really justify it by need. The 34 tooth rear (vs. my 32) and that downtube storage are the only real adds I would get and I can upgrade the drivetrain to get that - and I don't really mind the saddle bag.

If I had a 2014, I probably could have convinced myself!

PoorInRichfield

The recommended 700x38 max is pretty accurate. I don't think you're going to find a road bike with Ultegra that can handle a much larger tire as the crankset limits the bottom bracket width. I believe this is one reason why Shimano introduced the GRX group set.

blakcloud

For my 2020 Domane I have used my 650 x 42 wheelset with no ill effect.

SkepticalOne

Shown here are 38c Rene Herse Barlow Pass tires on my 2020 Domane...lots of room within the frame but about one millimetre of clearance with the Di2 FD. Best bike I've ever owned and my third Domane.

PoorInRichfield

Good call-out on the front derailleur... I have the same on my bike with the 38mm tires. I see your bike is a Project One... is it an SLR?

I also like the 650b option posted by blakcloud . I have really big feet and with the 700x38 tires mounted, I get considerable "toe rub" that I don't get with the stock 700x32c tires. (Note that that isn't a Domane issue, it's an issue I've had on just about every bike I've ever owned.)

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I'm just excited to finally see some other 2020 Domanes... I was starting to think I was the only one on the planet that had one.

SkepticalOne

The bike is a Project One SLR with Pro Endurance geometry. I took delivery in October 2019.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

What tires are those?

PoorInRichfield

Specialized Pathfinder Pro. I wanted something with a center ridge for road riding but with some kind of "bite" for cornering on gravel. Some say those knobbies won't matter in gravel, but I say they give me a psychological advantage if nothing else

Pizzaiolo Americano 

What wheelset is that? I'd like to have a 650 option for my Domane...

Pizzaiolo Americano 

Have you noticed a difference in speed on the road?

Cyclist0108

That's interesting. I have size 12 shoes.

My steel Domane-like frame fits Compass 38mm tires (Barlow Pass and Steilecomb), and the front derailleur indeed is the issue.

I should take a look at 650b for a second wheel-set. If I could get 42mm tires in there, it might be worth it.

PoorInRichfield

For my setup, there would technically have to be some difference as the wheelset I use for gravel is considerably heavier and less aero than my road wheels and tires. I don't ride the gravel wheels on the same roads as my road wheels, so I can't really do a comparison.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

Are you not running this tire set up with the Aeolus 3V? That is the wheelset I have on my Domane.

blakcloud

These are custom built wheels. Stan's Grail CB7 carbon rims, which were custom painted flat black, built on White Industries CLD hubs. Tires are Rene Herse Babyshoe Pass extra lights. Weight came in at 1374 grams sans rotors and rubber. These are actually for my custom Winter Cycles bike but I wanted to see if they worked with the Domane. The silver hubs and spokes really don't go well with the Trek.

Apologies to the the OP for the derailment. As for your original question, the newer bikes are not better just different. You have a great bike and unless you have the disposable cash for a new bike, I say keep your old one and ride it until it dies.

Pizzaiolo Americano 

Thanks! I bet that set up feels awesome on gravel.

Gyro

No problem. I had a incident with my 2014 with a car, resulting in a bend rear rim. At the moment, I'm waiting for a new rim and riding my late nineties FX. Which is a beast in comparison with the Domane ride wise. The idea was keeping my 2014 as the back up instead.

wthensler 

I have a 2012 6.2 P1 Domane and a 2021 SLR7 P1 Domane. Other than frame geometry, there is very little comparison.

The newer bike is much smoother, has better wheels (Aeolus), 700 level carbon, hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear IsoDecoupler, tubeless 32mm tires. Both run the outstanding Di2 Ultegra groupset, the newer being an 11 speed rear.

My very positive experienced with the old one was the reason I bought the new one......These are true road endurance machines, bar none.

GAtkins

Pix of the 2021 SLR7 P1 or it doesn't exist!

Glenn