blaze96

I'm 55 yo and I just started biking last year with the goal of completing a 3-day century charity event which I did with no problems. Not knowing much about road bikes, I did my research and trying different bikes and ended up buying a Giant Defy 2 from one of our LBS for this event. I'm now hooked on biking as a form of exercise and recreation and even dropped ~15lbs in the process. I have plans for both a century and metric century later this summer. My 26 yo son has now moved back home and wants to join me on my morning training and weekend long rides. Of course he has no bike which is my good fortune as I would give him my Giant since we are both about the same size.

Given my good fortune and my wife's OK to get a better bike, I've been trying various carbon frame bikes with better components. So far I've demoed the following bikes:

Diamondback Podium 6
Giant Composite 1
Trek Domane 5.2
Trek Domane 4.3
Specialized Roubaix SL4 Comp

After riding and testing these bikes, I'm sold on the Trek Domane. The rode was so much smoother, the Isospeed really works and the bike fit and felt great. Now my dilemma is which Trek model as I am trying to choose between the 4.3, 4.7 and 5.2.

I'm looking for feedback about these Trek Domane models. The specs highlights the differences between each of the models but I'm not sure if I could really feel or tell a performance difference between them. Further, the cost of the Domane 5.2 would really stretch the budget compared to the other models but I'm in it for the long term. Looking forward to learning from everybody's experience about these models as I make my decision.

roadandmountain

Wow, the price spread is enormous: between $2200 and $3700. It seems like you've eliminated the 5 due to price.

That leaves the 4.3 and 4.7. $1K separates the two. Is the upgrade to 11 speed ultegra worth it? Good luck.

Elvo

I'd go with the 4.7 or 5.2 if you can afford it. I'm sure the primary reason why you felt the domane was more comfortable was because it comes stock with "wide" Bontrager TLR wheels that require a lower tire pressure so I would not immediately discount the other bikes like the Roubaix or Defy Advanced

blaze96

Thanks for the information. I tested the trek and giant at the same shop with the same tire pressure and same tire size.

I guess my question is would the added dollars really make a difference and I'm looking for feedback from others who faced similar decisions when choosing a bike.

softreset

If you're considering the Domane 4.7, I'd bump up to the 5.2 (personally). I think the seat mast definitely helps boost the vibration dampening over the seat post on the 4-series.

We don't stock the 4.7 in our shop (we stock the 4.3, 5.2 & 6.2) as most people were just making the jump to the 5-series in the $3200-$3700 range.

gerard2013

Take the 4.3 for a test ride and see what you think of it. The difference may not be noticeable to you, and if so, might as well save the money to spend on other things.

nielsp03

I have about 650 miles on a 2014 Domane 5.2. I came from a 2004 Trek 5000. The 5.2 is better in every way, the 11 speed Ultegra is smooth, I don't take the beating that I used to on crappy SE Wisco roads, it spins up quickly, my neck and back feel better after a ride. My LBS took almost $500 off of MSRP, and sold it to me for $3,200. All I can say is that I have 0 regrets although I was hesitant to spend that kind of money, I'm very glad that I did.

nesdog

I bought a 4.3 recently. The 5.2 was out of my price range. I rode all 3 models of the Domane, just for the fun of it. Was there a difference from the 4 to the 5? Probably, but I have no complaints at all. I did move my own wheels to the bike, which lightened the machine slightly and provided an improved ride.

I'm really enjoying the bike and not unhappy in the least. I thought the price point of the 4.3 was good, given the competition.

bruce19

My LBS sells Trek, Waterford, Fuji, Lightspeed, Giant, Quintana Roo, etc. and the husband and wife owners can have any bike they want. They both ride Domane 5.2s. FWIW it wouldn't trouble me to buy the Domane with 105. My gf just bought a 5.2 and is absolutely in love with it.