Trek Domane AL 2 Disc Overview

 Trek Domane AL 2 Disc Overview.

Recently looking at a cycling trade site I noticed this very nice looking Trek Domane AL 2 Disc advertised from a local shop at a pretty good price. 

So what is the Trek Domane and what does it come with?

 


The Domane range is Treks 'comfort' spec road bike. What is known as Endurance geometry. Basically that means compared with its most aero model, the Madone and their lightweight model the Emonda, the Domane can handle wider tires and the handle bar will be in a slightly higher upright position. 

The AL model means that the frame is made out of Aluminum, whereas the price going up the frame will would be made out of carbon.

Standard the Domane AL comes with 32c tyres - while most road bikes run 23 or 25c tyres, 32c is much wider and hence much more comfortable.   The Domane comes with Mud Guard mounts as well, which will still allow for 32c tyres with the mud guard mounts, or you can squeeze in 35c tyres in without the guards.

The Domane has a couple of little secrets up its sleeve as well. 

One being the mounts on top of the top tube for an extra bottle cage.  There are also some bike bag manufacturers who have made bolt on top tube bags as well.


If you have ever done some serious long distance cycling, having factory mounts for bags and bottle cages is brilliant.   

Another added feature on this model is it comes with a Bontrager DuoTrap Bluetooth sensor - again having this built into the frame is brilliant, as it saves you having to zip tie something to the frame which could be knocked off or damaged a lot easier.


 

A couple of other things that set this model of Trek Domane apart from its opposition is that it has a Carbon front fork. Having a carbon front fork helps with the vibrations that come through the front wheel as you ride over poorer quality pavement. 

The area that Trek have saved some money is in the drive train - using Shimano's Sora groupset. It has a 50/34 tooth Crank and a user friendly 11-32tooth 8speed cassette on the back. Sora is actually a pretty good groupset, especially if you are new to cycling and are more interested in actually putting in the kms instead of worrying about what the professionals are using.

Personally I think this is one of the better value bikes for people who dont care too much about Shimano 105 etc, but want a quality built bike that they can take on some seriously lone rides, or even do a spot of bike packing on. 

On Trek.com.au they have this bike listed as $1599, whereas the local bike shop have it with a $100 off. 

If you are interested in upgrades, or you like the idea of having 1 bike to do it all. I would suggest using the standard wheels during winter, or when its wet, and then in warmer dry months having a set of lighter wheels with skinnier tyres to help with its rolling resistance. 

You could also upgrade the aluminum seat post to a nicer carbon one as well. 

All in all, I think the Trek Domane AL 2 Disc is a great bike for the dollars - especially the kms that you would be able to comfortably put into this type of bike. You would definitely get your moneys worth from it. 

Thanks for reading and have a great day.


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