I just bought a Domane AL5 a couple of days ago, and it is awesome. I almost bought the SL5 but I've read about all kinds of issues Trek is having with this bike's Iso speed seat tube. I already own a full-carbon Fuji SST, so I went ahead and got the aluminum Domane since I didn't want to buy a potential lemon. I added nice carbon wheels and better tires to it which made the total cost the same as the SL version. I think it was the right call.
Had that same bike and almost bought the SL5 back in '22. After riding the AL5 6 months I sold it and bought a '22 Allez Elite Rim Brake. Best decision ever. Its lighter (17.1lbs) and I don't have to worry about the high maintenance of disc brakes. AL5 is such a slug of a bike. If I were you get your money back and buy a frame from the OEM company Light Carbon in China. Frame is $600 includes shipping and any paint color. Then buy a rim brake groupset. Be between $1300 - $1500 for the entire build. You'll save money and have a super light bike.
Thanks for the video, can you list why you choose rim brakes over discs? Ive always had rim brakes, and if all of the pros have switched, why shouldnt we? (Once cost comes down)
For me it came down to the amount of stuff that can go wrong. I’ve had rim and disc brake bikes and without fail I’ve worked on at least one disc brake bike per day with some kind of warped rotor or contaminated rotor that squeals or tings and brakes horribly. I got contamination on one of my Ultegra rotors I had before and my Force rotors I had were pretty good but it recommends that the DOT fluid be bled once a year. That’s just extra stuff I have to do. Also if the hose is threaded into the lever wrong the entire lever is done in most cases and it could be a super pricey electronic one. I’ve had tons of good rides on both rim and disc brake bikes so they aren’t all good or all bad but less spokes in the front wheel for less drag, as well as not having service intervals on my brakes is what did it for me. Also they just look super clean a lot of the time and handle better since the front fork can have more freedom of shape and design.
I bought my Trek Emonda today and got hit by a NYC ebike racing down a bridge while I was messing with my clips. To all expensive bike owners please be ready for the worst case scenarios.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you’re okay, and this is part of the reason I have mixed feelings about people with no cycling experience being able to get on an e-bike and use the lanes. It can be really hazardous
Rim for Road, Disc for dirt. Great bike you got man
I just bought a Domane AL5 a couple of days ago, and it is awesome. I almost bought the SL5 but I've read about all kinds of issues Trek is having with this bike's Iso speed seat tube. I already own a full-carbon Fuji SST, so I went ahead and got the aluminum Domane since I didn't want to buy a potential lemon. I added nice carbon wheels and better tires to it which made the total cost the same as the SL version. I think it was the right call.
Had that same bike and almost bought the SL5 back in '22. After riding the AL5 6 months I sold it and bought a '22 Allez Elite Rim Brake. Best decision ever. Its lighter (17.1lbs) and I don't have to worry about the high maintenance of disc brakes. AL5 is such a slug of a bike. If I were you get your money back and buy a frame from the OEM company Light Carbon in China. Frame is $600 includes shipping and any paint color. Then buy a rim brake groupset. Be between $1300 - $1500 for the entire build. You'll save money and have a super light bike.
Definitely, those wheels give you way better acceleration overall too
So many great options out there now
@@joed7185 That's what my SST is for. That bike is fast. The Domane is more for comfort and miles. Being an older guy, that works for me.
Thanks for the video, can you list why you choose rim brakes over discs? Ive always had rim brakes, and if all of the pros have switched, why shouldnt we? (Once cost comes down)
For me it came down to the amount of stuff that can go wrong. I’ve had rim and disc brake bikes and without fail I’ve worked on at least one disc brake bike per day with some kind of warped rotor or contaminated rotor that squeals or tings and brakes horribly. I got contamination on one of my Ultegra rotors I had before and my Force rotors I had were pretty good but it recommends that the DOT fluid be bled once a year. That’s just extra stuff I have to do. Also if the hose is threaded into the lever wrong the entire lever is done in most cases and it could be a super pricey electronic one. I’ve had tons of good rides on both rim and disc brake bikes so they aren’t all good or all bad but less spokes in the front wheel for less drag, as well as not having service intervals on my brakes is what did it for me. Also they just look super clean a lot of the time and handle better since the front fork can have more freedom of shape and design.
i just bought a sl5 gen 4 domane and i love it. nice video
Thank you, those are great bikes. Really zippy and so comfortable, I hope have fun on it
I bought my Trek Emonda today and got hit by a NYC ebike racing down a bridge while I was messing with my clips. To all expensive bike owners please be ready for the worst case scenarios.
Sorry for your loss. Glad I went with Ti.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you’re okay, and this is part of the reason I have mixed feelings about people with no cycling experience being able to get on an e-bike and use the lanes. It can be really hazardous