Endurance bike increases tyre clearance to 38mm and loses half a pound
The new Trek Domane AL Gen 4 may be an endurance road bike but it takes inspiration from off-road riding, with generous tyre clearance, top tube bag mounts and Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) compatibility.
Trek says the new aluminium road bike “outpaces its price point” thanks to its comfort, performance and the fact it’s claimed to be half a pound lighter than its predecessor.
The fourth-generation Domane follows the recently launched aluminium Trek Émonda ALR 5, which Trek similarly described as high-value.
The new Domane will be available in three specifications, with prices ranging from £1,125/$1,200 to £2,150/$2,000.
‘From pavement to gravel’
Trek says the new Domane offers more comfort and versatility than the previous Domane AL Disc, with clearance for 700x38mm tyres.
The increase in tyre clearance means the bike has “capability on everything from pavement to gravel” according to Trek.
Trek has also given the Domane AL Gen 4 mounts for a top-tube bag, a rack and mudguards.
Trek says the new Domane offers more comfort and versatility than the previous Domane AL Disc, with clearance for 700x38mm tyres.
Trek says the increase in tyre clearance means the bike has “capability on everything from pavement to gravel”.
Trek has also given the Domane AL Gen 4 mounts for a top tube bag, a rack and mudguards.
Trek says the mounts mean the Domane is suited to “everything from workday commutes to weekend group rides”.
Given how gravel bikes are arguably changing how we think about road bike design, the fact the new Domane has greater tyre clearance and mounts for accessories typically associated with gravel riding shouldn’t come as too great a surprise.
However, Trek has also looked to mountain biking for its new endurance road bike with a new rear thru-axle for SRAM UDH compatibility.
Trek says this will enable you to “enjoy cross-category compatibility” and arguably paves the way for mullet drivetrains, combining road and mountain bike groupset components.
Weight savings
The new Domane’s frameset has been redesigned, with Trek claiming it weighs around 0.5lb (or roughly 225g) less than the previous Domane AL Disc.
The frame uses Trek’s 100 Series Alpha Aluminium and a new carbon fibre fork.
In complete builds, the entry-level Domane AL 2 Gen 4 weighs a claimed 10.55kg and the Domane AL 4 Gen 4 weighs a claimed 10.35kg, both in a size 56cm.
Trek says weights for top-spec the Domane AL 5 gen 4 will be provided soon.
High-end integration
Trek says the Domane AL Gen 4 features hidden cable routing, like on its higher-end models.
Cables and hoses run from the cockpit, through a port and into the frame. The cable routing appears to be the same as the routing found on the Émonda ALR 5 and is similar to that on the Specialized Allez Sprint Comp.
Trek says the Domane also has a new handlebar, with improved ergonomics and control thanks to a shorter reach and a 4mm flare between the hoods and the drops.
Trek Domane AL Gen 4 geometry
Trek says the Domane AL Gen 4’s geometry is relaxed and tailored to endurance riding.
It is said to keep riders in an upright position for greater comfort over distance.
Trek Domane AL Gen 4 geometry chart
| 44cm | 49cm | 52cm | 54cm | 56cm | 58cm | 61cm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube length (mm) | 390 | 440 | 475 | 500 | 525 | 548 | 576 |
| Top tube length (mm) | 507 | 516 | 530 | 542 | 554 | 567 | 586 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 95 | 123 | 145 | 160 | 175 | 195 | 235 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) | 70.3 | 70.8 | 71.3 | 71.3 | 71.9 | 72 | 72.1 |
| Seat tube angle (degrees) | 74.6 | 74.6 | 74.2 | 73.7 | 73.3 | 73 | 72.7 |
| Chainstay length (mm) | 420 | 425 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 425 | 425 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 983 | 1,001 | 1,003 | 1,010 | 1,018 | 1,022 | 1,038 |
| Stack (mm) | 520 | 540 | 561 | 575 | 591 | 611 | 646 |
| Reach (mm) | 360 | 368 | 371 | 374 | 377 | 380 | 385 |
Trek Domane AL Gen 4 specs and pricing
The Trek Domane AL Gen 4 is available in three builds, ranging from the entry-level AL 2 to the top-end AL 5.
The AL 3 has a Shimano Claris groupset and the AL 5 features the new Shimano 105 mechanical groupset.
Trek has only provided Australian pricing for the Domane AL 5 Gen 4.
Trek Domane AL 5 Gen 4
- Frameset: Trek Domane AL Gen 4, 100 Series Alpha Aluminium
- Groupset: Shimano 105 mechanical, 12-speed
- Wheels: Bontrager hubs with Bontrager Paradigm SL rims
- Tyres: Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x32mm
- Price: £2,150/$2,000/C$2,630/€2,299
Latest deals
Trek Domane AL 4 Gen 4
- Frameset: Trek Domane AL Gen 4, 100 Series Alpha Aluminium
- Groupset: Shimano Tiagra
- Wheels: Formula hubs with Bontrager Paradigm SL rims
- Tyres: Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x32mm
- Price: £1,875/$1,700/C$2,230/€1,999
Latest deals
Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4
- Frameset: Trek Domane AL Gen 4, 100 Series Alpha Aluminium
- Groupset: Shimano Claris
- Wheels: Formula hubs with Bontrager Paradigm SL rims
- Tyres: Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x32mm
- Price: £1,125/$1,200/C$1,500/AU$2,000/€1,199