I was reluctant to buy a Domane (AL2) but watching your videos helped me kick it off. Have rided it and loved it as well. Thanks for sharing your authentic experience Jim ✌️😃. Greetings from France 🇨🇵
I picked mine up a year ago and have had zero mechanical issues. I do love the geometry. I have back and joint issues all over that I don't feel them during a ride....the next few days is another thiing!
Jim is my spirit animal. I want a rockhopper! Jim gets a rockhopper! I want to make it a 1x…Jim makes it 1x! I’m now looking at gravel bikes! So of course here is Jim! Thanks!
I've been riding my Domane AL 2 Disc for almost 2 years now and funnily enough the first thing I have changed is the seatpost, it was slipping like crazy. I ate through the saddle after just a few months and I also changed the handlebars for a narrower short reach bar. The reach is now spot on, even with a longer 100 mm stem. It is the first bike I can ride over long distances without pain In almost 9 years that I have been cycling. I like the bike so much that I'm going to upgrade it. My biggest criticism is the paintwork, my frame is prone to paint chipping.
Sorry for being "late to the party", but I came across your video when looking for info on another matter. A couple of recommendations on your "dislikes", assuming you're still having issues. 1. In the video, your bar tape is wrapped in the "wrong direction". As it is wrapped, your hand tension/grip/pressure is going to work/serve to unravel the tape, so I'm not surprised you've had that issue. The "solution" is to wrap the tape in the opposite direction than you have it (in the video). Still starting at the bottom of the bar, and terminating at the top (near the stem), but wrapping it in the opposite direction than you have it. That way, as you're gripping the tape, the pressure is going "with" the direction of the wrap (and actually tightening it), versus against it (and unraveling it). 2. On your seatpost clamp, not sure if you greased the threads on the bolt. Oftentimes, straight from the factory, those threads aren't properly lubricated (if at all), so the bolt binds as it gets tight, and then it doesn't properly tighten fully. You mentioned you use a torque wrench, but, if the bolt is binding, it's going to hit the torque reading sooner than if the bolt was lubricated and allowed to tighten fully. Of course, if you have lubricated the bolt threads, then that answers that "thought", and my next recommendation would be to go with a different clamp, one with a bigger bolt and higher torque setting, because, aluminum on aluminum, there's really a lot less of a concern than either carbon on aluminum, or, of course, carbon on carbon.
Thanks for the thoughtful posts. I ended up installing a better grade of tape on the bars, and that worked well. The seatpost was 27.0mm instead of 27.2. I installed a 27.2mm unit left over from upgrading my Marin hardtail, and it fit perfectly. My local bike shop offered to warranty the seat post but since the problem was fixed, I didn't bother.
Oh, yes, that's interesting about the seatpost sizing. I had a customer in recently looking for a seatpost clamp, and they were "guessing" they needed a clamp that was "probably not more than an inch in diameter", and I told them that "seatposts/clamps can be .2 millimeters off and not provide sufficient clamping". Then they said, "It can't be more than an inch and a quarter, so to sell them one that size. So I told them it'd be best if they either brought the item in for me to measure it, or go home and measure it themselves. They said they didn't want to make a second trip, and I said if I sold them the wrong sized clamp, they'd be making a second trip anyway. They got "huffy" and started heading for the door, saying that I "didn't want to make a sale", and I said that I was happy to make a sale, but I wanted to be sure I was selling them the correct part that they needed. So they left and I figured I lost a sale. Well, they returned a few days later, and said they measured the diameter, and it was 1-1/8 inches. I happened to have a clamp that size sitting right next to my cash register, so I made the sale and they went home happy. And the thing was, they were needing the clamp for the steer tube on a push scooter (for their son), so my overriding concern (since I don't sell scooters, and, like bikes, you never know if one brand is spec'd the same as another) was their son's safety, and, if I sold them the wrong sized clamp, what if they were riding it and the handlebars separated from the steer tube? And then, who would be "at fault", the "non-expert" father who "guessed" at the size, or the "expert" retailer that sold them the part? So, that was a "long story", of course, and it was (technically) about a "clamp", and not a "post", but it's the same principle, that .2 millimeters can make a difference in the clamp properly securing the post. Thanks for the reply, and I'm glad you got things squared away. 👍
Hey :) I have the same bike and had similar issues. New bartape and some carbonpaste on seatpost worked fine. No slippage. Really enjoy the bike though.
Hello Jim , thanks a lot for your honest review. The AL 3 is the model I want as my firts road bike however I am not sure yet about how good or bad are the mechanical brakes. So far only riding MTB with hydraulic brakes and I love it. Any advice on the brakes that comes with this model? Thanks in advance
I also have hydraulic discs on my mtbs and cable brakes on my road bikes. Although, the AL3 is my only disc brake road bike. So far, I have found the cable discs to be really good, especially compared to rim brakes. I think I'll eventually upgrade the discs and pads, a lot easier and more cost-effective than upgrading the groupset to get hydraulics.
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Hello Jim, thanks for your answer. I think I will test the brakes before considering any upgrade, If you say they are ok I am sure they are ;) See you. Thanks
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Hello Jim, thanks for your answer. I think I will test the brakes before considering any upgrade, If you say they are ok I am sure they are ;) See you. Thanks
Yes... I have a Domane AL4 and have fitted 700x40c Pirelli Gravel H tires. I needed to also change the front Tiagra derailleur though to a 105 for tire clearance on the rear. It may not be an issue though for the Claris/Sora.
I had extra bar tape and I doubled up over the stock tap where my hands go so I have two layers. More comfortable but also will make the stock tape last longer since its poor quality tape.
I'm not sure how Trek got this geometry so right, I too have back issues, I've owned specialized, Cannondale, felt, cervelo, all of these bikes gave me back issues, Trek git this completely right with the domane.
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Yes my 9 speed hybrid with cheapo Sora is way quieter than my fancy carbon race bike with 11 speed Ultegra (2014 vintage, I must admit)
I was reluctant to buy a Domane (AL2) but watching your videos helped me kick it off. Have rided it and loved it as well.
Thanks for sharing your authentic experience Jim ✌️😃. Greetings from France 🇨🇵
I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!
I picked mine up a year ago and have had zero mechanical issues. I do love the geometry. I have back and joint issues all over that I don't feel them during a ride....the next few days is another thiing!
It's my favorite road bike!
Jim is my spirit animal. I want a rockhopper! Jim gets a rockhopper! I want to make it a 1x…Jim makes it 1x! I’m now looking at gravel bikes! So of course here is Jim! Thanks!
Ha ha! I don't know about that, LOL!
I've been riding my Domane AL 2 Disc for almost 2 years now and funnily enough the first thing I have changed is the seatpost, it was slipping like crazy. I ate through the saddle after just a few months and I also changed the handlebars for a narrower short reach bar. The reach is now spot on, even with a longer 100 mm stem.
It is the first bike I can ride over long distances without pain In almost 9 years that I have been cycling. I like the bike so much that I'm going to upgrade it. My biggest criticism is the paintwork, my frame is prone to paint chipping.
Congrats! At least I wasn't the only one with a sliding seat tube. The basic geometry is good on these bikes.
Sorry for being "late to the party", but I came across your video when looking for info on another matter. A couple of recommendations on your "dislikes", assuming you're still having issues.
1. In the video, your bar tape is wrapped in the "wrong direction". As it is wrapped, your hand tension/grip/pressure is going to work/serve to unravel the tape, so I'm not surprised you've had that issue. The "solution" is to wrap the tape in the opposite direction than you have it (in the video). Still starting at the bottom of the bar, and terminating at the top (near the stem), but wrapping it in the opposite direction than you have it. That way, as you're gripping the tape, the pressure is going "with" the direction of the wrap (and actually tightening it), versus against it (and unraveling it).
2. On your seatpost clamp, not sure if you greased the threads on the bolt. Oftentimes, straight from the factory, those threads aren't properly lubricated (if at all), so the bolt binds as it gets tight, and then it doesn't properly tighten fully. You mentioned you use a torque wrench, but, if the bolt is binding, it's going to hit the torque reading sooner than if the bolt was lubricated and allowed to tighten fully. Of course, if you have lubricated the bolt threads, then that answers that "thought", and my next recommendation would be to go with a different clamp, one with a bigger bolt and higher torque setting, because, aluminum on aluminum, there's really a lot less of a concern than either carbon on aluminum, or, of course, carbon on carbon.
Thanks for the thoughtful posts. I ended up installing a better grade of tape on the bars, and that worked well. The seatpost was 27.0mm instead of 27.2. I installed a 27.2mm unit left over from upgrading my Marin hardtail, and it fit perfectly. My local bike shop offered to warranty the seat post but since the problem was fixed, I didn't bother.
Oh, yes, that's interesting about the seatpost sizing. I had a customer in recently looking for a seatpost clamp, and they were "guessing" they needed a clamp that was "probably not more than an inch in diameter", and I told them that "seatposts/clamps can be .2 millimeters off and not provide sufficient clamping". Then they said, "It can't be more than an inch and a quarter, so to sell them one that size. So I told them it'd be best if they either brought the item in for me to measure it, or go home and measure it themselves. They said they didn't want to make a second trip, and I said if I sold them the wrong sized clamp, they'd be making a second trip anyway. They got "huffy" and started heading for the door, saying that I "didn't want to make a sale", and I said that I was happy to make a sale, but I wanted to be sure I was selling them the correct part that they needed. So they left and I figured I lost a sale.
Well, they returned a few days later, and said they measured the diameter, and it was 1-1/8 inches. I happened to have a clamp that size sitting right next to my cash register, so I made the sale and they went home happy.
And the thing was, they were needing the clamp for the steer tube on a push scooter (for their son), so my overriding concern (since I don't sell scooters, and, like bikes, you never know if one brand is spec'd the same as another) was their son's safety, and, if I sold them the wrong sized clamp, what if they were riding it and the handlebars separated from the steer tube? And then, who would be "at fault", the "non-expert" father who "guessed" at the size, or the "expert" retailer that sold them the part?
So, that was a "long story", of course, and it was (technically) about a "clamp", and not a "post", but it's the same principle, that .2 millimeters can make a difference in the clamp properly securing the post.
Thanks for the reply, and I'm glad you got things squared away. 👍
I purchased the al2 and replaced the bar tape. It was also wrapped in the wrong direction.
Love your voice..❤❤❤❤so relaxing.
Thanks. :)
Planning to get this beast soon , this vid was quite helpful 🎉
I am glad you like it. :)
Thanks for your great videos. Glad to hear the bike is comfortable! I understand you got the 54 cm frame. How tall are you?
Thanks! I'm 5' 8" with a 32 inch inseam.
0:48 True, the video will never not make the charm of this bike
Hey :) I have the same bike and had similar issues. New bartape and some carbonpaste on seatpost worked fine. No slippage.
Really enjoy the bike though.
The seat tube measured at 27.0mm so I put a 27.2mm unit in, and now it's fine. I think Santa will bring me new bar tape.
1:40 cool cocpit, cool handlebar tape
Hello Jim , thanks a lot for your honest review. The AL 3 is the model I want as my firts road bike however I am not sure yet about how good or bad are the mechanical brakes. So far only riding MTB with hydraulic brakes and I love it. Any advice on the brakes that comes with this model?
Thanks in advance
I also have hydraulic discs on my mtbs and cable brakes on my road bikes. Although, the AL3 is my only disc brake road bike. So far, I have found the cable discs to be really good, especially compared to rim brakes. I think I'll eventually upgrade the discs and pads, a lot easier and more cost-effective than upgrading the groupset to get hydraulics.
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Hello Jim, thanks for your answer. I think I will test the brakes before considering any upgrade, If you say they are ok I am sure they are ;) See you. Thanks
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Hello Jim, thanks for your answer. I think I will test the brakes before considering any upgrade, If you say they are ok I am sure they are ;) See you. Thanks
Great looking bike. For the seat post issue what if you bought a quick release style? Anyways glad u are so pleased with the bike
Thanks. It might work but I'm going to try Richey Liquid Torque, which is similar to Loctite blue.
I don’t know if I lucked out. But I love mine.
I could not be more pleased with mine.
The seat post slipping sounds like a defect to me. Do they all slip, or just yours? I would return if I could.
I can't speak about any others. The shop offered to warranty it but by then I had solved the problem.
Put some grease on your seat post so it does not move, works on my bikes
Hello, congratulations for the video. Can the Domane AL 3 be fitted with 700 X 40c tires? Thanks for answering.
Hello. Thanks. According to Trek, the biggest tires the Domane can take are 35mm.
Yes... I have a Domane AL4 and have fitted 700x40c Pirelli Gravel H tires. I needed to also change the front Tiagra derailleur though to a 105 for tire clearance on the rear. It may not be an issue though for the Claris/Sora.
Hi Jim. A possible solution to the slipping seatpost might be liquid torque by Ritchey.
That you. I've never heard of that but I will certainly check it out!
I have the same bike, same issue. I used finish line gibet grip and no more issue
@@TheSphmn thanks
I had extra bar tape and I doubled up over the stock tap where my hands go so I have two layers. More comfortable but also will make the stock tape last longer since its poor quality tape.
That's a good idea, thanks.
what is your height and what is the size of the bicycle frame? I can't decide 54 vs 56
Hi, I'm 5' 8" with a 32 inch inseam and I can't ask for a better fit with this 54.
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder thanks ;)
Re the seat post problem, without being rude what weight are you... Just curious if this would add to the problem
Nope, not rude. I'm at 202 right now. The Liquid Torque fixed it.
Hi, the post may not be the right size. Try a different one and see if that helps.
I did. The stock one was 27.0mm instead of 27.2. I installed the post from my Marin hardtail and it fits perfectly.
how did you solve the sinking seat post issue?
The post was 27.0mm, instead of 27.2mm. So I swapped in a spare from my Marin hardtail and the problem was solved!
Nice looking bike but surprised it bears the Domane name without the IsoSpeed. That must only be possible on carbon.
In this generation, the Iso feature was in the head tube rather than the seat post. They went back to the seat post with the current generation.
I'm not sure how Trek got this geometry so right, I too have back issues, I've owned specialized, Cannondale, felt, cervelo, all of these bikes gave me back issues, Trek git this completely right with the domane.
It's so nice to be able to ride pain free, isn't it? My hat is off to Trek.
👍
Super👍👍👌
Thanks!
9 speed is probably nice and quiet
It is indeed, I think largely due to the relatively wide spacing on the cogs, which minimize chain rub.
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Yes my 9 speed hybrid with cheapo Sora is way quieter than my fancy carbon race bike with 11 speed Ultegra (2014 vintage, I must admit)