Review: Trek Domane+ | Fun, Functional and So Fast
The Domane+ is a drop-bar electric-assist road bike that tops out at a whopping 45kph!
It has the ability to swallow big distances, like 100km, but just how much faster is it on the climbs?
The real joy of eRoad bikes does not necessarily stem from their inherently stable handling characteristics or the pure exhilaration and speed they provide. True appreciation and enjoyment begins with an understanding of their purpose. I, do not think they are beasts to be entered into any sort of high-level competition where one annihilates riders on analog bikes. I think they are best used as tools for adventure seekers looking to get out of town to explore the country and to make cycling a more inclusive or social sport by bridging the divide of varying fitness levels from rider to rider. As it happens, they are exceptionally effective as high-speed commuters too.
THE BIKE
Based on the popular Domane endurance road bike from Trek, the Domane+ is equipped with a 350 watt Bosch motor delivering 63Nm and a 500Wh battery. The Domane+ features an IsoSpeed decoupler that allows the seat post to flex a little to smooth out rough terrain. It is also equipped with large tyres to further smooth out the ride quality.
Apart from a little extra wiring around the cockpit area which is pretty much on par for all eBikes, the Domane+ is very easy on the eye. Overall, the chassis design is clean and chic with smooth lines leaving little to complain about. The Bosch Performance Line Speed motor is tucked up into the BB area and protected with a bash guard. The bar-mounted Bosch Purion controller houses the on/off switch, displays current speed and is used to switch through the modes of eco, tour, sport, turbo or walk. The display also has a service interval indicator and battery range indicator. The large capacity, side entry battery locks into the frame – with a key – and is removable for charging. The Bosch system drives an 11-36 SRAM cassette from a smaller 20 tooth chainring.
BUILD KIT
| FRAME | | Trek 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed Decoupler, Internal Battery, 12mm thru-axle, Flat-mount disc brakes |
| FORK | | Domane+ Carbon, Disc, 12mm thru-axle |
| CONTROLLER | | Bosch Purion Performance |
| MOTOR | | Bosch Performance Speed, 350 watt, 63Nm, Restricted at 45kph |
| BATTERY | | Bosch Powertube 500 Wh |
| LIGHTS | | Front & Rear Bontrager Lync |
| BARS | | Bontrager Elite IsoZone |
| STEM | | Bontrager Elite |
| SEAT | | Bontrager Arvada Comp |
| SEATPOST | | Bontrager Seatmast Cap with 10mm offset |
| WHEELS | | Bontrager Paradigm Tubeless |
| TYRES | | Schwalbe G-One Speed Tubeless 35c |
| CASSETTE | | 11spd, 11-36T |
| MECH | | SRAM Force 1 |
| SHIFTER | | SRAM Force 1 |
| CRANKS | | Praxis, Carbon E-Bike |
| CHAIN | | SRAM PC-1170 |
| BRAKES | | SRAM Force flat-mount hydraulic disc |
| WEIGHT | | 17.2kg |
| RRP | | R99 999 |
Components wise, the Domane+ is a full Bontrager build with bars, stem, wheels, seat and lights from the in-house brand. A Praxis carbon crankset is mated with the SRAM Force 1 derailleur and shifter combo with flat-mount SRAM hydraulic disc brakes featured. Integrated front and rear lighting from Bontrager is of the ‘always-on’ type which is a bonus considering the speed the bike carries.
GEOMETRY & FIT
With a similar geometry layout to the last Domane, the Domane+ has a longer chainstay to accommodate the motor and burlier chassis. Crucially the stack and seat tube measurements are mostly unchanged so you won’t need to size up or size down.
| 52 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 60 | |
| SEAT TUBE | 47.5 | 50 | 52.5 | 54.8 | 56.7 |
| EFF. TOP TUBE | 52.9 | 54.1 | 55.4 | 56.7 | 57.9 |
| HEAD TUBE | 12.6 | 14.1 | 16.1 | 18.1 | 20.5 |
| BB HEIGHT | 27.4 | 27.4 | 27.4 | 27.4 | 27.4 |
| CHAINSTAY | 45.5 | 45.5 | 45.5 | 45.5 | 45.5 |
| WHEELBASE | 103 | 103.8 | 104.8 | 105.7 | 106.6 |
| STACK | 55.8 | 57.2 | 59.1 | 61 | 63.3 |
| REACH | 55.8 | 57.2 | 59.1 | 61 | 63.3 |
RIDE IMPRESSIONS
THE TAKEOUT
The Domane+ does exactly what it was designed to. It allows riders who are less fit to venture out further, climb faster and hang in with their racing snake mates. It is a faster option for commuters and potentially gets them to work without a sweat fest. It is also just a ton of fun to ride.
Related: Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Tyres
| IMAGES: Gary Perkin flipper.co.za |