After putting the bike in the public's eye underneath Fabian Cancellara, Trek on Monday officially unveiled the new Trek Domane SLR. The new machine includes new comfort-focused technology such as adjustable frame stiffness, a steerer tube that moves inside the head tube and a vibration-damping handlebar, as well as rim-brake calipers that adjust to accommodate a wide range of tires.
The Trek Domane SLR will come in a variety of disc-brake and rim-brake builds, from SLR 6 at $4,999 / £3,600 / AU$5,799 up to the SLR 9 eTap $10,999 / £7,600 / AU$14,999
The Domane line first introduced Trek's IsoSpeed decoupler years ago, which effectively adds vertical flex under the rider by allowing the seat tube to pivot at the junction with the top tube and seatstays. That technology has since been used on other Trek bikes, from the Madone aero bike to the Boone cyclocross machine.
What's new now is the adjustment, where a little slider on the new split down tube allows for more or less flex, depending on a rider's preference or conditions. With the slider in its lowest setting, the new Domane SLR is 14% more vertically compliant than the original Domane, Trek claims.
Another brand-new thing is up at the head tube, with what Trek is calling (wait for it) Front IsoSpeed. This, to use Trek's language, is another 'decoupler' that lets the steerer tube move somewhat independently from the head tube.
Front IsoSpeed results in 10% more vertical compliance than a traditional road bike has, Trek claims. The firm also claims the technology does not compromise handling at all.
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Working in tandem with Front IsoSpeed is the new IsoCore handlebar, which is a carbon bar with a thermoplastic elastomer inside. Trek claims this Bontrager product improves high-frequency vibration damping by 20% over a standard carbon bar.
The Domane SLR comes in rim-brake and disc-brake models. Another new feature is the adjustable-width Domane direct-mount caliper, which can take up 28mm tires with CPSC/ISO-certified room to spare. The 12mm thru-axle disc bikes can handle up to 32mm rubber with similar clearance. Both versions include hidden fender/mudguard mounts.
Taking a page out of the Madone's book, the Domane SLR has internal Di2 battery tucked under the down tube's water bottle cage.
Trek Domane SLR rim-brake models are available now with Trek’s Project One, in both Endurance Geometry and Race Shop Limited Pro Endurance Geometry.
