I'm considering getting a Trek Domane. I'm looking for something more comfortable than what I am currently on (old style S5) as I don't road race as much anymore. My question is: Does that Isospeed decoupler seem do do much? I think the biggest gain in a bike such as the Domane (or really any new bike for that matter) is the ability to ride wider rubber, but I am curious about peoples experience. Also, any concerns about longevity?
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Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [jsoderman]
[ In reply to ]
I have an older Domane 5.2 and really love it (rim brakes/25c tires). BUT I recently purchased a Trek Crockett as a 'cross/gravel' bike that has disc brakes and 38c tires. The tires make all the difference, but I think that a carbon frame is definitely helpful.
If I could do it all over again, I would get a Domane with a carbon frame and disc brakes. That way you can run tires up to 35c and get the benefits of a carbon frame.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road/domane/domane-sl/domane-sl-5-disc/p/1447000-2018/?colorCode=grey_red
An Emonda would be appealing too, but only can run 28c. IMO tires are going to make the biggest difference, followed by a carbon frame.
If I could do it all over again, I would get a Domane with a carbon frame and disc brakes. That way you can run tires up to 35c and get the benefits of a carbon frame.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road/domane/domane-sl/domane-sl-5-disc/p/1447000-2018/?colorCode=grey_red
An Emonda would be appealing too, but only can run 28c. IMO tires are going to make the biggest difference, followed by a carbon frame.
Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [jsoderman]
[ In reply to ]
Wider rubber at lower pressures will always do more for comfort than a frame will. That said, the Domane is really in a class of its own for comfort. I can’t tell the difference between *any* frame most of the time but the Domane is noticeably smoother over less than ideal roads.
Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [MrPinochio]
[ In reply to ]
Thanks for the input. I'm not going to go disc as I already have a eTap groupo with rim brakes, so I'll just be buying a frameset. According to the Trek website, the rim brake model will take 28's, which is what I think I would run in training and then 25s for the racing I do.
Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [jsoderman]
[ In reply to ]
I have a 2015 Domane 5.2 (carbon with the seat tube decoupler only) which replaced my Fuji SST. I ran 25s on both bikes and I definitely notice a difference with the decoupler. Much better ride, and the rear is a lot calmer when descending.
I want to trade up to one with both the front and rear decoupler. I considered an Emonda, but I prefer the smoother ride since my roadie is just for fun rides.
I talk to myself because mine are the only answers I'll accept - George Carlin
I want to trade up to one with both the front and rear decoupler. I considered an Emonda, but I prefer the smoother ride since my roadie is just for fun rides.
I talk to myself because mine are the only answers I'll accept - George Carlin
Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [jsoderman]
[ In reply to ]
I just bought a Trek Domane SL6 disc - and it is in a league of its own in terms of comfort. I only have a few rides on it (about 225 total miles) and it just feels great. I did 50 last Sunday on a loop that i had only done on my P3 prior and i remember feeling beaten up on the P3. After the ride on the Domane i felt super fresh. Granted the tires 30mm are like riding on clouds - but i can feel a noticeable difference with the front decoupler.
Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [jsoderman]
[ In reply to ]
I owned a Domane until I got hit by a car, and the bike was rendered taco'd. The ride was a VERY comfortable one, and one that I wouldn't mind returning to in the future. Up until I got hit, I had put in about 8k miles on that bike, and the only issues I had were regular maintenance ones (tyres, chains, cassettes, etc).
My only hesitation right now is getting any kind of permission to buy another ride...
My only hesitation right now is getting any kind of permission to buy another ride...
Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [jsoderman]
[ In reply to ]
jsoderman wrote:
I'm considering getting a Trek Domane. I'm looking for something more comfortable than what I am currently on (old style S5) as I don't road race as much anymore. My question is: Does that Isospeed decoupler seem do do much? I think the biggest gain in a bike such as the Domane (or really any new bike for that matter) is the ability to ride wider rubber, but I am curious about peoples experience. Also, any concerns about longevity?I can't comment on the Domane, but I've been riding and racing the hell out of my Boone for the past four seasons (the Boone was the first bike with the decoupler). I can't specifically say how the decoupler affects the ride (it's a cross bike after all, and 'smoothing out' a CX course isn't really a thing), but I absolutely love the bike.
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Any run that doesn't include pooping in someone's front yard is a win.
Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [jsoderman]
[ In reply to ]
The decoupler on the new Domanes definitely works. You can even adjust how much it moves with a lever on the seat tube. But it is that same flexibility that makes me question the long-term durability of the new decoupler system they are using.
Re: Trek Isospeed Decoupler [nightfend]
[ In reply to ]
Cool thing about composites is that they are fantastic in fatigue. I bet it doesn't have much, if any, of an impact on the longevity.
I have a boone I use on the road a fair amount and also use for gravel races. It is pretty awesome, especially with a low pressure tubeless set up. Even when running 28mm conti all seasons with tubes I can tell a difference from other road bikes I own.