There are many reasons to get a road bike. For one, road bikes are comfortable, efficient, and versatile.
And one big name in the cycling world is Trek. This company provides budget-friendly road bikes for price-conscious cyclists.
One of their budget-friendly bikes is the Domane AL 2. This bike has many innovative features that make it comfortable and easy to use.
But how good is this road bike really in terms of overall performance? Is it a perfect bike?
If you are considering this, read this in-depth Trek Domane AL 2 review.
All About Trek
Trek makes high-quality bicycles that are perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities. Their bikes are well-suited for cycling on trails and roads.
In addition to its line of standard bicycles, Trek also produces models specifically designed for children and uses electric-assist bicycles.
This company takes pride in dedicating itself entirely to meeting the needs of its customers.
It has also emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility by resorting to recycled materials whenever possible.
Trek Domane AL 2 Bike Overview
The bike is made of high-quality aluminum, allowing for a lightweight frame that doesn’t sacrifice strength or durability.
Trek also equipped the Domane AL 2 with endurance geometry, making it easy to conquer long distances while keeping you comfortable.
This bike sets out to do a couple of things with its rack and fender mounts, 16-Speed Shimano Claris drivetrain, IsoSpeed fork, 700x28C wheels, dual-pivot brakes, Bontrager Comp VR-C handlebar, 8-speed Shimano Sora chain, Bontrager seat post, Bontrager P3 steel-rail saddle, and Wellgo R199 nylon pedals.
Specifications
- Bike Weight: 21.09 lbs
- Weight Limit: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Frame: 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, fender mounts, DuoTrap S compatible, rim brake, 130x5mm QR
- Brake: Alloy dual-pivot
- Headset: FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″
- Saddle: Bontrager P3 Verse Comp
- Seatpost: Bontrager alloy
- Handlebar: Bontrager Comp VR-C, alloy
- Pedal: Wellgo R199, nylon body, alloy cage
- Chain: Shimano Sora HG71, eight-speed
- Cassette: Shimano HG31, 11-32, 8 speed
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN30, 68mm, threaded cartridge, 110mm spindle
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Claris R2000, long cage, 34T max cog
- Front derailleur: Shimano Claris R2000, 31.8mm clamp
- Shifter: Shimano Claris R2000, eight-speed
- Tire: Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 TPI, 700x28c
- Max tire size: 28c without fenders, 25c with fenders
- Rim: Bontrager Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 17mm width, Presta valve
- Hub front: Formula TK-31 alloy, 5x100mm QR
- Hub rear: Formula TK-32 alloy, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 5x130mm QR
- Skewer Front: Formula QR22
Who Should Use this Performance Road Bike?
The Trek Domane AL2’s Shimano Claris drivetrain and dual-pivot brakes are not well-suited to competitive road racing.
This means that this bike is only recommended for those looking for an entry-level road bike that will perform well on short tours or errands around town.
Key Features
Weight and Load Capacity
The Trek Domane AL2 only weighs 21.09 pounds, making it one of the lightest bikes on the market.
This bike is perfect for commuters who want to travel easily and with less weight.
Despite being ultra-light, this bike can accommodate riders up to 275 pounds!
Frame
The Trek Domane AL 2 is a high-end road bike with a 100-series aluminum frame.
This frame offers many benefits, the most notable of which is its strength and lightweight.
Additionally, the frame combines the endurance geometry of a standard mountain bike with the responsiveness and agility of a racing bike, all while ensuring a more relaxed feel.
This combination results in an incredibly smooth ride that is perfect for long rides or those who want to take their cycling experience to the next level.
Drivetrain
The Domane AL 2 is one Trek model to feature the Claris groupset, which is unquestionably the lowest-ranked groupset on Shimano’s hierarchy.
However, despite its ranking, the Claris groupset provides excellent value for money and produces smooth, reliable shifting performance.
However, if you’re interested in upgrading to a more high-end groupset like the Tiagra, Trek also offers that option.
In terms of shifters, this bike comes with an 8-speed Shimano Claris R200 shifter.
With this shifter, you can control the bike and make quick and precise shifts whenever necessary.
For increased range and flexibility, the bike offers eight speeds on its rear cassette and a double ring on its front cassette. That’s 16 speeds in total!
Fork
The Domane AL 2 features a carbon fork that uses IsoSpeed suspension to create a smoother, more responsive ride.
This technology helps to reduce fatigue during long rides and makes the bike more comfortable overall.
Wheels
When you’re out for a ride on your Trek Domane AL 2 bike, you can trust that the wheels are prepared to take on any terrain.
The 24-hole rims feature Bontrager tubeless-ready capabilities, and the tires are equipped with R1 Hardcase Lite technology for smooth riding over any surface.
And another thing, the bike comes equipped with 700cc road bike wheels and a 28c tire clearance.
Brakes
The bike has dual-pivot brakes, which offer several advantages over single-pivot brakes.
They’re generally more powerful, meaning they can stop the bike more quickly; they’re also smoother and quieter, making them ideal for road bikes and less likely to wear out or become damaged.
The only downside is that these brakes are not the most responsive in wet conditions.
Color
The Trek Domane AL2 is available in two color choices: Gloss Mulsanne blue/matte Trek black and Trek black/carbon smoke.
Both color combinations make the bike very attractive.
Frame Technologies
This bike is unique because of its Blendr stem technology, which lets you clip several accessories on the bike stem.
These accessories include a front light, a rear light, and a bell.
In addition, this bike is compatible with Dual Trap S digital-sensing technology, so you can keep an eye on your distance, speed, and other stats while you ride.
Dual Trap S technology wirelessly transmits cycling stats to your smartphone or computer, so you can track your progress and optimize your ride.
Extra Features
The Fender and rack mounts are two versatile and essential accessories for any cyclist.
They keep your bike secure while you’re riding and can also be used to carry more gear or supplies.
Trek understands this need perfectly; the Domane AL 2 has fenders and rack mounts.
Pros
- It’s lightweight – at 21.09 pounds, this bike is easy to carry around and transport.
- The frame is durable – made from 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, making it strong and resilient.
- The performance geometry is perfect for riders who want an efficient ride.
- It is a budget-friendly bike that offers great value for the price.
- It offers multiple frame sizes, meaning riders of all heights and weights can find a bike that fits them well.
- The Domane AL 2 also comes in two color options, making it easy to personalize your ride.
- The fork is designed to reduce the vibration the rider feels.
Cons
- This bike is not suitable for heavy riders.
- Its dual-pivot brakes are not dependable enough in wet conditions.
Trek Domane AL 2 User Reviews
We asked a few riders what they thought of the bike, and here are their responses.
“I love my Domane AL 2! It’s the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden, and it feels like floating on the saddle.”
“The Trek Domane AL 2 is undoubtedly one of the best bikes I have ever ridden. The build quality is top-notch, making it extremely durable and comfortable to ride.”
“I was not disappointed. This bike is incredibly comfortable and handles well on even the roughest terrain. Its frame is made from high-quality aluminum, so it’s tough enough to take a beating but still lightweight enough to move around easily.”
Conclusion
The Trek Domane AL 2 is a great road bike that provides much performance for its price.
It comes in stunning colors and offers many useful features – stronger wheels, quality tires, multiple frame sizes, a vibration-dampening fork, comfortable geometry, and a lightweight frame.
However, this bike could be more flawless. Its dual-pivot brakes need to be more dependable in wet conditions.
So, if you’re looking for a bike that features all-weather brakes, the Trek Domane AL 2 Disc may be better suited.
FAQ
Is The Trek Domane Al 2 Fast?
It’s not the fastest road bike in the Domane series, but its lightweight frame and drivetrain make it fast enough for introductory road racing.
How Many Gears Does The Trek Domane Al 2 Have?
This bike has 16 gears. It’s an impressive number, and it makes the bike very versatile.
The gears can help you quickly cover much ground, whether out for a leisurely ride or trying to cover some serious distance.
Plus, the wide range of gearing allows you to make the most of your terrain, no matter what it is.
