Tesgin

I'm looking at getting a Domane 5.2 carbon fiber bike.

One LBS will sell me the 2016 version for $2900

A second LBS doesn't have the 2016, but will sell me the 2013 model for $2600.

I'm torn: I like the color of the 2013 model better, hands down (Red and white). The 2016 model can be had only in white/silver. All things being equal, I do like the red/white frame better.

I cannot discern any differences between the two models other than the groupset: both are Ultegra, but the 2013 is an older model, 10-speed. The 2016 is 11-speed, plus I'm told it's better made than the pre-2014 version (IDK if that's true).

So, a few questions:

First, I'd love to know if anyone is aware of any other differences between the two models other than the groupset (Bikeline tells me the frame is upgraded in the 2016 model over the 2015, but I can't see any evidence of that, and have not been able to find anything on that). On paper, everything else looks identical?

Second, is the upgraded groupset worth $300 more?

Third, it feels like buying a three-year-old model might not be wise, perhaps mainly if perchance I were to look at selling the bike in the next several years. I don't suspect I will, but you never know. No doubt I'd get much less for a 2013 model, even if they were practically identical. Any thoughts?



So, that's where I'm at: is it foolish to save $300 by going with a bike that is three years older?

Thanks!
Tesgin

rms13

A big difference is old 10 speed Ultegra vs new 11 speed Ultegra. I would gladly spend the extra $300 for newer components. The shifting is better (especially front) and hood ergonomics are better (personal preference but I think 99% of the people agree here).

dksix

For me it's not what the newer group set is worth but rather that you're buying a new 3 model year old bike. It's a pretty general consensus that 20% is a common discount for last year's model, I would expect at least that on one that's 3 years old. Honestly, I'd be looking for more like 30% off but would expect some of that 30% to be in the way of service or extras.

gsa103

The 2013 Domane would be worth considering at <$2k, but if its anything close it pricing to the 2016, getting the 2016.

MSRP on a Domane 4.3 is $2300, and that's for a new, with equal or better components. It's a step down in frame, but three years newer, so I'd guess the frames will be very similar quality.

RJM

I wouldn't buy a 2013 with 10 speed for $2600 bucks. The 10 speed kills it, IMHO....but even so, at a bike that is three years old sitting in the showroom I would expect a pretty decent discount.

Wittyname

Don't get the 2013 unless you're getting closer to 40-50% off, I've been seeing 2015 models already on clearance for 25% off around here.

Tesgin

Wow, this is so helpful. Thank you, all. I almost feel embarrassed not to have known what a no-brainer this is.

I am curious to know if anyone might be able to confirm for me whether the Ultegra groupset on the Domane 5.2 is, in fact, the 6800 groupset? I'm no expert on this, but everything I've read seems to suggest that the 6800 is markedly improved over 6700 or earlier. However, the Trek website doesn't say. All it says is "Ultegra." Can I assume since it's a 2016 model it would be 6800?

Tesgin

rbk_3

The 6700 is the old 10 speed. The 6800 is 11 speed. The new Domane will have 6800.

Tpcorr

The 2016 5.2 Domane also comes in a black and blue colorway, which looks pretty sweet online. I haven't seen it in person yet.

Domane 5.2 - Trek Bicycle

Tom

Stucky

Only a $300 discount for a 3 year-old bike??? What, are they NUTZ?!

That's why the bike is still sitting there....stupid store should have marked it down more than that at the end of 2013! I've come to believe that half [being generous] the people who own bike shops are idiots/.terrible business poeple.

link0

That 2013 model shouldn't cost more than $2k.

chrisb2794

I saved $729 on my bike and it's a 2015. $300 more is worth it for the 2016.

bassjones

I imagine we'll be looking at 12-speed DA/Ultegra/Red/Force and Rival for 2017 and at that point the 2013 will be two upgrades behind... It's your money and $300 is $300. If you like the color better and don't care about one extra gear in your cassette, I'd walk in and offer $1900 cash for the 13. If he takes it, cool. If not, walk out. He'll still be trying to unload it next fall.

softreset

It's actually brown & blue.

Tpcorr

Looks like black on my monitor, but I can't find a description of the color on the website.

Tom

softreset

Yeah, the official color is "Matte Dark Roast Black" but when we saw them at Trek World a few weeks back in direct light it's definitely a shade of brown.

Tesgin

I did it. Went with the 2016 Domane 5.2. Looking at the photos online of the white/silver, I didn't think I'd love it. It was "okay."

I'm surprised at how much I like it now that I have it. It's beautiful. Very sharp. Striking. It's an eye-catching bike.

Absolutely love the ride. Smooth, comfortable, but fast. Responsive. Great climber. Feels light underneath me. It is quite striking how little road noise I feel. It feels like I'm riding on air.

Bottom line: I'm thrilled. I likely will have this bike for a long time.

Thanks all, for helping me make up my mind.

Tpcorr

Congratulations! Enjoy your new toy.

Tom

doug59

Excellent ! Here's to many miles of enjoyable riding!!!

Stucky

Excellent! Sounds like you found the perfect bike for you, OP. That's exactly the way it should be! Enjoy!

dcsix

I think the fact that the dealer still has a 2013 on the floor is indicative of their lack of reality in pricing. You'd be doing them a favor, it's worth a much larger discount than $300.
Ah...I see now that you got the 2016, good move!

Tesgin

I thought I should clarify that the 2013 bike was actually not a $300 discount, but a $900 discount ($2600, but original list was $3500). It was $300 less than the 2016, which the other dealer discounted $600.

Anyway, an update is in order.

I LOVE this Domane 5.2. The thing has a gentler geometry (endurance) so is more comfortable for me, is a MUCH smoother ride than my CAAD-10 (which I love, btw), and on top of that is a faster bike, believe it or not.

I've only had it a week or so; My last three rides were on familiar and frequent routes that I've been riding for years, so I have a very good feel for what I can do speed-wise. I have a Garmin Edge 800 and I log all my routes and rides on RWGPS, so I can compare my times. In addition to the greater comfort and the diminished road times, I set records on each of my last three rides: Two of them by less than .5 mph, but my ride today was faster by 1.1 mph. I've been riding that route for four years! Shattered my best time.

Not only that, but I'm getting significant comments on how sharp the bike looks. People really notice it. Not that that's the reason I bought it, but it doesn't hurt!



I am impressed and quite pleased.

Tesgin

WalksOn2Wheels

Congratulations. They are wonderful bikes.

Now, ahem, PICTURES?

ColaJacket

It didn't happen without pics.

GH