gti337

Hi all,

Searched and didn't see any direct comparisons - has anyone ridden both the SL and SLR 2020 Trek Domane? I know I need to get out and ride both, just wanted to see if anyone else had an opinion. Trying to decide between the SLR7 UDi2 at $7799 vs the SL7 at $5999. A $1800 difference for adjustable isoSpeed and different bars/saddle seems like quite a bit . . .

DaveSSS 

The slr frame costs a lot more to save a little weight. If you're not racing it's probably not worth it. I've never test ridden any of a dozen bikes because they all started as frames.

jpescatore

I went through the comparison in 2017, went with SL6/disc. I couldn't see ever adjusting the ISOspeed setting and after 3 seasons riding the Domane still feel that way.

The frame weight savings didn't seem worth it, as I carry 30 lbs of extra weight on my body... I did like the color available for the SL7 better, but wouldn't pay for that.

For me, the wheels were what made me decide on the SL6 vs. SL5. If the wheels on both are the same Bontrager Aerolus, that is a lot of %% to pay for the weight savings alone.

maartendc

I dont have any experience with either bike, but I doubt the price difference is worth it. It rarely is for those top end bikes.

Get the SL, unless you're one of those people that NEED TO HAVE the best.

noodle soup

According to my local Trek shop, most Domane owners feel the same way. I was told the middle position is the one most riders end up using, and that is equal to the non adjustable models.

aclinjury

I'd save the $1800 and upgrade the wheelset. For example, Reynolds top of line Aero 46 or 65 series can be had for well under $1800

gti337

Thanks everyone! Was leaning towards the SL as the additional $1800 seemed a bit much for what's included. Just need to find a 2020 SL7 in stock in a 58 for me to test ride somewhere nearby!

colnago62

I adjusted a little lower in the winter. Riding smaller gears with more weight on the saddle. I could live without it and still be happy with the bike

jpescatore

GTI337 - I'm not real picky about bikes but the test ride on the 2017 Domane SL6 blew me away compared to a few others I test rode. I'm loving the bike.

I buy new bikes about every 15 to 20 years, but that down tube storage compartment in the 2020 model could almost tempt me into looking at a trade-in. I hat carrying stuff on my back or in pockets, don't even like wearing jerseys with pockets. Could take the saddle bag off if I had that cool compartment!

eastsideride

Good choice on the SL 7. I love the SLR but the stiffness setting on the adjustable IsoSpeed for the SLR is best for racers. If you want a softer bike, it offers that too. But for for your average rider, the SL meets the needs of just about everyone.

SkepticalOne

I agree with much of what is posted. The only thing I will add is that the 2020 SLR suspension system also has a damper element which is absent in the more traditional Isospeed of the SL as well as the last-gen SLR. The SL relies on the intrinsic damping properties of the carbon fibre to damp-out oscillations and therefore rebound/recoil and oscillation is more pronounced in the absence of the elastomeric damper of the SLR. This was something I noticed in moving from my 2016 SLR to the new 2020 SLR. The ride is much more refined with the new system. I would struggle to recommend the upgrade from SL to SLR on the basis of value alone. I agree when people say Save the money and buy wheels. That's really if its a one-or-the other proposition, though. I went SLR because I wanted to go Project One and get the H1.5 Pro Endurance fit. I was looking to get the best I could afford without having to justify the value. No one can rationalize the money I spent on the basis of function alone lol.

noodle soup

there’s really no need to upgrade the wheelset on the SL7.

SkepticalOne

Agreed.

August West

I have a 2019 SL 6 and it is a great bike. Couldn't ask for much more really.

But, I got it in my head that I wanted a Di2 bike so I ordered a 2020 SLR 7 this week. I would have just gone with the SL 7 but the only color available just isn't my thing so I bit the bullet jumped up to the SLR 7. If there would have been different colors in the SL 7 it would have been my first choice. Both are more bike than I will ever be able to take advantage of but I'm not getting any younger and figured I might as well get what I want and enjoy it while I'm able to.

SkepticalOne

Great choice! Congratulations on your decision. Be sure to post pics

maartendc

Not to make you second guess your decision, but you could have just upgraded the groupset on your current bike to Di2 if you wanted.

noodle soup

But it wouldn't have the wider tire clearence(or integrated tool storage) the 2020 bike does.

WhyFi

And some people seem to be hot on the new BB.

noodle soup

The BB is a real improvement over the old PF BB. I've had no issues with mine, but it's definitely a known problem.

BengalCat

The main functional difference between the two bikes is the Trek frames grade of carbon. That's it. (SLR has a choice of colors, SL7 has just black.)

The SLR has a Trek's 700 grade carbon that is slightly lighter and stronger. The SL has 500 grade carbon. All the other components are the same, wheels, drivetrain, etc.

The difference in weight is the SLR is 1/2 pound lighter Why would anyone want to pay $1800 more just for choices of color and a 1/2 pound lighter bike?

Bah Humbug

Weren't you going cuckoo for T47?

I mean, I am too. You may remember I nearly refused to get a press-fit roadie, and if someone made a T47 modern tri bike that would be a bigger differentiator than the gnat's sneeze in the wind tunnel that separates most of them.

WhyFi

Nope, that wasn't me. I mean, I'd take it over BB90, all other things equal, but if a previous model year with BB90 had a significant discount? I'd take the discount (as long as we're still talking about new, with Trek's lifetime warranty).

noodle soup

I'd say the bigger difference is the adjustable flex of the seat tube.

I have an older 600 grade CF Domane frameset without the front Iso feature..For me the most attractive feature of the 2020 Domane is the tire clearance.

CraigB70

For what it is worth, I did about 150klm on an SL7 demo bike across 2 rides before buying an SLR7. Personally, I found it very difficult to pick the difference between them and only went for the SLR7 as I wanted Di2 instead of Sram AXS. Unfortunately in Australia Di2 is not available on anything lower than the SLR7. If it were available on the SL7 I'd have happily saved the money and gone for that. I was not too concerned about weight. I am personally carrying a (fair) bit of extra weight so could not look at my bike in good conscience and accuse it of being overweight!

For me, I was still hearing too much negative talk about chains dropping on the Sram, although I personally didn't have any issues on the 2 rides I did. I do like the feel of the Shimano brakes ever so slightly more though and they don't seem to have the brake rub that I was experiencing with the Sram brakes.

I have not played with the rear isospeed settings yet, but as some have said earlier, I have heard that most people settle on the middle setting anyway. All I can say is that both bikes are absolutely beautiful to ride and you would not go wrong with either!

Save the money and put it into some more toys for the new bike

"Fred"

If your budget allows for the nicer bike get it. I have never had anyone wish they bought the cheaper bike but most wish they got the more expensive one. get the nicest bike your budget will allow!