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Is official... Trek launched electric Domane

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Is official... Trek launched electric Domane

Old 10-04-18, 05:50 PM
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dvai
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Is official... Trek launched electric Domane

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...mane/c/B221-6/


I know gigant already has an electric road bike... but is an interesting topic.

While on the one hand, having electric assistance is definitely against a "purist cyclist", I get the idea is a good option to have for long or very tough rides.

I do wonder if using the e-bike can decrease your performance on a regular bike... or feel you "suck" in a regular road bike.

This Domane gives assiatance up to 28 mph... which is higher than most people's cruising speed on a road bike.
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Old 10-04-18, 06:25 PM
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Interesting that they decided on rather blatant e-bike aesthetics rather than a somewhat more stealth approach (like a normal crankset, for starters). I would think that something that didn't stick out like a sore thumb would sell considerably better, but I have to assume they've done their market research.
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Old 10-04-18, 06:27 PM
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28 MPH is higher than legally allowed in most states.

It is supposed to stop assist at 20 MPH.

This thing is a moped, not an e-assist bike. I'm not saying its bad but just stating what it is.


-Tim-
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Old 10-04-18, 06:31 PM
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Exactly. Forest gump or pee wee hermans bike

Why not a bike that looks like a regular bike.

Originally Posted by WhyFi
Interesting that they decided on rather blatant e-bike aesthetics rather than a somewhat more stealth approach (like a normal crankset, for starters). I would think that something that didn't stick out like a sore thumb would sell considerably better, but I have to assume they've done their market research.
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Old 10-04-18, 06:40 PM
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just get a motorcycle
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Old 10-04-18, 06:46 PM
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17kg!
I presume there is some kind of gearing step up in that crank/motor. 20:11 isn't tall enough.
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Old 10-04-18, 06:55 PM
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The motor I can live with, but the SRAM brakes and drive train? What were they thinking?
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Old 10-04-18, 06:55 PM
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LOL the one by
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Old 10-04-18, 07:33 PM
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20T with a 11-36... you should be able to ride up Baldwin street with that gearing.

17kg, that's almost 3x the weight of my Emonda SLR.
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Old 10-04-18, 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Dean V
17kg!
I presume there is some kind of gearing step up in that crank/motor. 20:11 isn't tall enough.
I was thinking about that as well.
28mph would mean spinning ~190 RPM if that 20T is attached directly to the cranks!
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Old 10-04-18, 07:53 PM
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I wouldn't get the non motor version, so I can't sit here and claim I am not interested in this because of the motor.
with that said, it's a fuggo bike and though I conceptually get that ebikes for road are coming, I don't love it.

I fear change.
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Old 10-04-18, 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by dvai
I do wonder if using the e-bike can decrease your performance on a regular bike... or feel you "suck" in a regular road bike.
Originally Posted by Shimagnolo
I was thinking about that as well.
28mph would mean spinning ~190 RPM if that 20T is attached directly to the cranks!
It might be good practice for those of us who are mashers.

Especially if it only works in pure pedal assist mode. I.E. no power if you're not spinning at 190 RPM.

As far as looks... it is a pretty powerful e-bike at 350 watts. Plus, at least for me, the biggest need for assist would be on 40 to 150 mile bike rides. One would need quite a bit of battery to get there, otherwise one is just pedaling a 40 pound bike.

Let's see, say 100 miles, 20 MPH, = 5 hours. For a 500WH battery, that comes out to about 100W assist. One would at least break even over pedaling a 17 pound bike.
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Old 10-04-18, 08:48 PM
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I can't really understand the point of electric assist bikes.
I get it for commuting where you may want to be a bit quicker for less effort, but for recreational riding it doesn't make sense to me.
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Old 10-04-18, 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Dean V
I can't really understand the point of electric assist bikes.
I get it for commuting where you may want to be a bit quicker for less effort, but for recreational riding it doesn't make sense to me.
The mechanic at the local bike shop rides an ebike to work. It 5 minuets slower than driving. He placed top 10 in the cross series last year with his only training riding to work. He would turn the assistance off and do intervals and then turn it back on to recover so his recovery speed was as high as his interval speed. One of our local TT guys bought an ebike for his girlfriend. She is a good rider but can’t really keep up with him when he is going full tilt.
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Old 10-04-18, 10:44 PM
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It's illegal in most states.


-Tim-
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Old 10-04-18, 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
Let's see, say 100 miles, 20 MPH, = 5 hours. For a 500WH battery, that comes out to about 100W assist. One would at least break even over pedaling a 17 pound bike.
If we consider this motor to be adding 10kg versus a non-e-bike, and we assume that the motor is only achieving 80% efficiency, the added weight is still "pedaling" itself at 8W/kg for those 5 hours. And if the motor is needed to do its full 350W in a short burst, that's 35W/kg. Even pro racers can't get anywhere near those figures; I'd call it much better than "breaking even."
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Old 10-05-18, 01:34 AM
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Originally Posted by TimothyH
It's illegal in most states.


-Tim-


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electr...#United_States
https://electricbikereview.com/forum...-matter.22738/

It looks like perhaps a dozen states allow E-Bikes at 25, 28, or even 30 MPH.

In other states, it might fall under Moped laws.

California regulates class of bike, and where it is legal to ride them, so one might find one restricted from several bike paths.

A lot of people try to "fly under the radar", and it is currently largely being ignored. However, if you got into an accident, for example, if the bike is non-compliant, then it could certainly affect liability.

I could probably hop the border, and buy it in Washington with the full 28MPH speed regulation. Hopefully convincing them not to charge sales tax.
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Old 10-05-18, 02:32 AM
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"It doesn't get any easier, you just get faster" Greg LeMond.

Not any more Greg.
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Old 10-05-18, 03:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Dean V
17kg!
I presume there is some kind of gearing step up in that crank/motor. 20:11 isn't tall enough.
There is an internal 2.5:1 gear in the Bosch motor. To the rider a 20t is equal to a 50t on a normal bike.
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Old 10-05-18, 03:33 AM
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Originally Posted by WhyFi
Interesting that they decided on rather blatant e-bike aesthetics rather than a somewhat more stealth approach (like a normal crankset, for starters). I would think that something that didn't stick out like a sore thumb would sell considerably better, but I have to assume they've done their market research.
Break from more stealth aesthetic is based upon integration of a monster battery for distance. Big BB is the same. Big watt motor for more speed.
First glance, Trek nailed this bike. Its OK it isn't a pretend motorless roadbike in favor of the performance many will seek that want an ebike with range and power. No doubt as you say, the design was market research directed. I believe if this forum was used as a focus group, the same design would emanate...members would choose this still pleasing shape of the Domane e-bike in spite of being less svelte than more road bike look alikes, in favor of power and range. Power and range rules the day as long as the aesthetic isn't too badly compromised I am sure would be the takeaway.

Over time, battery and motor tech will continue to evolve and lighter more stealth road bikes with electric motor will become available.

Unlike all the haters here, I love the tech for distance riding for an aging cyclist in particular. Love the idea of a high speed 50 mile ride for a rider in his 70's. In my 70's I still hope to have a FTP of 200w. 200 more watts seems like a good idea to have racer performance on a road bike.

I will probably own one in the next 10 years for 50 mile days when I want to rock and roll on long rides as I approach my mid 70's. I can still keep up with young riders on a regular road bike. In 10 years, the tech should be even better and in 20 years they may even figure out how to turn the whole bike frame into a solar collector and make them closer to the weight of a current road bike.

Last edited by Campag4life; 10-05-18 at 05:39 AM.
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Old 10-05-18, 03:42 AM
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Originally Posted by HTupolev
If we consider this motor to be adding 10kg versus a non-e-bike, and we assume that the motor is only achieving 80% efficiency, the added weight is still "pedaling" itself at 8W/kg for those 5 hours. And if the motor is needed to do its full 350W in a short burst, that's 35W/kg. Even pro racers can't get anywhere near those figures; I'd call it much better than "breaking even."
Good catch. Lots of KOM's up big hills set on e-bikes. Power to weight. E-bike wins. Overtime as tech becomes more integrated and e-bikes only get better, will be fantastic...especially for people losing fitness or never had it to begin with who want to keep up with 'anybody'. Seeing more and more on the road. Unfit Mom's with a basket on their e-bike who can keep up with me on my 17lb carbon wunderbike.
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Old 10-05-18, 03:47 AM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
It might be good practice for those of us who are mashers.

Especially if it only works in pure pedal assist mode. I.E. no power if you're not spinning at 190 RPM.

As far as looks... it is a pretty powerful e-bike at 350 watts. Plus, at least for me, the biggest need for assist would be on 40 to 150 mile bike rides. One would need quite a bit of battery to get there, otherwise one is just pedaling a 40 pound bike.

Let's see, say 100 miles, 20 MPH, = 5 hours. For a 500WH battery, that comes out to about 100W assist. One would at least break even over pedaling a 17 pound bike.
Really? Every time you roll out the door you ride 40-150 miles? I never do or try not to. I don't like being on a bicycle for more than 50 miles, particularly at higher exertion.
Most don't either. Battery life will be fine on this big battery bike. And battery life will only get better with time on e-bikes. On the flats, 100W with this heavier bike will still be a net positive in terms of rider watts saved for the same speed.
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Old 10-05-18, 05:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Campag4life
Unlike all the haters here, I love the tech for distance riding for an aging cyclist in particular. Love the idea of a high speed 50 mile ride for a rider in his 70's. In my 70's I still hope to have a FTP of 200w. 200 more watts seems like a good idea to have racer performance on a road bike.
It was mildly annoying to be passed by an ebike the first couple times, but I'm all for them, whether recreation or utility - any shift away from the norm of 4000lb SUVs is positive, IMO. The prospect of an unskilled rider blasting along the MUP at 25+ mph is a little disconcerting, but there are already enough reasons for me to avoid spending too much time on MUPs, so not much of an issue for me.
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Old 10-05-18, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Campag4life
B

I will probably own one in the next 10 years for 50 mile days when I want to rock and roll on long rides as I approach my mid 70's.
And in another 10 years, they'll be lighter and less expensive. I could definitely see it as I get older. And I'll have the time for longer rides then.
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Old 10-05-18, 06:18 AM
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A bit pricey, but I can imagine that the cyclotour companies will add some of these options to their packages, especially trektravel.. their current only available option as per below. Being able to offer this new bike can be a differentiator.

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