guadzilla

Folks, anyone compared the Gen 3 vs Gen 4 Trek Domane bikes, and have any feedback about the difference between the two?

I am looking to to start logging some miles again: haven’t ridden much for the last 15 months, recovering from a shattered kneecap due to a crash, have gained a lot of weight and my freaking FTP is down to under 200W at this stage, so the next few months are all about re-building the base and endurance. With the rains coming up in this part of the world, I dont want to take my R5 out and then go to the trouble of cleaning it regularly - and the idea of building up a comfortable bike for crunching a lot of slow, steady miles has a lot of appeal. I have narrowed it down to the Domane because I have heard good things about the ISOSpeed and have wanted to try it out for a while.

I dont particularly care about the difference in weight between the two bikes. Ride quality is important, as are any reliability/squeak/other issues with the ISOSpeed of the Gen3 bike.

I am getting a 6-month old SL frameset for a pretty decent price and have all the parts to build it up with 10 speed Ultegra Di2. I could fork over the extra for the Gen4 if it is was a noticeable upgrade, but if not, I’ll just save the money and put it toward EPO cake.

TIA!

Mojo31

I have a Gen 3 SL5 with lots of mods (12-speed Di2, ceramic BB, carbon bits, etc.), and have ridden a Gen 4 SL6. There was nothing about the newer model that has me yearning for a change other than the stem and better hidden cables/hoses. But, the ride difference was not discernable to me.

jaxgtr

I've had both a 2021 Gen 3 SLR 7 and currently have a Gen 4 SLR 7 AXS model that I just sort of fell into, I was not specifically looking to buy. Both are very nice riding bikes, but I feel the Gen 4 bike just feels better on the road. The front IsoSpeed on the Gen 3 is nice, but I found it deadened the ride a little if you like to feel a little bit of the road. The rear IsoSpeed on the Gen 3 SLR I had was adjustable, but once I set it, I never touched it, so it was not a huge deal. The Gen 4 removed the front and the rear is non-adjustable and I just like how feel of the ride is on it better. Both have great tire clearance and I really do like the internal storage capability so I do not have to have a saddle bag.

downtube42

I'm in the market now, and looking at those two bikes. Gen 4 reduced some of the dampening, for the benefit of weight savings.

My purpose is randonneuring, so rides 200km and up; for me the presumably smoother ride of the Gen 3 is more appealing. I'm not going to be able to discern any difference in a 30-60 minute test ride, so I'm leaning to Gen 3 based on believing that it actually is a smoother ride.

jaxgtr

Both bikes have a very smooth ride, even on less than ideal road surface, the Gen 4 has a very smooth feel to it. I found that adjusting the tire pressure gave me better control over how much road I want to feel when the road surface turns ugly. My longest ride on the Gen 4 is about 105 miles and I did not feel beat up in any way when I got done. I have 30mm tires, so I have a pretty velvety ride anyway, but at the end of the day, I don't really think you can go wrong with either.

guadzilla

Super - thanks, guys.

I am getting the used Gen3 for a fairly significant discount, so i think i may go that route after all. This is a training/solo riding bike, so i dont care too much about hidden hoses and all that stuff.

ussprinceton

post a picture when you get it

downtube42

I pulled the trigger on a Gen 3 myself yesterday. It was pouring rain when I took delivery, so no ride

Looking forward to a ride tonight.

I'm riding a 600k brevet this weekend. It would be crazy to do that on a new bike without having time to set things up properly. Lighting system, getting fit dialed, working out any bugs with a newly built bike. Right?

jaxgtr

Yes it would.... Have fun on it...

downtube42

I'm waffling.

First shake-down ride last night, about 18 miles. Super comfortable and I set 4 PRs. Granted, I was trying, but I'm not in mid-summer shape.

BTinNYC 

I got a used gen 3 and the ride is smooth and super stable. What a descender!