mtalinm

One of the reasons I bought a Domane 4.5 last week was the way-cool hidden fender mounts. I want(ed) to use it as a long-range commuter including in the rain, so fenders are essential and I've had my fill of strap-ons. Nearly every review mentions this feature and specifically that the bike has clearance for 25s with fenders (as was my local dealer's understanding).

So when the Bontrager-approved set arrived this week I was excited...until I tried to install them. But the front mounting bracket doesn't fit the Domane fork (at least for the 4.5, or if you want to get picky, the 4.5 that was sold to me). moreover, no way there is rear clearance for fenders with the stock (25c) tires. we barley got them to fit with 23s, and we still can't get the front fenders to fit.

so, if you care about fenders don't buy Domane. great bike otherwise

RobertL

Not good. Go to the Trek web site and send them a note and see what they have to say.

mtalinm

thanks, did that + tweeted @trekbikes (public complaining = best way to get attention from most companies)

kv501

TMI my friend...TMI.

Gran Fondo

Sorry that you had your "fill of strap-ons".

If it's any consolation, I was able to modify a set of cheap Avenir plastic fenders so that they fit my Fuji Gran Fondo. It has 23c tires, but clearance is still tight. You only need a few millimeters of clearance though fo them to work.

Condor637

Since you bought it only a week ago, return the bike and get the Domane that accomodates the fenders. They'll do it, Trek is really good at exchanges.

mtalinm

they claim all the models do. this one has the "vanishing eyelets" - it's the clearance that is the problem.

but yes, I have had good experiences with Trek trying to make things right in the past. will push them on this

pcb09

Ever cross your mind that the fenders you got are problem and not the bike, trek/bontrager make a number of different models of fenders that are different sizes and shapes. It is very possible that the particular fender you selected does not fit, but that does not mean that a different fender system will not work.

mtalinm

that was of course my first question for the LBS (Trek dealer). they assured me this was the Bontrager fender set Trek recommends; indeed, the clip-on fender mounts work with the "vanishing" eyelets. but the bracket and clearance are off.

I'm hoping my LBS is confused somehow, but I doubt it. and, staring at the rear brake, I just don't see the clearance for fenders with a 25c tire.

fstshrk

I am thinking your backup commuter is more suitable for
the task then this trek.

georges1

I was thinking that as well

mtalinm

Domane would be perfect for my commute if it the fenders worked, thank you.

fstshrk

Why, do you ride cobblestones on the way to work?

mtalinm

there actually is a stretch of cobblestones, yes. but more generally, it's a 13-15 mile commute with two distinct stretches. the first half is smooth suburban roads built for speed, where a race bike would be great. but the second half is urban jungle with lots of potholed streets where you'd like a bike that can handle the bumps. most of my bikes are good for one half or the other; Domane does both.

that's why I so disappointed about the fenders. it is back at the LBS again today for another try, and the dealer is calling his distributor to find out what is going on. he's quite upset at Trek as he is already out a pair of tires to try to make this work for me

Bostic

Full fenders on my Volagi Liscio. 700x25 conti or rubino pros.

https://imageshack.us/a/img560/2672/imagexdq.jpg

bobones

Call them full fenders?

Bostic

I still have to add on some of these to be ready for full down pour commutes and longer rides.

redlude97

did your dealer trim the fenders around the calipers? This almost always increases clearance. A little time with a dremel should fix most if not all your clearance issues.

mtalinm

great idea, thanks. he already took a hammer to the misshapen clamp, so I'll suggest this. we also put washers on top of the screws that hold the clamp to the fender to reduce the amt the screws stick out below the fender. may mill them down further too. not giving up yet!

bobones

Nice! The flaps really help keep your feet dry and are appreciated on group rides. I'm in the west of Scotland so it rains more often that not.

d_D

I have a Domane 4.5 with full fenders and 25mm tyres. I'm using crud road racers but I don't see why other fenders designed for close clearance frames / calipers would not work. I also know a couple of people with full fenders on Madones with 23mm tyres.
There is a page here showing a different fender on a Domane. https://classiccycleus.com/home/pdw-full-metal-fenders/

I suspect your dealer is a bit clueless and is blaming Trek instead of admitting his own ignorance. I just can't see Trek telling him to fit their own brand 35mm wide fender to a bike that can only just squeeze in 28mm tyres alone.

I also have to second the comments about the appropriateness of this bike for the task. A Domane is horrible on potholes or cobblestones. It's just marginally less horrible that a conventional bike of its class like a Madone. It still has narrow tires, light wheels and expensive components. I'm not going to say it's the wrong bike for you but it would not be my choice for that task.

bonz50

Fender supports, eh??? I've been waiting a long time for a bike that I could ride while playing my strat!!!

mtalinm

thanks d_D for that helpful post. maybe the problem is that the Bontrager fenders are not the best match. the LBS got it working with 23c tires, but I'll check out the Crud and PDW fenders.

/thread

Young Version

Really? On Trek's own page for the Domane, I see the following terms:
-pave
-cobbles (x4)
-rough roads
-potholed

I'm sure it's a perfectly fine choice for this situation.

marqueemoon

Was going to post that, and yeah.

The best way to get a dedicated fender bike as I posted in another thread is to build one. The bike industry (at least in the US) still doesn't get it.