2023 Trek Domane+

[Jack Cox]

Joining in this thread, seems like we've all chatted before about the Creo.

As a 2 year Creo SL owner I took the plunge and ordered a Project One SLR9 (Shimano) to replace my admittedly still great Creo. My dealer had one I could see and ride in an SL7 build, although completely the wrong size. I"m XXL on the Creo and this one was a 56.

However, I got enough information to know this is a pretty significant upgrade over the Creo.

Power is relatively similar, a little more than the Creo at the higher cadence, a little lower off the bottom end. The most refreshing part of it was its absolute SILENCE. The lack of thrash compared to the SL motor sold me immediately. I could not hear the motor AT ALL. Some of that is down to my high frequency hearing loss, but while I felt the motor, I never could hear it. The TQ control unit was great and had better features than the mastermind TCU. I will sill want to use my garmin for GPS features, but I could see not using one.

My only (minor) concern was the bar buttons seemed a little cheesy, although well located. The motor unit is TINY. This one will be super stealthy on group rides.

I would never call any bike like this a good deal, but the pricing of the SLR Dura Ace model is comparable to many acoustic bikes in the top groupset category. I really like the idea of going back to double chain rings in the front.

It's going to take 140 days to build it in my color and spec, so I should have it by spring. I'll keep ya'll posted.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I have a Creo as well and think I would like to get a Domane+ so I’m really interested in your experience. I just wish Trek would put this motor in a frame with the 700 Series carbon so it would be less expensive.

I wish Trek would hurry up and list this bike on their Canadian website.

 

[Deacon Blues]

Deacon, sadly I think that Trek only plans on selling the hub based Domane in Canada. The Domane+ with the TQ motor is speed limited to 45 km/hr and I think they don’t want to bother selling a 32 km/hr version in Canada. I’ve resigned myself to buying one in Washington and bringing it home.

Trek Canada already sells this motor in their mountain bike line-up , so they already have this motor set up for a 32kph. Also, the owner of our local Trek bike shop thinks this bike is coming to Canada. Nothing is for sure, though and it won't be the first time a bike was sold in the US, but not in Canada.
When the bike is available in Canada (positive thinking here) I plan on selling my Giant Defy Pro 0 road bike and my Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty 3 e-gravel bike. I recently purchased full suspension e-mountain bike, so I don't really need a gravel bike.

 

[MinnBobber]

I did a ride of the Trek TQ mountain bike and it is really quiet which I loved.
I was hoping it would feel stronger , but wasn’t sure what to expect, compared to my Stromers.

TQ motor is tiny tiny so wishing for a 500 + watt version which would still be small.

It will be very interesting to see how the lightweight road TQ feels vs the mtn bike heavier bike and its 20 mph assist limit and mtn tires etc.

TQ—- give us a big brother or two.

 

[BlackHand]

TQ—- give us a big brother or two.

That would be the HPR120, the older brother of this HPR50. Known as the Flyon, but only used by Haibike and only on mtb in Europe.

@Captain Slow In the EBR review of the Domane+ SLR Court writes that he got the test bike from Coquitlam Trek so there's at least 1 in Canada already.

 

[MinnBobber]

That would be the HPR120, the older brother of this HPR50. Known as the Flyon, but only used by Haibike and only on mtb in Europe.

@Captain Slow In the EBR review of the Domane+ SLR Court writes that he got the test bike from Coquitlam Trek so there's at least 1 in Canada already.

Yes, but the HPR120 is not a natural feel, next generation type of motor. And it is loud.
It is not what I am hoping for, a HPR50 x 2

 

[Maximotoman]

I just purchased the 2023 Domane+ SLR 6 with the goal of blending, into one bike, the best of my Trek Allant+ 7s and Domane SL6. This reviewer did a great job of articulating my experience with the bike. https://cyclingtips.com/2022/10/2023-trek-domane-plus-e-road-bike-review/. I will say, that getting used to the way the motor engages takes some getting used to after riding my Allant+ 7s. The feel is very different and relies more on finding the right cadence and gear so that takes an adjustment in expectations. The geometry feels like my analog Domane sl6, so that's familiar. I had 40s put on to smooth out the ride even more. My fenders are being installed today and they are raising my handlebars to make it more comfortable for me (I'm a bit of a T Rex!). Without any additional accessories, the bike is under 30lbs which feels amazing compared to my Allant, but heavier than my analog Domane. Overall, I think I'm going to be very happy with this new addition to my stable!

 

[Deacon Blues]

I can't figure out Trek Canada. The Domane+ bikes are about 30% more money in Canada, thanks to our crappy dollar compared to the US dollar. Even though the bikes are 40% more money Trek, in all their wisdom, won't be brining in the SLR6. The lowest model they'll be bringing in is the SLR7.

 

[chamonix]

I just purchased the 2023 Domane+ SLR 6 with the goal of blending, into one bike, the best of my Trek Allant+ 7s and Domane SL6. This reviewer did a great job of articulating my experience with the bike. https://cyclingtips.com/2022/10/2023-trek-domane-plus-e-road-bike-review/. I will say, that getting used to the way the motor engages takes some getting used to after riding my Allant+ 7s. The feel is very different and relies more on finding the right cadence and gear so that takes an adjustment in expectations. The geometry feels like my analog Domane sl6, so that's familiar. I had 40s put on to smooth out the ride even more. My fenders are being installed today and they are raising my handlebars to make it more comfortable for me (I'm a bit of a T Rex!). Without any additional accessories, the bike is under 30lbs which feels amazing compared to my Allant, but heavier than my analog Domane. Overall, I think I'm going to be very happy with this new addition to my stable!

Nice bike,
I wouldn't leave it on that bike rack overnight...

 

[rdv]

I just purchased the 2023 Domane+ SLR 6 with the goal of blending, into one bike, the best of my Trek Allant+ 7s and Domane SL6. This reviewer did a great job of articulating my experience with the bike. https://cyclingtips.com/2022/10/2023-trek-domane-plus-e-road-bike-review/. I will say, that getting used to the way the motor engages takes some getting used to after riding my Allant+ 7s. The feel is very different and relies more on finding the right cadence and gear so that takes an adjustment in expectations. The geometry feels like my analog Domane sl6, so that's familiar. I had 40s put on to smooth out the ride even more. My fenders are being installed today and they are raising my handlebars to make it more comfortable for me (I'm a bit of a T Rex!). Without any additional accessories, the bike is under 30lbs which feels amazing compared to my Allant, but heavier than my analog Domane. Overall, I think I'm going to be very happy with this new addition to my stable!

Agree that sorting out good combinations of gear, assist, speed, and power input under various conditions takes some getting used to with the TQ HPR50 motor.
What brand and model is the carrier in the photo? ~ Cost? Difficult to attach to the car?

 

[Maximotoman]

Agree that sorting out good combinations of gear, assist, speed, and power input under various conditions takes some getting used to with the TQ HPR50 motor.
What brand and model is the carrier in the photo? ~ Cost? Difficult to attach to the car?

The rack is a 1up super dutyhttps://www.1up-usa.com/product/2in-super-duty-single-bike-rack/

 

[AntonioAlfaro]

Hello guys, thanks for this complete overview of the new Trek Domane+ SLR 6. For a few years I have used an Orbea Gain D50 ebike (almost 9000KM) and despite being a first generation technology I must say that the satisfactions I have had have paid the cost of that eBike. I have decided to make a leap to third generation technologies and from what is offered as new for 2023 the Domane+ SLR family attracts my attention.
I am used to the characteristics of my Orbea Gain:
-15Kg total weight
-Motor in the rear hub
-Considerable drag when there is no assistance
-Unnatural sensation when the assistance operates
-Assistance control algorithm based on cadence sensor
-Repair complication in case of flat rear tire
.. others more.
I would like to know if anyone on this forum who now rides a 2023 Domane+ SLR and has ridden a first generation ebike can make an objective comparison with proven results.

 

[jlubeck]

Creo owner who finally got to ride a Trek Domane +. My take:

It felt like a road bike!. The bike itself felt much more balanced, not as bottom heavy and more nimble. The lack of motor noise also helped. The only time I really heard it was on quiet climbing and it was barely perceptible. I’m not sure somebody climbing along with me would detect it. What I noticed most is accelerating out of a stop on a slight incline. This was always a challenge on the Creo, and I would regularly have problems cranking before clipping in my other foot, which I could get around with by boosting the power. Not necessary on the Domane.
Power button controls – in terms of hardware, not much to distinguish it from the Creo. What was lacking is a powered on non-assist setting to cycle through. I frequently ride with motor off but still have ebike metrics, power, etc displayed on my Garmin. The only way to get Zero Assist is to reach down and power off. So if you like to know rider power, the only way to obtain it is by keeping the motor on. And this indirectly adds to battery consumption, as I'm less likely to ride with 0 assist when none is actually needed.
Speaking of power however, the power calculation algorithm is totally worthless. I was never able to push this past 200W.
As an example I rode to the Trek store on my Creo at Eco (15/30), went up a small climb in 1:41 @ 269W. Did the same climb on the Domane at an assist level of 25% with peak limit of 72W in 1:48 @ 145W….effort felt very similar.
Advantage Q factor. I didn’t feel as if I was riding a horse. I don’t have knee pain but regularly have problems clipping in on the Creo due to wider pedal placement. The wider Q on the Creo feels awkward and pedal stroke feels inefficient.
2X drivetrain. The Domane was equipped with a 105 di2 setup. Great setup and much more economical entry point for electronic shifting. The only thing missing that Ultegra provides are the di2 buttons which allow you to cycle through pages on Garmin Edge. However, shifting was so much smoother, lacking the jolt associated with large jumps in cog size.
Battery life which is the elephant in the room. I have my Creo set at Eco (15/30) and Sport (30/50) which provides me with 250 miles and 75 miles of range respectively. I have never been on a ride where I was battery challenged on the Creo. I started the Domane at Eco and did some calculations, noting a drop of 1% every 0.7 miles or so. It felt as if this level of assist was slightly more than the Creo. Towards the end of the ride, I decided to download the Trek app, paired the bike and reset the assist levels. The software does not allow you to set the assist level below 25%, but I was able to set peak power to 72W which is identical to my Creo in Eco mode. That is the assist level that I did the timed climb in noted above so not that far off. I did not ride long enough to get an accurate feel of battery consumption at this setting, but the Trek app estimated about 140 miles of range with these settings, certainly less than the Creo’s 250 miles.
MY TAKE
Domane + Advantages:

ROAD BIKE FEEL – I know its just 3-5 lbs lighter than the Creo, but weight reduction felt greater
QUIET MOTOR
2X Drivetrain
Narrower Q
Conventional hub sizing simplifies wheel replacement and upgrading

Disadvantages

Power buttons do not allow you to cycle through OFF while keeping motor on. Seems like a not too difficult firmware fix. This would also help battery life for those that frequently ride without assist.
If you expect reliable power numbers from the Domane, get another piece of hardware.

Unknowns
Battery life – on the surface, doesn’t seem as good as the Creo although my initial settings were not comparable. I should probably take it out again with peak Eco power set to 72W as with the Creo. Looking for feedback from other dual users.
TQ motor reliability?
I’m going to hang onto my Creo until I get some answers to the Unknowns.

 

[Jack Cox]

Hi Antonio, Welcome to the thread!

I ride a Specialized Creo SL, but have a project one Domane+ SLR 9 in the wings - I hope to have it in my hands in a few weeks, so stay tuned! I'll certainly post here when I get some time on it.

I haven't ridden the Gain, but I have ridden other hub motor ebikes, and a mid-drive is a very different animal than having that motor in the wheel.

Speaking from my many miles on the Creo, the biggest difference is that power flows through the gears with your effort. One has to learn to use a lower gear and get accustomed to a spin that the motor likes (roughly 90 rpm) to get the most out of it. I will say it has made me a MUCH stronger cyclist, despite doing a fair bit of the work for me.

Stay tuned!

 

[rdv]

A quick heads up to Jlubeck (and others):
The TQ system does include a null/off state with the display active but no motor assist. Whereas a simple press of the left handlebar button drops High to Medium and Medium to Eco, the deactivation of the motor from Eco requires that the button be held down for 4-5 seconds. In my experience battery consumption in the null state is negligible.
The handlebar buttons do not turn the entire system on and off. That is done by the top bar button at the base of the display, and need only be done at the start and end of a ride.

 

[jlubeck]

A quick heads up to Jlubeck (and others):
The TQ system does include a null/off state with the display active but no motor assist. Whereas a simple press of the left handlebar button drops High to Medium and Medium to Eco, the deactivation of the motor from Eco requires that the button be held down for 4-5 seconds. In my experience battery consumption in the null state is negligible.
The handlebar buttons do not turn the entire system on and off. That is done by the top bar button at the base of the display, and need only be done at the start and end of a ride.

Thanks….this was the first Domane + received at the Trek store and they were not familiar with the operation, motor tuning, etc.

 

[AntonioAlfaro]

A quick heads up to Jlubeck (and others):
The TQ system does include a null/off state with the display active but no motor assist. Whereas a simple press of the left handlebar button drops High to Medium and Medium to Eco, the deactivation of the motor from Eco requires that the button be held down for 4-5 seconds. In my experience battery consumption in the null state is negligible.
The handlebar buttons do not turn the entire system on and off. That is done by the top bar button at the base of the display, and need only be done at the start and end of a ride.

Valuable comment! Does this mean that we can continue to see the personal power record while the engine is off?

 

[AntonioAlfaro]

Creo owner who finally got to ride a Trek Domane +. My take:

It felt like a road bike!. The bike itself felt much more balanced, not as bottom heavy and more nimble. The lack of motor noise also helped. The only time I really heard it was on quiet climbing and it was barely perceptible. I’m not sure somebody climbing along with me would detect it. What I noticed most is accelerating out of a stop on a slight incline. This was always a challenge on the Creo, and I would regularly have problems cranking before clipping in my other foot, which I could get around with by boosting the power. Not necessary on the Domane.
Power button controls – in terms of hardware, not much to distinguish it from the Creo. What was lacking is a powered on non-assist setting to cycle through. I frequently ride with motor off but still have ebike metrics, power, etc displayed on my Garmin. The only way to get Zero Assist is to reach down and power off. So if you like to know rider power, the only way to obtain it is by keeping the motor on. And this indirectly adds to battery consumption, as I'm less likely to ride with 0 assist when none is actually needed.
Speaking of power however, the power calculation algorithm is totally worthless. I was never able to push this past 200W.
As an example I rode to the Trek store on my Creo at Eco (15/30), went up a small climb in 1:41 @ 269W. Did the same climb on the Domane at an assist level of 25% with peak limit of 72W in 1:48 @ 145W….effort felt very similar.
Advantage Q factor. I didn’t feel as if I was riding a horse. I don’t have knee pain but regularly have problems clipping in on the Creo due to wider pedal placement. The wider Q on the Creo feels awkward and pedal stroke feels inefficient.
2X drivetrain. The Domane was equipped with a 105 di2 setup. Great setup and much more economical entry point for electronic shifting. The only thing missing that Ultegra provides are the di2 buttons which allow you to cycle through pages on Garmin Edge. However, shifting was so much smoother, lacking the jolt associated with large jumps in cog size.
Battery life which is the elephant in the room. I have my Creo set at Eco (15/30) and Sport (30/50) which provides me with 250 miles and 75 miles of range respectively. I have never been on a ride where I was battery challenged on the Creo. I started the Domane at Eco and did some calculations, noting a drop of 1% every 0.7 miles or so. It felt as if this level of assist was slightly more than the Creo. Towards the end of the ride, I decided to download the Trek app, paired the bike and reset the assist levels. The software does not allow you to set the assist level below 25%, but I was able to set peak power to 72W which is identical to my Creo in Eco mode. That is the assist level that I did the timed climb in noted above so not that far off. I did not ride long enough to get an accurate feel of battery consumption at this setting, but the Trek app estimated about 140 miles of range with these settings, certainly less than the Creo’s 250 miles.
MY TAKE
Domane + Advantages:

ROAD BIKE FEEL – I know its just 3-5 lbs lighter than the Creo, but weight reduction felt greater
QUIET MOTOR
2X Drivetrain
Narrower Q
Conventional hub sizing simplifies wheel replacement and upgrading

Disadvantages

Power buttons do not allow you to cycle through OFF while keeping motor on. Seems like a not too difficult firmware fix. This would also help battery life for those that frequently ride without assist.
If you expect reliable power numbers from the Domane, get another piece of hardware.

Unknowns
Battery life – on the surface, doesn’t seem as good as the Creo although my initial settings were not comparable. I should probably take it out again with peak Eco power set to 72W as with the Creo. Looking for feedback from other dual users.
TQ motor reliability?
I’m going to hang onto my Creo until I get some answers to the Unknowns.

Very interesting comments. A lot to test and learn from this new ecosystem.

 

[rdv]

Valuable comment! Does this mean that we can continue to see the personal power record while the engine is off?

Yes, the display reports the rider power input and the motor's, showing "0" when not assisting. They don't seem averaged and tend to vary quickly. I cannot vouch for their accuracy [other than at zero ]

 

[jlubeck]

Yes, the display reports the rider power input and the motor's, showing "0" when not assisting. They don't seem averaged and tend to vary quickly. I cannot vouch for their accuracy [other than at zero ]

See my comments above reower. Way off. I have been riding with power meters for the past 10 years and this one is not even close. I rely extensively on the Creo power readings to track my effort….the numbers feel a little inflated but at least they’re consistent. Perhaps there was something amiss with the factory calibration on the unit I rode. If not, I’d need a set of Rally pedals for accurate measurement.