Trek domane LT vs Trek Domane HP

drodg

Active Member
I don't have access to test either bike in Indiana but wondering has anyone tried both and would have a recommendation? I am pretty fit and still riding a non e mountain bike on the trails and a Trek Madone on the road but really seriously thinking of going to an e road bike. I am also looking at the Specialized Turbo Creo Comp SL. I would prefer a Trek because of my local dealer is close and I think easier service for me than the Specialized. Anyhow maybe a stretch here but thought I would ask for feedback. Thanks everyone.
 
I haven't tried the Trek Domane LT but I did test ride the HP and Creo a few days apart. I also test rode the Allant+ from Trek and my feeling was that the HP was kind of a half-way mix between the Creo and Allant. The Creo really felt like a road bike. It was minimal with virtually no controls, no lights, no display. You can just jump on it, not even turn it on and it just feels like a heavy road bike (the creo evo model I rode was around 33lbs with range extender). The HP is really not that much heavier in real life at just under 38 pounds but it feels much more ponderous for some reason. On the other hand the battery is 500wh, 1000wh with extender and the motor is tuned for substantially more assistance. The Creo at its most powerful will match your own output while the HP can hit pretty high speeds with very little effort from the rider (if desired). The HP is still minimalist compared to the Allant+ but you are always aware you are on a big, powerful e-bike. I suspect the LT is going to be similar to the creo, where it feels like a slightly easier to ride road bike. With the Creo (and LT) you will get a wee bit of assistance but it will still feel like a normal bike. It is still a substantial workout, I was huffing and puffing up a hill on the Creo when a girl zoomed past me casually spinning on a far more powerful step-through e-bike. The HP has Bosch's most powerful motor which is as fast as your going to find outside of some of the are-these-even-legal models like Bafang. The HP has fully integrated lights, removable battery with handle and was very comfortable. It was also easy to pick up and carry (which is my reason for looking at the <40lb category). For me it's mostly about feel and I'm certain this will apply to the LT. If you want a faster road bike that still feels like a road bike you really want a Creo or LT. The HP is a full on e-bike for people who prefer a road-bike style and want lighter weight but it doesn't feel substantially different than the heavier e-bikes like the Allant+.
 
That is a really good comparison. Because I live in a fairly flat area of Indiana I really was trying to shy away from the HP. Where do you live so when you say hill I kind of know what you mean.
 
I did see you are from San Francisco so hill means really a HILL!
Yes... new wheel in SF is surrounded by some crazy hills.... Bradford st nearby is a hard-to-believe 41% grade (picture below, didn't try this one)
 

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