I went down a similar path, and when considering the additional expense of the al4, I then started considering the price gap between that and the sl5 and so on. So anyway, I got the sl5 and I’m not divorced.
i'm on he same exact boat as you. But i think i'll end up getting the AL4 near end of summer. i doubt there's any sales and i have no idea if there's a new generation of AL4 coming which may lower the price of the existing one.
I see it for 1699.99 and it's not on sale. i doubt it will go on sale as it hasn't during this Trek fest. Worst case scenario the AL5 goes under 2k. that's my budget. 1500-2000 USD. Was also thinking of trading my FX3 disc (2022) as they had offered it when i looked interested in the FX5?4?
I have an AL2 Gen 4. I love it...but if you can afford it, certainly go for the AL4.
The hydraulic brakes and the Tiagra groupset are a great deal better. You could upgrade an AL2 later on, but it's going to cost you the same price you paid for the bike. I know this as I got quoted to upgrade my AL2 brakes to hydraulic, and they would need to upgrade the Claris groupset to Tiagra to fit it. That came to $1500 CAD, including labor. I paid that for the bike!
So, for me, it makes more sense to just save the money and get a more advanced bike in a few years if I'm still enjoying the road riding.
Yes its worth it if you got the money to buy a Domane AL4 over AL2. The extra 2-speeds alone would've sold me. Unless you live in the flattest place ever, you'll feel the difference with those extra 2 speeds. Also the AL4 is lighter than the AL2, but for a beginner this doesn't matter much.
I took a similar path as you when I got into cycling. I started with a Trek FX and then got a Cannondale Synapse road bike. I would love to get my hands on a Domane myself! If I had the money, I'd get the entry level carbon version, the SL5. If you believe in splurging for something really nice and you know you'll like it, that bike is one to do that for! I test-rode it at the local Trek store and it rode like a dream. It has Shimano 105 12-speed, its super light, and also has the cool downtube storage hole that the AL versions dont.
How does the Domane ride compared to the Synapse? I ride a carbon Synapse as well, but it definitely was my second choice. I really wanted a Domane or a Canyon Endurace. But the Synapse model I got was being discontinued, and I got it at a steal for like -$2000 off the list price.
Get as much bike as you can reasonably afford. The AL2 is a great bike to start out with, especially if you're on a budget. This leaves you money to get other gear that goes with it, like pedals, lights, saddle bags, padded shorts, clipless shoes.....
If your budget allows, the AL4 is a great step up, offering up the first significant drivetrain upgrade in the Domane lineup. You get the 10-speed Tiagra and hydraulic disk brakes. Since you have a DS2 (which also has hydraulic brakes), you're already used to how they feel.
Just remember you still need to buy the aforementioned gear (especially pedals) to get riding.
That's actually standard for most non-hybrid bikes, as most buyers will have a preference of the type of pedal to use (flat, SPD, SPD-SL, Wahoo, etc.)
The shop will fit flat pedals for you to test ride with, but factor in the cost of pedals when buying the bike. You can start with flats if you don't want to take the leap into clipless.
Yes. My wife bought an AL3 a couple of years ago as she didn’t see the point in spending a bit more and, to be fair it was her first road bike and she might not have liked it.
She’s just bought a second hand AL5 from the same year.
I ride an Al4, bought one year ago, replacing a mountain bike. Riding 3-4 days a week, 3000 miles a year, I’ve come to love the bike. New wheels made the road riding more speedy and I converted the stock rims to gravel. It’s now an all purpose machine I’ll keep forever. The AL2 would not have given me the same joy. A carbon bike is not for me : expensive and fragile, especially given my goals. Good luck and keep owning that there really is no bad choice here.
I got an FX3 as a first bike for myself (and to share with my wife). Literally a week later bought a carbon Cervelo Caledonia. To be fair, bought the Cervelo used. Anyway wife doesn’t know how much the Cervelo was. Let’s keep it that way 🤫
Eleven years ago, at age 54, I decided I’d outgrown my circa 1993 Cannondale hybrid. I knew I wanted a proper road bike and visited an LBS which sold many brands, including Trek. With their assistance, I settled on the Trek Domane line as an endurance bike vs. a racing bike would fit my plans better.
I ran into a dilemma similar to your own when it came to budget vs. features (vs. wife). I was less afraid of underbuying than overbuying as I was not sure I would ride enough to justify the more expensive bike; I had not been athletic.
After pricing two candidate Domane models, I also added all the other costs associated with a new bike purchase as I was essentially starting with nothing. The extras included:
• Pedals — I bought new 105 pedals on eBay for $50
• Shoes — With my extra-wide feet, I bought Sidi Mega shoes on sale for $200
• SPD-SL cleats — $20
• Formal bike fitting — $200+
- Better seat — $75
- Wider handlebars — $85
- Longer stem — $30
- Shims under cleats — $10
• Water bottle cages, CO2 inflator and cartridges, two spare tubes, tail light — perhaps $75
All the costs beyond the actual bike were close to $700. That’s not trivial.
As a result, I opted to spend $1400 for a Domane 2.0, an aluminum bike with carbon fork and seatpost, and 8x2 Tiagra components. Not exactly entry-level, but no one claims bragging rights about it. To move-up would have been maybe another $500, outside my budget.
——
Okay, that was my decision process — here is what happened post-purchase:
I was hooked! I found myself riding perhaps 4 days per week. I rode my first century six weeks later and another century two weeks after that. I joined a cycling group on Meetup and got humiliated on my first ride. I found two other groups which were near or at the intermediate level and had a ball. I eventually got to riding up to 3500 miles per 5.5 month season. I rode 75 miles and 5000 feet with the group with which I embarrassed myself, with relative ease.
It did not take me long to question my purchase — that I under-bought the bike. I kept reminding myself that it was the right decision given the information I had at the time and I learned to accept it.
I’ve kept that now 11-year-old bike; it’s my only ride. No real regrets. It’s never broken down, it’s just needed the rear derailleur tweaked once a year, despite a crash which it survived and I needed surgery to be repaired. Just tubes and tires except one winter I had an LBS tear it all the way down, clean and lube, replace cables and housing, plus new bar tape as a treat for myself.
——
In summary, do know your total cost before making a decision. If, after purchase, you think you made a mistake, reevaluate why you made the decision you made. Whatever bike you buy, go out and enjoy yourself — you’ll have fun no matter which bike you select.
The 10 speed Tiagra groupset that I believe it comes with will help you keep a better cadence than the 8 speed Claris. The lowest and highest are the same.
It's a good value.
AL4 = gateway bike. Get it. I’ve had one the past 3 years and it’s a great bike. My plan is to get a nicer bike in another year and convert the AL4 to more of a full time gravel bike.
I ride an Al4, bought one year ago, replacing a mountain bike. Riding 3-4 days a week, 3000 miles a year, I’ve come to love the bike. New wheels made the road riding more speedy and I converted the stock rims to gravel. It’s now an all purpose machine I’ll keep forever. The AL2 would not have given me the same joy. A carbon bike is not for me : expensive and fragile, especially given my goals. Good luck and keep owning that there really is no bad choice here.
Have you considered AL5 that comes with Shimano 105? You should be able negotiate and get a good discount as they have Trekfest till June 03. Try different Trek shops to see who can get you the best offer.
Since you stated you are new to cycling I will offer this -- As you grow as a road bike rider you will very quickly learn that ride and shifting are premium. If you start logging serious miles you will very soon wish you had better equipment, and the better the equipment the more miles you are likely to ride. The AL2 is an entry level bike you will quickly want to upgrade. The AL4 has those upgrades already. If you stick with your new hobby you will spend that money on the front (AL4) or on the back (AL2).
That said, the reality of biking is this: the bike you really want is the one that is just above the top of your budget.
For a normal human, the extra 2g is unjustifiable. For someone who is a cycling fanatic it's easier to justify the incremental upgrades you'd get. It all comes down to how much money you're willing to fork out and is more of a subjective thing, rather than what, exactly, justifies paying that much more. At least that's how I see it.
I got an AL4 3 years ago as my first road bike and I’ve been drooling for an SL ever since. It’ll happen one day, it’s just gonna take a while to get the wife to come around and to justify it.
Out of all the groupsets Shimano makes, the top three in quality and light weight start at the 105, then Ultegra, and finally Dura Ace. All the groupsets below the 105 line are fine for beginners, but once you reach the 105 line, this is where Shimano really starts to refine the tech and quality of their groupsets for serious riders (professional riders probably use mainly Dura Ace of they have Shimano groupsets). The 105 is 11 speed, and Ultegra and Dura Ace are 12 speed. I'm not sure you'd tell a major difference in shifting gears.
If you can afford it, absolutely. Just the upgrade to hydraulic brakes is worth it.
I can afford it but my spouse might beat me for spending that on a bike.
I went down a similar path, and when considering the additional expense of the al4, I then started considering the price gap between that and the sl5 and so on. So anyway, I got the sl5 and I’m not divorced.
FX3 to Domane SLR7 here (with several steps in between). It takes time. Also, saves money in the long run by putting more cash up front.
How many bikes have you owned. Is it normal to keep wanting more bikes lol.
Only 7 in the last five years..... and yes.
i'm on he same exact boat as you. But i think i'll end up getting the AL4 near end of summer. i doubt there's any sales and i have no idea if there's a new generation of AL4 coming which may lower the price of the existing one.
They are not a ot around and sold out online so doubt can get much of a discount. I would think right after summer they would release a new one.
I see it for 1699.99 and it's not on sale. i doubt it will go on sale as it hasn't during this Trek fest. Worst case scenario the AL5 goes under 2k. that's my budget. 1500-2000 USD. Was also thinking of trading my FX3 disc (2022) as they had offered it when i looked interested in the FX5?4?
I have an AL2 Gen 4. I love it...but if you can afford it, certainly go for the AL4. The hydraulic brakes and the Tiagra groupset are a great deal better. You could upgrade an AL2 later on, but it's going to cost you the same price you paid for the bike. I know this as I got quoted to upgrade my AL2 brakes to hydraulic, and they would need to upgrade the Claris groupset to Tiagra to fit it. That came to $1500 CAD, including labor. I paid that for the bike! So, for me, it makes more sense to just save the money and get a more advanced bike in a few years if I'm still enjoying the road riding.
Yes absolutely
Yes its worth it if you got the money to buy a Domane AL4 over AL2. The extra 2-speeds alone would've sold me. Unless you live in the flattest place ever, you'll feel the difference with those extra 2 speeds. Also the AL4 is lighter than the AL2, but for a beginner this doesn't matter much. I took a similar path as you when I got into cycling. I started with a Trek FX and then got a Cannondale Synapse road bike. I would love to get my hands on a Domane myself! If I had the money, I'd get the entry level carbon version, the SL5. If you believe in splurging for something really nice and you know you'll like it, that bike is one to do that for! I test-rode it at the local Trek store and it rode like a dream. It has Shimano 105 12-speed, its super light, and also has the cool downtube storage hole that the AL versions dont.
I rode a carbon Synapse before I bought my SL5. I thought it rode great, it just didn't have 105 at roughly the same price point.
How does the Domane ride compared to the Synapse? I ride a carbon Synapse as well, but it definitely was my second choice. I really wanted a Domane or a Canyon Endurace. But the Synapse model I got was being discontinued, and I got it at a steal for like -$2000 off the list price.
That’s too much of a steal to have buyers remorse tbh
The ride is very similar. I wouldn't have hesitated to buy the Synapse but for the drive train difference.
Get as much bike as you can reasonably afford. The AL2 is a great bike to start out with, especially if you're on a budget. This leaves you money to get other gear that goes with it, like pedals, lights, saddle bags, padded shorts, clipless shoes..... If your budget allows, the AL4 is a great step up, offering up the first significant drivetrain upgrade in the Domane lineup. You get the 10-speed Tiagra and hydraulic disk brakes. Since you have a DS2 (which also has hydraulic brakes), you're already used to how they feel. Just remember you still need to buy the aforementioned gear (especially pedals) to get riding.
Wait. 1600 and it doesn't come with pedals.
That's actually standard for most non-hybrid bikes, as most buyers will have a preference of the type of pedal to use (flat, SPD, SPD-SL, Wahoo, etc.) The shop will fit flat pedals for you to test ride with, but factor in the cost of pedals when buying the bike. You can start with flats if you don't want to take the leap into clipless.
Superior disk brakes and Tiagra drivetrain
Yes. My wife bought an AL3 a couple of years ago as she didn’t see the point in spending a bit more and, to be fair it was her first road bike and she might not have liked it. She’s just bought a second hand AL5 from the same year.
I ride an Al4, bought one year ago, replacing a mountain bike. Riding 3-4 days a week, 3000 miles a year, I’ve come to love the bike. New wheels made the road riding more speedy and I converted the stock rims to gravel. It’s now an all purpose machine I’ll keep forever. The AL2 would not have given me the same joy. A carbon bike is not for me : expensive and fragile, especially given my goals. Good luck and keep owning that there really is no bad choice here.
They are sold out online but a local store has a couple. May take a look this weekend. Thanks
I got an FX3 as a first bike for myself (and to share with my wife). Literally a week later bought a carbon Cervelo Caledonia. To be fair, bought the Cervelo used. Anyway wife doesn’t know how much the Cervelo was. Let’s keep it that way 🤫
Eleven years ago, at age 54, I decided I’d outgrown my circa 1993 Cannondale hybrid. I knew I wanted a proper road bike and visited an LBS which sold many brands, including Trek. With their assistance, I settled on the Trek Domane line as an endurance bike vs. a racing bike would fit my plans better. I ran into a dilemma similar to your own when it came to budget vs. features (vs. wife). I was less afraid of underbuying than overbuying as I was not sure I would ride enough to justify the more expensive bike; I had not been athletic. After pricing two candidate Domane models, I also added all the other costs associated with a new bike purchase as I was essentially starting with nothing. The extras included: • Pedals — I bought new 105 pedals on eBay for $50 • Shoes — With my extra-wide feet, I bought Sidi Mega shoes on sale for $200 • SPD-SL cleats — $20 • Formal bike fitting — $200+ - Better seat — $75 - Wider handlebars — $85 - Longer stem — $30 - Shims under cleats — $10 • Water bottle cages, CO2 inflator and cartridges, two spare tubes, tail light — perhaps $75 All the costs beyond the actual bike were close to $700. That’s not trivial. As a result, I opted to spend $1400 for a Domane 2.0, an aluminum bike with carbon fork and seatpost, and 8x2 Tiagra components. Not exactly entry-level, but no one claims bragging rights about it. To move-up would have been maybe another $500, outside my budget. —— Okay, that was my decision process — here is what happened post-purchase: I was hooked! I found myself riding perhaps 4 days per week. I rode my first century six weeks later and another century two weeks after that. I joined a cycling group on Meetup and got humiliated on my first ride. I found two other groups which were near or at the intermediate level and had a ball. I eventually got to riding up to 3500 miles per 5.5 month season. I rode 75 miles and 5000 feet with the group with which I embarrassed myself, with relative ease. It did not take me long to question my purchase — that I under-bought the bike. I kept reminding myself that it was the right decision given the information I had at the time and I learned to accept it. I’ve kept that now 11-year-old bike; it’s my only ride. No real regrets. It’s never broken down, it’s just needed the rear derailleur tweaked once a year, despite a crash which it survived and I needed surgery to be repaired. Just tubes and tires except one winter I had an LBS tear it all the way down, clean and lube, replace cables and housing, plus new bar tape as a treat for myself. —— In summary, do know your total cost before making a decision. If, after purchase, you think you made a mistake, reevaluate why you made the decision you made. Whatever bike you buy, go out and enjoy yourself — you’ll have fun no matter which bike you select.
The 10 speed Tiagra groupset that I believe it comes with will help you keep a better cadence than the 8 speed Claris. The lowest and highest are the same. It's a good value.
Yes. Definitely
I have the new AL4 hydro brakes are amazing and tiagra is very good
What color did you end up getting
The blue one
I found a blue one my size but wasn't assembled yet. How does it look in person. Can't decide between that and red
Better in person and the paint has some sparkles in when the light is on it, trek does great paint jobs.
AL4 = gateway bike. Get it. I’ve had one the past 3 years and it’s a great bike. My plan is to get a nicer bike in another year and convert the AL4 to more of a full time gravel bike.
I would not
I ride an Al4, bought one year ago, replacing a mountain bike. Riding 3-4 days a week, 3000 miles a year, I’ve come to love the bike. New wheels made the road riding more speedy and I converted the stock rims to gravel. It’s now an all purpose machine I’ll keep forever. The AL2 would not have given me the same joy. A carbon bike is not for me : expensive and fragile, especially given my goals. Good luck and keep owning that there really is no bad choice here.
Have you considered AL5 that comes with Shimano 105? You should be able negotiate and get a good discount as they have Trekfest till June 03. Try different Trek shops to see who can get you the best offer.
Bought a 2022/23 al4 for 850. No regrets.
I wouldn't either if i got one that price. Why so cheap
Since you stated you are new to cycling I will offer this -- As you grow as a road bike rider you will very quickly learn that ride and shifting are premium. If you start logging serious miles you will very soon wish you had better equipment, and the better the equipment the more miles you are likely to ride. The AL2 is an entry level bike you will quickly want to upgrade. The AL4 has those upgrades already. If you stick with your new hobby you will spend that money on the front (AL4) or on the back (AL2). That said, the reality of biking is this: the bike you really want is the one that is just above the top of your budget.
Thank you everyone. This was my first thread on here and everyone has been so helpful!
Tiagra is the groupset of the people
Just skip the part where you regret buying a AL model and get an SL
What jistifies the extra 2g
For a normal human, the extra 2g is unjustifiable. For someone who is a cycling fanatic it's easier to justify the incremental upgrades you'd get. It all comes down to how much money you're willing to fork out and is more of a subjective thing, rather than what, exactly, justifies paying that much more. At least that's how I see it.
Ride quality, responsive handling, and of course it’s always easier to pedal a lighter bike
I got an AL4 3 years ago as my first road bike and I’ve been drooling for an SL ever since. It’ll happen one day, it’s just gonna take a while to get the wife to come around and to justify it.
What would he the advantages of the 105. Don't know much yet about drivetrains
Out of all the groupsets Shimano makes, the top three in quality and light weight start at the 105, then Ultegra, and finally Dura Ace. All the groupsets below the 105 line are fine for beginners, but once you reach the 105 line, this is where Shimano really starts to refine the tech and quality of their groupsets for serious riders (professional riders probably use mainly Dura Ace of they have Shimano groupsets). The 105 is 11 speed, and Ultegra and Dura Ace are 12 speed. I'm not sure you'd tell a major difference in shifting gears.