Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 Review
- Price: $10,999.99
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700C Carbon
- Gear: 2 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: Lightweight frame, top-notch components, and strong riding performance.
What we didn’t like about it: High price tag, not very budget-friendly for beginners.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 is a high-end carbon fiber electric bike designed for road cycling enthusiasts who seek a genuine road bike experience with extra power.
Now, let’s dive into the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with several other bikes. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 features a 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber frame and fork, combined with an efficient electric drive system and Shimano’s top-tier wireless electronic shifting system. This setup offers road cyclists a faster, smoother, and more comfortable riding experience.
I took my gear and set out on a ride with the Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 to a countryside town nearby. I had made a hotel reservation using IHG for the surrounding area, so I set off immediately. This route was expected to be over 100 miles long, mainly on asphalt roads, with some uphill and downhill stretches, interspersed with some unpaved gravel sections.
Cruising on Flat Roads
Right from the start, I was impressed by the agility and responsiveness of the Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2. The high-end carbon fiber frame made it feel incredibly lightweight, and the frame’s rigidity provided a powerful and swift response to every pedal stroke, resulting in a sense of high-speed travel.
Next, I wanted to experience the high-speed riding capabilities of this bike. Shifting gears with the Shimano’s top-tier Dura-Ace Di2 transmission system was almost instantaneous, delivering an incredible shifting experience. I shifted into an aggressive riding posture and began pedaling vigorously. The bike accelerated rapidly, feeling like a bullet.
On the unpaved gravel sections, the bike’s comfort was remarkable. The carbon fiber frame had decent shock-absorbing properties, and the IsoSpeed design further enhanced my comfort, ensuring that rough road conditions didn’t translate into discomfort during my ride.
Climbing and Descending
Climbing can be a challenge, but the Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 is an e-bike equipped with the Fazua drive system. During uphill climbs, the high-performance motor provided consistent and effortless support, making each ascent a breeze.
The endurance bike’s geometry allowed me to maintain a stable center of gravity while climbing. The weight distribution was well-balanced between the front and rear ends, ensuring consistent forward power, and resulting in faster climbing speeds.
During long downhill descents, I didn’t need to pedal at all. The 700C large wheelset’s excellent rolling efficiency allowed for fast and stable descents.
However, for safety on extended downhill sections, I needed to control my speed, and the Shimano Dura-Ace hydraulic disc brakes were my reliable companions. Their powerful braking capability allowed me to easily control my speed, maintaining reliability even with continuous braking, ensuring safety.
Specifications
The Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 features a 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber frame that perfectly combines lightweight construction, strength, and rigidity, ensuring a comfortable and lightweight ride.
There are a total of 7 frame sizes available, suitable for riders ranging from 5’2″ to 6’5″ in height. This bike offers broad adaptability and accommodates riders of nearly all heights.
The lightweight Fazua drive system can provide an extra power boost when needed, ensuring smooth and powerful power transmission. However, when you don’t need it, the ride feels just like a traditional bicycle.
The all-new high-performance Dura-Ace Di2 transmission components provide a precise and rapid shifting experience. The top-tier hydraulic disc brakes offer strong braking power in all weather conditions.
Video
What do we like about it?
- The Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 bike looks, rides, and feels more like a traditional road bike.
- When the Fazua system is turned off or at maximum assist, it doesn’t add excessive resistance.
- Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 wireless electronic shifting system for precise and fast gear changes.
- IsoSpeed design absorbs road vibrations, resulting in a faster, smoother, and more comfortable riding experience.
- You can remove the battery and other components when you don’t need extra assistance, converting the bike into a regular Domane, and reducing the weight by 2.9 kg.
- The 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber frame perfectly balances lightweight, strength, and rigidity.
What don’t we like about it?
- The price is high and may not be very budget-friendly for beginners or riders with limited budgets.
FAQ
- Where was the frame of this bike manufactured?
Almost all Trek bikes are manufactured on foreign soil. Factories producing Trek components and accessories are located in the Netherlands, Germany, and China.
- Is there a shipping fee for buying this bike online?
All bikes ordered online are delivered for free to your local Trek store for professional assembly. Participating retailers may even deliver your new ride to your doorstep.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart here as a reference, but it’s not necessary to strictly adhere to it. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride the bike.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’4″ | 50 |
| 5’4″ – 5’6″ | 52 |
| 5’6″ – 5’9″ | 54 |
| 5’9″ – 5’11” | 56 |
| 5’11” – 6’1″ | 58 |
| 6’1″ – 6’3″ | 60 |
| 6’3″ – 6’5″ | 62 |
Specs
Frameset
| Frame | 500 Series OCLV Carbon, Fazua Evation integrated drive system, tapered head tube, rear IsoSpeed, internal routing, flat mount disc, fender mounts, 148x12mm thru axle |
| Fork | Domane SL carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle |
| Frame fit | Endurance |
Wheels
| Wheel front | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 25mm rim width, 100x12mm thru axle |
| Wheel rear | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 25mm rim width, Shimano 11/12-speed freehub, 148x12mm thru axle |
| Skewer front | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 25mm rim width |
| Tire | Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32mm |
| Tire part | Bontrager TLR Sealant, 6oz |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | 38mm |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | Shimano Dura-Ace R9270 Di2, 12 speed |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, braze-on, down swing |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 Di2, 34T max cog |
| *Crank | Size: 50, 52 Fazua Carbon, 50/34, 170mm length Size: 54, 56 Fazua Carbon, 50/34, 172.5mm length Size: 58, 60, 62 Fazua Carbon, 50/34, 175mm length |
| Cassette | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200, 11-34, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR M9100, 12 speed |
Components
| *Saddle | Size: 50, 52 Bontrager Verse Pro, carbon rails, 155mm width Size: 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 Bontrager Verse Pro, carbon rails, 145mm width |
| *Seatpost | Size: 50, 52, 54, 56 Bontrager carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 20mm offset, short length Size: 58, 60, 62 Bontrager carbon internal seatmast cap, integrated light mount, 20mm offset, tall length |
| *Handlebar | Size: 50, 52 Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF, 40cm Size: 54, 56 Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF, 42cm Size: 58, 60, 62 Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF, 44cm |
| Handlebar tape | Bontrager Supertack Perf tape |
| *Stem | Size: 50 Bontrager RSL Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 7 degree, 80mm length Size: 52, 54 Bontrager RSL Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 7 degree, 90mm length Size: 56, 58 Bontrager RSL Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 7 degree, 100mm length Size: 60, 62 Bontrager RSL Carbon, 31.8mm clamp, 7 degree, 110mm length |
| Brake rotor | Shimano MT900, centerlock, 160mm |
Accessories
| E-bike system | Fazua Exo10 Drive Pack |
| Battery | Fazua Evation battery, 250Wh |
| Charger | Fazua Evation charger, 90-120V |
| Computer | Fazua Evation touch remote |
Weight
| Weight | 56 – 13.17 kg / 29.04 lbs, 10.27 kg / 22.6 lbs without drivepack (including storage cover, sold separately) |
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg). |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Canyon Grail:ON CF 8 eTap | Click View | 650b / 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Force | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Orbea GAIN M10i 20mph | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Shimano R9270 | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Scott Solace eRIDE 10 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Shimano BR-R9270 | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| 3T Exploro RaceMax BOOST Superlight Red AXS 1X12 700c | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | SRAM Red AXS | 1 × 12 Electronic |
Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 vs. Canyon Grail:ON CF 8 eTap
Comparing these two bikes, the former will be significantly lighter in weight, providing an easier and more relaxed riding experience.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former is equipped with the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, offering a 2×12-speed configuration with a broader range of gear combinations. It supports faster riding and delivers exceptionally smooth shifting. In contrast, the latter comes with the SRAM Force eTap 1×12 components, which are of a lower tier compared to the former but still provide reliable shifting. The 1×12-speed setup simplifies gear changes, allowing riders to maintain focus consistently.
Lastly, the Canyon Grail:ON CF 8 eTap features wider tires, making it better suited for riding on gravel roads. Conversely, the Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 may not perform as well on gravel surfaces, but it excels in flat road riding, offering a greater advantage.
So, between these two bikes, I would recommend the Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2. It boasts higher-end components and faster speeds.
Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 vs. Orbea GAIN M10i 20mph
They both feature carbon fiber frames and forks, maintaining the bikes’ lightweight and comfortable.
In terms of drivetrain and brake components, both of these bikes are equipped with top-of-the-line Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components. They offer powerful and reliable performance, making them among the best components available.
However, the former has some design details that enhance its riding comfort and enable it to handle certain non-paved road surfaces, resulting in a strong overall performance.
So, between these two bikes, they are both top-tier options. However, I prefer the former for its overall performance and its ability to handle a broader range of road surfaces.
Learn More: Is Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph A Perfect Selection – [Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph Review]
Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 vs. Scott Solace eRIDE 10
When comparing these two bikes, the latter has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. It looks cooler. However, the former is lighter in weight, making the ride easier.
Both of them are powered by strong motors, but the latter has a larger battery capacity, resulting in better battery life for its rides.
In terms of drivetrain and brake components, they both use top-of-the-line Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components. They offer precise and rapid shifting, as well as powerful and efficient brakes.
In the end, between these two electric bikes, if you value long battery life, the Scott Solace eRIDE 10 can meet your needs. If you want a faster and easier ride, the Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 would be more suitable.
Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2 vs. 3T Exploro RaceMax BOOST Superlight Red AXS 1X12 700c
When comparing these two bikes, although the latter uses a carbon fiber frame and fork, the former has a carbon fiber wheelset, which offers a lighter and more responsive riding experience with better durability compared to the aluminum alloy wheelset of the latter.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former features the top-of-the-line Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 2×12 drivetrain, which offers silky-smooth, precise shifting and a wider range of speed options. On the other hand, the latter is equipped with the SRAM RED eTap 1×12 drivetrain, also a top-tier SRAM component, with crisp and efficient shifting. Both are premium choices, but the former provides more versatility in speed selection, while the latter’s 1x design simplifies gear changes and helps riders maintain focus.
To sum it up, both of these bikes are top-tier options. Whichever you choose, you’re making a good decision.
Summary
Above is my review of the Trek Domane+ LT 9 Gen 2. In our opinion, it’s a powerful electric road bike with excellent battery life. This is why we’ve given it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in other electric road bikes, we review a wide range of bikes at various price points, and they’re all quite fascinating. Feel free to explore our other reviews.
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