Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 Review
- Price: $6,829
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Carbon
- Gear: 2 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: It’s a lightweight and powerful endurance road bike that’s ready to take on rough roads and long distances.
What we didn’t like about it: Expensive and not friendly enough for riders with a limited budget.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 has proven on the world stage to be a powerful road bike, ready to tackle long distances and the world’s toughest races.
With excellent components, it takes its performance to a new level.
Below, we analyze the riding experience, key features, components and specifications of the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 as well as other versions.
At the end of the REVIEW, we also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Cycling Experience
The Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 has a lightweight and refined 500 Series OCLV carbon frame coupled with performance components for an ultra-fast, lightweight and smooth ride.
For this reason I planned to use the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 to ride the Vermont Gran Fondo and set off as soon as I had booked hotels around the area on IHG.
The entire road route is very spacious, with an estimated length of 160 kilometers and nearly 3,000 meters of climbing, perfect for this Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4.
Road Cruising
As soon as I started riding I was impressed by the light weight of the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4.
The lightweight and refined 500 series OCLV carbon frame made the entire frame light and strong, and the bike was quick and responsive with every lap I pedaled.
The 2×12’s Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic drivetrain allowed for unparalleled shifting speed and precision when I shift for speed.
And with more efficient drivetrain, combined with the 700C’s large wheelset, I was able to take my riding to new heights in no time.
Just as I was getting up to speed, the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4’s aerodynamic Kammtail frame shape, along with the full internal alignment, got me into a very aerodynamic state, minimizing wind resistance and allowing for a faster ride.
Finally, the combination of the carbon frame construction plus the IsoSpeed technology in the rear made this Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 feel comfortable to me, with maximum absorption of vibrations from the road, and I still felt relaxed and at ease, even in long riding situations.
Climbing and Descending
The Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4’s ultra-light carbon frame made my climbing ride feel lighter on uphill rides, and the excellent geometry allowed my center of gravity to stay smooth all the way up, which was good for powering through the climbs.
Just as the climb became steeper, the powerful Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic drivetrain with its 2×12 speeds, rich enough gear ratios and efficient drivetrain efficiency allowed me to finish the climb with ease and save more physical exertion to preserve energy for the rest of the ride.
The Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4, on the other hand, has an excellent frame design and large 700C wheelset to minimize wind resistance on downhill rides, and the downhill stability and passing power was strong enough to allow me to reach a fast enough speed without pedaling at all.
Finally, the brakes of the Shimano Ultegra BR-R8170 are coupled with Shimano CL800 front and rear 160mm discs for sensitive and powerful braking.
Even continuous braking on long descents could dissipate the heat in time, ensuring that the braking power of the bike remains stable.
Specification
The Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 uses a combination of a 500-series OCLV carbon frame and IsoSpeed comfort technology in the rear for a fast, lightweight and smooth ride.
Then there are a total of 9 sizes of frames, suitable for almost all heights of riders from 4’11” – 6’5″ in height to choose from, with a wider demographic audience.
The full internal cable routing design makes the appearance of the frame look cleaner and neater, and the daily cleaning is easier and more convenient.
The Silent Cable Tubing is paired to reduce noise generation during the ride, making it quieter.
The aerodynamic Kammtail shape minimizes wind resistance for a faster ride.
Finally, the internal storage box at the downtube provides the rider with a versatile location to store tools and riding gear, making it more attentive and user-friendly.
Video
What we like about it
- IsoSpeed technology and up to 38mm tire clearance absorb fatiguing bumps in the road for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
- Wireless 2×12 Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic drivetrain for unmatched shifting speed and precision.
- The top tube mount allows the rider to secure luggage for long rides.
- Internal storage box at the downtube provides the rider with a versatile location to store tools and riding gear.
- The aerodynamic Kammtail shape of the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 reduces wind resistance for a super-fast ride.
- Integrated carbon frame as well as internal storage and cable routing add to the bike’s functionality and stylish look.
What we don’t like about it
- Expensive and not friendly enough for riders with a limited budget.
FAQs
- Are Trek bikes good quality?
Yes, Trek bikes are very good quality.Trek has a long history of building quality bikes that are used by beginners, amateurs and elite cyclists around the world.
- Is this bike good for distance riding?
It has comfortable geometry plus, and great loading capacity for long rides.
- How to choose the right size?
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’0″ | 44 |
| 5’0″ – 5’2″ | 47 |
| 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 |
Here we have provided you with a sizing chart, but of course you doesn’t necessarily have to follow this standard. The best way to find the best fit is to test ride.
Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 Specs
Build
| Frame | 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed, internal storage, tapered head tube, internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, fender mounts, flat mount disc 142x12mm thru axle BB Standard: T47, Threaded Tire Clearance: 38c Colors: Gravel; Era White |
| Fork | Domane SL carbon, tapered carbon steerer, internal brake routing, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle |
| Bottom Bracket | Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing |
| Stem | Size: 47, Trek RCS Pro, -7 degree, 70mm length; Size: 50, Trek RCS Pro, -7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 52, 54, Trek RCS Pro, -7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 56, 58 , Trek RCS Pro, -7 degree, 100mm length; Size: 60, 62, Trek RCS Pro, -7 degree, 110mm length |
| Handlebar | Size: 47, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 36cm width; Size: 50, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-… SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 38cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 38cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 40cm width; Size: 54, 56, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 42cm width; Size: 58, 60, 62, Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-SF, alloy, 31.8mm, internal Di2 routing, 75mm reach, 128mm drop, 44cm width |
| Saddle | Size: 47, 50, 52, Bontrager Verse Short Comp, steel rails, 155mm width; Size: 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, Bontrager Verse Short Comp, steel rails, 145mm width |
| Seatpost | Size: 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, Domane carbon seatpost, KVF shaping, 20mm offset, 280mm length; Size: 58, 60, 62, Domane carbon seatpost, KVF shaping, 20mm offset, 320mm length |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2, 34T max cog |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2, braze-on, down swing |
| Crank | Size: 47, Shimano Ultegra R8100, 50/34, 165mm length; Size: 50, 52, Shimano Ultegra R8100, 50/34, 170mm length; Size: 54, 56, Shimano Ultegra R8100, 50/ 34, 172.5mm length; Size: 58, 60, 62, Shimano Ultegra R8100, 50/34, 175mm length |
| Shifters | Shimano Ultegra R8170 Di2, 12 speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Ultegra R8100, 11-34, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano Ultegra/XT M8100, 12 speed |
| Brakes | Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, BR-R8170 flat mount caliper, resin pad w/fin |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, 100x12mm thru axle, Rear: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, Shimano 11 speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle |
| Tires | Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x32mm |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano CL800, centerlock, 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bike | Click View | Wheelset | Frame | Brake | Drivetrain |
| Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc eTap | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition SRAM | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Red AXS | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Bianchi Infinito Ultegra Di2 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Rose REVEAL SIX DISC Dura Ace Di2 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Shimano Dura Ace | 2 × 12 Electronic |
Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 vs Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc eTap
The former uses a Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2 drivetrain and the latter, a SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain.
Both have efficient drivetrain efficiency. The main difference is the difference in feel, with the former having a more delicate, smooth feel, while the latter feels a bit stiffer and drier.
But when it comes to braking components, both bikes have trusted brakes as their braking component of choice.
As for the frame, the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen’s geometry and ride comfort will be superior to the Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Disc eTap.
So, between these two bikes, I would prefer the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4.
Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 vs Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition SRAM
The latter uses SRAM Red eTAP AXS drivetrain and braking components, which are one level lighter than those of the former’s Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2.
The SRAM Red eTAP AXS drivetrain and braking components are one level higher than the Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2 drivetrain and braking components used in the former, which is lighter in weight and correspondingly more capable.
However, I think the shifting feel of the former is more comfortable.
In terms of frame design, it’s the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 that will be more dominant and has more useful little touches to the ride.
At the end of the day, between these two bikes, I would favor the former. The lower asking price of the former is why I like it when the riding ability is similar.
Learn More: Is Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano Worth Buying?- [Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano Review]
Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 vs Bianchi Infinito Ultegra Di2
The Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 and the Bianchi Infinito Ultegra Di2 are both great bikes with a long history with the brand.
Both bikes use Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2’s electronic shifting system and Shimano Ultegra’s hydraulic disc brakes.
But the former’s integrated carbon cockpit along with interior storage and full interior cable routing gives a better look and minimizes wind resistance.
So, of the two bikes, unless you prefer the Bianchi brand. Otherwise, I would recommend the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 even more.
Learn More: Is Bianchi Infinito XE – 105 Di2 Worth Buying? [Bianchi Infinito XE – 105 Di2 Review]
Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 vs Rose REVEAL SIX DISC Dura Ace Di2
The latter utilizes Shimano Dura Ace Di2 components at a higher level than the former’s Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2 drive and braking system. It also has a lighter weight, better drivetrain efficiency and braking capacity.
However, in terms of the frame, the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 is designed to have a more comfortable ride and is better suited for longer distances.
To summarize, between these two bikes, if you need to ride long distances then the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 is better, while the Rose REVEAL SIX DISC Dura Ace Di2 has has better drivetrain efficiency and rides at higher top speeds.
Summary
Above is my riding review of the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4. In our opinion, it is an enduro bike with high brand value and a strong ride. That’s why we gave it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you want to know about other enduro bikes, we also review a lot of interesting bikes at various price points, so feel free to take a look at our tests on that as well.
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