Trek Domane SLR 7 Gen 4 - Showroom & Start of Long-Term Review

Of all the colors in the world – and for the SLR, the higher-end of the two (or with the Race offshoot RSL, even three) available frames, there would have been four more as standard – we chose "Deep Smoke"; because there's nothing like honest, consistent matte black.
Every speck of dust becomes a blemish when lounging in front of our camera, every fingerprint a nuisance. But even the most stubborn foreign bodies cannot hide the fact that this latest Domane, presented since 2012, is more noble than ever.

Tech Specs

Under its paintwork – which, by the way, is part of the custom program Project One – carbon fibers from the 800 Series OCLV, Trek's highest quality frame material, are stretched. For the more affordable SL counterpart, the Americans dig one drawer lower (500 Series OCLV), otherwise the two platforms are identical.
Either way, according to the manufacturer, the frame has slimmed down by about 300 grams compared to its predecessor, which is less due to the material and more to the fact that the front IsoSpeed joint has been omitted.
The decoupler, Trek says, comes from a time when racing bikes were still ridden with narrow 20mm tires and 8 bar air pressure. Given the changed requirements and conditions, it is no longer necessary today.
The vibration-damping counterpart at the rear, however, remained in place but was simplified. Specifically, the previously given adjustment option has been removed.

In the case of the SLR 7, the platform is equipped with a complete Shimano Ultegra Di2 group – from the 12-speed drivetrain with compact crankset to the cassette and chain to the braking system with 160 mm rotors – and the stylish, tubeless-ready Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon wheels with, as the name suggests, a 37 mm profile height.
Combined with other parts from the company's own accessory label (details on the seat post and cockpit see the next paragraph), the infallible BB scale shows a total weight of 8.02 kg in size 54 – and in the wallet a minus of 10,499 euros. The bike is limited to a system weight of 125 kg.

On one hand, the revised shape of the frame is supposed to ensure more speed than ever. Kammtail Virtual Foil tube profiles, which feature a flattened rear wing design, as used on the Emonda and Madone, for example, contribute to better aerodynamics even at low speeds and good stability even in crosswinds. This extends all the way to the seat post.
The new, D-shaped KVF seat mast is available in two lengths (280/320 mm) with two offsets each (5/20 mm). Up to size 56, the shorter version is mounted as standard, and the variant with a 20 mm offset is used throughout. The M6 screw for adjusting the saddle height is hidden beneath the IsoSpeed cover.

On the other hand, system integration is advancing. At the front, for example, the novel integrated cockpit is supposed to gain crucial meters in the wind tunnel. The RCS Pro stem not only conceals the cables and lines wind-protected inside it but also allows for switching to other stem sizes without having to remove brake lines or shift cables. It is available as an alternative to our -7 degree rise also with +7 degrees.

Geometry

In terms of geometry, the fastest, lightest Disc-Domane to date relies on the proven endurance dimensions with a slightly longer wheelbase (1,010 mm) and a flatter head angle (71.3°) for sufficient stability, as well as a higher head tube (160 mm) and shorter reach (374 mm, all example data size 54) for more comfort.
In other words: There are no changes in this regard compared to the third generation. And this also applies to the size range itself. While the data sheets initially raised hopes for a particularly small (44) addition, this now seems obsolete. But this is nitpicking at a high level, because with eight gradations between sizes 47 and 62, Trek has been catering to a very broad clientele for years.

Clearly designed by Trek for use on - albeit bad, bumpy - asphalt roads and occasionally fine gravel, the bike proves to be more versatile than ever. The hidden fender mounts are joined by two additional mounting points on the top tube. Thus, a small bag can now be mounted there, which is quite helpful on long rides and common when gravel riding.
The popular storage compartment in the down tube is back on board and can optionally be filled with tire levers, a CO2 cartridge, & Co in the included, integrated Bontrager BITS frame bag, or alternatively, for example, with a rain jacket for meteorological emergencies.

Regarding tire width, it remains at the maximum of 38 mm known from the predecessor, with fenders reducing the maximum possible to 35C. The Domane is delivered as standard with Bontrager R3 tires in 32C.

In front of us and the Domane SLR 7 lie, as already mentioned, around six shared months. We are particularly curious to see if, in the case of the IsoSpeed technology, less might actually be more and if the system, reduced to a fixed-adjusted decoupler at the rear, does its job well.
Furthermore, we are eager to see if test pilot NoRegrets (et.al.) can perceive and enjoy the touted aerodynamic advantages. And if so, whether he will really dare to mount a top tube bag on the (adapted) Paris-Roubaix winner … stay tuned!