Trek Domane SLR 09 eTap Project One in review

The Trek Domane SLR 09 eTap Project One is bristling with innovative technologies. We previously tested the all-rounder with its exclusive Project One finish in our gravel group test and are excited to see how it performs on the road. Can the IsoSpeed system convince us while riding on Mallorca?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best road bike of 2020 – 13 high-carat road bikes in review

Developed to dominate the Spring Classics, the Trek Domane SLR 9 enters the race with a whole row of unique features. The update to the IsoSpeed system as found on the current Trek Madone is supposed to improve comfort with two separate systems. At the rear, the seat mast is decoupled from the top tube, allowing it to flex freely thanks to a pivot and an adjustable amount of compliance. Compared to its predecessor, the integrated damping is supposed to prevent a spring-like ping back to the unflexed position. At the front, Trek makes use of the same principle by decoupling the top of the steerer from the head tube, allowing it some freedom of movement. The joint integrated into the head tube prevents lateral movement so that the system shouldn’t have any impact on the handling of the bike. Additional comfort is offered by the vibration damping IsoCore carbon bars which fuse an elastomer layer into the carbon layup.

The Trek Domane SLR 09 eTap Project One in detail

The Trek has neatly integrated mounts for lights, mudguards and internally routed cables, lending the bike a tidy look. A compartment in the down tube takes over from your saddle bag, providing space for a spare tube, multi-tool, tire levers and a CO2 cartridge. The frameset has clearances for up to 700 x 38C tires and is manufactured using Trek’s highest-end 700 Series OCLV carbon. Our test bike with a 2×12 SRAM RED eTAP AXS groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels weighs 8.08 kg in size 56 and costs € 11,299.

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The geoemtry of theTrek

Size	47	50	52	64	56	58	60	62
Seat tube	420 mm	450 mm	475 mm	500 mm	525 mm	548 mm	567 mm	586 mm
Oberrohr	509 mm	519 mm	530 mm	542 mm	554 mm	567 mm	579 mm	593 mm
Head tub	110 mm	130 mm	145 mm	160 mm	175 mm	195 mm	220 mm	245 mm
Head angle	71.0°	71.1°	71.3°	71.3°	71.9°	72.0°	72.1°	72.1°
Seat angle	74.6°	74.6°	74.2°	73.7°	73.3°	73.0°	72.8°	72.5°
Chainstays	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	426 mm	425 mm	425 mm
BB Drop	80 mm	80 mm	80 mm	80 mm	78 mm	78 mm	75 mm	75 mm
Radstand	986 mm	996 mm	1.003 mm	1.010 mm	1.008 mm	1.022 mm	1.032 mm	1.042 mm
Reach	364 mm	368 mm	371 mm	374 mm	377 mm	380 mm	383 mm	386 mm
Stack	527 mm	546 mm	561 mm	575 mm	591 mm	611 mm	632 mm	656 mm

The adjustable IsoSpeed system almost replaces image stabilisation in your camera. Taking pictures while riding on empty roads? No problem!

The Trek Domane SLR 09 eTap Project One in review

In direct contrast to its competitors, the Trek Domane SLR09 accelerates solidly but not explosively. However, once at speed it turns out to be pleasantly efficient on the flats and maintains its momentum well on the downhills. The combination of solid straight line stability and good-natured yet playful handling invites you to get out of the saddle and turn off the asphalt onto the next gravel track. The front and rear of the Domane always manoeuvre willingly. On more technical descents, the bike lacks precision at the limit but always remains predictable and doesn’t complain. Trek’s IsoSpeed comfort system also works very well. Once it’s set up at the rear, it does it’s job without fuss or muss. Vibrations are effectively absorbed without robbing the bike of any liveliness. The 700 x 32C Bontrager R3 TR tires may not make full use of the bike’ generous clearances, but also effectively contribute to the overall comfort. Different to the OPEN, which has its origins in gravel and has been equipped for the road for this test, the Trek is a bike that comes from the road but can work on gravel. That means you’ll be able to ride a gran fondo or your local races competitively, yet still ride back home through the forest, off the beaten track.

Tuning tips: Put some saddlebags on and head out for an all-road bikepacking trip

Conclusion

The Trek Domane SLR 09 eTap with its Project One finish doesn’t just look good. Every last detail has been considered, resulting in a coherent and fun machine. If you enjoy riding on compacted gravel, want to head out for long rides on chopped up roads or just want one bike to do it all, this bike is a great and exclusive choice. In the end, it’s the slight sluggishness and missing precision at the limit that cost the Trek the victory in our group test.

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For more info head to trekbikes.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best road bike of 2020 – 13 high-carat road bikes in review

All bikes in test: Argon 18 Krypton Pro (Click for review) | Bianchi Infinito CV Disc (Click for review) | BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE (Click for review) | Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc Dura Ace (Click for review) | Cicli Bonanno Futomaki Disc (Click for review) | FOCUS IZALCO MAX DISC 9.9 (Click for review) | LOOK 795 BLADE RS DISC (Click for review) | OPEN U.P.P.E.R. (Click for review) | Pinarello Dogma F12 Team INEOS Edition (Click for review) | ROSE REVEAL SIX Dura Ace Di2 Custom (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Click for review) | Trek Domane SLR 9 eTap | VOTEC VRC PRO (Click for review)

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl