In this 2022 Trek Domane SLR 7 review I’ll share my 1,000 mile update since receiving the bike. I ordered this bike in 2021, and it was delivered right around the New Year. Thanks to a much warmer spring than expected, I’ve been able to put a lot of miles on this bike.
If you aren’t familiar, the Domane is Trek’s Endurance road bike. It’s made for brutally long and rough rides. The 2022 Domane SLR 7 includes Trek’s IsoSpeed technology, which acts as a suspension for your rigid frame road bike.
2022 Trek Domane SLR 7 Key Features
Weight – Endurance bikes are made for comfort so cyclists can last all day in the saddle. That typically makes them heavier. That’s not the case with the SLR 7 because it weighs just 18.5 pounds, or 8.4 kilograms. Most mid-level road bikes weigh around 20 pounds, so weight is one feature putting the SLR 7 in the super bike category.
IsoSpeed – It’s crazy to think Trek was able to get this bike below 20 pounds considering the frame includes Trek’s tunable IsoSpeed. Typically a suspension adds weight, but according to Trek, there is no weight penalty from IsoSpeed.
Ultegra Di2 – Arguably, the best feature of the 2022 Trek Domane SLR 7 is the Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset. The brake modulation with Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes feels amazing. The speed, reliability and accuracy of wireless shifting is remarkable.
Is Shimano Ultegra Di2 Worth It?
Having worked in a bike shop recently I’ve had the opportunity to ride bikes equipped with SRAM Red eTap AXS, as well as Shimano’s Dura Ace Di2. Of all the different groupsets I’ve been fortunate enough to ride, it is my opinion Shimano Ultegra Di2 is the best value in electronic shifting.
Anyone that has ridden with electronic shifting knows mechanical will be extinct one day. Nothing compares to the precision, accuracy, and quiet gear changes that electronic shifting gives you. It is by far the best experience I’ve had on a bike in terms of equipment. (My best riding experience is riding Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park.)
Ultegra Di2 is durable enough to go on a gravel bike, but lightweight enough you can put it on your climbing bike. The price point on Ultegra is great, marginally higher than the 105 lineup known for it’s incredible value. It is the most important feature in this Trek Domane SLR 7 review.
Trek Domane SLR 7 Accessories
This bike screams for new bar tape. The options within Project One were dreadful. Cyclists buying a high-end super bike like this probably already have a favorite bar tape. I love LizardSkins, and decided to add a bit of matching color, which is a first for me.
You get a great selection of saddles during the P1 experience, so this was the first road bike I didn’t have to immediately upgrade. Pedals on the other hand are still something manufacturers leave off bikes. It makes sense that pedals are not included. There is no standard cleat preference, even at the highest level of cycling, so manufacturers leave pedals off.
Much like bar tape, you probably already know what pedals you like. You splurged on an incredible bike, why not upgrade your pedals too. It’s a great opportunity to try Speedplay pedals, or SPD-SL.
The only other accessory I highly recommend is a flat kit for the downtube storage. The downtube storage is a cool feature and it would be a shame not to take advantage of it. I take a spare tube and Co2 cartridge in mine.
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