Staff Bikes: Richard's Domane SLR
With a team made up of passionate cyclists, if you’ve visited us in-store before you’ll know that we don’t just sell and service bikes at Richmond Cycles; we live and breathe them! From the workshop to the shop floor, whether it’s crit racing, embarking on multi-day off-road adventures, or simply riding to the café with mates, you can be sure that one of our team has done it before.
What better way to introduce you to our incredible team than by showcasing the very bikes that they rely on day in and day out? This time we’re taking a look at a very handsome Trek Domane SLR, belonging to none other than Richard!
What is the bike?
It’s essentially a ‘standard’ Trek Domane Gen 4 SLR 7 at its core, however, I've gone for a Project One setup. This allowed me to fine-tune the crank length, stem length, and bar width to perfectly match my individual fit preferences.
What made you go for the Domane?
I enjoy spending long hours on my bike and try to ride it as much as I can, but I’m not afraid to admit that I’m not the youngest or the most flexible rider out there! The Trek endurance fit philosophy, with its slightly higher front end and shorter reach, really works for me – I’ve had absolutely no complaints in the comfort department so far.
How have you found the upgrade from Gen 3 to Gen 4 Domane?
Each generation's road-damping technology gets lighter, and this time around, Trek opted to simplify things by removing the front ‘IsoSpeed’, making it their lightest setup yet. While I never found my Gen 3 Domane to be sluggish (it’s still getting plenty of use as my winter bike!), the Gen 4 goes where you point it, and despite shedding just 300 grams, it feels noticeably more responsive and agile.
What are your thoughts on Shimano Di2 so far?
My working philosophy is that a simple machine is a good machine, and the Shimano Di2 fits that ethos perfectly. I’ve set it to full synchronised mode, simplifying gear shifts – right hand for up, left for down – while the Di2 system takes care of the rest. I’ve also found the new ergonomic hoods to be really comfortable. It’s not something I’d given much thought to in the past, but having my hands naturally find the right position on the levers makes a big difference, especially during long rides. Also, it has to be said that this latest generation of Shimano brakes performs impeccably – they feel very natural and well-moderated. It really is confidence-inspiring.
What's changed about the build since you got it?
Well, I put a pair of pedals on it! Joking aside, Trek has an army of engineers that have made all sorts of good choices about this build. Honestly, I haven’t found a way to improve it yet; it’s a brilliantly designed machine.
Is there anything you’d change about the bike?
While I’m sure Trek will come up with a new version in a few years time that I won’t be able to resist, for now, this Domane does everything I want from a road bike.
Favourite ride on it so far?
Taking it to the Pyrenees over the summer was an unforgettable experience, and I’m delighted to say that I managed to get a couple of personal bests on some classic climbs during that trip! Even with back-to-back days in the saddle, I still wanted to get back on my Domane (albeit after a meal and a good night’s sleep!) every time. I really can’t ask for more from a new bicycle.
Have you got any epic rides planned?
We’re hoping to resurrect our Richmond to Richmond, 3-day ride in 2024 – riding from Richmond Bridge in Yorkshire, to Richmond Bridge next to the shop. This bike will be perfect for me on that trip.
