Hi everyone,
I’m looking to get my first road bike and could use some advice. I recently sold my 3-year-old FX2 Disc and want to make the jump to a proper road bike after riding flat bar bikes my whole life.
For context, about 95% of my riding is on flat paved bike paths, with maybe 5% on fine crushed limestone here and there depending on the bike path i take, would be mostly flat.
I’m currently deciding between:
- Trek Domane AL 4 (Tiagra)
- Trek Émonda ALR 5 (105)
With the Émonda being discontinued this year, I can find a brand new ALR 5 on clearance for about the same price as the Domane (~$2250 CAD).
On paper, the Émonda seems like the “better” bike, mainly because of the 105 groupset. But I’m a bit concerned it might be too aggressive for me as a beginner road cyclist who normally only rides casually, both in terms of geometry and tire clearance (max 28mm). I’m worried I might regret not having the option to go wider for comfort, especially coming from a hybrid.
I’ve had a chance to try the Domane in-store and it felt great, but I haven’t been able to test an Émonda at all. I’ve been sized at 56, but I’d have to order the Émonda online if I go that route.
So I guess my question is:
As someone new to road cycling, will I be perfectly happy with the Tiagra-equipped Domane, or am I likely to regret passing up the chance to get a 105 Émonda at the same price while they’re still available?
Appreciate any thoughts or experiences!
by superfish5
4 Comments
I run an Emonda as my endurance bike. You’ll love it, even if you need to make some fit adjustments it’ll be more lively and fun than a Domane AL
Emonda. You’ll grow out of the Domane quick. 105 will be more versatile. Also Emonda can clear 32c. The recommended tire size leave minimum 4mm clearance each side by law. Which leaves plenty of room for more.
The Emonda is obviously better spec’d and if it’s anything like my rim brake version, a treat to ride – it’s a very comfortable geometry, but more racier than what the Domane would be. The 28mm clearance is certainly a limitation these days, but if it’s anything like the SL and SLR they might be conservative on their numbers – I’m running 28’s with plenty of room and likely going to go to 30 on my SLR next and I know a few who have run 32’s on the SL (one mechanical and one Ultegra Di2 which has a bigger front derailleur).
The difference in frame geometry isnt huge. A domane is much closer in geometry/feel to an Emonda than it is to an FX.
Besides geometry I do find my ALR frame to be a smoother and better ride than my AL frame.