Trek Domane 5.2 C

2016

Trek’s Domane 5 Series was developed for Fabian Cancellara to crush the cobbles of Europe. Turns out the things he wanted—speed, efficiency and comfort with zero compromise in weight or performance—are things we all want. Handmade from 500 Series OCLV Carbon, it’s light and stiff, and with genius ideas like their IsoZone tech, it’s oh so compliant too. Race-all-day geometry gives you the edge over the competition with confidence-inspiring handling while the specs keep you at the front of the peloton. An Ultegra drivetrain with compact cranks dishes out the silky shifting that Shimano is renowned for and Bontrager’s tubeless-ready wheels are wrapped with 25c tires for the perfect combination of speed, low-rolling resistance and ride quality. Trek also keeps the 5.2 firmly in the featherweight class with a carbon handlebar, seatmast and fork.

Trek’s Domane is a game-changer. It’s a high-performance race machine that’s also comfortable enough for even your longest rides and roughest roads. Here are some highlights:
The IsoSpeed fork’s rake (offset) has been increased to optimize handling and lengthen the wheelbase for greater compliance over even harsh terrain. It’s already been proven with wins in races over the toughest cobbles in Europe.
Trek’s Ride-Tuned No-Cut seatmast eliminates seatpost clamping forces so it can be super-light and soak up road vibrations for ride-all-day comfort. It also offers up to 10cm of adjustment, so a perfect fit is guaranteed.
The 3S chain-keeper is integrated directly into the frame. It’s an elegant solution that prevents the chain coming off on rough roads and under hard shifts. It lets you make any shift you want at any time without worrying.
The Domane’s internal cable routing offers precision shifting and positive braking in all conditions. It’s also compatibile with modern drivetrains, aerodynamic, and it protects the cables reducing wear and tear and maintenance.
 The E2 head tube tapers from 1 1/2 to 1-1/8 inch and is wider side to side than front to back. This minimizes weight, maximizes power transfer and improves cornering. Result: a more powerful and confident ride. Vibration is the enemy. So, the Domane’s ergonomic IsoZone handlebars feature integrated cushioning pads that reduce vibration by 20%. This means a bar that feels custom bent for you and that maximizes your comfort too.
Trek’s Domane features a unique bottom bracket that’s 90mm wide (traditional ones are 68mm wide). This wide bottom bracket lets Trek build the frame with larger tubes for increased power transfer. Plus, the BB90 is machined so that the bearings can be placed directly into the frame saving weight due to fewer parts, ensuring additional pedaling efficiency and simplifying maintenance and repair.

For increased stiffness and improved steering precision, tapered head tubes (see image, on left) and forks pair an oversize lower steerer tube (usually 1 1/2 inch, see image, on right) with a standard diameter upper steerer tube (usually 1 1/8 inch). This combination sheds weight compared to straight 1 1/2-inch systems, and adds stability and stiffness when compared to straight 1 1/8-inch systems. The result is a bike that tracks better through corners while allowing for the use of standard stems.

Pedals sold separately

Pros

  • Lightweight (10)
  • Durable (4)
  • Versatile (4)
  • Comfortable (3)
  • Comfortable (3)
  • Responsive (2)

Cons

  • Bought another saddle
  • Put aeolus 3 wheelset on
  • I Can’t Ride It Enough
  • None
  • Replaced The Seat
  • Non-tlr Tires

Best Uses

  • Road Biking (10)
  • Distance / endurance
  • Road Cycling
  • Great Road Bike
  • Commuting/City
  • All-day Riding

Dec 14, 2015

  • Pros:
  • Comfortable, light
  • Cons:
  • Best Uses:

Light and I like the ISO geometry to absorb the bumps. I was skeptical about the ISO geometry but it doesn’t make the bike feel less stiff to me. I’m about 165 pounds so a heavier rider might notice it more but a test ride will remedy this concern. Shifting is nice. However, I’m still struggling at times between cassette cog 5 and 6. It slips a little. Not sure if this is true for all the Trek Domane 5.2’s with the ultegra derailer 11 speed/cassette.

I like the gearing. I can climb and go down hills. I see a lot of people complain about the saddle. At first I didn’t like it. The manager at the shop said Trek designed the saddle based on some criteria to make it a better saddle for the money. I’m now getting used to it. I felt like I was riding a bike for the first time with the soreness I was experiencing. Keep in mind I rode my last Trek 2001 5200 until this year which is over 10 years in the same saddle so never had this transition before.

My Trek 5200 9 speed was working just fine until a bearing in the front wheel seized. So instead of fixing it for $10 I bought a new bike. My justification was I wanted 11 speeds to broaden my gearing. That was it and I’m satisfied with the results. Only the saddle was my big disappointment. I do think I’m comfortable on it now. Had I kept my other bike I might have switched saddles to compare.

Over all I’m very happy with my bike.

Oct 24, 2015

  • Pros:
  • Great for long distance, It Corners Well, The Domane 52 Is Fast
  • Cons:
  • Put Aeolus 3 Wheelset On, Bought Another Saddle
  • Best Uses:
  • Long distance

I have the 2013 Domane 5.2 and it is a great bike. I have upgraded the rims to Aeolus 3 and carbon fiber handlebars. This bike rides exceptionally well. The only bike I would get instead is the 2016 because it has longer chain stays for an even better ride. Blue skies and the wind at your back everyone!

Sep 03, 2015

  • Pros:
  • Great build, Comfortable, Fast, Light

I have had my Domane for a little over 5 months, put 1200+ miles on her, and still love it! It is still stock, though I am considering tubeless tires when the time comes. Ride mostly in upstate SC, hilly but not mountainous. I ride solo, some small groups, and larger group ride Tuesday evenings. This bike has made me a better cyclist, and it makes me want to ride more! Fantastic bike.

May 31, 2015

  • Pros:
  • Gearing Is Superb, Awesome paint job, Ultegra Is Great, Comfortable, Quality is fantastic
  • Cons:
  • Replaced The Seat, I Can’t Ride It Enough
  • Best Uses:
  • Great Road Bike

After many years got back into cycling. I went from a Trek Shift 3 to the ’15 Domane 5.2 C. I love the ride, comfort and so much lighter than my Shift 3. I love the Ultegra brakes and drivetrain.

Nov 05, 2014

  • Pros:
  • Great Ultegra Groupp, Superb, Heads-up Geometry, Massive Bottom Bracket, Uncompromising Power Tran, Superbly Compliant Ride
  • Cons:
  • Mediocre Saddle, Non-tlr Tires
  • Best Uses:
  • Super Commuter, Passing Scott Foil Riders, All-day Riding

This is the best Trek road bike for the dollar since Wisconsin was covered in miles-deep ice. Buy one and destroy your other road bikes.

Sep 11, 2014

  • Pros:
  • Mediates Poor Roads, Lightweight, Great Decending
  • Cons:
  • Lacks Frame Stiffness
  • Best Uses:
  • Road Biking

I love the way the bike descends and the plush ride. I missed the lateral frame stiffness of my current carbon frame (very stiff AND comfortable, but less so downhill). I am a very nervous descender so this is an important feature for me personally. Its a trade off -less efficiency for a better descent. Domane will be my new bike because I need a better decender but I fear that the relative frame “squishyness” will be an irritation long term.

May 11, 2014

  • Pros:
  • Fast, Lightweight, Responsive On The Road, Fun To Ride, Versatile, Durable
  • Best Uses:
  • Long Or Short Rides, Road Biking

I ride between 6000 and 7000 miles per year, so I am looking for comfort, durability, and speed. I also use Strava to track my rides, so I want to be fast on segments in my area. I went from a 2010 Trek 2.1 to this Trek Domane 5.2 and the word that comes to mind is WOW! This Domane is very nice and rides smoothly over these central Ohio roads that are rough from a harsh winter. I really like the Domane 5.2 and would recommend it to anyone – casual biker or avid cyclist like myself. You will not be dissatisfied if you purchase a Domane.

Mar 13, 2014

  • Pros:
  • Quick, Responsive, Lightweight
  • Cons:
  • Does Not Appear To Be Any

I just got back from my first ride outside on my Damone 5.2. I am very impressed. Last fall I got back into road bikes with a Trek 1.5. I thought it was nice and often said that as long as I did not ride a $3,000 bike I would be satisfied. Well I got a Madone to cure my winter blues and WOW. It is light, responds to my thoughts, quick, and the Ultegra components are beyond belief. Although I have only had the one outdoor ride, I have a couple hundred miles on it on my trainer, I can’t wait to put many more miles on it. The ride is smooth yet crisp. The road surface seems smoother than last fall on my 1.5 yet the Damone leaps at the touch of the pedals. Now that I have ridden, and own, a $3,000 plus bike all I can say is that there is a difference, a very nice difference.

Feb 05, 2014

  • Pros:
  • Weight, Lightweight, Ride quality
  • Best Uses:
  • Road Biking, Road Cycling

Have been riding a 08 Specialized Roubaix and decided to by a new Domane 5.2. Loved the color and looks. First ride was awesome and a lot smoother than my Roubaix. Wether has not cooperated but got in a 30 mile ride and unbelievable. A lot smother over the same rode than the Roubaix. Much quicker to get up to speed and maintain speed. Only have four road rides so far but very impressed.

Nov 25, 2013

  • Pros:
  • Smooth, Comfortable
  • Cons:
  • None
  • Best Uses:
  • Long Rides

I just got into biking this last summer. Doctor ordered exercise and i hated my exercise machine.
I got a moutain bike first but found I was mostly riding paved trails and roads.
Went to a nice aluminum bike, but found it felt like a washboard on the rough streets in my neighborhood.
I took the Domane for test ride and it felt great in the store parking lot. The real test came when i rode it over the rough streets at home. It was smooth, I could not believe it. The handling was awesome and the brakes were a huge improvement over what I had been riding… now the doctor is happy, I am down over 50 pounds, the blood pressure is down, the blood sugar is down and the clorestoral (sp) is where it should be… what used to be just plain hard work, is still work, but it is fun.

Nov 09, 2013

  • Pros:
  • Comfortable, Lightweight, Responsive

Long rides are much less tiring. The Iso shock absorber is no gimmick, it really works. Back and hands with no discomfort after 65 + miles. Buy this in a heartbeat if you are looking for a responsive climber that you can ride all day long.

Oct 18, 2013

  • Pros:
  • Stable, Fast and Smooth Ride, Effortless On The Hills, Lightweight
  • Best Uses:
  • Road Biking, Cardio Work Out

Was riding a Madone 3.2. Herniated a disc in my back. Riding after that on the Madone was too hard on the back since the bumps were not absorbed well. Bought the Domane after riding at the store and comparing the ride side by side with a Madone. Very significantly softer ride ie. the bike absorbed the bumps not my back. However, performance and ability to ride fast not degraded at all. By the way, a recumbent bike was intolerable on the back after the herniated disc.

Sep 20, 2013

  • Pros:
  • Well built quality, Lightweight, Stable, Comfortable, Fast and Smooth Ride

I have enjoyed riding a full carbon road bike for 15 years. A friend who is a Trek dealer suggested trying this bike with its sloping top tube and micro gearing. What a great ride! It felt as comfortable to me as an easy chair, yet responsive, stable and easy to control. I thought my old bike was lightweight, but climbing hills with this one was much easier and more enjoyable.

Aug 03, 2013

  • Pros:
  • Durable, Versatile, Lightweight
  • Best Uses:
  • Commuting/City, Road Biking

This bike was definitely made for both smooth and rough roads. I was very impressed by the way it handled. I would recommend this bike to anyone.

Jul 29, 2013

  • Pros:
  • Durable, Lightweight, Versatile

Love how light and responsive this bike is! The Viper Red and white make this bike stand out on the road and people turn their heads to look at it. Hills are easier to climb and this bike is very quick from the start!

Mar 03, 2013

  • Pros:
  • Lightweight, Versatile, Very Fast, Durable
  • Cons:
  • Not Made In The Usa

A fast hill climbing machine. Overall fit is very comfortable on long rides. If going to go racing this is a good start. The only downer is its not made in the USA.

  • Frame
  • Trek 500 Series OCLV Carbon w/E2, BB90
  • Fork
  • Trek IsoSpeed carbon
  • Rims/Wheels
  • Bontrager Race Tubeless Ready
  • Hubs
  • See Rims/Wheels
  • Spokes
  • See Rims/Wheels
  • Tires
  • Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite, 700 x 25c
  • Crankset
  • Shimano Ultegra
  • Chainrings
  • 50/34
  • Front Derailleur
  • Shimano Ultegra
  • Rear Derailleur
  • Shimano Ultegra
  • Rear Cogs
  • Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed: 11-28
  • Shifters
  • Shimano Ultegra STI
  • Handlebars
  • Bontrager Race Lite IsoZone
  • Tape/Grips
  • Bontrager Microfiber
  • Stem
  • Bontrager Race X Lite
  • Brake Levers
  • Shimano Ultegra
  • Brakes
  • Shimano Ultegra
  • Saddle
  • Bontrager Paradigm R
  • Seatpost
  • Bontrager Ride-Tuned Carbon seatmast cap