Trek now has four race geometries in its line-up: the taller H2 on the Madone, the more aggressive H1 on the Madone, the endurance geometry on the standard Domane, and now the pro endurance geometry on the Domane Classics Edition. Sold through Trek's Project One customization program, the Domane Classics Edition is the frameset ridden by Trek Factory Racing riders.
Sold only in the 54-62cm sizes of team riders, the frameset features sharper handling and a much shorter head tube than the standard Domane while retaining the endurance bike's vertically plush character.
The IsoSpeed "decoupler" doubles the bike's vertical compliance, Trek says
"The OCLV carbon, the lay-up and the IsoSpeed decoupler and fork are the same on the Domane and the Domane Classics Edition," said Trek road brand manager Michael Mayer. "So you get that compliance, that longer wheelbase, and the vertical compliance of IsoSpeed. But the front-end geometry is even more aggressive than the H1 Madone."
The head tube on this 58cm Domane Classics Edition, for example, is a racy 143mm. The head tube on a 58cm H1 Madone, by contrast, runs 160mm.
The front end is low on the pro-geometry bikes. This 58cm has a 143mm head tube
The relatively low bottom bracket (drop in the 7.5-8cm range) carries over from the standard Domane.
The handling on the Domane Classics Edition is a bit sharper than the standard Domane as well, with a steeper head tube (72.6-72.8 degrees) and less rake on the fork.
Handling is much closer to a Madone than a standard Domane, thanks to a steeper head tube and the pro-geometry fork
For all its built-in vertical comfort, the bike is quite stiff laterally. This is a race bike, after all. "Andy [Schleck] rode on last year in the Tour, and he feels confident climbing on it," Mayer said. "And Fabian [Cancellara] rides his year-round."
The Classics Edition also features more tire clearance than a regular Domane, for those who either race cobbles or just prefer the cush ride of fat tires.
Those wanting to purchase a Project One Domane Classics Edition will have to pony up around $11,000/£6,677 for the complete bike, depending on the parts and paint chosen.
Check back soon for a review of the Domane Classics Edition.
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