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."
As compared to a standard 58cm Domane, for example, the Domane Classics places the top of the headset a substantial 2.5 centimeters further away from the rider. Meanwhile, the 143mm head tube is a whopping 47mm shorter than on a standard Domane and even 17mm shorter than on a 58cm H1 Madone (although the difference is only 7mm when accounting for differences in bottom bracket height).
The front end is low on the pro-geometry bikes. This 58cm has a 143mm head tube
The handling on the Domane Classics Edition is sharper than the standard Domane as well, with a steeper head tube (72.6-72.8 degrees) and more rake on the fork.
Nevertheless, we expect the Domane Classics to still feel stable and confident on uneven terrain. The unusually low bottom bracket (7.5-8cm of drop, depending on size) keeps the rider's weight closer to the ground and while the front-end geometry suggests a quicker feel, that's somewhat offset by the longer wheelbase that the increased rake produces - handling tricks that true Paris-Roubaix race bikes have successfully used for years in the pro peloton.
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.
