Local Talent

August 11, 2012

Richardson’s Cycles: Trek Domane 6.2: £3995

The Trek Domane is the very definition of the modern road bike. Race proven, the frame has been ridden by Spartacus himself (Fabian Cancellara) in the cobbled, spring classics, but it also offers comfort more akin to a sportive bike. A longer headtube for a more upright and relaxed position doesn’t put riders in too much of an aggressive position, allowing the bike to be more accessible to the vast majority of riders, whatever physical shape they might be in. I mean, riding in a low, aerodynamic drag defying shape is great, but if you’re uncomfortable, aerodynamics count for precious little.

Domane: Latin for Full Gas

The highlights, of which there are many, start with the OCLV carbon frame. The bike runs ‘race-optimised’ internal cable routing. The cables are Gore RideOn, they’re white, which makes them look cool, but they’re also incredibly long lasting and will – believe me, I’ve seen the demonstrations – work under water. The housing is unsurpassed when it comes to performance.

Trek has something something they call ‘Power Transfer Construction’. This is basically the stiffness in the frame, which allows greater transfer of the power the rider generates to be channeled onto the road - limiting flex essentially - for more efficiency.

Stability is another of those buzzwords being batted around the bike industry, whether they’re talking bike frames or wheels. The Domane is an example of this, the frame is well balanced and boasts its race stable geometry and integrated chain keeper. Combining these elements makes for better handling and flawless shifting.

Comfort is key and what better way to test this very attribute than sticking a rider on it for one of the worlds more grueling races: The Tour of Flanders. The cobbles of race are more ‘off road’ than on road, so if a frame can stand the punishments thrown at it on this sort of terrain, it’s going to be able to handle our lanes with ease. The comfort is down to the ISOspeed technology and the innovative decoupler giving the frame greater vertical compliance. Genius.

The 6.2 comes with an Ulterga groupet throughout, right down to the wheelset, which you can run tubeless if required. I could go into a pros and cons list of ‘going tubeless’ here, but I won’t. If you’re a mountain biker, you’ll be well acquainted with its merits, but it hasn’t really taken off with roadies. No pinch flat, less rolling resistance, allows the rider to run tyres at a lower pressure without hampering performance…

For an all-round bike suitable for most riders looking to either take up cycling or experienced riders looking for a new steed, the Trek Domane is well worth considering. If it’s good enough for Cancellara…

Frame: 600 series OCLV carbon featuring the new IsoSpeed Decoupler

Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm

Fork: IsoSpeed Carbon fork

Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 6700

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 6700

Number of Gears: 20

Shifters: Shimano Ultegra 6700

Chainset: Shimano Ultegra 6700

Chainrings: 50/34 tooth (compact)

Bottom Bracket: Trek exclusive BB90

Cassette: Shimano Ultegra CS6700 - 11-28 tooth

Chain: Shimano Ultegra 6700

Front Brake: Shimano Ultegra 6700

Rear Brake: Shimano Ultegra 6700

Handlebars: Bontrager Race Lite Blade Isozone

Stem: Bontrager Race X Lite OS - Black

Headset: Cane Creek IS2 carbon

Grips: Bontrager Gel Cork - Black

Rims: Bontrager Race Lite Clincher

Front Hub: Bontrager Race Lite

Rear Hub: Bontrager Race Lite

Front Tyre: Bontrager R3 White 700x25c

Rear Tyre: Bontrager R3 White 700x25c

Saddle: Bontrager Affinity RL - Black

Seatpost: Carbon Seat Mast Cap

Extra Features:

Featuring the IsoSpeed Decoupler. A technological revolution. IsoSpeed isolates the seat tube from the rest of the frameset, doubling compliance and comfort with zero performance drawbacks.

For further details please visit www.richardsonscycles.co.uk or call into the shop:

Richardsons Cycles,

99-101 Elm Road,

Leigh-on-Sea,

Essex SS9 1SP

Tel: 01702 713847