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2021 Domane SL 6 From Trek Is Out for Gravel Bike Gold With a Full Carbon Frame

When you buy into the Trek bicycle family you don’t just receive a bike, you receive a vehicle that has been shaped and honed over the ages through countless races.
2021 Domane SL 6 13 photos
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
2021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 62021 Domane SL 6
Folks, what we see in the cover photo is known as the Domane SL 6, the 2021 model from none other than Trek. Why bring this creature to your attention? Well, just look at it. How often do you see such a beautiful geometry? Best part is that it’s not all just show, it’s a road beast.

But before we get into the inner workings of this bike, let’s have a look at the manufacturer. Trek has been around since 1976 while bicycles began taking off around the world. Through dedication and a drive to be the absolute best through any means possible, Trek is now known as a leading powerhouse of bicycles and bicycle components. They even use rocket science in developing the monsters that you hear about.

As for the Domane, this new bike showcases some of the very freshest tech and design I've seen on a road or gravel bike. I’m going to be doing things a bit differently for this bike and just get right into the thick of it by announcing the weight this bike comes in with, 20.51 lbs (9.30 kg). That's it. Frame, wheels, fork, drivetrain, brakes, and the rest.

2021 Domane SL 6
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
The most important component for this or any other bike for that matter, is the frame. Here, Trek went all out and used top-shelf carbon fiber. Yes, that means 500 Series OCLV Carbon is the base. Never heard of this stuff either? Well, it’s a patented carbon fiber construction process that is the result of over 25 years of experience in building bikes, so you know you’ll have no issues with it.

Aside from the carbon used, the frame hides several other secrets as well. Because most road and gravel bikes such as these usually don’t include suspension systems, Trek decided to change all that, and so, installed not one, but two IsoSpeed decouplers within the frame’s construction. This adds just enough frame travel to smoothen out bumps and vibrations normally encountered on such rides.

Another perk the frame hides is that of an internal storage space for tools, and a possible snack in case it’s needed. I won’t mention the internal cable routing that happens throughout the entire bike, not only through the frame, but the fork and chain stay as well. Speaking of fork, this component is shaped using carbon too.

Secondary components such as the wheels, saddle, seat post, handlebar and stem are all from Bontrager. It makes sense to use this brand since it’s now under Trek Bicycle Corporation rule. So, yeah, we can consider that the Domane is composed with in-house parts, except one major system.

2021 Domane SL 6
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
Take one wild guess who else wiggled their way into the heart of this bike. Shimano of course. The drivetrain for this road dominator is all tuned to the sound of an 11-speed Ultegra R8000 setup. Front derailleur, rear derailleur, shifters, cassette, chain, and even crank, all Ultegra. Nearly forgot about the brakes to stop all this action. These too are Shimano Ultegra with hydraulic disc and 160 mm (6.3 in) center lock rotors.

Sure, the Ultegra may not be the best Shimano has, but being just a step below the Dura-Ace setup is still good enough, for me anyway. You’ll feel the difference if an avid rider, but anyone else probably won’t notice.

All in all, with a price tag of just $4,099.99, the Domane SL 6 feels like it floats in with a good price to quality ratio that’s sure to be felt even against next year’s models.
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About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
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