Trek Domane SL5 Review - 6 Months Later (best first road bike?)
Triathlon Mike
April 13, 2025
I bought the Trek Domane SL5 about 6 months ago to train for my Ironman 70.3.
It's my first 'proper' road bike - but did I make the right decision in choosing the Domane SL5 for my first bike?
In a word...yes! However, it doesn't come without its flaws.
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⚡️ Timestamps ⚡️
0:00 Why I bought a Trek Domane SL5
0:46 The first thing I noticed on day 1
1:01 Why I didn't buy the Trek Emonda or Madone
1:33 The best accessory upgrade I made
2:10 Frame storage! Why don't more bikes have this?
3:28 Trek Blendr System (expensive, but worth it)
4:11 Why I bought a Domane SL5 instead of SL6
5:48 Do I have any regrets?
6:00 The cons...
8:05 The upgrades I've made (links below)
10:25 Was the Trek Domane SL5 worth the money?
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🚴 Affiliate links of the Trek Domane SL5 Gen 4 upgrades I mention in this video:
EliteWheels ENT 2.0 Carbon Wheels:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_okabOHi
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4naGksd
Topeak Water Bottle:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ooIGru5
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lf2Aix
Topeak Water Bottle Holder:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oC0etnF
Amazon: https://amzn.to/45D7Zf2
Magicshine SEEMEE 200 v3:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oBt0sI8
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nx1Jfp
Magicshine Website: https://magicshine.com/?ref=TriathlonMike
Magicshine ALLTY 400:
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_onnamW4
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4epigxK
Magicshine Website: https://magicshine.com/?ref=TriathlonMike
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🎯 Training for my First Ironman playlist:
https://bit.ly/3Tcc9Dj
Watch my Ironman journey from day 1 - long before I bought my Trek Domane SL5 Gen 4.
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🐶 While training for my Ironman, I'm raising funds to help save stray dogs 🐶
If my videos have ever helped you, please consider donating: https://bit.ly/lawsforpaws
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#trek #sl5 #domane
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Parts Mentioned
ELITEWHEELS Carbon Wheels ENT 2.0 Disc Brake 700c Carbon Rim Center Lock Road Bike Wheelset UCI Quality Road Racing Wheelset
Topeak Cycling Water Bottle 750ml 650ml Squeezable BPA-Free Taste-Free Sport Water Bottle Leak-proof Jet Valve Cycling Kettle
Topeak TMD06B/TMD06BK Bicycle Adjustable Water Bottle Cage MTBWater Container Cage Road Bike Cycling Kettle Cage Holder
Magicshine SEEMEE 200 Rechargeable Bike Tail Lights,360° Visibility Bicycle Lights, Smart Brake Sensor Rear Bike Lights for Road
ALLTY 400 Road Bike Light, USB Type-C Rechargeable,Powerful Bike Headlight Compatible with: Mountain, Kids, Street
Sunshine Savings/Seasonal Savings
WheelsELITEWHEELS Carbon Wheels ENT 2.0 Disc Brake 700c Carbon Rim Center Lock Road Bike Wheelset UCI Quality Road Racing Wheelset
Created: December 01, 2024The reviewer mentions purchasing ELITEWHEELS carbon wheels from AliExpress for about $350, describing them as an incredible value. They highlight these wheels as one of the best upgrades made to the bike, stating that they are disrupting the carbon wheel market by offering high-quality carbon wheels at a fraction of the price of other brands. The reviewer also mentions having a dedicated video explaining why these wheels are a game-changer.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Incredible value at around $350
- Disrupting the carbon wheel market
- High-quality carbon wheels
- One of the best upgrades made to the bike
MyBikeParts
ELITEWHEELS Carbon Wheels ENT 2.0 Disc Brake 700c Carbon Rim Center Lock Road Bike Wheelset UCI Quality Road Racing Wheelset
BottlesTopeak Cycling Water Bottle 750ml 650ml Squeezable BPA-Free Taste-Free Sport Water Bottle Leak-proof Jet Valve Cycling Kettle
Created: July 13, 2025The reviewer discusses their experience with Topeak water bottles and cages, mentioning they initially used cheaper bottles from AliExpress which failed during a ride, causing an accident. They then upgraded to Topeak water bottles and cages, noting the improved fit and security due to the design compatibility between the bottles and cages.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Very tight fit with Topeak cages
- Designed to work together with Topeak cages for better security
- Confidence that bottles won't fall out during rides
- Particularly important for group rides
Cons
- Initially used cheaper bottles that failed, leading to an accident
Creator Links
Topeak Radfahren Wasser Flasche 750ml 650ml Squeezable BPA-Freies Geschmack-Freies Sport Wasser Flasche Leck-beweis Jet Ventil Radfahren Wasserkocher - AliExpress 18
Bottle-CagesTopeak TMD06B/TMD06BK Bicycle Adjustable Water Bottle Cage MTBWater Container Cage Road Bike Cycling Kettle Cage Holder
Created: July 13, 2025The Topeak TMD06B/TMD06BK Fahrrad Einstellbare Wasser Flasche Käfig MTB Wasser Behälter Käfig Rennrad Radfahren Wasserkocher Käfig Halter is not mentioned in this video.
AI-Summary
Creator Links
Topeak TMD06B/TMD06BK Fahrrad Einstellbare Wasser Flasche Käfig MTB Wasser Behälter Käfig Rennrad Radfahren Wasserkocher Käfig Halter - AliExpress 18
LightsMagicshine SEEMEE 200 Rechargeable Bike Tail Lights,360° Visibility Bicycle Lights, Smart Brake Sensor Rear Bike Lights for Road
Created: July 06, 2025The reviewer mentions having Magicshine lights on both the front and rear of their bike, though they specifically reference the 'magic shine ulti 400' for the front light. They praise the Magicshine lights in general, stating they are well-built and recommend them, but do not specifically discuss the SEEMEE 200 model.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Built well
- Highly recommended by the reviewer
- Affordable (mentioned in context of Magicshine lights being about $20 or $30)
Creator Links
ALLTY 400 Road Bike Light, USB Type-C Rechargeable,Powerful Bike Headlight Compatible with: Mountain, Kids, Street
Created: July 06, 2025The reviewer mentions the 'magic shine ulti 400' bike light as part of their setup with the Trek Blender System. They highlight its integration with the system and how it contributes to keeping the cockpit clean. The reviewer also expresses general satisfaction with Magic Shine lights, mentioning they are well-built and affordable.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Fits well with the Trek Blender System
- Keeps the cockpit clean
- Built very well
- Affordable (around $20-$30)
Creator Links
ALLTY 400 Road Bike Light, USB Type-C Rechargeable,Powerful Bike Headlight Compatible with: Mountain, Kids, Street - AliExpress 18