Trek Domane 2.3 (2015)

A road bike with limousine like comfort

Pros

* Amazingly smooth ride thanks to the decoupler
* Shimano 105
* Value

Cons

* Less aggressive positioning may not be for everyone

Review

The Domane and its IsoSpeed technology has been around for a while and with good reason - it simply works! The 2.3 is the alloy version of the all-day endurance racer and features the same geometry and decoupler as its more famous carbon siblings.

The frame is alloy and features the Isospeed system, which basically allows the seat tube to deflect within the frame via a decoupler. This results in a super smooth ride no matter the road surface being ridden. This is why the bike has been a revelation for the Trek riders at Spring Classics races like Paris-Roubaix. Forget what you may have thought about harsh alloy frames - the Domane is the antithesis of harsh.

The frame also features an Isospeed carbon fork which means that comfort isn't just about a happy bottom! Speedtrap and rack/fender mounts are also standard, meaning this bike is the complete all-day, all condition road machine. Add to this a quality setup of Shimano 105 components and Bontrager wheels and cockpit goodies and you have a bike that's ready to ride from the box.

The Domane 2.3 is perfect for average riders who want a taller front end and a focus on ride quality rather than out and out speed and aggression. The Domane isn't a slow bike by any means, but the upright position will make it more difficult to keep up when the pace is really on. Just wait 'til they get tired from the rough roads- on the Domane you'll be as fresh as the moment you sat on the bike - it's that good!

For this amount of money you would be hard pressed to find a better deal. The Domane 2.3 is affordable and ticks lots of boxes for the average rider. You just cannot beat that comfort!