In measured data, the difference between the GranFondo GF01 and Domane (pronounced "Do-Ma-Nie") is most clearly expressed by the comfort value on the saddle. Until now, values of less than 200 Newtons per millimetre were considered very good, values of around 150 N/mm were considered outstanding (lower values mean more suspension travel). The 110 N/mm of the Domane is already a huge leap, but is clearly topped by the 96 N/mm that BMC boasts.
Nevertheless, the Trek initially leaves the more lasting impression. From the first contact with the saddle, you realise that something is different here than usual. The secret is hidden under a plastic cover under the top tube, just in front of the seat tube. If you remove the panelling, you can see two ball bearings with a screw running through them, which is the only connection between the top tube and seat tube. This partial decoupling of the tubes turns the seat tube into a suspension element and the otherwise rigid diamond frame into a kind of active chassis. The initial concern that the soft set-up could have negative effects - such as a permanent bobbing of the seat dome - is quickly dispelled on the test rides. Even our photo editor, a 90-kilo sprinter, noticed nothing of the sort. Instead, the wheel filters vibrations in a clearly perceptible manner and effectively smoothes out even the coarser bumps in the tarmac.
However, the seat tube construction - the seat post from Trek's Madone series is not clamped in the seat tube but on it - is not the only measure that contributes to the unprecedented comfort. With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.59, the Domane in size 56 has one of the most comfortable geometries in the history of the TOUR test, guaranteeing a relaxed but not unsportsmanlike riding position. It is astonishing that you hardly notice this on the bike. The high handlebar position, which is typical of comfort racers, is skilfully concealed. Because the fork crown is higher than usual, the top of the head tube could be omitted at the bottom. The only visually striking feature is the unusually pronounced fork pre-bend, which is intended to improve suspension comfort. The dropouts have been set back in order to neutralise the undesirable effect - less fork trail and the resulting nervous steering behaviour. A slightly longer wheelbase and generously dimensioned wheel clearances allow mudguards to be fitted even with 25 mm tyres, for which almost invisible threads are provided in the fork and seat stays.
This detail makes it clear which target group Trek primarily sees for the bike: Marathon riders, randonneurs and other lovers of epic long rides who long for a bike that looks sporty on the one hand, but doesn't disregard a comfortable riding position, damping and practical details on the other. Even professionals seem to be able to make friends with the Domane: Several Radio Shack pros rode the bike at the spring classics - including Fabian Cancellara, who announced his intention to ride it for the entire season. Our test bike configured from the Trek Project One modular programme with Dura-Ace equipment and Bontrager carbon wheels costs just under € 7,900. However, the price list starts at 4,000 euros for the Domane 6.2 with Ultegra equipment.
Price Complete wheel 7,881 Euro
Weight 7.0 kilos
Reference/Info www.trekbikes.com
Frame sizes*** 44, 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
Seat/steering angle 73°/71 ,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 630/555/177 mm plus 7 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 1,010/60 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 595/375 mm/1.59
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/2 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano Dura-Ace (50/34 t., BB90)
Wheels/tyres Bontrager Aeolus 5.0/Bontrager R3 plus 25 mm
Handlebar/stem Bontrager RXL
Saddle/post Bontrager Affinity RXL/Bontrager (integrated)
MEASURED VALUES & INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Weight of complete bike (without pedals) 6.95 kg
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 1.130/382/57 g
Standardised weight frame set***** 1.619 g: 2,7
Steering head stiffness 83 Nm/°: 2.7
Lateral stiffness fork 50 N/mm: 1.7
Bottom bracket stiffness 57 N/mm: 1.7
Comfort frame 110 N/mm: 1 , 0
Comfort fork 75 N/mm: 2 , 7
* The frame set accounts for 40 per cent of the overall score and the features for 60 per cent. Individual grades are included in these two assessments, only some of which are printed for reasons of space. The grades are calculated up to the final grade with all decimal places; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
** Weighed weights.
*** Manufacturer's specification. Tested frame size greased.
**** Stack/reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the headset; STR (stack to reach): Values between 1.45 and 1 .55 indicate a sporty riding position, values below that are race-like, above that comfortable.
***** Adjusted weight for frame size 57 cm and fork steerer length 225 mm.
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