TREK Domane+ SLR 6 eTap 2023

In the road bike market, the e-ball has not yet begun to roll, and e-road bikes are still battling to gain general acceptance. Nevertheless, e-race bikes continue to offer a number of potential benefits for a wide range of riders, particularly the most recent generation, which promises to offer an unprecedented level of integration, riding experience, and design. In 2019, Trek debuted the first generation of the Domane+, which was equipped with a strong Bosch Performance mid-drive motor and a massive 500 Wh battery, weighing a whopping 17 scales. Two years later, the second generation of Trek’s e-road bike included a more discreet and substantially lighter FAZUA Ride 50 motor, bringing the total weight down to approximately 13 kilograms.

The new TQ HPR50 motor should enable a new generation of e-road bikes with the handling and ride sensation of analog racers while preserving a discreet appearance. With its fully integrated electric motor, numerous technical advancements, and endurance-focused riding position, the new Trek Domane+ SLR 2023 takes to the road in stealth mode. However, how did it do in our test?
The new TQ-HPR50 motor serves as the beating heart of the Trek Domane+ SLR 2023

The new TQ-HPR50 motor serves as the beating heart of the Trek Domane+ SLR 2023

As the beating heart of an e-road bike, the motor system has a significant impact on the riding experience, weight distribution, and, of course, propulsion. Numerous contemporary e-road bicycles have a rear hub motor, which may be a lightweight and cost-effective alternative, but frequently results in uneven weight distribution and hence sluggish and less natural handling. With the current edition of the Domane+, Trek stuck with a mid-drive motor, completing a proven concept with what appears to be the most consistent package to date.

The TQ-HPR50 is 1,850 scalars light on its own. The system weighs 3,900 grams (manufacturer’s specs), including the battery, the new 2″ display built into the top tube, and the corresponding remote unit. As its name suggests, the TQ-HPR50 has a maximum torque of 50 Newton meters and a maximum nominal output of 300 watts, while the motor assistance can be adjusted across three support levels: eco, mid, and high. The Domane+ features a larger 360 Wh battery than most contemporary e-road bicycles. However, this statistic should not be used to infer conclusions about the range, as it is significantly reliant on numerous variables, such as the rider’s weight, cadence, the selected aid mode, gear selection, pedaling habits, and most critically, the route’s elevation profile. In addition, battery capacity can be increased using Fazua’s optional 160 Wh range extender, which is roughly the size and weight of a 500 mL water bottle and weighs about 900 grams. The charging port is conveniently located just above the bottom bracket.

The completely integrated display on TQ’s top tube provides excellent reading and displays all essential riding statistics, including battery status, estimated remaining range, and selected support mode. As a standout feature, the system delivers wattage readings in real-time for both the motor and rider. In addition, the TQ-HPR50 motor system may be connected to a smartphone and/or a suitable bike computer through ANT+, and the TQ Partner app enables you to view all vital system data and customize the motor’s assistance settings.

The motor system’s remote buttons are conveniently located beneath the hoods, allowing you to switch between support levels without removing your hands from the handlebars. When pressed, the robust-appearing buttons provide excellent haptic sensation and emit a discreet audible indication. While the buttons themselves appear to be sturdy, the mountings appear to be extremely fragile.
Trek Domane+ SLR 6 2023 – characteristics and layout

Trek Domane+ SLR 6 2023 – features and design

The predecessor of the Trek Domane+ SLR, which we reviewed last year, was already a solid effort by the company. However, the upgrading to the new TQ-HPR50 system also introduces significant upgrades, such as the replacement of the original 250 Wh battery with a larger 360 Wh one that is permanently integrated into the frame, allowing Trek engineers to create a slimmer down tube to reduce weight. The new battery is situated on its side in the down tube, apparently to preserve as much of the analog Domane’s design as possible and to lower the frame’s width, allowing for a more normal Q-Factor. However, the down tube still appears excessively large from the side, diminishing the overall athletic appearance of the bike.

As with the new Domane, the Domane+ utilizes Trek’s unique Top Tube IsoSpeed system, which, in conjunction with the seatpost flex, guarantees a high level of compliance for riders weighing about 75 kilograms. And despite the fact that the new IsoSpeed system cannot be adjusted to match the system’s weight, it is 300 g lighter than its predecessor. In addition, the system is disguised by a magnetic cover and perfectly fitted into the frame. The new Domane+ also features greater tire clearance than its predecessor, allowing for tires up to 40 mm wide. This should increase comfort and widen the bike’s application range, making it more appealing for light dirt, bike-packing, and touring.

Specifications, weight, and geometry of the 2023 Trek Domane+ SLR 6

Our € 8,999 Trek Domane+ SLR 6 2023 test bike tips the scales at 12.5 kg and is equipped with a Shimano 105 Di2 groupset. The flagship Domane+ SLR 9 eTap P1 costs € 14,499 and combines an SRAM RED eTap AXS groupset with higher-quality components, such as better tires and a premium saddle. There are a total of six models and seven sizes in the Domane+ range for 2023, and they are all equipped with a Shimano or SRAM electronic drivetrain. The new 2023 Domane+ SLR is also a part of Trek’s Project One program, which enables you to customize your bike’s paint finish and specifications to the tiniest degree utilizing the Project One configurator. Moreover, all available designs feature exceptional, high-quality finishes that stand out for their superior texture, depth, and design.

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