So I recently purchased a Domane SL 6 Disc road bike, http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/performance-road/domane/domane-sl-6-disc/p/1462000-2017 in the videos they show and claim an off road gravel/dirt road capability and was wondering if just changing tires for Gravel riding would do the trick instead of buying a gravel or cyclocross bike? I plan to do about 4 gravel grinding race events this year and would love to use this bike without investing money in another bike. Anyway any advice would be appreciated...the bike currently runs a 700x32 R2 tire. Also I have upgraded to the iso-core handlebars and carbon seat.
The maximum tire size is still the limiting factor. 32mm may now be considered large for a road bike but is still very narrow for gravel. My "skinny" tires are 38mm and normally ride 42mm for pavement/gravel and 42-50mm for mostly dirt/gravel routes.
I agree with Shiggy. Not clear how wide a tire will fit. But, if you can fit a 35mm LOW pressure cx tubeless like the Gravel King TR discussed in some other postings, this bike will be good for most maintained dirt and gravel roads. Of course, a lot depends on your skills. Even the 32 mm stock tire may work well on many unpaved roads. Otherwise (I also own an older Trek Domane 400 with 25 mm rubber), a purpose built GG bike may be your better choice. These days, the choices are mind boggling. The only way to find out is to go out and try some dirt roads in your area. You may find that you already own a perfect GG bike for the type of riding you do! If not, a second set of wheels may be your go-to solution; before considering another bike in your garage. Confession: I'm a Trek bigot, having raced successfully on their bikes for many years.
It will depend on the roads - I rode 33mm Vittoria XN 'cross tires at the Tainthammer race, which was not very rocky, but they'd be overwhelmed on rougher gravel roads. Try it out with slightly bigger tires and see how it goes. Even if you decide to build up a dedicated gravel bike, you'll still have a set of tires for the smoother dirt roads.
Since the Trek comes stock with 32mm tires it's likely that you can go wider. Can you fit 35's in the bike? Just start measuring and take it from there. How are you finding the iso-speed decouplers? It could be a fun bike on easier dirt and gravel.
nalax wrote:Since the Trek comes stock with 32mm tires it's likely that you can go wider. Can you fit 35's in the bike? Just start measuring and take it from there. How are you finding the iso-speed decouplers? It could be a fun bike on easier dirt and gravel.
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\nThe key words here are "on easier dirt and gravel."
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\nI have used 28-35mm tires on dirt for years. Having the option for, and using, (good) wider tires is just that much better.
The key words here are "on easier dirt and gravel." I have used 28-35mm tires on dirt for years. Having the option for, and using, (good) wider tires is just that much better.
Absolutely true. However, the question wasn't whether to buy the Domane for gravel, it was whether it would suffice since he already owned one or if he needed to buy a new bike.
Since he already has the Domane, putting on the widest tubeless tires that fit might just do the trick and is an easy and cheap option.
Jakespaw - Would it be possible to get a couple close up photos of the tire passing between the chainstays? I'm contemplating purchasing the same bike, but am wondering about tire clearances.
I happily rode the previous generation Domane disc in the Almanzo, using 31mm rear tire and 34 mm front. This did not
\nleave any room for mud clearance, but in the dry it was great. The geometry of the Domane is actually great for gravel, it's just the list on tire size.
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\nSo, if your events are mostly solid gravel roads, I'd say go for it. Run a tubeless 32 mm tire if it's muddy and whatever the biggest tubeless tire that fits f it's dry.
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\nIf you an on doing more events, or the ones you really want to do have mtb trails, snowmobile trails etc, a different bike might be needed.
32's on gravel would not be fun. I'm not even enjoying 35's as much these days after tasting the 40c koolaid which has me even looking at bikes that will take a 27.5 wheel and tire setup as future purchases. I've come to grips with the fact I'll never be fast...so I might as well be comfortable and stable.
Jakespaw wrote:I recently aquired a Domane SLR 7 disc, it is a perfect gravel bike. Mounted Maxxis Rambler 38's for ride last weekend, it worked great! I am stoked!
Wow, that is kinda cool. Nice to see frame makers, freed from caliper brake constraints, finally giving us some room to choose our tires.
metrukc wrote:Has anyone tried the Maxxis Rambler 40C's on a Domane?
I have the 38c and 40c (but not a Domane). Really, really not much difference between the two. If you are in doubt, get the 38. from a riding perspective, the only difference between the two would be if the 40c rubs on your frame.
