Cycling News

Trek launches newest ebike in Canada, Domane+ SLR

Trek launches newest ebike in Canada, Domane+ SLR

On Thursday, Trek announced its third-generation Domane+, an electric-assisted road bike. The new ride is lighter than previous versions, and is virtually indistinguishable from its analog counterpart. The Domane+ uses a new motor and has a sleeker design to get it closer than ever to the look and feel of a “regular” bike. With a super-quiet engine and lightweight carbon-fibre frame, the latest version of Trek’s ebike is a proper race-style or training machine, with a bit of extra kick when you need it. The new bike is lighter than its predecessor at less than 12 kg with Dura-Ace Di2 groupset.

New motor

Previous versions of the Domane+ used Fazua and Bosch motors. Trek has swapped them out for a TQ HPR-50 unit, the same system that appeared on the new Fuel EXe this past July. Trek says the TQ HPR-50 is much smaller and lighter than previous models. It also means that the frame doesn’t have to bulk up to accommodate the e-infrastructure—it genuinely looks like a regular bike. The motor is housed in a hidden compartment by the bottom bracket, while the battery is integrated into the down tube.

“The new Domane+ was the closest thing to a perfect road ebike that we’ve ever created. Part of that is making it hot and svelte. For us, the foundation was not just creating something lightweight but also high speed,” Jordan Roessingh, Trek’s director of road bikes, says.

The smaller motor doesn’t just help with looks, but with the ride. Since it’s taking up less space in the BB, the Q factor is 163 mm, which is closer to a regular bike’s 150 mm. So when you jump on the Domane+, you won’t feel as if your feet and ankles are any farther apart. The traditional geometry will feel familiar, too. Take it on some longer rides, maybe ones that are longer than you’re used to, and get a bit of help if the wind picks up or you’re confronted with leg-sapping climbs. The Domane+ can also let you ride with people who might average faster speeds than you. You’ll be there when the action gets a little tougher.

“It’s designed for riders who want the extra assist like on a group ride, but with the same exertion level. It provides the right amount of assistance, and you can also ride a bit farther,” Roessingh explains.

Specs-wise, you’re looking at a maximum of 300 W of assist. The TQ HPR-50 can churn out 50 Nm of torque. The maximum speed at which you’ll get an assist is 32 km/h as per Canadian law for Class 1 bikes.

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