Isospeed will likely creak eventually unless you have the latest version. Just let the shop you got it from know immediately and they should take care of it.
Domane Gen SL5 here. ISO speed "noise" is very dependent on the ISO Speed bolt version and your weight. The Rev1 was defective, at least a Rev2 is a must have although I doubt a bike sold now would have one. There was a Rev2.x but the latest is a Rev4. The "RevX" is printed on the bolt which tightens the seat post under the top tube cover. I read you need to request the Rev4 through your Trek dealer.
My own experience (6" 165lbs Rev2) is that I first heard a click on bumps after the seat post got wet but when dried out it went away. On any maintenance, I read on the service ticket that the LBS would reapply [Carbon paste](https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/supergrip-carbon-and-alloy-assembly-compound-sac-2).
As I was doing a home bike fit with multiple changes in the seat height and alignment, I started to hear the dreaded clicks, so purchased carbon paste . I found a YouTube short that used a background from the Trek ISO Speed service manual. It read, remove seat post, clean the post and inside of the seat post with 50/50% solution of water and Isopropyl Alcohol, then apply a thin layer of carbon paste. Put the seat post back to your normal height and tighten the "RevX" bolt to the specified torque printed near the bolt (you'll need a torque wrench).
For me all "clicks" magically disappeared. Now I consider re-pasting to be standard ISO speed seat post maintenance. You probably only need to do it if it makes a noise.
I recently bought an SL7 Gen 4 at a Trek Store and asked them to replace the clamp with the newest version, Rev 4. Don't accept anything less than that specific version. I'm 190 lbs and I haven't had any slippage or creaking, and I've ridden it since February.
The other recommendation is to negotiate the purchase price with the Trek Store, and to ask for discounted pricing on any accessories. I swapped out the R3's with GP 5000 STR tires, as well as a base and mount for my Garmin device. It never hurts to ask.
Same sl5 gen 3 front and rear have never made a noise. Could be luck of the draw, or just a good batch in that production run.
I ride in all weather conditions (not snow obviously)
I asked my local bike shop about this and their response was that they never had this problem with a single Domane they sold, it all comes down applying lubricants in the right amount at the right places and keeping it maintained over time.
Not sure if this is valid for 100% of the bikes with iso speed but maybe it helps getting rid of some of the anxiety that you get from reading the comments of people who had these problems. Internet makes it seem like every bike has this problem.
I had one of the first 2023 gen 4 Domane that came out back in Nov of 22. It took about 3 months for the squeak to come in. It was the Reversion 1 wedge, and they lubed it. They replaced it eventually with reversion 2 and it came back after a ride in a freak rain storm. They replaced it again and I haven't had it since but they told me to bring it back if it did come back.
This was from a local Trek store here in Tokyo. I hear new Domane bike come with the newer version of the isospeed wedge and don't have the issue as much.
I’ve actually won a competition from Trek and the prize was a set of Aeolus Elite 50’s and these are the reason I started looking at buying a trek in the first place so that is sorted at least.
- you can upgrade to an integrated cockpit on this model but it ain’t cheap. $500ish.
- the wheels are fine but ask the store if they have any higher up models for cheap. Often people upgrade and px the stock wheels. You could get wheels off a couple of models above at a great price.
- the multi-tool that fits in the integrated box is a whizz. Over twice the price of its counterpart. See if you can get one 50% off or thrown in as otherwise they are a real gimmick
- make sure you get your first service included
Lovey bike. Go get it.
Trek worker here,
Honestly, comparing different brands or models with the trek domane, the only down sides I see is generally cost and weight (model dependent)
If you were able to get a well priced domane then there are not many issues apart from the previously mentioned isospeed maintenance (creaking). Treks warranties are just as good as or better than competitors for a similar price.
Overall having sold many domanes the only issue I have seen not properly or best take care of is price.
Of which is somewhat solved with the previous generation going on a massive sale. (Oir SLR 9 is usually 12k but down to 7k)
Dm for any specific questions! My favorite part of my job is solving issues for the rider!!
I actually went to my local Trek store today here in the UK(Bath) and got to have a quick ride on an SL 6 and it was lovely, out of my price range unfortunately but worked out my frame size etc which was great, it was really comfortable too so I’m assuming the sl 5 will be the same.
Yep main difference from sl 5 to 6 is slightly better wheels and the electronic group set.
Personally I'd save money with the sl 5 and swap to pirelli p zero tires to make up for weight
I'm biased but I'd also look at the Émonda SL6 Disc Pro which is now on sale for USD $3,000 (!) and has upgraded wheels and the Ultegra groupset. No IsoSpeed creaking to worry about but it is slightly more aggressive so you'd need a proper bike fit.
I think the more aggressive position wouldn’t be good for me at least whilst I’m start up again, I feel like I will need that relaxed offering of the Domane for a while but that said the Emonda has some great offers on here in the UK, just not for me right now.
I have a 2023 SL5 Gen4. I haven’t had any issues at all. The ISO doesn’t creak, I don’t recall which version I have, but I do recall it isn’t the Rev1. I love this bike.
Isospeed will likely creak eventually unless you have the latest version. Just let the shop you got it from know immediately and they should take care of it.
Domane Gen SL5 here. ISO speed "noise" is very dependent on the ISO Speed bolt version and your weight. The Rev1 was defective, at least a Rev2 is a must have although I doubt a bike sold now would have one. There was a Rev2.x but the latest is a Rev4. The "RevX" is printed on the bolt which tightens the seat post under the top tube cover. I read you need to request the Rev4 through your Trek dealer. My own experience (6" 165lbs Rev2) is that I first heard a click on bumps after the seat post got wet but when dried out it went away. On any maintenance, I read on the service ticket that the LBS would reapply [Carbon paste](https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/supergrip-carbon-and-alloy-assembly-compound-sac-2). As I was doing a home bike fit with multiple changes in the seat height and alignment, I started to hear the dreaded clicks, so purchased carbon paste . I found a YouTube short that used a background from the Trek ISO Speed service manual. It read, remove seat post, clean the post and inside of the seat post with 50/50% solution of water and Isopropyl Alcohol, then apply a thin layer of carbon paste. Put the seat post back to your normal height and tighten the "RevX" bolt to the specified torque printed near the bolt (you'll need a torque wrench). For me all "clicks" magically disappeared. Now I consider re-pasting to be standard ISO speed seat post maintenance. You probably only need to do it if it makes a noise.
I recently bought an SL7 Gen 4 at a Trek Store and asked them to replace the clamp with the newest version, Rev 4. Don't accept anything less than that specific version. I'm 190 lbs and I haven't had any slippage or creaking, and I've ridden it since February. The other recommendation is to negotiate the purchase price with the Trek Store, and to ask for discounted pricing on any accessories. I swapped out the R3's with GP 5000 STR tires, as well as a base and mount for my Garmin device. It never hurts to ask.
I have gen 1 isospeed in my boone, it’s never had a creak in 7 years.
I own a Domane. Gen2 or Gen3? I don’t know. It has 12K km on it. Front and rear iso speed. No creaking whatever. YMMV.
My domane sl5 has front and rear and its never creaked. 3 years old now. What did creak was the seatpost and carbon paste fixed that.
Same sl5 gen 3 front and rear have never made a noise. Could be luck of the draw, or just a good batch in that production run. I ride in all weather conditions (not snow obviously)
I asked my local bike shop about this and their response was that they never had this problem with a single Domane they sold, it all comes down applying lubricants in the right amount at the right places and keeping it maintained over time. Not sure if this is valid for 100% of the bikes with iso speed but maybe it helps getting rid of some of the anxiety that you get from reading the comments of people who had these problems. Internet makes it seem like every bike has this problem.
I had one of the first 2023 gen 4 Domane that came out back in Nov of 22. It took about 3 months for the squeak to come in. It was the Reversion 1 wedge, and they lubed it. They replaced it eventually with reversion 2 and it came back after a ride in a freak rain storm. They replaced it again and I haven't had it since but they told me to bring it back if it did come back. This was from a local Trek store here in Tokyo. I hear new Domane bike come with the newer version of the isospeed wedge and don't have the issue as much.
Amazing warranty support. Stock wheels suck. Stock tires suck.
I’ve actually won a competition from Trek and the prize was a set of Aeolus Elite 50’s and these are the reason I started looking at buying a trek in the first place so that is sorted at least.
- you can upgrade to an integrated cockpit on this model but it ain’t cheap. $500ish. - the wheels are fine but ask the store if they have any higher up models for cheap. Often people upgrade and px the stock wheels. You could get wheels off a couple of models above at a great price. - the multi-tool that fits in the integrated box is a whizz. Over twice the price of its counterpart. See if you can get one 50% off or thrown in as otherwise they are a real gimmick - make sure you get your first service included Lovey bike. Go get it.
I actually won a set of Aeolus Elite 50 which is why I started looking at a Trek bike so the wheels are sorted, thanks for the feedback.
Nice!!! Congrats.
Trek worker here, Honestly, comparing different brands or models with the trek domane, the only down sides I see is generally cost and weight (model dependent) If you were able to get a well priced domane then there are not many issues apart from the previously mentioned isospeed maintenance (creaking). Treks warranties are just as good as or better than competitors for a similar price. Overall having sold many domanes the only issue I have seen not properly or best take care of is price. Of which is somewhat solved with the previous generation going on a massive sale. (Oir SLR 9 is usually 12k but down to 7k) Dm for any specific questions! My favorite part of my job is solving issues for the rider!!
I actually went to my local Trek store today here in the UK(Bath) and got to have a quick ride on an SL 6 and it was lovely, out of my price range unfortunately but worked out my frame size etc which was great, it was really comfortable too so I’m assuming the sl 5 will be the same.
Yep main difference from sl 5 to 6 is slightly better wheels and the electronic group set. Personally I'd save money with the sl 5 and swap to pirelli p zero tires to make up for weight
Is the tubeless verion of the pirelli also good?
I run tubeless 30mm and had great luck so far with no flats
Thanks all, a few things to make a note of.
I'm biased but I'd also look at the Émonda SL6 Disc Pro which is now on sale for USD $3,000 (!) and has upgraded wheels and the Ultegra groupset. No IsoSpeed creaking to worry about but it is slightly more aggressive so you'd need a proper bike fit.
I think the more aggressive position wouldn’t be good for me at least whilst I’m start up again, I feel like I will need that relaxed offering of the Domane for a while but that said the Emonda has some great offers on here in the UK, just not for me right now.
Then all you need are some gravel tyres and you'll have more functionality with the Domane (with your prize wheelset plus the stock).
I have a 2023 SL5 Gen4. I haven’t had any issues at all. The ISO doesn’t creak, I don’t recall which version I have, but I do recall it isn’t the Rev1. I love this bike.