Weighing just 11 kg, this new road electric bike is one of the lightest in the world.
Trek has introduced the Domane+ SL, its new road electric bike that boasts one of the lowest weights on the market. It truly deserves recognition for this, as it features a central motor, which is always heavier than those in rear-wheel hub motors commonly used in minimalist designs.
The lowest reported weight is 11.1 kg, though in the worst case, the Domane+ SL weighs 12.1 kg—a figure that is still exceptional. Moreover, this isn’t Trek’s most exclusive road bike model, as there’s a higher-end version called the SLR with even higher prices that doesn’t improve on these weight figures either: in the best case, the Domane+ SLR weighs 11.74 kg.
A new engine for the lightest eRoad
Trek was the first brand to release a bike with a TQ engine: it was the HPR50, mounted on the Fuel EXe model introduced around 2022, making it a strong advocate for TQ engines. Now, the new Domane+ SL features the lightweight and highly efficient TQ HPR40 engine. For a central engine, its weight is very low—only 1,170 grams.
Obviously, the performance is also ‘light’, with a maximum power of just 200 W and a motor torque of 40 Nm. But this unit is designed solely to assist the cyclist rather than ‘teleport’ them to light speed, providing a subtle boost—something like help when things get tough. Next to the handlebars are small buttons that allow changing assistance modes without having to take hands off the grips.
The battery chosen is the lightweight TQ model with 360 Wh capacity. However, we can request the more powerful 580 Wh version as standard (except on the Domane+ SL 6). With the first battery, Trek claims a range of up to 113 km, while the second allows for up to 185 km of range. The downside of the larger battery is that it adds about 800 grams to the bike’s weight... If we don’t want this option, the TQ range extender with 160 Wh capacity (960 g) is also available as an optional upgrade.
On the top tube, we find the integrated color display from TQ, which shows us essential information about the motor and our rides. Additionally, as usual, we can make adjustments to the motor using the TQ app.
A high-volume carbon frame
The Domane+ SL hits the market with a lightweight OCLV500 carbon fiber frame: this Trek fiber isn’t the stiffest available, as it’s not designed for competition. As a result, it has a certain degree of flexibility, which makes the Domane+ SL a comfortable bike for long rides. Additionally, the frame supports tires up to 40 mm wide (35 mm standard), further enhancing comfort.
On the other hand, two components have been installed to make riding more comfortable: first, the carbon fork, which, according to the brand, is designed to provide excellent vertical flexibility. Second, the Trek Bontrager Riser handlebar, which has a 20 mm rise to allow for a slightly more upright riding position.
3 ‘fairly’ exclusive configurations
The Domane+ SLR boasts the highest level of exclusivity, which is why we say the configurations of the Domane+ SL are ‘fairly’ exclusive rather than the most so. While their prices are lower than those of the most expensive model, they remain high (ranging from 5,999 to 8,999 euros).
Nevertheless, the equipment is top-tier, and all models come equipped with an electronic 13-speed transmission. They also include a set of lights, something that is uncommon on road bikes but is particularly useful on them.
Tech specs for Trek Domane+ SL 6 AXS (5,999 euros)
Frame: OCLV500 carbon fiber // Motor: TQ HPR40 // Battery: TQ 360 Wh // Transmission: SRAM Rival AXS 1x13 // Brakes: SRAM Rival // Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 alloy // Handlebars: Bontrager Comp Riser alloy // Saddle: Verse Short Comp // Weight: 12.11 kg
Tech specs for Trek Domane+ SL 7 AXS (7,499 euros)
Frame: OCLV500 carbon fiber // Motor: TQ HPR40 // Battery: TQ 360 Wh // Transmission: SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x13 // Brakes: SRAM Force // Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 carbon // Handlebars: Bontrager Pro Riser carbon // Saddle: Verse Short Pro // Weight: 11.47 kg
Tech specs for Trek Domane+ SL 9 AXS (8,999 euros)
Frame: carbon fiber OCLV500 // Engine: TQ HPR40 // Battery: TQ 360 Wh // Transmission: SRAM Red XPLR AXS 1x13 // Brakes: SRAM Red // Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon // Handlebars: Bontrager Pro Riser carbon // Seatpost: Verse Short Pro // Weight: 11.10 kg
More momentum for the road electric bike sector, which seems to be gaining traction: the fact that it isn’t the best-selling category has kept manufacturers somewhat inactive. However, several new models have been introduced this year, suggesting positive prospects for the industry.
And if we pay attention to the roads, we can see more and more e-Road users. This Trek model aims to ‘recruit’ users who want to continue experiencing a nearly muscular cycling experience, but with the comfort of an engine providing assistance at key moments. For more information: Trek Domane+ SL
There is also a more affordable version: the Trek Domane+ ALR 5
We mentioned earlier that the Trek Domane+ SL, while not the most expensive Domane+, is still a bike with high prices. Well, the American brand offers the Trek Domane+ ALR 5, which has also been updated (note that this is not a new bike like the SL) to stay competitive for 2027.
The Domane+ ALR 5 (available in only one finish) features an aluminum ALPHA NEXT300 frame, combined with less premium components and a heavier motor, resulting in a higher total weight of 14.39 kg. Its focus remains on being a long-distance bike, ensuring full versatility in use. Like the SL version, the ALR can accommodate wheels up to 40 mm wide, though they are standard at 32 mm in this model.
The motor is the TQ HPR60: it still adheres to the philosophy of being a lightweight assist motor designed to help the rider, but its specifications are clearly higher than those of the TQ HPR40 in the Domane+ SL. This HPR60 has a maximum power output of 350 W and a motor torque of 60 Nm. The weight also increases, rising from 1,170 g for the HPR40 to 1,924 g, representing a significant difference.
The battery is also a TQ 360 Wh model, with no option to upgrade to the higher-capacity 580 Wh version. Nonetheless, TQ offers a 160 Wh range extender in case we need more driving range.
This Domane+ ALR 5 costs 4,299 euros, which is 1,700 euros less than the cheapest SL model (SL 6 AXS). As a result, we forfeit the carbon frame and electronic transmission, as well as a more modern motor, and it weighs about 2.2 kg more than the ALR version.
On the other hand, using the same battery as the SL model but with a less powerful motor reduces its driving range by around 16 km (the claimed range is 97 km). If we’re willing to accept these trade-offs, the Domane+ ALR 5 is an excellent bike. For more information: Trek Domane+ ALR 5