With E-Power—Or Not: Trek Domane+ LT 9
From Issue 93
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We had talked to our colleagues at Trek about the Domane+ LT 9 a few months before it arrived, so we were anxious to ride it and see first-hand how the design-and-build influences of the Domane SLR (one of or our favorite bikes of 2020) would translate into an electric bike. We were more than pleasantly surprised.
PELOTON
THE DETAILS
The Domane+ LT 9 features the much-heralded Fazua drive system in the down tube. The kicker is, the drive system is removable for ride days where e-assist isn’t preferred or to power out training goals or local rides. On recovery days, or rides where you feel you may need an extra push, the Fazua system will get you up your local climb or make sure you can bridge the gap on your local ride. The bike features a 500 Series OCLV frame and fork with rear IsoSpeed coupled with a 250Wh battery (assist up to 20 mph), a top-tube Fazua controller, 2×11 Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels. The Domane+ LT 9 is also completely customizable through Project One. It’s a beautiful bike and maintains the aesthetic prowess of the Domane SLR that we have come to admire. Yes, we said beautiful and aesthetic when referring to an electric bike.
THE RIDE
It was almost the perfect setup. We had a friend visiting from Chicago for two weeks of winter training in Southern California once we got this bike built up and ready to go. Our riding partner for the week had just come off a full season of ’cross racing and was ready to put in deep and long miles while in town. His fitness level was a few months ahead of ours and the Domane+ LT 9 allowed us to do long rides and long climbs, guide him through our local loops, and still be back to the office for official work without needing a doctor, a nap or a 30-minute call with our life coach for self-esteem boosting. It’s as simple as that.
There are times when those of us of a certain age or fitness level can use a little bump, not only to not get dropped but also to make sure we actually get out and ride with our younger or fitter friends. Once fitness levels and ride time increases, you can remove the Fazua system and enjoy the design, handling and ride experience of a Domane. The Domane+ LT 9 is a blast to ride and we truly enjoyed the handling, cornering, descending and climbing attributes of the bike. The assist is not overbearing but did come in handy more than a few times and allowed us to ride more and farther every time we had a chance to ride this bike. Hard to argue with that?
SPECIFICATION
29.9 lbs/13.6kg (with drive pack), 23.6 lbs/10.7kg ( without drive pack including cover); $12,499; Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 with 11–30 cassette, FSA Carbon crank 50/34 (for Fazua); Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels; Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite (Tubeless Ready).