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To all you Domane riders, what is the upper limit for off roading on Domane?
I know Domane is a very capable and versatile road bike that can tackle a lot of things. But to what degree of technicality does off roading become too much for Domane?
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For me it’s
Gravel and Fire roads is a Yes.
Rocky, rutted single track or MTB trail is a No
It’s an All road bike first and light duty Off road bike second
Light gravel is fine. I don’t ride it through anything that’s muddy or rocky though.
This, it’s not fun do go over anything rocky.
In its stock config with the road tires, road only. If you add some GR1 that are at least 35 mm then maybe light gravel. I have an SL5 and would hate to damage the frame doing anything gnarlier.
I put 650x47 wheels and tires - made domane a lot more capable. But still it’s only capable of forest trails with some roots. That’s it. Once a trail goes a bit technical - i just wish i was on hardtail mtb.
That said - anything more than smooth dry forest trails isn’t for domane. I even stopped riding those trails because i feel like i put too much pressure on the bike that’s beyond it’s intended application.
It's pretty nuanced so I don't think there's a definitive answer, but I've raced gravel on mine. It wasn't mega chunk, but it wasn't just a crushed limestone path either. They're pretty burly bikes.
Really depends on tires. I have road tires so only fire roads no single track.
I’ve done single tracks that I probably shouldn’t have. Ride whatever you want that you can, semi safely. If your skills can keep it upright, go for it!
I just got some gravel wheels for mine. Can’t wait to try them out tomorrow!
Depends entirely on the tyres you are running. The frame isn't going to self destruct on a gravel road but a tubed 25mm tyre at 100psi will.
i enjoy beginner MTB trails on mine. no jumps of course and i really only need to walk when i encounter roots or rocks on a climb
Once you need tires bigger than a domane can fit you’ve hit the limit. For me that’s grade 3 and above gravel. Also serious ascents and descents where you need a fat tire to make sure you’re getting traction. I try not to ride in serious mud, but this isn’t the bike for that. Due to the lack of tire clearance options I wouldn’t want to use it as a gravel race bike because you want more tire options on race day.
I have raced Unbound(formerly known as as Dirty Kanza) 200 mile gravel race 3 times with a domane plus many more gravel races. I live in Kansas and all I ride is gravel. Been riding a domane for years on gravel.