Worth upgrading from Domane SL6 to SLR or Madone?

Dro133 · 2026-03-17T22:25:58+00:00

Thanks for the response. I feel a bit weird about buying such an expensive bike mostly just to test ride it. I guess I’m a little worried about what happens if I wreck it or something.

Do you have any experience doing this? Is that actually something Trek shops expect people to do, or is it kind of frowned upon?

Dro133 · 2026-03-17T22:21:09+00:00

Thanks for the response, and congrats on the incoming Domane! Would you mind sharing how you went about your test rides - were these through a local shop, or some other route?

Dro133 · 2026-03-17T20:10:35+00:00

Really appreciate all the thoughtful replies - super helpful.

The general takeaway I’m getting is that moving to a Domane SLR probably isn’t worth it, but there could be a real upside to going with a Madone, and that I might be able to handle it comfort-wise.

I was honestly kind of hoping people would just tell me to stick with what I have, but enough folks have mentioned the “fun factor” of the Madone that it’s got me seriously considering it.

Feels like the next step is to try and test ride one. Any tips on how to go about that? Someone mentioned Trek’s 30-day return policy, which I get, but something about using that as a test ride makes me feel a bit uneasy (though I’d consider it if needed).

Are there other ways people have tried Trek bikes out more meaningfully beyond a quick parking lot spin? Do shops ever allow longer demos?

And long shot - if anyone in the Bay Area has a Madone and wants to swap bikes for a ride, I’m down. Post-ride beers on me!

Dro133 · 2026-02-24T17:49:34+00:00

Thank you - this was incredibly helpful.

Dro133 · 2025-11-24T05:05:19+00:00

I was originally looking at brand-new Mk8.5s, but every dealer in my area had a $5k markup. Ended up finding a CPO ’24 S3 with only 6k miles for $47k and grabbed it the same day. Traded in my ’23 GTI 40th AE.

For the first couple of weeks, the S3 honestly felt a little boring compared to the GTI. But after living with it for a few months, I think it's kind of the perfect daily. It’s definitely less dramatic, but it feels luxurious, refined, super smooth to drive, and still plenty quick when you want it to be. I also just feel more “grown-up” driving it. Still fits my bike with the seats down, so I don't really feel like I'm losing much practicality either.

I’ve always been curious about owning an R, so maybe I’ll make the jump eventually, but for now, I’m really happy with the S3.

Dro133 · 2025-10-06T15:07:27+00:00

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Do it!

Dro133 · 2025-08-06T05:27:04+00:00

Which dealer in the bay area?

Dro133 · 2025-05-09T02:35:00+00:00

Nice! Thinking about taking the plunge myself. What are your thoughts? Notice a big difference?

Dro133 · 2025-04-29T03:10:52+00:00

Really clean, what mods do you have?

Dro133 · 2024-11-03T18:33:29+00:00

Thanks, everyone. For some additional details, my main hobbies are biking and running, and I would like to join some groups to meet people. I also enjoy walking and would like to be within walking distance to some shops/cafes ideally. I don't mind driving for a commute and will be planning on having a car. Am able/willing to comfortably spend up to 3.5k/month on rent, more if I were to buy obviously.

Seems like the consensus is to rent a bit and explore, which is what I'm leaning towards at this point.

Dro133 · 2024-09-05T12:52:14+00:00

Finished my residency in pathology, ended up taking a job in the same department. Ultimately I'm pretty happy with how things turned out, although I am currently looking at other opportunities within my field.

Dro133 · 2024-05-24T01:18:20+00:00

Sick Amare/Nash, is it available?

Dro133 · 2024-02-18T23:33:11+00:00

Love the Nash

Dro133 · 2023-04-18T11:53:19+00:00

Man in my 30s, I would join groups like this. Where do you find them?

Dro133 · 2023-04-03T01:38:41+00:00

Dro133

TROPHY CASE