trek checkpoint al 4 2022

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

Powered by Outside

2022 Trek Checkpoint gravel bike review: Longer, but not slacker

Major geometry changes make for a new personality that’s rowdier, but also perhaps more polarizing..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Story Highlights

What it is: Trek’s second-generation gravel bike family|| Frame features: Carbon fiber or aluminum construction, longer and more progressive frame geometry, integrated down tube storage and IsoSpeed rear pseudo-suspension on carbon models, cleanly hidden internal/external hybrid routing, lots of mounts, T47 threaded bottom brackets|| Weight: 950-1,450 g (claimed, frame only); 8.65 kg (19.07 lb), as tested, 52 cm size, without pedals or accessories|| Price: Starting at US$2,400 / AU$3,200 / £2,250 / €2,400; topping out at US$12,000 / AU$16,500 / £11,000 / €12,000|| Highs: More forgiving handling, size-specific IsoSpeed tuning on the SLR models, reasonably headache-free cable routing, traditional frame shaping|| Lows: Handling is more stable but also more sedate, strange bar bend on some models

Going a little deeper down the gravel rabbit hole with a longer front end

Trek’s original Checkpoint was a runaway sales success, offering very good capability on mixed terrain while retaining the nimbleness and agility of road and cyclocross bikes that many nascent gravel riders enjoyed. But as popular as that bike family has been, gravel bikes have continued to veer further into proper off-road terrain since then, and the new second-generation Checkpoint has evolved to keep up with those trends.

By far, the biggest change is in the new Checkpoint’s frame geometry.

Gravel bikes have grown steadily longer up front, and Trek has definitely hopped on that bandwagon here — albeit in its own way. Reach and front center dimensions on the second-generation Checkpoint have grown by about 2 cm across the board, and a 10 mm bump in chainstay length has added further to the total wheelbase (the old Stranglehold adjustable rear dropouts are gone). 

Stem length and handlebar reach each decrease by 1 cm to maintain the same riding position as before, and overall stack dimensions have changed by no more than 6 mm.

Head tube angles have slackened only very slightly, but that’s coupled with a drop in fork rake from 49 mm to 45 mm. Trail dimensions have grown as a result for more steering stability, but the trail figures still aren’t too crazy. Whereas the old Checkpoint was quite road-like with trail measurements ranging from 59-66 mm, depending on size, the new ones sit at 65-74 mm. 

Down below, bottom bracket drop remains unchanged at 74-78 mm, depending on size.

Overall, the intent is to add some stability to the Checkpoint while still retaining some of its trademark agility — and it’s also somewhat telling that the axle-to-crown length of the revised fork intentionally doesn’t account for switching to a suspension fork. 

Interestingly, claimed maximum tire size remains unchanged at 700×45 mm (40 mm-wide tires come stock across the board), although 650b setups finally get the official Trek seal of approval, at least for tires up to 2.1″-wide.

Built-in burrito storage, hidden cabling

Integrated into the down tube of carbon fiber Checkpoint models is the same cleverly integrated storage compartment as is already found in the Domane SLR and multiple Trek mountain bikes. A single lever secures the smartphone-sized hatch, and there’s enough room inside for an included tool roll with compartments for an inner tube, CO2 cartridge and inflator, a tire lever, and a bit more. Directly attached to the underside of the hatch is a holder for a Bontrager mini-tool, too, although it’s missing a chain tool and there’s no obvious dedicated location to add one, either, so you’ll want to source a compact model yourself. 

If you’re open to carrying the repair items somewhere else, I can also say that I’ve done the hard research to confirm that the down tube is sufficiently spacious — and the hatch opening sufficiently wide — for you to stuff an actual burrito inside (just don’t forget it’s in there).

Cable routing is slightly revised from the previous Checkpoint, and arguably an improvement over some of the bonkers fully-internal setups we see on many other drop-bar bikes these days. 

Similar to what Trek has already done on multiple Madone and Domane models, brake hoses and derailleur lines now enter the frame through openings in the upper headset cover. The handlebar and stem are otherwise completely normal items, though, so while the routing is tidier than it used to be (which can actually come in handy if you like to run handlebar bags), it’s not quite as much of a maintenance headache as more fully integrated setups. 

Trek has also equipped those headset cover ports with some rubber gaskets, unlike the more gaping holes on the Madone and Domane. This should keep out a lot of dirt and debris, but water will still trickle in there, so keep that in mind if you tend to wash your bikes frequently, especially since headset bearings will require you to fully disconnect all of the control lines. 

Two Checkpoints now become three

So just how popular was the original Checkpoint? Popular enough that Trek saw fit to add a third variant to the existing SL carbon fiber and ALR aluminum versions.

The new top-tier Checkpoint SLR is aimed more at gravel racing, built with a lighter-weight OCLV 700 carbon fiber blend and a new version of Trek’s Top Tube IsoSpeed pseudo-rear suspension system, complete with an integrated no-cut seatmast and carbon fiber topper. This Top Tube IsoSpeed variant isn’t adjustable like it is on the Madone SLR or Domane SLR, but Trek says it’s been tuned to be on the cushier side of things (similar to the current Domane SLR when its slider is set nearly to full-soft). 

Moreover, since this new Top Tube IsoSpeed design’s flex patterns aren’t tied to frame size, smaller frames can be made more compliant than larger ones, which is the opposite of what you get with the original seat tube-based IsoSpeed (since longer tubes flex more than shorter ones). An integrated elastomer damper promises to minimize bounciness, too.

Going along with that racing bent, the new Checkpoint SLR also features mounts for up to four water bottles (three inside the main triangle on larger sizes) and a top tube feed bag, but the rear rack mounts of the first-generation Checkpoint SL are gone, along with any sort of carrying capacity on the fork. Front and rear fender mounts are still standard, though, to help make the Checkpoint SLR better suited to all-weather duty. 

Claimed weight for an unpainted 56 cm Checkpoint SLR frame without hardware is 950 g.

The second-tier Checkpoint SL carries on with the same mid-range OCLV 500 carbon fiber as the original model, along with the same seat tube-based IsoSpeed pseudo-rear suspension design. Whereas that first-generation Checkpoint SL also had a no-cut integrated seatmast, though, this newer Checkpoint SL switches to a conventional 27.2 mm round seatpost.

That also makes it compatible with internally routed dropper seatposts should you decide to run one, which is in keeping with Trek’s intent for this to be the “sendier” of the two carbon Checkpoint models. This one also gets additional rear rack mounts and accessory mounts on the fork blades for more carrying capacity should your definition of “sendy” comprise just heading deeper into the wilderness for longer periods of time.

Claimed frame weight is 1,150 g for the Checkpoint SL, or about 200 g heavier than the Checkpoint SLR.

Rounding out the new Checkpoint family is the aluminum Checkpoint ALR, TIG-welded from Trek’s hydroformed and butted Alpha 300 aluminum tubing. Aimed at gravel riders on tighter budgets — or even commuters who just want something a little sportier — this one retains front and rear fender mounts, rear rack mounts, fork bottle mounts, a top tube feed bag mount, and up to four bottle mounts on the front triangle. Unfortunately, though, the down tube storage compartment doesn’t make the cut here.

Claimed weight for an unpainted 56 cm Checkpoint ALR frame is 1,415 g.

Now, you might be asking yourself at this point why Trek hasn’t incorporated the Front IsoSpeed mechanism from the Domane SLR into the new Checkpoints. After all, if a big part of the game when it comes to gravel bikes is compliance, shouldn’t a softer ride be better? 

Well, yes. However, Trek says that while Front IsoSpeed pays comfort dividends on something like the Domane SLR with its narrower tires and higher inflation pressures, it was too stiff to make enough of a difference with the Checkpoint’s larger and softer tires to justify the additional cost and weight.

One thing that did make it into every new Checkpoint, though, are new T47 oversized threaded bottom bracket shells in place of the old BB90 press-fit design. This admittedly adds a few grams, but it’s unlikely many people will complain much. As compared to BB90, this setup should be far less prone to creaking and will be easier to service, and it also now finally allows for oversized crankset spindles. 

Models, pricing, and availability

Trek is offering the new Checkpoint in a wide range of models, including four Checkpoint SLR versions, three Checkpoint SLs, and one Checkpoint ALR. All three will be available as framesets — yay! — and it’s expected that the Checkpoint SLR will also be offered through Trek’s Project One custom program.

Models, basic build information, pricing, and claimed weights (for a 56 cm size) are as follows, with all models expected to be available at Trek retailers immediately (at least in some capacity).

• Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap: SRAM Red XPLR eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon wheels; 8.1 kg (17.86 lb); US$12,000 / AU$16,500 / £11,000 / €12,000.
• Checkpoint SLR 7 eTap: SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset; Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels; 8.45 kg (18.63 lb); US$8,300 / AU$11,700 / £7,800 / €8,500.
• Checkpoint SLR 7: Shimano GRX Di2 2×11 electronic groupset; Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels; 8.81 kg (19.42 lb); US$8,300 / AU$11,400 / £7,650 / €8,300.
• Checkpoint SLR 6 eTap: SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset; Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels; 8.65 kg (19.07 lb); US$7,600 / AU$10,200 / £6,450 / €7,000.
• Checkpoint SL 7 eTap: SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS 2×12 electronic groupset; Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels; US$6,300 / AU$8,000 / £5,750 / €6,000.
• Checkpoint SL 6 eTap: SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS electronic groupset; Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 aluminum wheels; 9.05 kg (19.95 lb); US$4,100 / AU$5,300 / £3,750 / 4,000.
• Checkpoint SL 5: Shimano GRX RX600/800 2×11 mechanical groupset; Bontrager Paradigm SL aluminum wheels; 9.65 kg (21.27 lb); US$3,200 / AU$4,200 / £3,200 / €3,500.
• Checkpoint ALR 5: Shimano GRX RX600/800 2×11 mechanical groupset; Bontrager alloy wheels; 9.75 kg (21.50 lb); US$2,400 / AU$3,200 / £2,250 / €2,400.

New Bontrager bikepacking bags, too

Going along with the new Checkpoint is a trio of new bikepacking bags from Bontrager. There’s an oversized handlebar bag and saddle bag — both with generous 9-liter capacities — and also a frame bag that’s offered in six (six!) different sizes for direct-mount attachment to the new Checkpoint’s dedicated threaded fittings. The frame bags can still be installed with traditional straps for other bikes, too.

Bontrager isn’t billing any of the bags as being waterproof, but the handlebar bag and saddle bag are both made of waterproof materials and use waterproof zippers, and the roll top format mimics the dry bags often used in rafting and kayaking. Both of those bags attach with conventional straps and buckles, and both also feature multiple strapping points if you need to lash on additional gear. 

Light mounts are on hand, too, and the handlebar bag even has a dedicated pocket and hose port for a 1.5-liter Hydrapak bladder. Supplemental pockets are included throughout to help organize smaller items, and — dear god, thank you — the inside of the frame bag is lined with high-viz material so you’re not trying to dig around inside a black hole for your stuff.

Retail price for the handlebar bag is US$100, while the saddle bag and handlebar bag both retail for US$120. Prices for other regions is to be confirmed.

So is the new Checkpoint better or just different from the old one?

Trek delivered a production Checkpoint SLR 6 eTap sample to me for testing, built with a SRAM Rival AXS XPLR 1x wireless electronic groupset, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wide-profile carbon clinchers wrapped with 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 tires (set up tubeless), and finished with a Bontrager P3 Verse Elite saddle, Bontrager Pro forged aluminum stem, and a Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon handlebar. For my 52 cm size, actual weight was 8.65 kg (19.07 lb) without pedals or accessories — which, it’s perhaps worth noting is exactly what Trek claims for this model in a 56 cm size.

I mentioned earlier that the original Checkpoint has been a huge sales success for Trek, and now that I’ve been riding this one for the past few weeks, I have little reason to think these new versions will be any different. 

As with other bikes with similarly long front ends, the revamped Checkpoint is easier and more confidence-inspiring to ride off-road on even moderately steep or loose terrain than before. Granted, pushing the front wheel 2 cm further out doesn’t sound like much on paper, but it’s often the difference between mild understeer before the tire regains traction, or jackknifing over the bars. 

Overall, the front end of this second-generation Checkpoint feels calmer and more settled in those situations, and there’s less thought and skill involved in navigation tricky ground. And assuming you’re comfortable exploring the limits of just how much you can push that front end, the changes also make for more speed.

Low-speed handling definitely takes a hit, however. Although the geometry of that original Checkpoint would now be considered pretty old-school, one of the things I’ve always enjoyed about it is its road-like agility. It was amusingly quick and nimble, and with room for 45 mm-wide knobbies, a skilled rider could have a blast throttling that thing in the woods. The more toned-down reflexes of this new Checkpoint dampens some of that dartiness, though, and that longer wheelbase and longer rear end feel slower to come around a corner when it’s tight and technical. Nevertheless, hair-trigger reflexes and borderline nervousness are not what most mainstream riders are looking for in a gravel bike, so I’d say Trek made the right decision here. Plus, if you really want quicker handling with (somewhat) fatter tires, there’s still the new Boone .

Given Trek’s stated goal that the Checkpoint SLR is the most race-oriented of the three new Checkpoint models, it’s no surprise that it feels stiff and solid underfoot in terms of pedaling efficiency, too. It’s not on the same level as the company’s ultra-efficient Emonda, but still on the upper-middle end of the spectrum as far as carbon gravel bikes go in general. 

In terms of ride quality, I found the new non-adjustable Top Tube IsoSpeed setup on the Checkpoint SLR to be a little perplexing. 

Granted, it’s now been a while since I spent a lot of time on the first-generation Checkpoint, but I have very fond memories of how cushy that older seat tube-based IsoSpeed seatmast felt on rough ground. It was basically a magic carpet of compliance, suspending you on a virtual cloud when things got bumpy.

Trek says this fancier Top Tube IsoSpeed version offers an even more comfortable ride, but I found it to feel firmer — also less bouncy, mind you, but firmer and less dramatically different from a conventional telescoping seatpost nonetheless. And apparently, I’m not alone.

“The little elastomer in the SLR’s top tube unit damps the motion a bit,” explained Trek road product marketing manager Anders Ahlberg. “I’ve found that in testing bikes with and without damping, the bikes with damping feel less compliant just because they’re less bouncy.”

On the plus side, the perception that the rear end is firmer than on the original Checkpoint SL makes for a more balanced feel, and Trek has done a superb job of hiding all of that extra hardware inside the frame. Especially with the matte black finish of my loaner, you barely notice there’s anything unusual going on at the seat cluster area. Combined with the only modestly dropped chainstays and wholly conventional looking seatstays and front triangle, the whole profile of the Checkpoint looks about as classic as something like this can probably be.

I’ve got very mixed feelings on the revamped cable routing used here. On the one hand, it’s undeniably tidier looking, it helps keeps the lines from interfering with handlebar bags, and since none of the lines run inside either the handlebar or stem, it’s easy to swap both of those components or move them around. And kudos to Trek to at least trying to seal up the hose ports in the upper headset cover instead of just leaving them as gaping holes (like on the Madone SLR and Domane SLR) that practically invite water and debris into the frame.

Those ports aren’t watertight, though, so riders who wash their bikes regularly will want to exercise caution, particularly since swapping headset bearings will be a monumental pain in the butt. In general, though, if Trek engineers felt like they absolutely had to implement some sort of semi-internal routing scheme on the new Checkpoint, this is a lot less crappy than how many other brands do it.

As I’ve found with every other bike I’ve ridden with this feature — on road or off — the new down tube storage is brilliant. There’s enough room inside the down tube for a spare inner tube, tire levers, multiple CO2 cartridges and an inflator head (or a mini-pump , depending on the model), and even some snacks or an extra layer, depending on the size of your frame. The included tool wrap makes it easy to organize all of that stuff, and also keeps it from rattling inside. The hatch fits very securely, too, and yet is easy to access with a single lever flip.

I do wish that Trek could find a lower-profile way of attaching the multi-tool to the underside of the hatch, though. As it is, it impinges on the interior space more than I’d like, and if you’re not careful with how you pack the down tube, it causes the hatch to bow outward a little, which compromises the seal and potentially allows water and debris to get inside the frame.

Speaking of which, those new Bontrager Adventure bags seem to be a nice option if you’re interested in taking the Checkpoint on a multi-day trip (and I’ll admit that I was only able to do a test run with the bags loaded up with gear, not an actual overnighter). They fit securely — the strap-free frame bag is especially nice — and don’t wiggle around too much on the trail, and the front and rear bags have plenty of capacity for camping gear, especially if you follow Trek’s guidance and carry your tent poles inside the frame bag instead of the saddle bag. Add-ons like extra layers are easy to attach to the strapping points on the front and rear bags, too.

I do wish that Bontrager had incorporated some one-way valves into the saddle and handlebar packs, though. Although they’re not advertised as proper waterproof bags, Bontrager still builds these with waterproof materials and zippers, and it’s tricky to compress the bags since air essentially has nowhere to go. I also had to get pretty creative in mounting the front bag since the bottom would otherwise drag on the tire on my 52 cm test bike, so riders on smaller sizes or running lower handlebar heights in general should be wary.

There aren’t too many surprises as far as the build kit on this particular bike goes.

The SRAM Rival AXS XPLR wireless electronic groupset is just as good as it’s been the other multiple times I’ve ridden it now, with quick and reliable shifts, ample range from that new 10-44T cassette, and plenty of power from the hydraulic disc brakes with excellent control to boot. The downsized lever bodies feel great in your hands, and so far, I haven’t regretted not being able to plug in any remote shift buttons. It’s still rather heavy stuff, mind you, but in most cases, that doesn’t detract too much from the overall performance, and probably not enough that most everyday riders will care.

I’ve also spent plenty of time with these Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels on this and other bikes, and they’re honestly some of my favorites. They’re appropriately wide at 25 mm between the bead hooks, they feel fast and solid, and the 108-tooth freehub mechanism is very quick to engage (although it’s also quite loud and buzzy). The molded plastic tubeless rim strip incorporates beadlock ridges for a very secure hold that’s still field serviceable, and I’ve found it to hold up much, much better over time than any tape I’ve used. They’ve been quite durable, too, shrugging off the various times I’ve bottomed the tires out on the sharp rocks that litter my local trails.

I also give high marks to the Bontrager Versa saddle for its accommodating shape, supportive padding, and built-in accessory mount underneath the shell, and to the neat Bontrager Pro forged aluminum stem. That stem is nothing special in terms of traditional performance metrics like weight and stiffness, but it’s compatible with Bontrager’s broad array of Blendr faceplate-based accessory mounts to keep things neat and tidy up front, even if you want to run a computer and a front flasher or camera. Only Bontrager, Garmin, and SRM (?!) computers are supported for now, although other 3D-printed options are offered through third parties.

I have more mixed feelings on the new handlebar shape, however. 

As mentioned earlier, Bontrager opted to take a centimeter of reach out of both the handlebar and stem to offset the 2 cm increase in front-end length. This makes sense in concept, but the shorter 75 mm reach of the Bontrager Pro IsoCore VR-SF carbon bar is mated to a comparatively deep 128 mm of drop with a surprisingly traditional large-radius bend. I normally love classic-bend bars on the road, but this bend just feels weird to me and I was never able to find a comfy spot for my hands in the drops.

Final thoughts

Regular readers of CyclingTips will know that I’m generally a big fan of how gravel bike geometry has been evolving over the past couple of years (and I suspect many riders with more of a mountain bike background would agree). The whole longer-slacker-lower thing offers the same benefits on gravel as it does for mountain bikes, and Trek wisely hasn’t gone too extreme in that direction. The new Checkpoint is a more capable bike than the one it replaces, and it’s easier to ride fast on unpaved surfaces, too.

That said, one of the things I really enjoyed about the old Checkpoint was its nimbler personality. It was maybe a bit more of a handful as compared to more modern gravel bikes with new-school geometry when things got rowdier — and there was the small issue of toe overlap, too — but there was nevertheless an element of playfulness and agility that I can’t help but miss.

Does it sound contradictory that I repeatedly praise new-school gravel geometry and yet simultaneously kind of miss the handling of the old Checkpoint? Maybe, but perhaps it’s also just me wishing Trek hadn’t applied the same geometry across the board. If the Checkpoint SL and ALR models are supposed to be the rowdier and more versatile ones, could it have made sense to apply this geometry to those two, but have something more agile for the SLR?

Then again, there’s probably a good reason why I don’t run a bike company or count the beans.

Nitpicks aside, the new Checkpoint is still very fun — albeit in a different way now — and I fully expect Trek will continue to sell a ton of these things. 

More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .

Our Field Test group bike tests are by no means paid events, but they’re still only possible with some outside support. CyclingTips would like to thank the following sponsors for this round of the Field Test:

• Rudy Project
• Pearl Izumi
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
• Lead Out Gear

Popular on Velo

\n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/rapha-north-america-abruptly-closes-bentonville-office-lays-off-staff\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"rapha north america abruptly closes bentonville office, lays off staff\"}}\u0027>\n rapha north america abruptly closes bentonville office, lays off staff\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/new-bike-bags-at-this-years-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n time to plan your next trip: 5 companies with new bike bags at sea otter\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"over 114,000 acres of maine wilderness are now open to gravel biking","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/maine-promotes-gravel-cycling\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/maine-promotes-gravel-cycling\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"over 114,000 acres of maine wilderness are now open to gravel biking\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/maine-promotes-gravel-cycling\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"over 114,000 acres of maine wilderness are now open to gravel biking\"}}\u0027>\n over 114,000 acres of maine wilderness are now open to gravel biking\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"sea otter randoms: the one about carrying cargo of all kinds","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-the-one-about-carrying-cargo-of-all-kinds\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-the-one-about-carrying-cargo-of-all-kinds\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: the one about carrying cargo of all kinds\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/urban\/urban-gear\/sea-otter-randoms-the-one-about-carrying-cargo-of-all-kinds\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: the one about carrying cargo of all kinds\"}}\u0027>\n sea otter randoms: the one about carrying cargo of all kinds\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"7 new bikes we found at sea otter","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/7-new-bikes-we-found-at-sea-otter\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/7-new-bikes-we-found-at-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"7 new bikes we found at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/7-new-bikes-we-found-at-sea-otter\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"7 new bikes we found at sea otter\"}}\u0027>\n 7 new bikes we found at sea otter\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tadej-pogacar-seizes-liege-bastogne-liege-with-dominant-solo-display\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\"}}\u0027>\n tadej poga\u010dar seizes li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge with dominant solo display\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tom pidcock leaves li\u00e8ge in frustration: \u2018i was setting all-time power numbers\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-leaves-liege-in-frustration-i-was-setting-all-time-power-numbers\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-leaves-liege-in-frustration-i-was-setting-all-time-power-numbers\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tom pidcock leaves li\u00e8ge in frustration: \u2018i was setting all-time power numbers\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tom-pidcock-leaves-liege-in-frustration-i-was-setting-all-time-power-numbers\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tom pidcock leaves li\u00e8ge in frustration: \u2018i was setting all-time power numbers\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n tom pidcock leaves li\u00e8ge in frustration: \u2018i was setting all-time power numbers\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/cycling-sucks-sometimes-what-pogacar-van-der-poel-and-pidcock-said-before-liege-bastogne-liege\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/cycling-sucks-sometimes-what-pogacar-van-der-poel-and-pidcock-said-before-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/cycling-sucks-sometimes-what-pogacar-van-der-poel-and-pidcock-said-before-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018cycling sucks sometimes\u2019: what poga\u010dar, van der poel and pidcock said before li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"gallery: 16 attention grabbing bikes from the sea otter classic","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/16-attention-grabbing-bikes-sea-otter-classic\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/16-attention-grabbing-bikes-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"gallery: 16 attention grabbing bikes from the sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/16-attention-grabbing-bikes-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"gallery: 16 attention grabbing bikes from the sea otter classic\"}}\u0027>\n gallery: 16 attention grabbing bikes from the sea otter classic\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"can ineos grenadiers take it to tadej poga\u010dar at the giro d\u2019italia \u2018our plan is to be aggressive\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/can-geraint-thomas-stop-tadej-pogacar-at-the-giro-ditalia-our-plan-is-to-be-aggressive\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/can-geraint-thomas-stop-tadej-pogacar-at-the-giro-ditalia-our-plan-is-to-be-aggressive\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"can ineos grenadiers take it to tadej poga\u010dar at the giro d\u2019italia \u2018our plan is to be aggressive\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/can-geraint-thomas-stop-tadej-pogacar-at-the-giro-ditalia-our-plan-is-to-be-aggressive\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"can ineos grenadiers take it to tadej poga\u010dar at the giro d\u2019italia \u2018our plan is to be aggressive\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n can ineos grenadiers take it to tadej poga\u010dar at the giro d\u2019italia \u2018our plan is to be aggressive\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"carapaz roars to stage win in tour de romandie as race leader ayuso blows","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/richard-carapaz-roars-to-stage-win-in-tour-de-romandie-as-race-leader-juan-ayuso-blows\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/richard-carapaz-roars-to-stage-win-in-tour-de-romandie-as-race-leader-juan-ayuso-blows\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"carapaz roars to stage win in tour de romandie as race leader ayuso blows\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/richard-carapaz-roars-to-stage-win-in-tour-de-romandie-as-race-leader-juan-ayuso-blows\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"carapaz roars to stage win in tour de romandie as race leader ayuso blows\"}}\u0027>\n carapaz roars to stage win in tour de romandie as race leader ayuso blows\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"sea otter randoms: riser handlebars, nifty racks, and tubes aren\u2019t dead","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/sea-otter-randoms-riser-handlebars-nifty-racks-and-tubes-arent-dead\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/sea-otter-randoms-riser-handlebars-nifty-racks-and-tubes-arent-dead\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: riser handlebars, nifty racks, and tubes aren\u2019t dead\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/sea-otter-randoms-riser-handlebars-nifty-racks-and-tubes-arent-dead\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"sea otter randoms: riser handlebars, nifty racks, and tubes aren\u2019t dead\"}}\u0027>\n sea otter randoms: riser handlebars, nifty racks, and tubes aren\u2019t dead\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/mathieu-van-der-poel-realistic-about-quest-for-fourth-monument-even-with-roubaix-legs-i-cannot-follow-pogacar-here\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n mathieu van der poel realistic about quest for monument sweep: \u2018even with roubaix legs i cannot follow poga\u010dar\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/xpedo-new-power-sonik-omni-and-thrust-omni-meter-pedals-sea-otter-classic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\"}}\u0027>\n xpedo\u2019s new power meter pedals are ready for the spotlight\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"8 new shoes from giro, q36.5, shimano, fizik, lake, and crankbrothers","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/8-new-shoes-from-giro-q36-5-shimano-fizik-lake-and-crankbrothers\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/8-new-shoes-from-giro-q36-5-shimano-fizik-lake-and-crankbrothers\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"8 new shoes from giro, q36.5, shimano, fizik, lake, and crankbrothers\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/8-new-shoes-from-giro-q36-5-shimano-fizik-lake-and-crankbrothers\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"8 new shoes from giro, q36.5, shimano, fizik, lake, and crankbrothers\"}}\u0027>\n 8 new shoes from giro, q36.5, shimano, fizik, lake, and crankbrothers\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/highbar-wants-to-revolutionize-your-helmet-straps\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\"}}\u0027>\n highbar wants to revolutionize your helmet straps\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/ritchey-montebello-brings-steel-goodness-to-all-road\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\"}}\u0027>\n the ritchey montebello brings steel goodness to all-road\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/cadex-race-integrated-bar-first-look\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\"}}\u0027>\n the cadex race integrated bar is as light as it is good looking\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"there are three marquee off-road races in the us this weekend. who\u2019s going where and why","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/best-off-road-races-north-america\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/best-off-road-races-north-america\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"there are three marquee off-road races in the us this weekend. who\u2019s going where and why\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/best-off-road-races-north-america\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"there are three marquee off-road races in the us this weekend. who\u2019s going where and why\"}}\u0027>\n there are three marquee off-road races in the us this weekend. who\u2019s going where and why\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/thesis-n1-do-everything-drop-bar-bike\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\"}}\u0027>\n the thesis n1 wants to be your sole drop bar bike for everything\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>terms of use >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>site map >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The New Trek Checkpoint Line Is For Gravel Riders of All Kinds

Updated geometry and differentiated models for speed, adventure, and all purpose riding

The Takeaway: A great bike gets better, with geometry updates suited to the evolution of gravel.

• Two centimeters longer reach and front center on all sizes
• One centimeter longer chainstays
• New race-oriented SLR platform
• Additional cargo mounts

Price: $12,000 (SLR 9, as tested) Weight: 17.8 lb. (Size 54cm)

Trek’s gravel loving Checkpoint is all new front to rear, with new geometry (covered below) and features for the ever-evolving world of gravel riding. That evolution is why Trek differentiated the three complete bike platforms—SLR, SL, and ALR—for different kinds of gravel riders. I go into more depth below, but the short version is: SLR = race; SL = all-around, ALR = utility.

Threaded T47 bottom brackets now grace all Checkpoint frames, but Trek has done away with the sliding dropouts found on the previous generation Checkpoint. All eight builds get gravel gearing and clutch-style rear derailleurs (Shimano GRX or SRAM eTap AXS), as well as 40mm tubeless ready tires and tubeless ready rims. All models, and all sizes, can fit up to 45mm tires with plenty of mud clearance; which means riders in dry conditions can fit in even bigger tires. If you choose, you can fit the Checkpoint with 650b wheels—all models and all sizes come stock with 700c wheels—which bumps tire clearance up to 53mm (2.1 inches).

In the press release, Trek makes mention of “ Émonda -inspired aero tube shapes,” without providing any wind tunnel data. My suspicion is the tube shapes do save a few watts, though Trek isn’t leaning into gravel aero as much as 3T does with its Exploro RaceMax .

Trek Checkpoint — Geometry

Geometry is where the new Checkpoint sees the biggest change. While there are three Checkpoint frame platforms (outlined below), all three share the same, all new, geometry (see table above).

The overall theme to the geometry updates is “more progressive.” Trek took a page from the mountain bike playbook and stretched all sizes of the frame’s reach and front center by about two centimeters. Trek now fits shorter stems and shorter-reach bars to mitigate cockpit length changes. Chainstays on the frame grow by a centimeter (now 435mm on all sizes). Trail is also longer (about six millimeters) even though head angles remain about the same—new fork offset is 45mm, old was 49mm—and wheelbase grows as well. Frame stack bumps up a touch too.

Jordan Roessingh, Trek’s director of road product, says the new geometry aids stability, “It’s a longer bike, so whether you’re doing long Unbound type stuff where you’re just pointing the bike straight or you’re doing high speed stuff on gravel descents in the mountains, we believe this geometry lends itself to confidence. Getting that wheel out in front of you also unweights it makes you feel a lot more confident when you’re doing steep technical stuff—you don’t feel like you’re going to go over the bar. That front wheel is really easy to unweight and allows it to roll over a lot more stuff.”

Roessingh further explained that the new geometry also reduces toe overlap on smaller sizes and allows them to approve larger tires sizes for smaller riders, “On the previous [Checkpoint] we had to limit our small frame size tire size recommendations to only 40mm. Not because the frame didn’t have the capacity for 45, but when you put a 45 it created too much toe overlap.” The issue here was government regulations that outline a production bike’s maximum tire overlap. But with the new bike’s longer front end every size can, officially, run up to a 45mm tire.

One note on the geometry: The new Checkpoint is not suspension fork corrected. However, the Checkpoint has a 1.5-inch lower fork steerer diameter, so you can fit the new RockShox Rudy , a Suntour GVX, or Fox AX, but doing so will raise the front end and slacken its angles.

Trek Checkpoint — Where is the Front IsoSpeed?

One surprising omission from the new Checkpoint is IsoSpeed in the front, a feature found in Trek’s Domane all road bikes . According to Roessingh, IsoSpeed on the front of a bike with big tires, “Doesn’t provide a sufficient gain in compliance to make a real difference to the rider because a [larger than 32mm tire] is such a dominant aspect of the compliance,” so it was left off the new Checkpoint. The benefit is a less complicated front end, and some weight savings.

Rear IsoSpeed continues on all models. Roessingh explains that it has more deflection than front Isospeed so it offers additional compliance benefit even with larger tires.

Trek Checkpoint — Three Frame Platforms

The new Checkpoint comes in three platforms: SLR, SL, and ALR. The top of the line SLR (super light race) platform is new to the Checkpoint line. Previously, Checkpoint topped out with the SL model. All the models have T47 threaded bottom bracket, internal hose and housing routing, 45mm tire clearance, frame bag mounts, fender mounts, and come in six sizes: 49 to 61cm. SLR and SL carbon frames get the same in-frame storage system found on carbon Domane frames.

But though the three platforms share geometry and many features, they’re tuned to suit different riders.

The SLR is race oriented, so it gets the highest-grade carbon composite, a traditionally shaped (not flared) road bar, and forgoes cargo mounts on the fork. This model also has Trek’s no-cut seat mast with (non-adjustable) top tube IsoSpeed.

The SL gets an all-purpose gravel focus. It uses lower grade carbon than the SLR but adds adventure riding features like three-pack mounts on the fork legs, and a flared gravel bar. This model does have Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler in the seat tube but fits a traditional 27.2mm seatpost: That makes this model dropper-post compatible.

The aluminum framed ALR is the least expensive of the new Checkpoints, and Trek’s representatives expect this to be a popular model with riders looking for a commuter or utility bike. It has the same geometry as the other platforms, and the same rack, fender, framebag and mudguard mounts as the Checkpoint SL, and it gets a flared gravel bar and 27.2mm dropper-post compatibility. The two features it lacks relative to the SL are the in-frame storage and an IsoSpeed decoupler.

Trek Checkpoint — Models, Prices, Weights

There are eight complete bikes for the USA: one ALR, three SL, and four SLR models. Prices and claimed weights are below, with a quick look at the build kits. All complete bikes roll on Bontrager GR1 40mm tubeless ready tires, have tubeless ready rims, and ship with tubeless valves, rim strips, and sealant.

• Checkpoint ALR 5— $2,400, 21.5lb. Shimano GRX600 2x11 with 30/46 rings and 11-34 cassette
• Checkpoint SL 5—$3,200, 21.3lb. Shimano GRX600 2x11 with 30/46 rings and 11-34 cassette, Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels (21mm internal width)
• C heckpoint SL 6 eTap — $4,100, 20.0lb. SRAM Rival eTap AXS 1x12 with 40 ring and 10-44 cassette, Bontrager Paradigm Comp wheels (25mm internal width)
• Checkpoint SL 7 eTap—$6,3,00 19.6lb. SRAM Force Wide eTap AXS 2x12 with 30/43 rings and 10-36 cassette, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels (25mm internal width)
• Checkpoint SLR 6 eTap—$7,600, 19.1lb. SRAM Rival eTap AXS 1x12 with power meter, 40 ring and 10-44 cassette, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels (25mm internal width)
• Checkpoint SLR 7—$8,300, 19.4lb. Shimano GRX815 2x11 with 31/48 rings and 11-34 cassette, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels (25mm internal width)
• Checkpoint SLR 7 eTap—$8,300, 18.6lb. SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x12 with power meter, 40 ring and 10-44 cassette, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon wheels (25mm internal width)
• Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap—$12,000, 17.9lb. SRAM Red eTap AXS 1x12 with power meter, 40 ring and 10-44 cassette, Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon wheels (25mm internal width)

Trek Checkpoint — Ride Impressions and Review

Trek sent me the top-of-the-line SLR 9 eTap AXS well ahead of the bike's launch, and I’ve done my usual “gravel” shenanigans on this bike—long gravel rides, mixed media rides, some road riding, and plenty of singletrack.

On anything dirt, and especially on singletrack, the new Checkpoint is not just better than the previous generation, it’s one of the best gravel bikes I’ve been on. I love the previous generations above-average comfort and smoothness and that’s still present, but the geometry updates make the new bike much more capable: And the faster and more technical the dirt, the more the geometry pays off. It’s accurate, but not darty, and composed but appropriately flickable.

Here’s the rub: Give us geometry that lets us go faster and…we’re going to go faster. The Checkpoint is so damn fast on downhills singletrack that I take issue with Trek’s decision to forgo front IsoSpeed or correct the geometry for a suspension fork. I mean, this is a pretty compliant bike overall, but when you go faster the hits get stronger. Many times I wacked stuff that made my hands and arms stung. Bigger tires help, but a 45mm maximum isn’t that big (Canyon’s Grizl fits 50s, for example).

Basically, there were times I felt like the geometry was writing checks the Checkpoint couldn’t cash without some help from suspension. But then, when you add weighty suspension and fatter tires, you have a much different bike; so I’m also not sure that’s the answer. I think we’re at a very interesting point with “progressive” gravel bikes where they are tickling the edges of mountain bike capability and, if they go much further, suspension must be a part of the conversation.

On the flip side of the new Checkpoint’s added capability, it feels less chipper on paved surfaces. The old Checkpoint was almost a road bike that could do gravel while the new one definitely takes cues from the world of mountain bikes. On balance, this works out okay for the most fun and challenging parts of gravel rides, though the Checkpoint bike feels a bit logy on the liaisons between the best bits. That’s a compromise I’m okay with, but if you want more quickness on pavement from your gravel bike you might be happier on something like a Cervelo Aspero 5 or the 3T Exploro Racemax .

Trek isn’t breaking any new ground with the Checkpoint’s geometry and handing traits. This mountain bike influenced longer, more stable, geometry (oh, hello, Chamois Hagar ) is an increasingly popular trend, and already found in bikes like Canyon’s Grizl (which the Checkpoint reminds me of) and some other bikes. I’m curious to see how this geometry goes down with the general riding public, and how far brands push the geometry. When used for actual gravel and off-pavement riding and racing, this geometry makes sense. But if riders are buying gravel bikes because they want more capability and comfort out of a drop bar bike, but are mostly sticking to pavement, I don’t think this geometry suits that kind of rider.

Handling covered, let’s look at the rest of the Checkpoint’s attributes. The added cargo options (in frame storage, direct mount bag in main triangle) are great, almost mandatory, features for a gravel bike. My 54cm frame did have two water bottle mounts on the downtube, but it required a bit of trial and error with a Wolf Tooth B-Rad base to get two bottles to fit comfortably. With the Bontrager frame bag mounted, I needed to reposition the seat tube cage location to fit a bottle. Larger sizes have more space in the main triangle, so this won’t be an issue, but riders on frames smaller than 54 might need to look into alternative ways to carry water if they run the frame bag.

I do have a gripe with the road-bend bar on the SLR models. Trek sees this model as appealing to racers who are coming from a road background. This is why it gets a traditional, and lighter, road bar. But it’s still a gravel bike, and flared drops are awesome for comfort and control. Besides, flared bars are so awesome that once you ride them, you’ll want to put them on your road bikes. Thankfully, Trek didn’t do anything weird with the bar and stem on the new Checkpoint, so riders can fit anything they desire.

That’s my only gripe though. I love this bike, and the rest of the parts kit is dialed. I’m going to throw out special kudos for spec'ing the SRAM-equipped SLR models with power meters from the factory. I think that’s perfectly in line with this bikes purpose and customer.

Overall, the new Checkpoint is a wonderful gravel bike. It’s faster, better handling, and more suited to the needs of the today’s gravel rider.

Trek Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap

Would you like to test new gear for Bicycling ? Click HERE to find out more.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

The Best Beach Cruisers for Leisurely Rides

The Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes

Best Hybrid Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The 14 Best Road Bikes of 2024

The Best Commuter Bikes for Getting Around Town

The 10 Best Electric Bikes, Tested by Our Editors

These Folding Bikes Can Go Everywhere

Smoother and Faster: The New Pivot Switchblade

The Best Beginner Mountain Bikes

Reviewed: Colnago's Italian Made C68 Gravel

The 6 Best Kids’ Bikes in 2024

2022 Trek Bikes Checkpoint ALR 4

Alr 4 build, published sizing recommendations, stack and reach vs. category trend.

The Bike Insights Upright/Aggressive scale is based on analysis of a bike’s proportions relative to similar sized bikes in the same category.

2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review

Garret seacat, c.s.c.s..

Reviewing the all-new 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

The 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 is a welcomed update to an already successful line of gravel bikes from Trek. As a long-time cycling coach and native of the Flint Hills of Kansas, we didn’t hold back on our Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review. 

2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

• Lighter frame than the previous version
• Nicely equipped components.
• Feels quick and nimble even with the long-wheelbase
• Updated geometry
• Lifetime Warranty
• We don’t mind but the removal of sliding dropouts
• Not as relaxed geometry as Trek Domane making it more of a race bike than a relax gravel bike

First Impressions

The Checkpoint needs almost no introduction to most riders familiar with the gravel scene but this year brought along an update to the already popular bike. While you could spend big money and go for the incredibly well-equipped and lightweight SLR model, we decided to stay more modest and review a more humble ALR 5 that will likely find its way into your garage.

Before we get too far, I want to mention I am VERY familiar with the Checkpoint, and this is the 4th different one I’ve owned. And well before that, I was part of a bike shop that helped contribute and give input on the “new gravel” bike from Trek, or what we would later learn was the first version of the Checkpoint. I sold my 2020 SL after just deciding it wasn’t the right fit for me, but here I am again with another Checkpoint added to the stable of bikes.

Straight out of the box, I was impressed with how light it was, even with all the stock components at the time. Also, the updated paint schemes on all the models are gorgeous in person! However, I quickly realized while assembling the bike my taste for carbon would likely result in some upgrades reasonably quickly to help lighten the bike even more and improve the feel. More on that later.

Riding the Checkpoint

It wouldn’t be a Checkpoint ALR 5 review without putting it on the gravel in Kansas, and luckily that’s exactly where we are located. While you miss out on the Iso-Speed of higher-end carbon Checkpoints, you won’t notice it much. Having ridden a variety of carbon Trek bikes with Iso-Speed, I was pleasantly surprised at the ride quality of the ALR. To help take the edge off, I added an RSL seatpost, and then the bike came to match the ride quality of much more expensive bikes.

On the same idea of changing things, take the stock tires ASAP. They aren’t that good! They roll fast, but you will flat in no time and ruin that new bike experience.

After a quick 20-mile break-in ride with stock parts, I changed the wheels to a pair of Bontrager RSL 37V and changed the seatpost and stem to Bontrager RSL carbon bits. I also put a wider 44cm width bar on. Is this necessary? Absolutely not, but the bike really comes alive!

One note on the geometry, it feels great but is noticeably different than the previous model. While the effective top tube says it is longer it felt shorter! The wheelbase also got shortened this year but has more front toe clearance and a similar chainstay length to previous years.

Since putting this bike together, I have almost shelved my carbon bikes completely. I even went to a couple of gravel races and left the carbon race bike at home because I enjoy the new Checkpoint ALR 5 that much! The best part is having riders come over and pick it up and their shock when I tell them how much I have invested in it compared to what they have spent.

Final Thoughts

At $2500 retail, you cannot go wrong with the Checkpoint ALR 5. It is just a all around fun bike to ride. The stock Shimano GRX R600 and R800 components and tubeless-ready wheels will have you ready for whatever you want. If you can swing it, grab a carbon seat post, I recommend the Bontrager RSL for the “flex” to help take a little more out of the gravel.

If you can find a shop with an ALR 5 in stock then give it a ride and don’t think twice about taking it home if it fits!

Coach Seacat has carved a space for himself as an expert coach in the discipline of cycling. With 15+ years of coaching and prestigious certifications from USA Cycling and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Coach Seacat brings a comprehensive approach to coaching that combines advanced training techniques with fundamental cycling strategies.

• Training Tips
• Cycling Coaching
• Fitness Coaching

Absolute Endurance

Copyright 2023

• Privacy Policy

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review – a confident, capable gravel bike

Trek's updated aluminum checkpoint is a surefooted, confidence-inspiring ride that's perfect for ruined back lanes, byways and well-laden travels.

BikePerfect Verdict

The reshaped Checkpoint frame neatly combines confidence-inspiring stability with a fun, engaging feel which goes well at all speeds on all sorts of surfaces. This might not be the lightest or fanciest build, but the key bits are great and the rest just quietly works.

Stable and predictable

Comfortable

Great shifting and brakes

Gearing a bit tall for the weight

Could use a dropper post

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

The aluminium-framed ALR models sit at the bottom of Trek's Checkpoint range, with the lighter carbon SL and race-focused SLR bikes above, but in truth that's not a bad place to be. The ALR 5 gets a full set of excellent Shimano GRX components for the drivetrain and brakes, decent tires on tubeless-ready rims and lots of rack and fender mounts. 

The result is a surefooted, confident bike that's ready for exactly what Trek says it's for – gravel riding for fun, commuting or just general adventures. Which is pretty much what most people are after when looking for the best gravel bikes or best cheap gravel bikes .

Design and geometry

For 2023, the Checkpoint frame has seen some changes – basically it's got longer both in the front centre and the chainstays, and the stem is shorter to compensate. I tested a 58cm, and compared to the 2021 model it has 10mm longer chainstays, 20mm more reach and is 26mm longer overall. The 90mm stem and 60.9cm/41.1cm stack and reach figures keep the overall riding position fairly relaxed, with a usefully tall front end and slightly head-down, but certainly not front heavy, bias.

The head angle is the same as before at 72.3 degrees, presumably to keep the steering decently snappy, as is the bottom bracket drop at 7.4cm. 

This might be the 'poor man's' model with its humble alloy frame, but that doesn't mean it's unsophisticated. The various touring-friendly mounts are complimented by internally-routed cables that help a lot when strapping on frame bags or cages, as well as keeping them generally out of harm's way. I did find several of the bungs protecting the mounting/cable holes disappeared overboard on rough trails though, so if you want to keep filth out of your threads/frame you might want to stock up – or wind in some actual bolts where you can.

Components and build

Trek has spent the budget wisely here, speccing the excellent Shimano GRX shifters, levers and hydraulic brakes. The flat-fronted levers are particularly good for grip when it's rough, the shifts are always positive and the two-piston calipers are powerful and easy to modulate on the 160mm discs. Basically, the whole stop and go thing is covered perfectly.

Well, almost perfectly. The 2x11 drivetrain gives a very useable spread of ratios, but for the most serious off-road climbing it's a little high. At the top end it's good for 35mph before you spin out, which is great for the road and fireroad descents, but leaves the lowest gear (30/34t) slightly high for the steepest, techiest climbs. That's especially true if the bike's loaded up.

That's the lowest combination of ratios that will fit, though, so your options there are either to keep the bike as light as possible, fit a 1x crank and lose a fair bit of top speed, or get stronger...

The finishing kit is all in-house Bontrager stuff, and while it's all perfectly good they're pretty easy targets for weight loss upgrades. The Bontrager Elite Gravel bar is 44cm wide on this frame size with a good flare to the drops for extra leverage, and the comfy GRX hoods tilt inwards just enough to encourage a slightly elbows-out stance that's good for control.

The wheels – Switch hubs, 21mm wide Paradigm rims (the SL version on one end, presumably the front) and 24 spokes on each – are similarly utilitarian, being strong, middling for weight and entirely decent for the job. Wearing Aeolus XXX rim strips they're tubeless ready, and so are the Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tires, which is nice – in fact, Trek lists 6oz of its TLR sealant as a 'tire part,' so presumably consumer bikes are supplied already set, just as our test bike was.

The tires are predictable and confidence inspiring on the unusually dry terrain of our test period, as well as on tarmac both damp or dry, but are clearly not designed for mud. There's room in the frame for up to 45mm rubber should you want to go wider.

Oh, and while the front axle looks like you'll need to carry a hex key to get it out, the lever on the rear thru-axle actually pulls out to fit in either one. 

Performance

The Checkpoint has a confident feel – its length and reasonable heft keep it planted, while the steering is stable without being sluggish. It's the same whether you're on gravel or tarmac, and predictable in a friendly but not boring way. The chunky headtube and sizeable welded junctions do a great job of keeping it tracking where it's pointed in the rough.

Despite the chunky, almost box-section seatstays and generally rigid-feeling frame, it's comfortable for long rides, thanks to the high volume tyres, well-cushioned bar tape and a supportive, hammocky P3 Verse Comp saddle you really sit 'in'.

Get up some speed on gravel though and there's no disguising the aluminum build. By 30mph on a fireroad, your hands and feet are taking some serious vibes, and the chatter from sustained speed does reduce comfort. 

Switching to carbon at the bar (and at the Bontrager seatpost) would both increase comfort and reduce weight, and though I found the saddle supportive and comfy both for long rides and hard pedaling efforts, it does have steel rails – it's another easy and relatively cheap target for weight loss and vibe reduction.

Alternatively, if you want more speed whatever the trails do, fit the best dropper post that will suit the 27.2mm seat tube and reap the rewards.

Personally, I would have quite liked the shorter cranks of the smaller sizes instead of the 175mm GRX RX600s fitted here, which would allow an even lower BB for descending confidence, but that's really just preference. The 7.4cm BB drop is pretty low in the scheme of things, cornering feel is predictable, and ground clearance is good.

This is an extremely usable yet still very enjoyable bike. It nails that '2/3rds road bike, 1/3rd XC bike' feel that makes gravel bikes so good for so many things – commuting while avoiding the worst traffic, touring, exploring dilapidated rural lanes, getting in hard climbing efforts away from ANY traffic, or just generally getting out there and enjoying the view. 

It's comfortable and reassuring from the off whatever the surface, and the money's been spent in the right places – this is a really solid base for years of riding fun.

Test conditions

• Temperature: Rarely less than 20 degrees C and up to 35
• Conditions: Dry, hard and dusty with almost zero rain
• Trails: Mountain singletrack, bridleways, forest gravel and crumbling rural lanes

Tech specs: Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

• Price: $2,500 / £2,400
• Discipline: Gravel
• Frame size tested: 58cm
• Seat tube angle: 72.5°
• Head angle: 72.3°
• Effective top tube: 59.7cm
• Bottom bracket drop: 7.4cm
• Wheelbase: 105.8cm
• Reach: 41.1cm
• Frame: 300 Series Alpha Aluminium
• Tires: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 40mm, Tubeless Ready 
• Drivetrain: Shimano GRX
• Sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 (tested), 61cm
• Claimed weight: 9.75 kg / 21.5 lb (56cm)

Steve is a highly experienced journalist and rider who's been involved with bikes of all kinds for more years than he would care to remember. Based in South Wales, he has mile upon mile of swooping singletrack, an array of plummet and winch descents and everything in between right on his doorstep.

Manitou Mezzer Pro MTB fork review – smooth, lightweight and excellent tuning options

Lewis LH4 Brake Set review – an eerily familiar looking brake

Is Rotor's Kapic crankset and oval Q Ring setup pedaling perfection, or did it leave me riding all out of shape?

Most Popular

Shop in-store for even more deals!

Shop in store for even more deals we can't advertise!

Mountain Bike Suspension Service

Trade In Your Bike

• Base Layers
• Mountain Bike Shorts
• Bibs, Tights + Knickers
• Mountain Bike Shoes

SAFETY GEAR

• Adult Helmets
• Youth Helmets
• Road Helmets
• Casual Wear
• Road Bike Shorts
• Bibs, Tights & Knickers
• Road Bike Shoes
• Accessories/Parts

Safety Gear

• Women's Helmets
• Road Bike Helmets
• Mountain Bike Helmets

WHEELS & TIRES

• Road Wheels
• Mountain Bike Wheels
• Mountain Bike Tires
• Wheels Accessories and Parts
• Derailleurs
• Chains & Cassettes
• Cranks and Chainrings
• Bottom Brackets
• Cables and Housing
• Power Meters

BRAKES & PEDALS

• Clipless Pedals
• Flat Pedals
• Mountain Bike Brake Sets
• Mountain Bike Brake Pads
• Road Bike Brakes and Pads
• All Brakes/Levers/Pads

Forks & Cockpit

• Grips and Bar Tape
• Rigid Forks
• Suspension Forks

Accessories

• Car Rack Accessories
• Electronics
• Front Lights
• Tail Lights
• Locks/Security
• Media/Resources
• Bicycle Mounted Racks
• Pumps/Inflation
• Tools/Maintenance
• Trailers/Strollers
• Trainers/Rollers
• Travel/Storage
• Water Bottles & Cages

Brand Guides

Bike buyer's guides, gear guides, new bike releases, summit bicycles online (855) 245-3663 [email protected] email, burlingame (650) 343-8483 [email protected] email, summit outfitters (408) 878-3252 [email protected] email, los gatos (408) 399-9142 [email protected] email, san jose (408) 264-2453 [email protected] email, palo alto (650) 304-0035 [email protected] email, summit bicycles mobile we'll come to you schedule mobile service today, (855) bike-one - for online orders and rental inquiries.

• Account Account
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart

Availability

• In Stock 11
• Show More Sizes
• Show Fewer Sizes
• $1000 to $1999.99 2
• $2000 to $3499.99 4
• $3500 to $5999.99 6
• $6000 to $100000 7
• & up 10
• & up 11

Trek Checkpoint

• Bicycling Catalog

Trek Checkpoint for sale

The Trek Checkpoint, an adventurous Trek gravel bike, is the perfect bike for winning gravel races, enjoying fast-paced bikepacking trips, and riding wherever the heck you'd like to.

Explore Our Trek Checkpoint Guide

• RWR Home Page
• Recent Posts
• Bike Reviews

2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review

• by Riding With Ryan (Official)

The fastest growing discipline in cycling is gravel biking. The problem is, your road bike doesn’t make a good gravel bike. With the Checkpoint you get the best of both worlds. In this 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review I’ll explain why the Trek Checkpoint is the do-it-all bike of the year.

The 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 is the perfect bike for road cyclists making the switch to gravel biking, as well as a great beginner bike for the new to cycling rider that wants to keep their options open.

A price tag of $2,499 scares away a large percentage of beginner cyclists, but it shouldn’t. With the Checkpoint ALR 5 you no longer need a road bike and a gravel bike.

The ‘A’ in ALR means this bike comes with an Aluminum frame. The ‘R’ indicates it is Trek’s Race aluminum, or lightest weight aluminum. On other Trek Bikes the SL and SLR mean carbon fiber and race carbon fiber, respectively.

Both the Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Checkpoint models have plenty of mounts for bags, racks, and storage. The Checkpoint ALR 5 also has clearance for 45mm tires, but it comes with Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 700x40mm tires.

The 2022 Checkpoint ALR 5 comes with a 2×11 Shimano GRX drivetrain. Crank arm length varies by frame size shown below, and all sizes have a 46/30T.

• Size: 49 – 165mm Crank Arm Length
• Size: 52 – 170mm Crank Arm Length
• Sizes: 54, 56 – 172.5mm Crank Arm Length
• Sizes: 58, 61 – 175mm Crank Arm Length

For cyclists looking to upgrade the crank, maximum chainring size is 1 x 44T from SRAM and 50T or 50/34 from Shimano.

The cassette is Shimano 105, 11-34. That means 11 teeth on the smallest sprocket and 34 teeth on the largest sprocket. Because this is an 11 speed cassette we know there are 9 additional sprockets in-between with the number of teeth on the sprocket increasing as they go up in size.

Shimano GRX is the gravel specific groupset. When comparing to road bike groupsets it is the equivalent of Shimano 105. In fact, there are some parts that still keep the 105 label on a gravel bike, like the cassette on this ALR 5.

Due to GRX being a gravel specific groupset, the engineers at Shimano were able to customize features to benefit gravel riders. The ergonomics of the shifters, and optimized gearing options are two key features from GRX.

Shimano GRX derailleurs feature a built in clutch. It keeps tension on your chain even when. the trail gets rough. A tight chain is less likely to slip or change gears unexpectedly.

Most importantly, the GRX groupset was built with durability in mind. The bumpy gravel trails and rocks getting kicked up can do serious damage to your bike. The beefy GRX groupset is able to handle the rocks and vibrations better than the Shimano 105 equivalent from the road side.

Key Features

The list of features included with this bike is long, but there are three key features I cannot go without mentioning. First is the number of integrated frame mounts. The Checkpoint ALR 5 is capable of being your bikepacking or touring mode of transportation.

The second key feature worth mentioning is the frame geometry changes Trek made for 2022. They call it a progressive geometry, but that simply means there is more slack in the fork. This provides stability and control on choppy trails, while also being quick and responsive.

Finally, the tire clearance on this road or gravel bike is insane. You can fit 45mm tires, which are perfect for gravel and winter riding. Switch to 35mm tires for the summer pavement rides. With two sets of tires you can eliminate the need for two separate bikes. The wheels are tubeless ready, and changing tires is an easy 15 minute task that gets completed at home.

Checkpoint ALR 5 Problems

If you do a lot of climbing the Checkpoint is not a great bike due to its weight. The 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 weighs 21.5 lbs. Bike weight isn’t a big issue if you ride the flats, but when climbing a couple extra pounds will adversely impact your ride. Cyclists living in the mountains may prefer one of the lighter carbon fiber models.

Another common complaint about this bike is the saddle (seat) being uncomfortable. The best upgrade you can make to improve comfort on the bike is riding with cycling shorts. They have a built in pad called a chamois that will keep you comfortable. Pearl iZUMi Escape Quest shorts are great because they are comfortable, durable and the price is usually $50 or less. ( Check Current Price on Amazon Here ).

For the cyclist looking for a do-it-all bike, you won’t find a better value than the Checkpoint ALR 5. The price is great considering the GRX groupset and the lightweight race aluminum frame. Durability will not be an issue for gravel riders, and the lifetime warranty on the frame from Trek cannot be beat.

If you enjoyed this 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review, consider reading:

• Types of Road Bikes
• 10 Ways To Make Your Road Bike Lighter

2 thoughts on “2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review”

I don’t get the weight complaint. Unless the bike owner has less than 10% body fat and is maybe a Cat 1/2/3 and is seriously focused on racing, the fact that the ALR 5 weighs 21.5 lbs is, to me, a non-issue. And even if the owner wanted to try a gravel race, they would do well to focus on tire and inflation pressure choice and not get worked up over bike weight. I raced a 22 lb alloy gravel bike in the 2022 Truckee Tahoe Gravel Race and finished mid-pack in my age class and that’s with a flat repair. So, weight, smeight! My $.02.

I got this bike and it is great. Re: carbon vs aluminum. I had an alu madone ( 2012 6 series- lightest at that time and made in USA) and an ALR. I stripped both frames and weighed them. 4 ounce difference. My alr road bike was just as comfortable as the 3x cost carbon one. And I have broken 3 carbon frames (have had 4), 1 out of 3 steel frames, and 0 of 3 aluminum frames.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

• Help Center
• Chat with a Ride Guide
• 1-866-401-9636
• Retail Store
• Bike Services

Reset Password

We will send you an email to reset your password.

Don't have an account? Create an account

Create Account

Already have an account? Sign In

• Favorite your products & save them to your account
• Save a search & get notified when new products drop
• Be first to know about the latest events & promotions

Bike Finder

Results have arrived, deep dive: specialized diverge vs. trek checkpoint.

The Specialized Diverge and Trek Checkpoint are top dogs in the gravel bike world, but they take different approaches to taming gravel. We compare their tech and features, so you can decide which is best.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: May 20, 2022

Posted in: Gravel

When it comes to shredding gravel, there are two bikes that rule the roost: the Specialized Diverge and the Trek Checkpoint. Not only are they both high-tech, highly capable gravel machines, but they are also two of the best-selling bikes in the business. 

If you’re interested in a Diverge or Checkpoint, how do you choose between the two? Unfortunately, we can't definitively answer which bike is “better” (sorry). Instead, this comparison aims to explore the history of the two bikes, the technology they use, and the features they offer so you can make the right choice.

• Diverge vs. Checkpoint: overview
• Future Shock vs. IsoSpeed
• Tire clearance
• Frame weight

2015-2017 Diverge

2018-2020 diverge, 2021+ diverge, 2018-2021 checkpoint, 2022+ checkpoint.

• Final thoughts

[button] Shop gravel bikes [/button]

Diverge vs. Checkpoint: Overview

The Diverge and Checkpoint take two different approaches to improving comfort on gravel roads. Specialized partnered with Formula 1 innovators, McLaren Applied Technologies, to design Future Shock, which uses a spring in the head tube that suspends the rider with 20mm of vertical travel. Specialized chose to use a coil spring system because it can actively absorb the frequencies commonly encountered on road and gravel without adding excessive weight. Springs are also less complex and have less stiction than traditional suspension systems (e.g., an air fork on a mountain bike) and require less force to initiate their travel.

Specialized claims that because Future Shock is positioned under the stem, it doesn’t affect handling or efficiency. The wheelbase doesn’t change through the suspension's travel and there’s no power loss due to a suspension fork compressing. Future shock only suspends the front of the bike. At the rear, the Diverge relies on high-volume tires and seatpost flex for comfort. The top tube slopes down and the seatpost is clamped low to provide ample room for the post to flex when hitting bumps. 

Unlike Future Shock, Trek’s IsoSpeed Decoupler system is a passive system with no moving parts. It provides extra comfort without the weight or complexity of suspension. The top tube is split at the seat tube junction and the seat tube passes through it. The tubes don’t directly touch but are joined by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. The seat tube can flex fore and aft a few degrees, and between the tubes are two additional elastomer inserts. This helps mute vibrations and bumps that travel through the frame to the saddle but maintains lateral stiffness to keep the bike feeling fast and efficient. The IsoSpeed system used on the high-end SLR model will feel a bit firmer thanks to the added damper. 

Both versions of IsoSpeed require little to no maintenance and the bearings and other components are replaceable if needed. The Checkpoint doesn’t use IsoSpeed at the front of the bike because Treks claims high volume gravel tires provide enough compliance, so adding front IsoSpeed is not worth the extra weight or cost. 

When it comes to choosing between the two, I suggest riders consider where they value comfort more — in the front or rear. Future Shock is great for riders who experience pain or fatigue in their hands during rough or long rides, while IsoSpeed is similarly good for riders who experience sit bone or lower back pain.   

Specialized Diverge vs. Trek Checkpoint: Tire clearance

Until the release of the 2021 Diverge, the Checkpoint was the clear winner when it came to tire clearance. Now, I would call it a draw. Even though the latest Diverge can clear 47mm tires, tires in the 40-45mm range are the most common. Also, even though it was never officially endorsed by Trek, the 2018-2021 Checkpoint can likely fit 650b wheels and tires with no issues. 

Specialized Diverge vs. Trek Checkpoint: Geometry

By comparing geometry, it’s clear to see that the latest versions of the Diverge and Checkpoint have moved toward longer reach and chainstays. This has been a common trend for both gravel and mountain bikes because longer bikes are more stable, especially on off-road terrain. Lower bottom brackets and slacker head tube angles also add more stability. One thing to take note of is the stack height. In general, the checkpoint has 10-20mm less stack than a comparable Diverge.

If you lack confidence when going fast or cornering on rough or loose gravel, then longer, lower, and slacker geometry might be better for you. If you prefer more agility or do a lot of road miles, you might prefer shorter, higher, and steeper geometry. Check out our guide to bike geometry to learn more. 

Specialized Diverge vs. Trek Checkpoint: Frame weight

The frame weights listed above are for 56cm frames without a fork. I’ve only included weights that have been published online and are easy to find, so you might notice that information is missing for earlier Diverge models because Specialized has not provided it. Also, these are the manufacturer's claimed frame weights, so take them with a grain of salt. 

Overall bike weight will mostly come down to the components, but for both the Diverge and the Checkpoint, you can expect carbon models to weigh in between 18-22 pounds, which is very respectable for bikes meant to handle a lot of off-road abuse. Comparing current the top-spec S-Works and SLR models, the Checkpoint just barely wins out. The weights are all close enough though that I don’t consider it a deciding factor. 

[newsletter]

Diverge vs. Checkpoint: History

If you're curious to learn how these two models have evolved over the years, or want to understand the differences between various generations, read on for a deep dive.

The Diverge geometry matched the Specialized’s Roubaix endurance road bike, with the one difference being more standover height. The frame came in 10r carbon, SmartWeld E5 aluminum, or basic A1 alloy, and had a large focus placed on compliance. The E5 aluminum frame was as compliant as a carbon Roubaix SL4 frame, with the carbon version being another 6% more compliant. Carbon and E5 frames both used vibration-damping Zertz elastomer inserts in the fork and seat stays, while A1 alloy models use Zertz inserts in the fork with curved seatstays to increase compliance.  

[product-block handle="specialized-diverge-carbon-gravel-bike-2015-large"/]

The bottom bracket used Specialized’s OSBB standard, which is essentially the same as BB30. Notably, the first generation Diverge uses a 15x100mm front axle and Specialized’s proprietary SCS rear axle spacing with a 12x135mm rear axle. This unique axle spacing can limit future wheel upgrade options. 

The second-generation Diverge could fit 700c x 42mm or 650b x 47mm tires. The geometry is more stable than its predecessor, with taller stack (mostly due to the addition of Future Shock), lower bottom bracket, longer chain stays, and a slightly slacker head tube. 

Then there’s Future Shock, which completely replaced the old Zertz inserts. First introduced on the 2017 Roubaix, Future Shock is a suspension system located under the handlebars that provides 20mm of travel to absorb bumps and increase comfort and control on rough terrain. Springs can be swapped between soft, medium, and hard options to suit different rider weights and preferences. 

[product-block handle="2019-specialized-s-works-diverge-l-6"/]

Second-generation Diverge frames came in 9r carbon (which is slightly heavier but also tougher and more compliant than 10r carbon) and E5 aluminum versions. Specialized also added an S-Works model that used high-grade 11r carbon and reduced frame weight to a stunning 880 grams. The axles were updated to standard 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear thru-axles. The bottom bracket was changed to BB386. Note that the E5 aluminum models are limited to 38mm tires in the rear and the entry-level E5 sport model does not have Future Shock to reduce cost. 

Thanks to a narrower chain stay design, tire clearance has grown to allow for massive 700c x 47mm or 650b x 2.1” tires. The head tube has been slacked out by about a degree across all sizes to increase off-road stability. And an internal S.W.A.T. box storage compartment has been added to the down tube on carbon models. 

[product-block handle="2021-specialized-diverge-expert-l-1"/]

Comp Carbon and above models (which use 9r carbon) get the new Future Shock 2.0 system which adds hydraulic damping to keep it more composed in rough terrain and an adjustment knob that allows riders to toggle between firm and soft settings on the fly. Sport Carbon models (which use lower grade 8r carbon) use Future Shock 1.5, which is similar to the original Future Shock used on the previous generation with no damper and swappable springs. 

[product-block handle="2022-specialized-diverge-expert-l"/]

E5 aluminum models do not have Future Shock, with the exception of the E5 Evo model which uses Future Shock 1.5. The E5 Evo is a unique option that takes inspiration from mountain bikes with flat handlebars, a dropper seatpost, longer reach, and a slacker 70-degree head tube for all sizes. It also only comes in S, M, and L sizes. It’s a fun option for riders who want to explore singletrack trails and gnarlier gravel roads.

Finally, in a move that’s sure to please home mechanics, all carbon and aluminum Diverge models now have traditional BSA threaded bottom brackets.  

[button] Shop the Specialized Diverge [/button]

Tire clearance was good from the get-go, with room for wide 700c x 45mm tires. The geometry was carried over from the agile Boone cyclocross bike, with the exception of a lower bottom bracket. Trek claimed this combination of a nimble front end with a lower center of gravity was ideal for riding on fast off-road surfaces. But the Checkpoint also came with Trek’s “Stranglehold” adjustable dropouts. For riders who desired more stability, the rear end could be lengthened up to 15mm to mellow things out. These sliding dropouts also allowed for easy singlespeed setups.

The standout feature though is Trek’s IsoSpeed Decoupler, found on carbon models. IsoSpeed physically decouples the top tube from the seat tube and separates them with elastomers. This allows the seat tube to flex so it can absorb vibrations and bumps, enhancing rider comfort. 

[product-block handle="2021-trek-checkpoint-sl7-l"/]

The first generation Checkpoint came in either an SL carbon or ALR aluminum frame. The ALR frame does not have the IsoSpeed Decoupler. SL frames used Trek’s OCLV 500 carbon and a BB90 bottom bracket. ALR frames used a standard PF86 bottom bracket. 

The Checkpoint has been so popular that Trek decided to add a new SLR carbon model to the line-up, which sits above the SL carbon and ALR aluminum models. The SLR model has a lighter frame built with higher-grade OCLV 700 carbon, and it uses Trek’s latest Top Tube IsoSpeed Decoupler. Top Tube IsoSpeed features an additional elastomer damper in the seat tube to minimize bouncing. It’s also tuned for specific frame sizes, so small frames intended for lighter riders are more compliant than large frames. 

[product-block handle="2022-trek-checkpoint-sl-6-etap-m"/]

SL Carbon checkpoints retain the original IsoSpeed Decoupler design, but they switch from an integrated seat mast to a standard 27.2mm seatpost, which means riders can now run a dropper post if desired. ALR aluminum models still don’t use IsoSpeed but get the same geometry updates as carbon models. 

Trek has also added internal down tube storage to the SLR and SL carbon Checkpoint and all Checkpoint models now use threaded T47 bottom brackets. 

[button] Shop the Trek Checkpoint [/button]

Specialized Diverge vs. Trek Checkpoint: Final thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve learned pretty much everything you need to know before purchasing a Specialized Diverge or a Trek Checkpoint. So how do you choose between the two? There are four main factors to consider when comparing them:

• Tire Clearance
• Personal taste

The biggest deciding factor is Future Shock vs. IsoSpeed. Every rider’s body is different, and it’s up to you to decide whether you value front-end or rear-end comfort more. For example, I struggle with hand pain on long gravel rides but generally have no issues with my saddle area, so I’d prefer the Diverge. Some riders, however, might not like the active nature of the Future Shock and would prefer the simpler, more passive action of IsoSpeed. 

If you intend to run wide 45mm tires, then it will be easier with the Checkpoint. With the Diverge, you’ll be limited to 2022+ models, which may be more expensive and harder to find. Also, if you like having a low handlebar position, it is easier to achieve on the Checkpoint because it has significantly less stack height than the Diverge. Because of the Future Shock, second-and third-generation Diverges have fairly tall front ends. This is great for comfort, but racers often like having lower front ends for better aerodynamics.  

Ian Boswell's 2021 Unbound Gravel 200 winning Specialized Diverge. Photo: Wil Matthews.

Finally, both bikes will perform extremely well on gravel and mixed terrain, so it might just make sense to pick the bike you think looks better, or the brand you find yourself more loyal to. If you’re a racing fan, it’s worth noting that the Diverge is the current defending champion of Unbound Gravel 200, the world’s premier gravel race. 

Recently, I’ve been digging the look of the new Diverge, so that’s what I’m leaning toward buying. What bike would you choose and why? Let me know in the comments! 

More Gravel

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Apr 24, 2024

My 2024 Unbound Gravel Kit: Can Clothes Help You Ride Faster?

Bikes, Gravel, Latest, Road Apr 11, 2024

ENVE Fray: The Definitive All-Road Bike? The Coolest for Sure.

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Apr 10, 2024

The Best Gravel Bike Comfort Upgrades for Unbound (and Beyond)

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Apr 1, 2024

Waxing Your Chain vs. Using Wet Lube for Dust, Mud, & Unbound Gravel

Bikes, Features, Gravel, Latest Mar 28, 2024

This Crust Bombora Shows Us a Different Side of Cycling

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Mar 25, 2024

1x vs. 2x: What Drivetrain Should You Race at Unbound Gravel?

Bikes, Features, Gravel, Latest, Tech Mar 22, 2024

This ENVE MOG x Classified Bike Might Represent the Future of 1x

Features, Gravel, Guides, Latest Mar 21, 2024

Choosing The Best Tire Setup for Racing Unbound Gravel

Features, Fun, Gravel, Latest Mar 19, 2024

I'm Going Back to Unbound Gravel This Year (for Vengeance!)

Bikes, Features, Gravel, Latest Feb 7, 2024

I Like This Revel Rover, but I Like the Recyclable Wheels Even More

Features, Gravel, Inside, Latest Feb 5, 2024

Have Fun, Get Dirty, Do Hard Things: 2024 Old Man Winter Recap

Gravel, Latest, Opinion Jan 23, 2024

Are Lotteries the Best Selection Method for Bucket List Events?

New arrivals.

Certified Pre-Owned

Trek Domane SL Road Bike - 2020, 60cm

Yeti Cycles SB100 GX Eagle Mountain Bike - 2019, Medium

Specialized Diverge E5 Comp Gravel Bike - 2022, 54cm

Santa Cruz Heckler X0 AXS RSV 29 Mountain E-Bike - 2023, Medium

Specialized Shiv Triathlon Bike - 2018, Small

Specialized S-Works Epic Evo Mountain Bike - 2021, Medium

Trek Boone Cyclocross Bike - 2023, 61cm

Knolly Fugitive 138 Mountain Bike - 2021, Medium

Argon 18 E-117 Tri Ultegra Di2 Time Trial Bike - 2020, Small

Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 Disc Road Bike - 2023, Medium

Specialized Status 160 Mountain Bike - 2022, S4

Evil Wreckoning LS X0 Eagle AXS Mountain Bike - 2022, Small

• Specialized
• Bridge Bikeworks
• Brooklyn Bicycle Co.
• Bunch Bikes
• CYCLE OF GOOD
• DALLINGRIDGE
• Diamondback
• Eddy Merckx
• Electric Bike Company
• EVO Bicycles
• Fahrradmanufaktur
• Flyer by Radio Flyer
• iGO Electric
• Intense 951
• JupiterBike
• Lectric eBikes
• LeMond Bicycles
• Lightweight
• View all brands
• Pivot Cycles
• Qualisports
• Quintana Roo
• Rad Power Bikes
• Raleigh Electric
• Riese & Müller
• Rocky Mountain
• Schindelhauer
• State Bicycle Co.
• Surface 604
• Urban Arrow
• Van Nicholas
• VELO DE VILLE
• Vintage Electric
• Yeti Cycles
• YT Industries

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

Weight / 56 - 9.75 kg / 21.5 lbs

At a glance

Where to buy.

"An excellent gravel race bike"

"Trek's new Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap is an excellent gravel race bike, built with features and geometry that calm rough surfaces without the handling feeling vague or sluggish. After two months on it, I can say that the bike we named the 2021 VeloNews Bike of the Year has only gotten better."

"One of the best gravel bikes I’ve been on"

"Overall, the new Checkpoint is a wonderful gravel bike. It’s faster, better handling, and more suited to the needs of the today’s gravel rider."

Specifications

• Frame 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, tapered head tube, Internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, T47 BB, rack and fender mounts, integrated frame bag mounts, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle
• Wheels Size: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 Bontrager Paradigm, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, presta valve Size: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 Bontrager Paradigm SL, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, presta valve
• Tires Bontrager TLR sealant, 6oz
• Chain Shimano HG601
• Crank Size: 49 Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 165mm length Size: 52 Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 170mm length
• Front Derailleur Shimano GRX RX810, braze-on
• Rear Derailleur Shimano GRX RX810, long cage, 34T max cog
• Shifters Shimano GRX RX600, 11 speed
• Brakeset Shimano SM-RT70, centerlock, 160mm
• Handlebar Size: 49 Size: 52
• Saddle Size: 49, 52 Size: 54, 56, 58, 61
• Seatpost Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length
• Stem Size: 49 Size: 52, 54
• Headset FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: Where to buy a 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5?

The 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 weigh?

A 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 weights 56 - 9.75 kg / 21.5 lbs.

Q: What size 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 should I get?

No comments on this bike yet. Why not be the first?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want more road bikes in your mailbox?

The latest on road bikes delivered straight to your mailbox.

More Bikes in Range View All

Trek Checkpoint ALR Frameset

Trek Checkpoint ALR F/S Frame Set

Trek Checkpoint SL 5

More gravel bikes view all.

YT Industries Szepter CORE 3 700c

Merida SILEX 200

BH GRAVELX 3.0

Deals view all, view all deals, recent posts view all.

What is Road Bike Database?

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, choosing the right road bike can…

Send Feedback

Have a suggestion? Looking for a bike that's not on Road Bike Database? Or perhaps you've spotted an error?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know with the form below.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more.

About Road Bike Database

Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best road bikes here on Road Bike Database.

Compare prices, components, reviews, images and more on current and past road bikes. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on road bikes. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Cervélo , BMC , Trek , Specialized and more .

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for road bikes on Road Bike Database. If you’ve spotted any issues, please let us know . We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right road bike. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike.

Bikes By Brand

Bikes by year, bikes by riding style.

• Electric Road
• folding-bike
• general-road
• general-urban
• long-tail-cargo

Bikes By Wheel Size

Popular bikes.

• 2022 Bergamont E-Horizon Elite Belt Amsterdam
• 2023 Kellys ESTIMA 10 SH 504Wh
• 2023 Tern Link D7i
• 2023 Rose MULTISTREET 3 MidStep
• 2022 ARC8 Escapee DB DURA ACE DI2
• 2023 Riese & Müller Supercharger GT vario HS
• 2022 Garneau Urbania 3

Latest Bikes

• 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT touring
• 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT rohloff
• 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT rohloff HS
• 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT vario HS
• 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT vario
• 2024 Riese & Müller Delite4 GT touring HS
• 2024 Riese & Müller Roadster4 Mixte vario HS

• Checkpoint ALR 5

• Rider Notes

2024 Trek Checkpoint ALR 4

An aluminum frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and mechanical disc brakes. Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

Biloxi Bicycle Works

Checkpoint ALR 4

In Stock: 52cm

Checkpoint ALR 4 - 2024, 49cm

In Stock: 49cm

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Checkpoint model range

5'1" – 5'5"

5'3" – 5'7"

5'5" – 5'9"

5'8" – 6'0"

5'10" – 6'2"

6'0" – 6'4"

• 5'7", size 54, Fits large
• 5'10", size LG, Just right
• 5'9", size 52cm, Just right

Jan 2024 · Calvin Zajac

Is Trek’s mid-range gravel machine better than its top-end twin? The Checkpoint SL 7 offers adventure on a (slightly) lower budget, but is that enough to beat the competition in our adventure gravel bike group test?

Outstanding versatility

A lot of practical features

High-quality design, boasting first-class workmanship

No chainstay protector

Read Review

Nov 2023 · Oscar Huckle

How does the Checkpoint platform translate into aluminium?

Well mannered on tamer terrain

Lots of eyelets

Eschews integration

Clean dropper post actuation

Not the most exciting ride

Harsh through the front end when unloaded

Oct 2022 · Mat Brett

Get all the details of this fiery red gravel/adventure bike with Trek’s gravel-smoothing IsoSpeed

Sep 2022 · Josh Ross

The Trek Checkpoint is the only bike you need to take you on every adventure

SRAM Rival AXS is the perfect groupset for an all-arounder

Mud-guard mounts

Mounting points for every bag you can think of

Non-proprietary seat-post provides options

Internal storage is convenient

Downtube protection eases worry

Threaded bottom bracket

Ideal all-around gearing

Short stem for added stability means handlebar/knee interference

Lacks included protection for the chain stay

Detail behind the fork steerer collects water and is difficult to clean

Sep 2022 · Steve Williams

Trek's updated aluminum Checkpoint is a surefooted, confidence-inspiring ride that's perfect for ruined back lanes, byways and well-laden travels

Stable and predictable

Comfortable

Great shifting and brakes

Gearing a bit tall for the weight

Could use a dropper post

Aug 2022 · Sam Challis

Neat tricks combined with smart design equals good fun. The Checkpoint SL is the sweetspot in Trek's gravel range

Effective geometry

Sensible spec

Neat extra frame features

Non-removable front derailleur mount

Headset cable integration design isn’t watertight

Feb 2022 · Betsy Welch

Rockwell's bike pays tribute her home, and of eras gone by.

Updated geometry and differentiated models for speed, adventure, and all purpose riding

Last updated December 23 Not listed for 127 days

• Pinkbike.com
• Register New User
• First Looks
• Friday Fails
• Community Blogs
• Fantasy League DH
• Places Directory
• Road Complete Bikes

2020 Trek Checkpoint AL 4

Cool Features