test trek checkpoint alr 5

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.

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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.

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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.

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2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless Review

Are you searching for an endurance gravel bike that combines lightweight performance and severe loyalty to the cause? If so, the 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless may be the perfect choice for you.

The latest version of the Check Point ALR 5 is a future-proofed long-distance gravel bike that has been heavily developed over several years. 

It features an all-new lightweight Alpha Aluminum frame and some seriously impressive technology, flat mount brakes, hidden fender mounts, and even a small frame bag.

All of this comes together to create an agile, long distance experience that packs in comfort without compromising on speed and control. 

In this review we take a closer look at what makes the 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless so special and why it could be one of the best options available on the market today.

The 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless was released recently and the anticipation for the bike has been huge. 

This high-performance all-road gravel bike offers a lightweight, responsive package that is built for long rides and intense races. 

Built with an aluminum frame and carbon fork, this Checkpoint comes packed with features like an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic brakes. 

In this review, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless and seeing how it performs on the trail.

Frame Design

The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless features an aluminum alloy frame that is designed to offer good power transfer while remaining light weight. 

The frame has clearance for 700x45c or 650×2.1″ tires, allowing you to take on more challenging road surfaces with confidence. 

The frame also uses Trek’s Control Freak internal cable routing system which helps to streamline the design by tucking away all of the cables inside of the frame.

Groupset and Components

This version of the Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless comes equipped with a Shimano GRX 11-speed groupset which includes a shifter/brake lever combo, front/rear derailleurs and a 11-42t cassette. 

When it comes to braking, this bike features flat mount hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano which offer reliable stopping power even on wet or muddy roads. 

As for suspension, this Checkpoint model uses a rigid carbon fork to provide some comfort without taking too much away from its agile feel.

The wheels on this model are Bontrager Paradigm tubeless compatible wrapped with Bontrager GR2 Team Issue Elite 700x40c tires. 

These rims are strong and light, making them ideal for gravel riding where speed changes frequently and terrain can get rough or technical at times. 

They even include a small bottle of tubeless sealant should you choose to run them tubeless.

Overall Ride Feel

As far as ride feel goes, this Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless has a stiff and snappy feel thanks to its lightweight construction and rigid carbon fork design. 

The geometry of this bike helps foster good power transfer throughout pedal strokes while still allowing you to stay agile around tight corners or when navigating through technical terrain at higher speeds. 

With its dependable components like Shimano’s GRX 11-speed groupset and hydraulic disc brakes you get great performance in any condition whether you’re racing against your friends or just out exploring some local trails.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Road Test: Trek Checkpoint ALR5 Driftless

This article first appeared in the July/August 2023 issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine.

The Driftless is a special edition of Trek’s Checkpoint gravel bike, and its moniker refers to the Driftless Area of the Midwest — specifically Wisconsin, Trek’s home state. Thanks to the internet, I now know that the Driftless Area was never covered by ice during the last ice age and therefore lacks glacial silt deposits, known as drift. Elsewhere in the Midwest, receding glaciers flattened the landscape; not so in the Driftless, where you’ll find steep hills and deep, narrow river valleys.

Trek’s Checkpoint is available in several iterations in carbon or aluminum and 1x or 2x drivetrains. The Driftless, however, comes in only one spec, but it’s a good one: aluminum frame, carbon fork, 1x drivetrain, dropper post, and bolt-on half framebag. The Driftless is also available in only one color, a dark red that Trek calls — wait for it — Satin Cobra Blood . If that didn’t come out of an ayahuasca fever dream, I don’t know what would. But look closely at the paint and you’ll see topographical lines that, according to Trek, evoke the Driftless Area. It’s a sharp-looking bike. And when you open the framebag, you’ll see the red topo pattern repeated on the interior fabric. That deserves a chef’s kiss right there.

The Driftless comes out of the gate ready for loaded adventures, featuring rack and fender mounts, four bottle mounts, triple mounts on the fork, and mounts for a top tube bag. With the framebag installed on the size 56cm I tested, I was able to fit a small bottle on the seat tube and a large bottle on the downtube. The framebag’s main compartment features three pockets, which is great for keeping things like your phone, wallet, keys, and a multitool handy without bouncing around. If you want to carry more water bottles, you can always remove the framebag to take advantage of the upper downtube bottle position: the inner triangle can carry up to three bottles.

For the drivetrain and brakes, Trek chose high-end Shimano GRX bits, which provided crisp shifting and easy, one-finger braking. With no front derailer, the left shifter is available to actuate the dropper post, a feature I absolutely loved. But with a 40T chainring and an 11–42T cassette, the Driftless had less gearing than I would prefer, especially on a bike named for a region with steep hills and with designs on loaded riding. The Easton dropper post provided only 50mm of travel, which for a bike like this is plenty. It’s just enough to lower your center of gravity but not so much that you can’t still get a few pedal strokes in.

As for the rest of the spec list, it’s a lot of Bontrager-branded stuff that worked quite well. I liked the shape and feel of the handlebar with its 13° flare, but I found the 420mm width a tad narrow. Likewise, the Bontrager wheels rolled just fine, but with only 24 spokes per wheel, they might not be ideal if you plan on really loading this bike up. The GR2 tires rolled quickly on pavement and provided a ton of grip on dirt, and they managed to survive the sharp rocks and scattered broken glass here in Salt Lake City, which is no small feat.

So aside from a cool paint job, a nifty framebag, and a dropper post, it’s just a gravel bike, right? Wrong. Somehow, the Wisconsin brand has created one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever thrown a leg over. The Driftless was screamingly quick on the road, even with its off-road tires — I quickly realized that being able to drop my butt 50mm on canyon descents makes me go much, much faster and with way more confidence — and with its short wheelbase and steep-ish head angle, it was an absolute riot on dirt, especially singletrack. A term we don’t often use in this publication is tossable , as in maneuverable, twitchy. With the slightest input, I could snake this bike around rocks and drift around corners like a hooligan. On one of the most fun days I’ve ever had on a bike, I rode the Driftless 20 miles on pavement to a trailhead, rode 20 miles of singletrack on green and blue mountain bike trails, and then rode 20 miles of pavement home. I couldn’t feel my legs the next day, but it was worth it.

So what’s this bike’s special sauce? I have no idea. The bike felt short and twitchy and pointy , as we say in the mountain bike world, but it was also surprisingly compliant. Something I’ve come to learn recently is that manufacturers have figured out how to make aluminum frames that don’t beat you up, and the Driftless is one such bike. But I also think the carbon fork and the low spoke count of the wheels played a role in the ride feel as well. Without isolating the various factors, it’s hard to point a finger at the source. But I tend to think that Trek hit upon a magical combination, and I’d be wary of replacing any one thing for fear of compromising this bike’s unique qualities.

Trek Checkpoint ALR5 Driftless

Best uses: Road, gravel, light touring, singletrack

Price: $2,800

Frame: Alpha Aluminum, rack and fender mounts, four bottle mounts, top tube mounts

Fork: Carbon, rack and fender mounts, triple mounts

Weight: 22.2 lbs. (with framebag and two bottle cages)

Available sizes: 49cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 61cm

Size tested: 56cm

trekbikes.com

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Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review: Is It A Good Bike To Have?

• By Daniel Shakibaie
• Road Bike , Trek Bikes

Your bike should be able to take you everywhere your car can. Sure, it might take longer, but unless you’re looking for a bike that’s only designed to handle asphalt, you’ll probably need something a little more rugged than your average road bike. 

Enter the Trek ALR 5 . While this bike isn’t a mountain bike, it’s a more rugged design and gravel-eating geometry means that you can take this bike… pretty much anywhere. It is one of the most popular rugged bikes of the Trek Checkpoint line.

Still, you should know what you’re getting into before you invest in any new bike, especially a more expensive model like ALR 5. 

The Checkpoint is Trek’s entry into the gravel bike market, but it’s status as a relative newcomer shouldn’t fool you. Instead, consider Trek’s late entry a combination of waiting to see if the market was a fad and waiting until they had a high-quality build that really stood out among the best gravel bike models. 

The ALR 5 is a good mid to premium bike model with a maximum total weight limit of 275 pounds that performs about how you’d expect from a bike in this price range. It’s more rugged design means that this bike won’t ever be the fastest kid on the block, but it’s a well-balanced option. 

Better yet, it accelerates and maintains speed well enough that experienced cyclists might find themselves outpacing the local road bikes, at least as long as they have the component and experience advantage. 

The ALR 5 isn’t a bike that’s really designed for new cyclists. It’s also not really meant for the most technical trails or hardcore crosscheck, which can be a downside for some riders. 

Still, the flexible design makes this a good do it all bike, especially for riders who are looking to have some run and explore more than they’re looking to beat record racing times or rock a near-impossible trail without wiping out. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Gravel Bike 

Gravel bikes are exactly what they sound like. They are designed to handle all-terrain conditions like a mountain bike, but generally don’t have the jump and bump suspension you need for a dirt trail. Instead, gravel bikes like to create a steady and relatively smooth ride quality over difficult surfaces, gravel in particular. 

If you’ve ever ridden a road bike or a commuter bike over treacherous gravel roads, you know why this specialization is so important. 

However, the best value gravel bike is heavier and a little slower and chunkier than their speedy competitors, which makes them less suitable for urban riders. They also don’t usually have the same kind of suspension system as a good mountain bike. 

That’s not to say that you couldn’t hit some mountain trails on a gravel bike, you can. But you should expect that it’s going to perform differently, and you might get hung up on obstacles your mountain bike can easily mount or jump. 

Essentially, remember that a best-value gravel bike isn’t truly designed for everyone, even though it is one of the more popular do-everything bike types. 

Features & Benefits

We’ve talked a little about how Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 performs when it’s all put together, but that isn’t everything. You should still know what kind of components you’re working with and how those components will affect bike performance overall. 

This bike has an aluminum frame instead of a lighter carbon design. The new alloy, 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, performs even better than Trek’s older aluminum frames, absorbing a little more road vibration without adding weight or losing durability. 

Its circular and oval frame shape is fairly straightforward, but a glossy and incredibly clean paint job adds a little flair. 

More importantly, the ALR 5 has consistently good welds, with high durability which makes it much less likely that you’ll break a weld while you’re riding. 

The internal cable routing, aluminum tapered head tube, seat tube and down tube make ALR 5 a professional looking and a great bike. Internal routing also keeps your bike looking and riding cleaner while protecting component wires and reducing the wear and tear on your bike. The 300 series alpha aluminum tapered head or seat tube along with a sturdy down tube of ALR 5 makes your ride smooth and comfortable.

The ALR 5 might not come with any racks or integrated frame bag mounts, but the frame is pre-drilled for all the standard accessories, saving you money and time. 

Suspension System

The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 ‘s fork has carbon fiber checkpoint models, which is a lightweight suspension solution a little different from your average suspension fork. Instead of absorbing big impacts and providing travel space for jumps and bumps, this fork is focused on reducing road vibration and preventing constant low-level impacts from traveling up the bike. It also has fender mounts and 12x100mm thru axle.

That means that you’ll be able to ride over gravel without feeling like you’re being shaken apart, but you’ll still feel every pothole on the road. 

While this suspension style is different, it’s very effective overall. 

More: Pure Fix Bike Review: Is It A Good Bike To Have

The tubeless-ready rims are a real boon on this bike since they make it even easier to get a smooth ride over gravel. 

However, you won’t be getting tubeless tires standard and massive tire clearance with the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. Instead, you’ll be getting a set of fairly standard tires with a reasonable, but slightly outdated, tread. 

The high-pressure tolerance of these tires makes them an understandable choice for Trek, but they’re also one of the first things that many cyclists upgrade when they buy this bike. 

The 21 gears on this bike are a nice, flexible addition to the bike. But, in the gravel bike crowd, many people think that that many gears are overkill and unnecessary. 

Thankfully, Trek seems to have anticipated that complaint and also lets you switch this bike over to a single-speed, and back, very quickly.

The combination of both the 21-speed mode and the single-speed mode makes this bike a good fit for most riding styles and a wider range of trails. 

More: Discover The Best Road Bikes Under $1000 Has to Offer

Like many of the most important components on this bike, the brakes are from Shimano. That means that you’re likely to get high-quality and very consistent results from these brakes, even if you haven’t used a set of flat-mount disc brakes before. 

The hydraulic disc brakes on this model are particularly important since they are much less likely to get gravel stuck in them and cause damage. 

Fortunately, they also offer highly responsive performance without stopping you to fast to be dangerous on gravel trails. 

Is the Trek Emonda ALR 5 Suitable for Riding on Tough Terrains?

The trek emonda alr 5 review reveals that it is a suitable choice for riding on tough terrains. With its aluminium frame and carbon fork, it offers a balanced combination of strength and comfort. The Shimano 105 groupset ensures smooth shifting, while the Bontrager wheels provide stability. Its lightweight design allows for agility in challenging conditions.

Other Customers Reviews

Customers generally love that the Checkpoint ALR 5 is more rugged than many of the more popular bike models out there. It’s also clearly a durable option, and gravel riders love a bike that can take a hit. Take a look for yourself: 

Alternatives

Trek checkpoint alr 5 vs cannondale topstone 105.

Both of these bikes are high-quality gravel bikes with lots of gears and a rugged design that can hold up to a beating. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any major differences between the two. The Topstone 105 has a serious advantage in the dropper component that will let you drop your saddle for more maneuverability on the go. 

The Topstone also comes with tubeless-ready tires (however, no massive tire clearance), which also gives it a little bit of a boost as the more versatile and adaptive of the two bikes. 

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 vs Trek SL5

The Trek SL3 is still a Checkpoint model, but it’s higher price point comes with several important innovations over the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 . The big advantage is that the SL5 smooths your ride even more than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. 

It’s snazzier appearance and equally, rugged durability makes the SL5 a good option if you’ve got a little extra cash to spend. 

However, the core of both bikes is similar. The ALR 5 still has the hydraulic disk brakes, tubeless-ready wheels, and high-end carbon fork you want for good gravel and drop bar bike. So while the SL5 does have some performance improvements, many riders will be just as happy with an ALR 5. 

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 vs ALR 4

The Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 has just had a new release for its 2021 model, which comes in several sleek and eye-catching colors, and has the same basic geometry and aggressive rider position as the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 . 

The ALR 4 is the more affordable of the two, and even in this newest model, you’re looking at several slight downgrades in almost every component set. Where it matters you’ll still be getting similar components. 

It’s still a Shimano drivetrain and brake set, for instance. Still, when you put it all together this model will be able to do just a little bit less than the ALR 5. By design. 

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 vs Specialized Diverge Comp E5

Another very similar model, the big difference here is that the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 uses a Tektro mechanical disc brake vs the ALR 5 ‘s Shimano hydraulic flat mount disc brake. Both are great braking systems, though the hydraulic is slightly nicer.  

Really though, we’d say that between these two brake models performance differences are so slight that it’s more a matter of what you prefer rather than what works better. 

More: Kestral Talon X Tri 105 Review

Overall, while the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 isn’t necessarily the best gravel bike you can get your hands on, it’s got a good component set and is a high-value option for its price. When you start looking at better bikes than this one, you’re looking at much bigger cost differentials for smaller and smaller performance increases. 

The extra cost might be worth it for some, but in our opinion, this bike is a solid option for gravel riders at all experience levels. So, next time you stop at a bike shop, don’t miss checking such mountain bikes to ensure you enjoy riding.

About The Author

Daniel Shakibaie

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• Rider Notes

2020 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

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

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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.

Checkpoint ALR 5

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• 5'4", size 52cm, Fits large

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

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Sep 2021 · Matthew Pioro

Also, a tour of the revamped Trek Checkpoint lineup of bikes and Adventure bags for mixed-surface adventures

Dec 2020 · Ben Delaney

Gravel bikes abound, but this one checks all the boxes, and at a great price.

Dec 2020 · Benjamin Topf

Trek includes adjustable chainstays on their Checkpoint SL 7 gravel bike and offers new options for future gravel adventures like single-speed builds.

King of the climbs

Quick acceleration

Consistent spec

Many mounting points

Undamped rear flex

Limited adjustment range of the seatmast cap

Tires need more support at high speeds

Jun 2020 · Laura Weislo

On early impressions, Trek's flagship gravel bike, the Checkpoint SL7, looks perfect for seekers of versatility and adventure

Lightweight, agile and responsive ride

IsoSpeed shock adds comfort

Underbody protection for the eye-popping paint job

SRAM Force eTap AXS 1X drive not suited to mixed road/gravel

Top tube is too wide near the seat tube

Toe overlap in the smallest size

Mar 2020 · Abby Mickey

Trek’s Checkpoint was the most popular gravel bike of 2019, according to data Strava sent over last fall. Trek has sold a lot of them. This suggests that it’s a good bike, and indeed it is. But we found that it is good in a generic, pop-music, lowest-common-denominator, unoffensive-to-all kind of way. It takes few […]

An incredibly affordable bike that functions beyond its price, great for bikepacking, commuting, secret “groad” with your buddies, and more.

Heavy. It’s heavy. Also, it definitely needs a tire upgrade from the ones that come with it.

Mar 2020 · Dale Tiessen

Out of the saddle putting down maximum power into the Checkpoint, it feels like a nice carbon road bike.

Feb 2020 · Robin Wilmott

All-road versatility with refined road manners for a fine riding machine

Frame design and mounts, hydraulic Tiagra groupset

Chirpy mudguards

Last updated August 21 Not listed for 1,317 days

• Checkpoint ALR 5 - 2023, 54cm