Off to adventure: The Trek Checkpoint gravel bike gets more space for luggage

With the Checkpoint, Trek has so far sought the right balance between sporty handling, plenty of comfort and details suitable for travelling. Many customers liked the successful compromise, but for others the bike was neither half nor whole. Race-orientated riders and technology freaks in particular found the more exciting offers from other brands, where race gravel bikes with less weight and sportier geometries are available. The US manufacturer is now catering for this with the new Trek Checkmatebut the Checkpoint is better adapted to long distances and bikepacking.

Trek Checkpoint SL Gen. 3: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: 9.0 kilos (SL 7), 9.4 kilos (SL 6), 9.5 kilos (SL 5, size ML in each case)
• Frame weight: 1,385 grams (size ML)
• Fork weight: 536 grams (size ML)
• Stack/Reach/STR: 601/397 millimetres/1.51
• Max. tyre clearance: 50 millimetres
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL
• Prices: 3999 Euro (SL 5), 4599 Euro (SL 6), 6499 Euro (SL 7)

Plenty of space for luggage

The new Trek Checkpoint does a lot of things differently to the sporty brother Checkmate and the previous generation of the Checkpoint. The riding position has become significantly more upright, as the reach in particular has been shortened by an average of 1.5 centimetres, depending on the frame size, while the stack is slightly higher. The luggage concept has also been revised. The frame triangle is larger so that there is more space for frame bags and water bottles. The storage compartment already integrated into the down tube on the predecessor has been given greater access and a larger volume. Mounting points for mudguards and pannier racks were already standard on the second generation, but now front pannier racks can also be fitted.

Focus on ride comfort

The engineers have also tackled the issue of ride comfort. The Trek Checkpoint once again has a simple, non-adjustable IsoSpeed system, which allows the rear triangle of the frame to flex a little. Even more suspension can now be achieved through the choice of tyres: The Checkpoint now allows tyres up to 50 millimetres wide. The frame geometry is also designed for a suspension fork with up to 40 millimetres of travel; an optional dropper post can be fitted at the rear.

Prices and equipment

A clear difference to the Checkmate can also be seen in the prices. The Trek Checkpoint is available from €3999 and is equipped with a Sram Rival AXS drivetrain. The top model with Sram Force AXS costs 6499 euros and is still significantly cheaper than the cheapest Checkmate, which costs 8999 euros. The three equipment variants all come with electric Sram AXS gears (Apex, Rival or Force). Theoretically, a build with mechanical systems would also be possible, but a naked frameset is only available in the USA and Canada.

Trek Checkpoint SL 5

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Apex XPLR (1x12; 40, 11-44 t.)
• Impellers: Bontrager Paradigm SL (aluminium)
• Tyres: Bontrager Girona RSL (42 mm)
• Price: 3999 Euro

Trek Checkpoint SL 6

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Rival XPLR (1x12; 40, 10-44 t.)
• Impellers: Bontrager Paradigm Comp (aluminium)
• Tyres: Bontrager Girona RSL (42 mm)
• Price: 4599 Euro

Trek Checkpoint SL 7

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Force XPLR (1x12; 40, 11-44 t.)
• Impellers: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35V (Carbon)
• Tyres: Bontrager Girona RSL (42 mm)
• Price: 6499 Euro