Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless

The "Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless" model from Trek, released in 2023, is a versatile and robust gravel bike that stands out for its high-quality components and well-thought-out design. Priced at 2999 EUR, this bike offers an impressive combination of performance and reliability.

The frame of the Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless is made from 300 Series Alpha aluminium and features a tapered head tube and internal cable routing. This not only ensures an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also protects the cables from external influences. The 3S chain guide and T47 bottom bracket contribute to the frame’s stability and durability. Furthermore, the frame is fitted with rack and mudguard eyelets, as well as integrated mounting points for a frame bag, which underlines the bike’s versatility. The flat-mount disc brake mounts and the 142 x 12 mm thru-axle round off the well-thought-out design.

Weighing just 9 kg and with a maximum load capacity of 125 kg, the Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless is both lightweight and robust. The Shimano RX810 hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear, each fitted with Shimano RT70, Centre Lock, 160 mm brake discs, ensure reliable braking performance in all conditions.

The gear system consists of Shimano GRX RX810 shifters with 11 speeds, enabling precise and fast gear changes. The fork is a full-carbon Checkpoint fork with a tapered carbon steerer tube, rack and mudguard mounts, a flat-mount disc mount and a 12x100 mm thru-axle.

The Shimano GRX RX600 crankset, with a 40-tooth chainring and a 170 mm crank arm length, combined with a Shimano SLX M7000 cassette (11-42, 11-speed) and the Shimano HG601 drivetrain, offers efficient power transfer and a wide range of gear ratios for various types of terrain.

The Bontrager Elite Gravel handlebars, 40 cm wide, and the Bontrager Elite stem (31.8 mm clamp diameter, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree rake, 80 mm length) provide comfortable and stable steering. The integrated FSA headset with sealed cartridge bearings ensures precise steering.

The Bontrager GR2 Team Issue tyres, sized 700 x 40, offer excellent grip and stability on a variety of surfaces. The wheelset consists of Bontrager hubs with sealed bearings and Bontrager Paradigm rims, which are tubeless-ready and have an internal width of 21 mm.

The Bontrager Verse Comp saddle, with steel rails and a width of 155 mm, and the Easton EA70 AX seatpost (27.2 mm diameter, 0 mm offset, 50 mm travel) offer a high level of comfort even on long rides.

The bike’s geometry is carefully designed: a reach of 40 mm, a stack of 55 mm, a seat tube length of 52 mm, a top tube length of 56 mm, a head tube angle of 72 degrees, a seat tube angle of 74 degrees, a head tube length of 10 mm, a chainstay length of 44 mm, a standover height of 76 mm and a wheelbase of 103 mm ensure a balanced riding position and excellent control.

In summary, the 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless offers outstanding value for money for anyone looking for a versatile and high-performance gravel bike.