More comfort, more storage space: The Trek Checkpoint is looking for adventure

With the Checkpoint, Trek has so far sought a compromise between sporty handling, plenty of comfort and details suitable for travelling. Many customers appreciated the well-balanced mix, but for others the bike was neither fish nor fowl. Ambitious riders and technology enthusiasts in particular looked to the competition, where race gravel bikes with less weight and sportier geometries are available. The US manufacturer is now catering for this with the new Checkmatebut the Checkpoint is better profiled for long-haul and long journeys.

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 Checkpoint differs in many details from its sporty brother Checkmate and from the previous generation of the Checkpoint. The geometry has become significantly more comfortable, in particular the reach has been shortened by an average of 1.5 centimetres depending on the frame size, while the stack is slightly higher. This means you sit much more upright on the bike than before. The luggage concept has also been revised. The frame triangle has been made larger to provide 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 a front pannier rack can also be fitted.

Focus on ride comfort

The engineers have also tackled the issue of ride comfort. The 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 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 Checkpoint is available from €3999 and is equipped with a SRAM Rival AXS. 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 drivetrains (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.

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

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