Off-road, versatile, comfortable, fast, beginner-friendly: there are a number of attributes that define current gravel bikes and allow them to be categorised. There are the lightweight, aerodynamically optimised top athletes (see TOUR 1/2022)but also connoisseurs who prioritise comfort over speed. The latter category includes the Trek Checkpoint, which was presented in autumn 2021 and which the US company has revised for the first time since its market launch in 2018 and now offers in three classes (ALR, SL and SLR). We tested the SL 6 eTap for € 4,099.
The Checkpoint offers impressive comfort
Gravel under the tyres at last: That's probably what many gravel cyclists think when they escape the traffic and turn off onto tarmac-free terrain. It's no different for us with the Checkpoint SL 6 eTap. However, after just a few turns of the cranks, a slight doubt arises. Are we really on a gravel track? Or do we still have muddy asphalt under our tyres? The surface doesn't necessarily feel like off-road, and you can hardly feel any bumps or potholes on the wide handlebars and saddle. But we are definitely off-road. Although "only" on a dirt track, the Checkpoint already shows its greatest strength here: its suspension comfort.
IsoSpeed technology minimises vibrations
This is primarily due to the patented IsoSpeed technology. On the SL models, a ball bearing between the top tube and seat tube noticeably minimises vibrations; the system only reaches its limits on larger potholes or roots. The suspension on the SLR models is "hidden" in the top tube. Unlike the top road models Madone SLR and Domane SLR, the suspension system cannot be adjusted, and Trek has also dispensed with the front Iso-Speed on the fork steerer on the gravel bikes. The aluminium Checkpoint ALR models come without a suspension system.
Tyre clearance and other details of the new gravel bike from Trek
All Checkpoint variants are equipped with 40 millimetre wide tyres on 28-inch wheels. The tyres from Bontrager have a profile similar to Schwalbe's G-One Allround, roll consistently well both on asphalt and off-road and can be ridden with low air pressure (maximum 3.4 bar). In combination with the IsoSpeed system, the result is a perfect symbiosis for varied terrain. For even more comfort, you could fit tyres up to 45 millimetres wide - and even larger tyres with compatible 27.5-inch wheels. The numerous attachment points for luggage and equipment show just how consistently the Americans have tailored their innovation to bikepacking adventures. "It's not a question of what you can attach to the bike, but what you can't," says Trek's chief developer Jordan Roessingh with a smile. Eyelets for bags, bottles and mudguards turn the Checkpoint into a packhorse. The storage compartment integrated into the down tube for a spare tube and mini-tool - already familiar from the Trek Domane - is both practical and elegant.
Very sporty seating position
As functional as the new Trek is, it is also heavy. At 9.4 kilograms, the SL 6 eTap is not very agile, and the very sluggish steering behaviour supports this impression.
this impression. In stark contrast to this is the stretched seating position. It is even sportier than on current race gravel bikes (see TOUR 1/2022)which doesn't really suit the character of the Checkpoint - at least not the SL version. With the lighter SLR models, Trek should be able to strike a better balance between comfort and sportiness.
However, you would then have to invest at least 7,100 euros. That's how much the "cheapest" SLR model costs. The SL 6 with SRAM Rival eTap that we tested costs 4,099 euros. The new Checkpoint family comprises a total of eight models. Starting at € 2,499 for the ALR 5 with Shimano GRX, the top version SLR 9 with SRAM Red eTap (8.1 kg/manufacturer's specification) costs € 12,099. When the new product family was launched in September 2021, the prices of each variant were still around € 100 below the current retail price.
Facts about the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap
- Price 4,099 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel 9.4 kilos
- Info www.trekbikes.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,427/531/86 gram / Frame sizes** 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 Seat/top tube/head tube 505/570/125 mm Stack/Reach/STR*** 574/400 mm/1.44 Wheelbase/caster 1,040/68 mm
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit SRAM Rival eTap (40/10-44 t.)
- Brakes SRAM Rival (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights) Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25/Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 40 mm (f./h. 1,607/2,112 g)
*Weighed weights. ** Manufacturer's specification Test size bold. *** Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach) 1.36 means a very stretched sitting position, 1.60 means an upright sitting position.
In addition to the Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap, the following bikes were tested by TOUR:
Canyon Endurance CF 7 & Endurance 7 - Plenty of tyre clearance with an excellent price-performance ratio
Cube Agree C:62 SLT- sporty marathon bike, agile with average comfort
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RL - Racing bike with integrated battery light and radar
Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD - Is it as fast in the wind tunnel as it looks and feels?
Julian Schultz
Editor
