With the Checkmate, introduced last summer, Trek reacted late to the diversification in the gravel scene and for the first time provided a competition-orientated model alongside the Checkpoint, which is suitable for touring. Just how serious the US manufacturer is about this can be seen in the new fleet: the models are only available as exclusive SLR versions, which primarily save weight. In our comparison, the SLR 8 is by far the lightest bike. In addition to the high-quality frameset, the Trek benefits from the lightweight equipment, as it is the only model built with the (old) Sram Red XPLR. Although the US company also offers a variant with Force XPLR, it has the same price tag with otherwise identical equipment.
Trek Checkmate: No significant weaknesses
Both in the test lab and in the wild, the newcomer has no weaknesses worth mentioning. With its extremely stretched riding position, which is due to the one-piece cockpit adopted from the Madone road bike, the Trek Checkmate is explicitly aimed at ambitious riders. If you want to take things a little more relaxed, the recently revised checkpoint better served. Despite its racing ambitions, the Trek has surprisingly good suspension. The bike absorbs impacts effectively, especially in the lower link, and a damping element at the rear supports the suspension.
Thanks to fast tyres, you can also make rapid progress on tarmac, but the tyres lose traction on muddy surfaces. The steering behaviour is well-balanced and comes close to that of a versatile all-road bike. One crucial point cannot be ignored: the high price. Compared to the cheapest candidates in our comparison, you have to shell out 4000 euros more for the Checkmate. The top model with the new Red XPLR and 1x13 gearbox is even in the five-figure range. There is no cheaper version. Despite the successful overall package, the bike, which can take panniers and mudguards, is probably reserved for gravel pros.
Trek Checkmate SLR 8 AXS: Info & test grade
- Price: 8999 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.2 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL (test size greased)
- TOUR grade: 1.8 (TOUR test winner)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 523/570/140 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 588/396 millimetres/1.48
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 645/581 millimetres/1.11
- Wheelbase/caster: 1035/66 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red XPLR AXS (1x12; 40, 10-44 t.) | Grade: 2.0
- Brakes: SRAM Red (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Tyres: Bontrager Girona RSL GR 38 mm (eff.: 40 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Impellers: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V
- Impeller weights: 1511/2020 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: lightweight, very good spring comfort, including power meter
- Minus: Comparatively expensive, high installation effort
Julian Schultz
Editor
