Trek has unveiled Checkpoint – billed as an ‘entirely new platform of gravel bikes ready to shake up the ever-growing segment with a full line of models designed exclusively for the dedicated, adventure-minded gravel rider.’
According to Trek, Checkpoint is more than a modified version of Trek’s Crockett or Boone cyclocross bikes. Nor is it a new iteration of the Domane Gravel bikes introduced last year. Trek notes that it went back to the drawing board with this bike… ‘developing a new geometry and pairing it with quality spec that will hold up for long, rugged miles on pavement, dirt, and even the most treacherous gravel roads.’
Checkpoint comes ready to roll with a ‘wealth of adventure-ready features like adjustable Stranglehold Dropouts, massive tyre clearance, and extra mounts that make it super versatile and easy to customize.’
Checkpoint is available in seven different carbon and aluminium models: SL 6, SL 5, SL 5 Women’s, ALR 5, ALR 5 Women’s, ALR 4, and ALR 4 Women’s. SL and ALR framesets are also available. SL models are built from Trek’s premium 500 Series OCLV Carbon, and ALR models feature Trek’s lightweight 300 Series Alpha Aluminum.
The flagship Checkpoint SL 6 boasts a full Shimano Ultegra 2 x 11 drivetrain, Bontrager’s Paradigm Comp Disc wheels paired with Shimano RT800 Ice-Tech FREEZA rotors, and finned brake pads for lightweight durability and extra stopping power. On the other end of the spectrum, entry-level riders will find that the ALR 4 models feature Shimano’s Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain and a wide-range 11-34 cassette. All models come equipped with 700 x 35c Schwalbe gravel tyres, tubeless-ready Bontrager wheels, and flat-mount disc brakes.
One of Checkpoint’s developments is its unique, gravel-specific geometry. The new dimensions are aimed at being comfortable over the long haul and on rough roads, but remain aggressive enough to provide the speed and responsive ride-feel most gravel riders are looking for.
Compared to Trek’s Boone cyclocross bike, Checkpoint features a nearly identical reach, slightly taller stack, and lower bottom bracket height. Chainstay length and wheelbase are the same. The lower bottom bracket helps to provide the additional stability riders look for on long grinds, while maintaining a tight wheelbase, long reach, and lower stack height keeps Checkpoint fast and manoeuvrable.
Carbon (SL) models gain additional compliance and associated comfort with the same Rear IsoSpeed decoupler popularized on Trek’s Domane and Boone. Trek adds that ‘IsoSpeed minimizes pesky, fatiguing vibrations from even the most uneven riding surfaces, allowing riders to continue on with comfort and efficiency for much longer.’ SL models also include a carbon seatmast cap, Trek’s Carbon Armor to protect the frame from debris, and can easily be converted to a 1x or electronic drivetrain.
All models feature 12mm front and rear thru axles and Control Freak internal cable routing for organized cables that are protected from the mud and dirt that the Checkpoint rider will inevitably encounter.
Checkpoint features the Stranglehold Dropouts seen on Trek’s Crockett and Stache, allowing the rider to adjust the bike’s geometry and gearing based on the requirements of the day’s ride. For example, the longest setting increases the bike’s stability for longer rides or bikepacking, while deciding to shorten the wheelbase provides snappier, more responsive handling for gravel racing. The dropouts also provide the bike’s ability to quickly convert to single speed.
The stock 35mm Schwalbe tyres can hit the sweet-spot for a lot of riders, but running other widths quickly changes Checkpoint’s identity. The rider hitting crushed limestone trails to link pavement may prefer firm and fast-rolling 28mm slicks, while the dedicated dirt road explorer can run 45mm knobbies to tackle the ruttiest, rockiest routes. With such a wide range of yire clearance, Checkpoint leaves the choice up to the rider.
Checkpoint is covered in mounts for even more functional versatility. Mounts on the seat tube and down tube allow riders to fit three bottles in the main triangle (sizes 56cm and larger), or position two bottles low while leaving room for a frame bag. There’s also space for an additional bottle underneath the down tube.
Lowrider fork mounts will take a rack such as Trek’s 720 fork rack, as just one example. Rear rack mounts provide the option to haul even more cargo, and hidden fender mounts help to keep the ride clean in even the worst weather. SL models include a top tube mount to attach an easy-to-reach bag for ride essentials.
Checkpoint is available immediately at Trek’s global network of retailers.
