First Look: New Trek Checkpoint SL | Yet more versatile
Third generation Trek Checkpoint brings yet more versatility and performance to the burgeoning gravel market.
Today, Trek rolls out their new generation Checkpoint gravel whip. The new machine is not a wholesale departure from the previous model (we tested here) — the updates include adding new and refining existing features, with the goal of expanding on overall versatility.
Chatting with road marketing guru Whitney Beadle from the brand’s HQ in Waterloo USA, she’s quick to point out: “The Checkpoint has been a tremendously popular bike and although the new model is more versatile, catering deeper into the adventure markets, it is still a performance bike that can be raced.”
Key Details
| 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame and fork |
| 50mm tyre compatibility |
| IsoSpeed tech (floating seat tube) |
| Bigger internal frame storage |
| Endurance geometry |
| Front and rear racks, mudguards and bag storage |
| Suspension fork and dropper post compatible |
| UDH compatibility |
| 1921 grams for Checkpoint SL frame & fork |
Looking at the storage solutions, the new Checkpoint SL has the same top tube, frame, downtube, fork, fender and rear rack mounts of the previous model and now features mounts for a front rack. There’s a ton of hydration storage solutions on the bike. Notably, the water bottle mounts inside the frame have been re-positioned to accommodate bigger water bottles, (on smaller frame sizes too) even whilst running the frame bags. The internal frame storage area has been improved with more room to store essentials and a noticeably bigger storage door, making access easier.
The geometry has been tweaked too. The new Gravel Endurance geometry has slightly shorter reach and higher stack numbers which essentially puts the rider in a more upright and relaxed position, with the aim of making those stupidly-long rides, easier on the body.
The unique-to-Trek, frame compliance feature known as IsoSpeed is carried over from the previous model and is no longer hidden inside the frame. Overall comfort, grip and performance has been improved with the Checkpoint’s increased tyre compatibility of 50mm. The new bike is compatible with dropper posts and suspension forks, with up to 40mm of travel.
For riders interested in running a suspension fork, the geometry changes will vary depending on the travel and sag. As an example, a 40mm travel fork, set to 20% sag will raise the front end by 12mm, at sag. Another example would be when running a 30mm travel fork, at 30% sag, in this scenario there will be little (probably none at all) impact on the dynamic geometry.
The new Checkpoint gets the sturdy UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) treatment making it compatible with thousands of hanger options inside the industry. The frame is compatible with mechanical drivetrains. On launch and in stores across South Africa today is the SL 5 AXS model. With a claimed weight of 9kg, this model features the SRAM wireless electronic shifting and retails at R75k. // trekbikes.com