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Today’s DealsCheckpoint AL 3
An aluminum frame gravel bike with mid-range components and tektro mechanical disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price
$1,199| Weight | 23.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 9 |
| Groupset | Sora |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Disc |
4'11" – 5'2"
5'3" – 5'7"
5'5" – 5'9"
5'8" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'2"
6'0" – 6'4"
None yet.
Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.
Summary
The Trek Checkpoint is a versatile gravel bike praised for its speed and comfort, featuring IsoSpeed technology that smooths out rough terrain. It offers agile handling and stability, making it capable on both tarmac and gravel. However, some reviews note issues with cable routing and gearing that may limit off-road performance.
IsoSpeed decoupler provides excellent comfort on rough surfaces
Versatile with multiple mounting points for accessories
Agile handling and stable geometry for confident riding
Fast and efficient performance on varied terrain
Cable routing can cause contact with knees or frame rub
Gearing may be too tall for steep off-road climbs
Tire choice is often conservative, limiting off-road capability
Front end can feel harsh compared to the rear IsoSpeed comfort
IsoSpeed undoubtedly works. The back end of the Checkpoint was as comfortable as any that I’ve experienced on a performance oriented bike.BIKEPACKING.com
Call me converted as I can confidently call the Checkpoint WSD Queen of the Quiver.
Whatever road or trail you choose, this Trek is all about speed.
The Checkpoint is the cream of the gravel bike crop and a beautiful, lovingly crafted piece of art designed for riders who demand nothing but the best.
Sadly disappointing gravel bike debut from Trek, though fine if you want a fat-tyred road bike
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Dec 2020 · Ben Delaney
Gravel bikes abound, but this one checks all the boxes, and at a great price.

Jun 2020 · Laura Weislo
On early impressions, Trek's flagship gravel bike, the Checkpoint SL7, looks perfect for seekers of versatility and adventure
Lightweight, agile and responsive ride
IsoSpeed shock adds comfort
Underbody protection for the eye-popping paint job
SRAM Force eTap AXS 1X drive not suited to mixed road/gravel
Top tube is too wide near the seat tube
Toe overlap in the smallest size
May 2020 · Dave Everett
Late last year my beloved yet ageing gravel bike, an Orro Terra, became the apple of someone else’s eye. While I had my nose in the computer (probably editing a video) at the library, someone swiped it. Some savvy scumbag broke the lock and rode away. I’ll also add that said scumbag must be a […]
Mar 2020 · Dale Tiessen
Full disclosure, this is my first gravel bike. When gravel bikes entered the scene a few years, I initially remarked to myself this was another bike industry push to create something new and drive sales.

Feb 2020 · Robin Wilmott
All-road versatility with refined road manners for a fine riding machine
Frame design and mounts, hydraulic Tiagra groupset
Chirpy mudguards

Nov 2018 · Joe Cruz
Joe tested the Trek Checkpoint SL6 on weekly fast roadie coffee shop rides, a 10-hr dirt randonee, and VT gravel/singletrack explorations. Here's the review
Feels like a road race bike
IsoSpeed coupler absolutely smooths out jolts
Thoughtful design touches, including a variety of bosses for cages, armor under the downtube, bosses for a gas tank bag
Very capable on tarmac alongside its gravel prowess
Feels like a road race bike
650b conversion not recommended
Unusual routing can cause cable contact with knees depending on out of the saddle pedaling style; might also interfere with feed bags
Long inseam riders may reach the end of the saddle height adjustment
Purpose built for speed rather than maximal bikepacking versatility

Sep 2018
Trek’s first real dedicated gravel bike, the Checkpoint is a pretty cool beast, with loads of unique frame designs to give it a very distinct feel to its road bike brethren, cyclocross cousins or anything else in the catalogue. But, after a few rides on the type of terrain that it is built for, we saw …

Aug 2018 · Brooke Summers
The new Trek Checkpoint gravel bike covers all the bases off road and on, making it a versatile, adjustable option that could replace several of your bikes.
| Frame | Alpha 200 series aluminum, tapered head-tube, flat-mount disc brakes, 12mm thru-axle, internal cable routing, w/rack mounts and hidden fender mounts Tire Clearance: 38c |
|---|---|
| Fork | Checkpoint carbon disc, tapered steerer, flat mount disc brakes, rack mounts, hidden fender mounts, 12mm thru axle |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed cartridge |
| Headset | Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom |
| Stem | Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, w/computer & light mounts |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Comp VR-C, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada Comp, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Approved, alloy, 27.2mm Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Grips | Bontrager tape |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Sora |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Sora |
| Crank | Shimano Sora, 50/34 (compact) |
| Shifters | Shimano Sora, 9 speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Sora, 11-32, 9 speed |
| Chain | Shimano Sora |
| Brakes | Tektro C550 Spyre, dual-piston mechanical disc brake, 160mm rotor Type: Tektro Mechanical Disc |
| Rims | Bontrager Affinity, Tubeless Ready, 24h |
|---|---|
| Front Hub | Formula alloy disc, 12mm thru-axle, 24h |
| Rear Hub | Formula alloy disc, 12mm thru-axle, 24h |
| Tires | Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, 700x32c |
First added July 29
Last updated July 29
Not listed for 2,496 days