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2019 Trek

Checkpoint AL 3

An aluminum frame gravel bike with mid-range components and tektro mechanical disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price

$1,199
Weight23.1 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 9
GroupsetSora
BrakesTektro Mechanical Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Checkpoint AL 3
Other Gravel bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

39 mph

Checkpoint AL 3

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
44cm

4'11" – 5'2"

52cm

5'3" – 5'7"

54cm

5'5" – 5'9"

56cm

5'8" – 5'11"

58cm

5'10" – 6'2"

61cm

6'0" – 6'4"

Rider Fit Notes

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.

Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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

Key Quotes
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.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
Whatever road or trail you choose, this Trek is all about speed.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
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.
Cycling News logoCycling News
Sadly disappointing gravel bike debut from Trek, though fine if you want a fat-tyred road bike
road.cc logoroad.cc

Feedback?

View all reviews

Velo
Bike of the year: Trek Checkpoint SL 5

Dec 2020 · Ben Delaney

Gravel bikes abound, but this one checks all the boxes, and at a great price.

Read Review

Cycling News
Trek Checkpoint SL7 gravel bike - first ride review

Jun 2020 · Laura Weislo

On early impressions, Trek's flagship gravel bike, the Checkpoint SL7, looks perfect for seekers of versatility and adventure

Highs
  • Lightweight, agile and responsive ride

  • IsoSpeed shock adds comfort

  • Underbody protection for the eye-popping paint job

Lows
  • 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

Read Review

Cycling Tips
Why you don't need to spend big to hit the gravel: The Trek Checkpoint ALR5 - CyclingTips

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 […]

Read Review

Whistler Mountain Bike
2019 TREK Checkpoint SL6 Review

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.

Read Review

BikeRadar
Trek Checkpoint AL 4 review

Feb 2020 · Robin Wilmott

All-road versatility with refined road manners for a fine riding machine

Highs
  • Frame design and mounts, hydraulic Tiagra groupset

Lows
  • Chirpy mudguards

Read Review

BIKEPACKING.com
Trek Checkpoint Review (SL6): Dirt Road Rocketry

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

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • 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

Read Review

Flow Mountain Bike
Is Gravel the new Road? Updates and Upgrades to our Trek Checkpoint

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 …

Read Review

Bikerumor
Review: Trek Checkpoint SL 5 WSD gravel bike challenges a Quiver Queen’s throne

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.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
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 Clearance38c

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

TypeRigid

Pedals

Not included

Grips

Bontrager tape

Groupset
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

TypeTektro Mechanical Disc

Wheels
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

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added July 29

Last updated July 29

Not listed for 2,496 days