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2019 Trek

Checkpoint SL 6

A carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and shimano ultegra hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price

$3,999
Weight19.7 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetUltegra
BrakesShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Checkpoint SL 6
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 SL 6

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
49cm

5'2" – 5'5"

52cm

5'3" – 5'7"

54cm

5'5" – 5'9"

56cm

5'7" – 6'0"

58cm

5'10" – 6'2"

61cm

6'0" – 6'4"

Rider Fit Notes
  • 5'4", size 52cm, Fits large
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 SL6 review

May 2019 · Robin Wilmott

Although not the most rugged explorer, the Checkpoint SL6 will go almost anywhere, quickly and in comfort

Highs
  • Fully-featured, practical frameset, IsoSpeed, carbon wheelset

Lows
  • I’d prefer to have 40mm tyres supplied

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

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

Road Bike Action
Gravel Bike Test: Trek Checkpoint SL6

Jul 2018 · Troy Templin

Better late than never, Trek’s Checkpoint has arrived

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

500 Series OCLV Carbon, Rear IsoSpeed, Stranglehold dropouts, tapered head tube, BB90, flat mount disc brakes, rack mounts and hidden fender mounts, Control Freak, internal cable routing, 12mm thru axle, 3S chain keeper, Ride Tuned seatmast

BB StandardBB90, 90.5mm, Press Fit

Tire Clearance45c

Fork

Checkpoint carbon disc, carbon tapered steerer, flat mount disc brakes, rack mounts, hidden fender mounts, 12mm thru axle

Bottom Bracket

BB90

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 RL IsoZone VR-CF, 31.8mm

Saddle

Bontrager Montrose Comp

Seatpost

Bontrager Ride Tuned carbon seatmast cap, 20mm offset

TypeRigid

Pedals

Not included

Grips

Bontrager tape

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Ultegra, Shadow design, 11 speed

Front Derailleur

Shimano Ultegra, braze-on

Crank

Shimano Ultegra, 50/34 (compact)

Shifters

Shimano Ultegra, 11 speed

Cassette

Shimano HG800, 11-34, 11 speed

Chain

Shimano HG600, 11 speed

Brakes

Shimano Ultegra flat mount hydraulic disc

TypeShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Bontrager Paradigm Comp Tubeless Ready Disc, 12mm thru axle

Tires

Bontrager GR1 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 700x40c

Rider Notes
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First added September 11

Last updated September 11

Not listed for 2,452 days