2023 Trek

Checkpoint SL 5

A carbon frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$2,799$3,399
Weight21.4 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetGRX 800, GRX 600
BrakesHydraulic Disc
View on trekbikes.comLearn about Trek
Top Comparison
Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Checkpoint SL 5
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)

36 mph

Checkpoint SL 5

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Sizing
49cm

5'1" – 5'5"

52cm

5'3" – 5'7"

54cm

5'5" – 5'9"

56cm

5'8" – 6'0"

58cm

5'10" – 6'2"

61cm

6'0" – 6'4"

Rider Fit Notes
  • 5'7", size 54, Fits large
  • 5'10", size LG, Just right
  • 5'9", size 52cm, Just right
Price History
Reviews
Gran Fondo Magazine
Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS – Put to the test in our big adventure gravel bike shootout

Jan 2024 · Calvin Zajac

Is Trek’s mid-range gravel machine better than its top-end twin? The Checkpoint SL 7 offers adventure on a (slightly) lower budget, but is that enough to beat the competition in our adventure gravel bike group test?

Highs
  • Outstanding versatility

  • A lot of practical features

  • High-quality design, boasting first-class workmanship

Lows
  • No chainstay protector

Read Review

BikeRadar
Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless review

Nov 2023 · Oscar Huckle

How does the Checkpoint platform translate into aluminium?

Highs
  • Well mannered on tamer terrain

  • Lots of eyelets

  • Eschews integration

  • Clean dropper post actuation

Lows
  • Expensive

  • Not the most exciting ride

  • Harsh through the front end when unloaded

Read Review

Bike Perfect
Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS review – all-round gravel machine

Oct 2023 · Guy Kesteven

Trek’s Checkpoint has unique progressive geometry and scissor frame features and all the mount points you could want. But is it a multi-surface, multi-mission master or a complicated compromise?

Highs
  • IsoPulse Decoupler is a significant ride smoother

  • Well balanced road or rough handling

  • Efficient speed on all surfaces

  • SL 6 model is a real performance for price sweet spot

Lows
  • Saddle is a bit squishy on longer rides

  • Many mounts mean slightly more mass

  • Controls go through the headset

  • Non removable front mech tab

  • Rough rear hub

Read Review

road.cc
Take a look at the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap

Oct 2022 · Mat Brett

Get all the details of this fiery red gravel/adventure bike with Trek’s gravel-smoothing IsoSpeed

Read Review

Cycling News
Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap long-term review: Simple done brilliantly

Sep 2022 · Josh Ross

The Trek Checkpoint is the only bike you need to take you on every adventure

Highs
  • SRAM Rival AXS is the perfect groupset for an all-arounder

  • Mud-guard mounts

  • Mounting points for every bag you can think of

  • Non-proprietary seat-post provides options

  • Internal storage is convenient

  • Downtube protection eases worry

  • Threaded bottom bracket

  • Ideal all-around gearing

Lows
  • Short stem for added stability means handlebar/knee interference

  • Lacks included protection for the chain stay

  • Detail behind the fork steerer collects water and is difficult to clean

Read Review

Cyclist
Trek Checkpoint SL 6 review

Aug 2022 · Sam Challis

Neat tricks combined with smart design equals good fun. The Checkpoint SL is the sweetspot in Trek's gravel range

Highs
  • Effective geometry

  • Sensible spec

  • Neat extra frame features

  • Comfortable

Lows
  • Heavy

  • Non-removable front derailleur mount

  • Headset cable integration design isn’t watertight

Read Review

Bicycling
The New Trek Checkpoint Line Is for Gravel Riders of All Kinds

Sep 2021

Updated geometry and differentiated models for speed, adventure, and all purpose riding

Read Review

Canadian Cycling Magazine
Trek Checkpoint SL 6: A first look at the new do-it-all gravel bike

Sep 2021 · Matthew Pioro

Also, a tour of the revamped Trek Checkpoint lineup of bikes and Adventure bags for mixed-surface adventures

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed, internal cable routing, downtube storage door, 3S chain keeper, T47 BB, rack and fender mounts, integrated frame bag mounts, flat mount disc, dropper post compatible, 142x12mm thru axle

BB StandardT47, Threaded

Tire Clearance45c

ColorsSatin Mercury / Satin Carbon Smoke; Radioactive Red / Nautical Navy

Fork

Trek Checkpoint, full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, rack mounts, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle

Bottom Bracket

Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing

Stem

Size: 49, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length; Size: 52, 54, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: 56, 58, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length; Size: 61, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length

Handlebar

Size: 49, Bontrager Elite Gravel, 38cm width; Size: 52, Bontrager Elite Gravel, 40cm width; Size: 54, 56, Bontrager Elite Gravel, 42cm width; Size: 58, 61, Bontrager Elite Gravel, 44cm width

Saddle

Size: 49, 52, Bontrager Verse Comp, steel rails, 155mm width; Size: 54, 56, 58, 61, Bontrager Verse Comp, steel rails, 145mm width

Seatpost

Bontrager carbon, 27.2mm, 8mm offset, 330mm length

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano GRX RX810, long cage, 34T max cog

Front Derailleur

Shimano GRX RX810, braze-on

Crank

Size: 49, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 165mm length; Size: 52, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 170mm length; Size: 54, 56, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 172.5mm length; Size: 58, 61, Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 175mm length

Shifters

Shimano GRX RX600, 11 speed

Cassette

Shimano 105 HG700-11, 11-34, 11 speed

Chain

Shimano 105 HG601, 11 speed

Brakes

Shimano RX400 hydraulic disc, flat mount

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Bontrager Paradigm SL, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, Presta valve

Front Hub

Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, centerlock disc, 100x12mm thru axle

Rear Hub

Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, centerlock disc, Shimano 11-speed freehub, 142x12mm thru axle

Tires

Bontrager GR1 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 700x40mm

Disc Rotors

Shimano RT70, centerlock, 160mm

Rider Notes
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Last updated April 20