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2023 Trek

Checkpoint SL 5 Gen 2

A carbon frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and shimano grx 400 hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$3,399
Weight21.4 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetGRX 800, GRX 600
BrakesShimano GRX 400 Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
Top Comparison
Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Checkpoint SL 5 Gen 2
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 Gen 2

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
  • 6'1", size 58cm, Just right
  • 6'3", size 61, Fits large
  • 5'9", size 54, Just right
  • 5'9", size 54cm, Just right
  • 5'9", size 56cm, Just right
  • 5'6", size 52cm, Just right
  • 5'11", size 54, Just right
  • 5'6", size 49cm, Just right
  • 5'7", size 54, Fits large
  • 5'10", size LG, Just right
  • 5'6", size 52cm, Just right
Reviews

Summary

The Trek Checkpoint is a versatile gravel bike praised for its balanced handling and comfort, thanks to features like the IsoSpeed decoupler that smooths out rough terrain. It offers ample mounting points and internal storage for adventure riding, making it highly adaptable. While some models are noted for stability and efficiency, others may feel less agile or have minor issues with front-end harshness.

Pros
  • IsoSpeed Decoupler provides a smooth and comfortable ride

  • Versatile with numerous mounting points and internal storage

  • Balanced handling suitable for various terrains

  • Efficient performance with quality componentry

  • Ample tire clearance for wide tires

Cons
  • Front end can feel rigid or harsh on technical terrain

  • Some models are heavy or lack agility

  • Non-removable front derailleur mount on certain builds

  • Cable routing may not be fully watertight

  • Imbalanced comfort between front and rear on some versions

Key Quotes
The result never feels weird though, just a great balance of smoothness, assured but not dull handling and efficient yet comfortable speed across a wide range of surfaces.
Bike Perfect logoBike Perfect
The Checkpoint ALR is perhaps best summed up as being like vanilla ice cream – it does what it’s designed to do well, but doesn’t rock the boat in any way.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The Trek Checkpoint is a bike that just works.
Cycling News logoCycling News
The Checkpoint isn’t the lightest, fastest, or the most comfortable bike.
Gran Fondo Magazine logoGran Fondo Magazine
It’s light, flickable, nimble and fast, while also focusing on comfort for those longer tours
off.road.cc logooff.road.cc

Feedback?

View all reviews

off.road.cc
Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 gravel bike review

Nov 2024

The Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 is the top-level model in the Wisconsin-based brand's revamped gravel/endurance range and it’s a belter, especially for those who like a ride style on the racier side of things. It’s light, flickable, nimble and fast, while also focusing on comfort for those longer tours, plus the addition of plenty of mounting points, internal frame storage and the ability to run wide tyres doesn’t exclude it from the adventure side of things. Gravel racing - what's next for cycling's fastest growing discipline?

Read Review

Bikerumor
Trek Doubles Down on Gravel Racing w/ New Checkmate SLR, Updated Checkpoint SL

Aug 2024 · Jordan Villella

The all-new Trek Checkmate SLR and Checkpoint SL further solidify the Wisconsin brand's commitment to the gravel arts. 

Read Review

BikeRadar
Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 first ride review | BikeRadar

Aug 2024 · Felix Smith

The updated Trek Checkpoint leans into adventure with more accessory mounts, wider tyre clearance and endurance geometry

Highs
  • Heaps of accessory mounts

  • Comfortable bump taming ride

  • Useful integrated storage

Lows
  • Shorter reach may impact riders with longer legs

  • Potentially divisive paint

Read Review

road.cc
Take a look at the smooth-riding Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS gravel bike

May 2024 · Mat Brett

Get all the details of this versatile gravel/adventure bike with hidden storage and Trek’s bump-absorbing IsoSpeed technology

Read Review

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

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

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

Rider Notes
Checkpoint SL 5 Gen 2 rider review

May 2025 · Brandon Perriman

The Trek Checkpoint is perfect for any type of riding. I’ve done gravel races, lots of road riding, and even loaded it down for a couple Bikepacking t

Highs
  • Ride geometry, connection points, smooth gearing, fork width for wide tires. This bike has so many options it’s perfect. Never had a ride I couldn’t go on or was worried about using the bike for. It’s the end all solution.

Lows
  • A bit slower on the road than standard road bikes, but swapping out the tires/wheels will get you right back to a road setup.

Read Review

Geometry
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

ColorSatin Mercury / Satin Carbon Smoke

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

TypeShimano GRX 400 Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

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

Spokes

14g stainless steel, black

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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First added March 17

Last updated March 8

Not listed for 456 days