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Today’s Deals2025 Trek
Checkmate SLR 9 AXS
A carbon frame gravel bike with ultra high-end components and sram hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price
$12,999| Weight | 16.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 700c Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 13 Electronic |
| Groupset | RED XPLR eTap, RED AXS |
| Power Meter | Red AXS |
| Brakes | SRAM Hydraulic Disc |
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Checkmate model range
View Comparison5'1" – 5'7"
5'4" – 5'9"
5'6" – 6'0"
5'8" – 6'2"
5'11" – 6'4"
6'2" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
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 Checkmate is a lightweight, aggressive gravel bike designed for racing, featuring aero tube shaping inspired by the Madone Gen 8 and IsoSpeed technology for a smooth ride. It excels in speed and efficiency, with a stiff frame that offers excellent power transfer and handling optimized for fast dirt and packed gravel. While it lacks some creature comforts like internal storage and has a high price point, its performance and design make it a standout in the gravel racing category.
Lightweight frame, one of the lightest gravel race bikes tested
Aggressive handling and aero tube shaping for speed
IsoSpeed technology for vibration dampening and comfort
Excellent pedaling response and frame stiffness
Clearance for up to 45-mm tires and multiple mounting options
High price point, not entry-level
Lack of internal downtube storage
Narrower bars may not offer the best control on technical trails
Limited build options
Optimization for speed means it’s not the best tool for every ride
Trek finally delivers a purebred race gravel bike that lives up to the hype.
BikerumorThe new Checkmate is about 450 g lighter than the old Checkpoint SLR.
Canadian Cycling Magazine'The Trek Checkmate is just an incredibly fun bike to ride.'
CyclistIt’s ridiculously light and fast, and, honestly, I’m tempted to leave the review at that.
VeloFeedback?
View all reviews
Jul 2025 · Jan Fock
Trek Checkmate SLR in Our 2025 ravel Race Bike Comparison Test – A Clever Move or Checkmate by Its Own Hand?
Ergonomic cockpit
Excellent comfort thanks to Trek’s IsoSpeed technology
Lively, efficient acceleration
Rather narrow tires with poor grip and damping qualities
Jun 2025 · Pete Muir
When the gravel scene emerged a few years ago, it was with an American hipster vibe that was all about
Fast
Low weight
Aero
Plenty of tyre clearance
More aggressive than the Domane
All specs pricey
No in-frame storage for the non-racer
Better on non-technical off-road
Feb 2025 · Jordan Villella
Treks Checkmate SLR 9 is a rocketship gravel machine. Boasting gravel aerodynamic gains, locked and loaded fit, and top-of-the-line kit.
Aug 2024 · Ashley Quinlan
So far, the Checkmate SLR ticks most of the right boxes
Quick feeling
Predictable and confidence inspiring handling
Excellent specification
Customisable to a degree
Perhaps overly stiff cockpit
Tops profile may polarise opinion
No option of a shimano or campagnolo build
Aug 2024 · Matthew Pioro
First impressions of the speedy Trek Checkmate SLR that now sits at the top of the U.S. bike maker’s lineup
Aug 2024 · Will Tracy
Trek modernizes its gravel lineup with a new model that prioritizes speed.
| Frame | 800 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed, hidden fender mounts, integrated frame bag mounts, RCS Headset System, invisible cable routing, T47, flat mount disc, integrated chainkeeper, removable FD hanger, UDH, 142x12mm chamfered thru axle BB Standard: T47, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Tire Clearance: 45c Colors: Matte Trek Black / Matte Deep Smoke; Matte Hex Blue / Plasma Grey Pearl; Olive Drab / Glowstick; Era White / Buff Beige |
|---|---|
| Fork | Checkmate SLR full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, hidden fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle |
| Bottom Bracket | Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, SRAM DUB Wide, T47 threaded, internal bearing; Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, SRAM DUB, T47 threaded, internal bearing |
| Saddle | Size: XS, S, Aeolus RSL, carbon rails, 155mm width; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Aeolus RSL, carbon rails, 145mm width |
| Seatpost | Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, KVF aero carbon seatpost, 5mm offset, 280mm length; Size: ML, L, KVF aero carbon seatpost, 5mm offset, 320mm length Type: Rigid |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM RED XPLR eTap AXS, 46T max cog |
|---|---|
| Crank | Size: XS, S, SRAM RED XPLR, power meter, 42T, DUB wide, 165mm length; Size: M, SRAM RED XPLR, power meter, 42T, DUB wide, 170mm length; Size: ML, L, SRAM RED XPLR, power meter, 42T, DUB wide, 172.5mm length; Size: XL, SRAM RED XPLR, power meter, 42T, DUB wide, 175mm length |
| Power Meter | Size: XS, S, SRAM RED XPLR, power meter, 42T, DUB wide, 165mm length; Size: M, SRAM RED XPLR, power meter, 42T, DUB wide, 170mm length; Size: ML, L, SRAM RED XPLR, power meter, 42T, DUB wide, 172.5mm length; Size: XL, SRAM RED XPLR, power meter, 42T, DUB wide, 175mm length |
| Shifters | SRAM RED AXS E1 |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1391, 10-46T, 13 speed |
| Chain | SRAM RED E1, 12/13 speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Paceline X, rounded, centerlock, 160mm Type: SRAM Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Front: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, 100x12mm thru axle, Rear: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V, OCLV Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 37mm rim depth, 142x12mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Tires | Bontrager Girona RSL GR, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead, 220 tpi, 700x38mm |
| Disc Rotors | SRAM Paceline X, rounded, centerlock, 160mm |
First added May 18
Last updated June 27
Not listed for 361 days