Trek Checkpoint Bikes Compared: Which One to Choose?

Trek Checkpoint Bikes Compared.

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In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek Checkpoint gravel bikes by comparing Checkpoint ALR 5 to SLR 9.

You will also learn:

  • Who are they best suited for?
  • What are the differences between each model?
  • And which model gives you the best value for your money?

Let’s dive in to help make your decision easier.

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 to SLR 9

The following table summarizes the main differences between all Checkpoint bikes.

Checkpoint ALR 5
Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless
Checkpoint SL 5Checkpoint SL 6 AXSCheckpoint SL 7 AXSCheckpoint SLR 6 AXSCheckpoint SLR 7
Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS
Checkpoint SLR 9 AXS
Price$2,499.99
$2,899.99 (Driftless)
$3,399.99$4,499.99$6,699.99$7,999.99$8,549.99
$8,699.99 (AXS)
$12,249.99
FrameAluminumCarbon (500-series OCLV)Carbon (500-series OCLV)Carbon (500-series OCLV)Carbon (800-series OCLV)Carbon (800-series OCLV)Carbon (800-series OCLV)
ForkCarbonCarbonCarbonCarbonCarbonCarbonCarbon
Available sizes49-6149-6149-6149-6149-6149-6149-61
WheelsBontrager Paradigm SL
tubeless-ready
Bontrager Paradigm SL
tubeless-ready
Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25
tubeless-ready
Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V
tubeless-ready
Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V
tubeless-ready
Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V
tubeless-ready
Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V
tubeless-ready
Wheel size700c700c700c700c700c700c700c
TiresBontrager GR1 Comp (40mm)
tubeless-ready
Bontrager GR1 Team Issue (40mm)
tubeless-ready
Bontrager GR1 Team Issue (40mm)
tubeless-ready
Bontrager GR1 Team Issue (40mm)
tubeless-ready
Bontrager GR1 Team Issue (40mm)
tubeless-ready
Bontrager GR1 Team Issue (40mm)
tubeless-ready
Bontrager GR1 Team Issue (40mm)
tubeless-ready
Max tire size700x45c
650x2.1"
700x45c
650x2.1"
700x45c
650x2.1"
700x45c
650x2.1"
700x45c
650x2.1"
700x45c
650x2.1"
700x45c
650x2.1"
DrivetrainShimano GRX RX810/600
2×11spd
Shimano GRX RX600/810
1×11spd
Shimano GRX RX600/810
2×11spd
SRAM Rival eTap AXS
1×12spd
SRAM Force eTap AXS
1×12spd
SRAM Rival eTap AXS
1×12spd
Shimano GRX or SRAM Force eTap AXS (with power meter)
2×11spd / 1×12spd (AXS)
SRAM RED eTap AXS
1×12spd
Pedalsnot includednot includednot includednot includednot includednot includednot included
SaddleBontrager Verse CompBontrager Verse CompBontrager Verse CompBontrager Verse CompBontrager Verse CompBontrager Verse (Short) EliteBontrager Verse Short Pro
BrakesShimano RX400
Shimano RX810 (Driftless)
hydraulic disc
Shimano RX400
hydraulic disc
SRAM Rival
hydraulic disc
SRAM Force
hydraulic disc
SRAM Rival
hydraulic disc
Shimano RX810
SRAM Force
hydraulic disc
SRAM RED
hydraulic disc
Weight9.75 kg / 21.5 lbs
9.60 kg / 21.17 lbs (Driftless)
9.70 kg / 21.39 lbs9.05 kg / 19.96 lbs8.90 kg / 19.63 lbs8.69 kg / 19.16 lbs8.79 kg / 19.38 lbs
8.45 kg / 18.63 lbs (AXS)
8.10 kg / 17.86 lbs
BuyBuy Checkpoint ALR 5
Buy Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless
Buy Checkpoint SL 5Buy Checkpoint SL 6 AXSBuy Checkpoint SL 7 AXSBuy Checkpoint SLR 6 AXSBuy Checkpoint SLR 7
Buy Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS
Buy Checkpoint SLR 9 AXS
This table compares the features of Trek Checkpoint gravel bikes.
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated 26/04/2023

Checkpoint Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the Checkpoint series below.

Checkpoint Pros

  • Wide tire clearance (up to 45mm, 700c)
  • Aluminum and carbon models are available
  • Versatility
  • Relatively aggressive geometry
  • Downtube protector
  • Availability in multiple sizes and colors
  • Mounts for additional accessories
  • Integrated cable routing
  • Lifetime warranty

Checkpoint Cons

  • Slower than Madone and heavier than Émonda gravel bikes
  • Relatively expensive

Checkpoint Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek Checkpoint gravel bikes.

Frame and Geometry

The Checkpoint bikes are part of Trek’s gravel bikes lineup (together with Trek Domane). They’re made of aluminum or carbon, depending on the price range.

Trek Checkpoint gravel bike.
Trek Checkpoint | Source: trekbikes.com

The names of the bikes have abbreviations that refer to the type of material used for the frame:

  • ALR are aluminum frame bikes.
  • SL are bikes with 500 series OCLV* carbon (mid-range).
  • SLR are bikes with 800 series OCLV carbon (high-end).

*OCLV carbon is Trek’s patented carbon fiber process (learn more).

ALR Checkpoints are great for beginners because they are the most affordable. However, they are more expensive than competitors (gravel bikes for under $3000).

SLs are the best mid-range option. They are lighter than ALs but heavier than SLRs. But they are much more expensive than ALs and more affordable than SLRs.

And finally, SLRs are the most high-end, which results in lower weight but higher price.

Most Checkpoints are available in 49-61 sizes, so whether you are short or tall, you should find a size that will suit you.

They are also available in multiple colors to suit your liking. But they differ depending on the specific model.

Their geometry is aggressive compared to other all-road gravel bikes. The following picture shows the comparison with Trek Domane endurance road bikes.

Trek Domane vs. Checkpoint geometry comparison using bikeinsights.com tool.
Trek Domane vs. Checkpoint geometry comparison using bikeinsights.com tool

Checkpoints have longer reach and are generally more suited for an aggressive riding position and, therefore, racing and performance-oriented riders.

However, they are also suitable for bikepacking or commuting.

Weight & Aerodynamics

Trek Checkpoint frames are heavier than Trek road bikes (Madone, Émonda, Domane). This is especially due to their thicker tubes, frame protectors, and hidden storage compartments. They weigh around 9 kg (20 lbs).

Naturally, they are not as aero oriented as Madones. They resemble Trek Domanes, which means they balance weight, stiffness, durability, and aerodynamics.

However, no wind tunnel testing data are available.

Wheels and Tires

Most low to mid-range Checkpoint models come with Bontrager Paradigm SL (or Comp) aluminum wheels. More expensive models have carbon wheels like the Bontrager Aeolus Pro better. This is another similarity with the Trek Domane lineup.

Fortunately, all the wheels are tubeless-ready. Just make sure that the model you choose has tubeless tires if this feature matters to you.

Checkpoint bikes are known for their wider tire clearance compared to Domane. They can fit up to 45mm tires with 700c wheels and up to 2.1″ tires with 650b wheels.

Trek Checkpoint tire clearance.
Trek Checkpoint tire clearance | Source: trekbikes.com

Such wide tires will allow you to tackle light to rough gravel, broken forest roads, and many other terrains inaccessible on the road or hybrid bikes.

Groupset

Trek Checkpoint bikes have mostly 1X, but some models have 2X drivetrains.

Trek Checkpoint with SRAM RED groupset (1X).
Trek Checkpoint with SRAM RED groupset | Source: trekbikes.com

Trek mostly uses SRAM groupsets, but some have Shimano GRX. The number in the bike name indicates the groupset.

  • Models ending with 5 use Shimano GRX (RX600/810) groupset.
  • Models ending with 5 use SRAM Rival AXS groupsets.
  • Models ending with 7 use Shimano GRX (RX810) or SRAM Force AXS groupsets.
  • Models ending with 9 use SRAM Red AXS groupsets.

Checkpoints with SRAM are lighter than Checkpoints with Shimano but are more expensive.

TIP: You might also be interested in this comparison of Shimano vs. SRAM.

Extras

Unlike the Émonda and Madone, Trek Checkpoint bikes have racks and fender mounts, making them a better choice for bike packers.

Additionally, they also offer hidden storage compartments for extra storage capacity. It’s larger than on Domane road bikes.

Hidden compartment on the Trek Checkpoint.
Trek Checkpoint compartment | Source: trekbikes.com

And lastly, Checkpoints have a frame protector to protect the downtube against rock strikes and flying rocks.

Frame protector on Trek Checkpoint down tube.
Frame protector on Trek Checkpoint | Source: trekbikes.com

Trek Checkpoint FAQ

My Verdict

So, which Trek Checkpoint bike is the best?

If you’re considering buying a Checkpoint, I suggest AL 5 Driftless for its unique paint job and bike-packing-oriented accessories.

The SL models offer a better price-value ratio than SLRs but are slightly heavier (also due to the heavier wheels).

But still, if you don’t have money burning a hole in your pocket and don’t count every second, the SL models (especially the SL 6 AXS) offer better value.

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