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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 5 | Checkpoint SL 6 AXS | Checkpoint SL 7 AXS | Checkpoint SLR 6 AXS | Checkpoint 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 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Carbon (500-series OCLV) | Carbon (500-series OCLV) | Carbon (500-series OCLV) | Carbon (800-series OCLV) | Carbon (800-series OCLV) | Carbon (800-series OCLV) |
| Fork | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Available sizes | 49-61 | 49-61 | 49-61 | 49-61 | 49-61 | 49-61 | 49-61 |
| Wheels | Bontrager 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 size | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Tires | Bontrager 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 size | 700x45c 650x2.1" | 700x45c 650x2.1" | 700x45c 650x2.1" | 700x45c 650x2.1" | 700x45c 650x2.1" | 700x45c 650x2.1" | 700x45c 650x2.1" |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 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 |
| Pedals | not included | not included | not included | not included | not included | not included | not included |
| Saddle | Bontrager Verse Comp | Bontrager Verse Comp | Bontrager Verse Comp | Bontrager Verse Comp | Bontrager Verse Comp | Bontrager Verse (Short) Elite | Bontrager Verse Short Pro |
| Brakes | Shimano 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 |
| Weight | 9.75 kg / 21.5 lbs 9.60 kg / 21.17 lbs (Driftless) | 9.70 kg / 21.39 lbs | 9.05 kg / 19.96 lbs | 8.90 kg / 19.63 lbs | 8.69 kg / 19.16 lbs | 8.79 kg / 19.38 lbs 8.45 kg / 18.63 lbs (AXS) | 8.10 kg / 17.86 lbs |
| Buy | Buy Checkpoint ALR 5 Buy Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless | Buy Checkpoint SL 5 | Buy Checkpoint SL 6 AXS | Buy Checkpoint SL 7 AXS | Buy Checkpoint SLR 6 AXS | Buy Checkpoint SLR 7 Buy Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS | Buy Checkpoint SLR 9 AXS |
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
And lastly, Checkpoints have a frame protector to protect the downtube against rock strikes and flying rocks.
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.
