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Officially launched today (although it’s been hiding in plain sight for some time), introducing the all-new Trek Checkpoint. Already a popular model within the Trek range the new 2022 version of the Checkpoint is here and boasts a number of significant changes to the previous model. The new Checkpoint is available in three different guises, with each featuring a different chassis at the heart of the bike. At the top of the range there’s the Checkpoint SLR made from Trek 700 Series OCLV carbon fibre, the Checkpoint SL is also made from carbon but utilises Trek’s 500 Series OCLV frame material while the Checkpoint ALR is made from Trek’s Alpha 300 series aluminium.
The Checkpoint SL5 sits in the middle of the new Checkpoint range and features Trek’s all-new SL frameset.
Quickly cast an eye over the carbon SLR and SL Checkpoints and you’ll immediately notice some big changes to the previous version. First off there’s a redesigned front-end that takes a lot of its inspiration from Trek’s lightweight and aerodynamic road-going model the Emonda; yes, that’s right the new Checkpoint is now more aero. Trek are not the first to go down the aero-gravel path as part of product development and their reasons are simple – as riders continue to push the boundaries of gravel racing and we see speeds increasing it’s fair to say that every little aero detail and their potential benefits are quickly multiplied over the type of longer distances we’re now seeing in the most challenging gravel events. Part of this new configuration around the headtube also sees the bike’s cables and brake hoses being run internally from the handlebar directly into the frame and fork, further increasing the Checkpoint’s aero-efficiency, prolonging the life of the cables and, not least, helping to make the new Checkpoint look extra-hot!
Borrowed from their Emonda road bike the Checkpoint SLR and SL models feature an all-new aero headtube with integrated cables.
So while the 2022 Checkpoint looks a little more slick and aero than its predecessor these new looks are not at the expense of the comfort and durability required over long off-road distances; the Checkpoint SLR and SL are also equipped with Trek’s top-tube IsoSpeed decoupler which allows for a certain amount of flex and forgiveness at the junction between the seat tube and the rest of the frame. Some clever carbon fibre layup in the construction of the frame means that this portion of the chassis flexes vertically to take the sting out of the trail when you’re in the saddle while remaining laterally stiff for a super-responsive frame when you put the power down to sprint out of the saddle.
In the relatively short period of time that gravel bikes have been around it’s been interesting to already see the discipline beginning to diversify into separate sub-genres; there’s the no-nonsense utilitarian machines designed to be rugged work horses, dedicated bikepacking rigs spec’d to carry you and a considerable amount of luggage over vast differences and there’s even more MTB-orientated gravel bikes with dramatically relaxed angles and fatter 650b tyres. Both the Checkpoint SLR and the Checkpoint SL have their sights firmly set on high-performance gravel riding and racing events.
To meet these demands the SLR model not only boasts a slightly lighter 700 Series OCLV frame than the SL version it also features less mounts than its siblings staying fast, light and firmly focused on performance. There’s still some versatility here though with the SLR frame featuring mounts for mudguards, a top tube pack and frame bag. In contrast the SL frame includes extra mounts for accessories, mudguards, top tube packs, frame bags and front and rear racks.
There’s plenty of carrying options on all of the new Checkpoint models so you can prep your bike to perfectly suit your rides.
There’s another brilliant new feature which is included on both of the carbon Checkpoint options; borrowed from some of Trek’s mountain bike models including the Fuel EX and Slash, there’s their clever in-tube storage system making it easy to carry a multitool, spare inner tubes or even a small pack-down waterproof to add a little more security and peace of mind to your rides without unnecessarily cluttering up the outside of your bike. Again this is a real plus if you’re racing high-speed gravel events where every little aero advantage is a serious consideration.
Trek’s discrete in-tube storage system is a welcome addition to the all-new Checkpoint.
Quick and easy to access, keep your tools and spare inner tube in the frame until you need them.
It’s a small but significant detail – downtube protection to protect the SLR and SL carbon frames from flying debris.
Tyre clearance on a gravel bike can be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. As manufacturers have found over the past few years riders all seem to be asking different things of their gravel bikes, with people taking on more and more challenging terrain, negotiating ever-more technical off-road terrain. While there’s always the option of fitting a more narrow, faster-rolling tyre to your gravel bike when events or circumstances dictate, it isn’t always the case that your gravel bike’s frame can accommodate a wider tyre to cope with more difficult riding scenarios. Thankfully Trek have you covered with a maximum tyre width of 45mm on a 700c wheel which will enhance your comfort and control when you’re really pushing the limits off-road while that clever frame and fork configuration including a dropped chain stay on the drive side of the SLR, SL and ALR bikes helps to prevent any potential mud build up on wet off-road rides.
There’s plenty of tyre clearance on the all-new Checkpoint, even with 45mm tyres.
A dropped chain stay on the SLR, SL and ALR mean you can run 45mm tyres and still have plenty of clearance.
Changes to the all-new Trek Checkpoint don’t end there; all Checkpoints – SLR, SL and ALR now feature new, more progressive frame and fork geometry. There’s a longer front centre and a slacker head angle to help keep the Checkpoint stable at high speeds, but with shorter stems spec’d than on the previous version steering remains nimble and responsive, so when you do hit tight, twisty singletrack the bike feels playful and agile.
All of the new bikes in the Checkpoint range can accommodate a dropper seatpost if you prefer that setup; again depending on your chosen riding style and the terrain you mainly ride this may be something you want to do. While the Checkpoint SLR and SL models most-definitely point towards high-speed gravel events and high-performance riding where every little detail such as aerodynamics, low weight and stiffness come into play the ALR versions lean more towards being a utility-focused, do-it-all machine. The ALR, made from lightweight Trek 300 series alpha aluminium features the same carbon fork as the SLR and SL models but does not include the Isospeed decoupler or the internal cable routing through the headtube as found on the carbon options. The ALR is super-versatile and features mounts for mudguards, bikepacking bags, bottles and front & rear racks as well as clearance for tyres up to 45mm wide. If your gravel riding is a little more playful and is focused more on zipping through singletrack than slugging out mile after mile of endless gravel lanes then the Checkpoint ALR5 Driftless is worth a look; included in the spec is an Easton EA70 AX dropper seatpost allowing you to get the saddle out of the way quickly when you are negotiating steep, technical descents.
All-new frame and fork geometry means more stability at speed, while a shorter stem helps to keep the Checkpoint agile on technical singletrack.
Launched today, the all-new Checkpoint is spread across a wide range of specifications and price points; we’ve put together a quick-look guide below showing each model, from the top-of-the-range Checkpoint SLR9 eTap featuring a 700 Series OCLV carbon Isospeed frame, a Sram Red XPLR eTap AXS groupset with Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 OCLV carbon wheelset, through to the Checkpoint ALR5 featuring Trek’s lightweight 300 Series Alpha Aluminium frame, Checkpoint carbon fork and a gravel-specific Shimano GRX RX600 groupset.
Checkpoint SL7 eTap (bikepacking luggage not included)
Checkpoint SL6 eTap (bikepacking luggage not included)
Checkpoint SL5 (bikepacking luggage not included)
Checkpoint ALR Driftless (CAD illustration, product photo to follow)
Written by Johnny Dodgin
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