TREK CHECKPOINT SL6 eTAP – PRODUCT FEATURE

 

Check out this hot-looking gravel bike from TREK! The Checkpoint SL 6 eTap, made from lightweight 500 Series OCLV carbon fibre, boasts TREK’s popular IsoSpeed decoupler for enhanced comfort in the saddle and a super-aero frame featuring truncated tube-profiling and a cleverly integrated cockpit with internal cable routing. Yes, the front of the bike takes a lot of its inspiration from TREK’S lightweight and aerodynamic road-going model, the Emonda, for a gravel bike that’s built ready to race over long distances while being as aerodynamically efficient as possible.

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.

Constructed from 500 Series OCLV carbon and featuring their distinctive IsoSpeed decoupler the Checkpoint SL6 is fast AND comfortable.

 

Is a gravel bike like this solely reserved for race day? Well, no, while it’s clear that the Checkpoint SL 6 eTap promises free speed thanks to its aero-profile TREK have also ensured that this a fun and agile gravel bike that comes to life when the tracks and trails become more technical. Compared with the previous-generation Checkpoint this latest iteration features more progressive frame and fork geometry, with a longer front centre and a slacker head angle, helping to keep the bike stable at high speeds while a shorter stem helps keep steering nimble and responsive.

The versatile Checkpoint SL6 is a super-fast and efficient gravel bike built to race, but will also handle the rigours of bike-packing duties.

 

The Checkpoint SL 6 eTap is constructed from TREK’s own superlight 500 Series OCLV carbon fibre in a sophisticated construction process which, thanks to a clever carbon-layup, means that the frame is stiff and responsive where it needs to be while remaining more compliant in key areas to provide a more forgiving ride. So while the Checkpoint SL 6 looks slick and aero it’s not at the expense of the comfort and durability required over long off-road distances.

Trek’s own grade of 500 Series OCLV carbon has been used in a sophisticated construction process, producing a bike that can hold speed without beating you up.

 

You’re probably already familiar with TREK’s IsoSpeed decoupler, seen on their Domane endurance road bike, Boone cyclocross bike, Procaliber mountain bike and even the Madone, TREK’s super-aero road bike. There’s also been numerous iterations of IsoSpeed in recent years depending on the model of bike, but regardless, it features here on the Checkpoint in its original format. The TREK Checkpoint SL 6 IsoSpeed decoupler enhances the compliancy of the carbon fibre frame by amplifying the amount of flex at the junction between the seat tube and the rest of the frame. When IsoSpeed is paired with the clever carbon fibre layup in the construction of the frame 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.

Designed to isolate you from rough terrain, we’ve seen Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler on a wide range of Trek bikes and including one on the Checkpoint gravel bike was a no-brainer.

 

It’s not just about Isospeed; with clever carbon layup in the construction process and some sophisticated tube profiling the whole of the Checkpoint’s chassis plays an important role in providing in-the-saddle comfort without compromising pedalling efficiency.

 

Aero is everything; even within gravel racing it’s a legit consideration. Trek have sculpted the front of the Checkpoint to cut through the air more efficiently.

 

Despite the bike clearly leaning towards the racier end of the gravel bike market, with its aero profiling and integrated cockpit, the Checkpoint SL 6 has also been configured to be as versatile and practical as possible when it comes to carrying loads on longer rides or multi-day bikepacking adventures. There’s mounts for mudguards, a top tube pack, frame bag and front and rear racks.

Internally routed cables and an almost seamless transition between headset, headtube and fork means a more aero cockpit and faster overall times. 

 

There’s another brilliant new feature, borrowed from some of Trek’s mountain bike models including the Fuel EX and Slash, a 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. This is a real plus if you’re racing high-speed gravel events on the Checkpoint SL 6 where every little aero advantage is a serious consideration.

Trek’s inclusion of a downtube storage chamber allows you to stash tools, innertubes or snacks in the frame, helping to keep things a little more aero.

 

Trek’s downtube storage chamber includes a small storage bag that fits neatly in the cavity and prevents unwanted rattling.

 

The TREK Checkpoint SL 6 comes spec’d with a brilliantly functional 1X drivetrain, consisting of a single chainring upfront combined with a wide-ratio rear cassette, providing a large spread of gears while remaining simple and less prone to mechanical issues by eliminating a second chainring and a front derailleur. This simple drivetrain suits the unpredictable nature of gravel riding, where grit, grime (and inevitably mud in the U.K.) are all factors that can impact the efficiency of your bike.

TREK have chosen SRAM’s third-tier electronic, wireless groupset ‘Rival’ to make up the Checkpoint’s 1X drivetrain. For those of you unfamiliar with SRAM’s groupset hierarchy this (previously mechanical, now electronic) groupset sits as their third-tier offering under SRAM Red eTap AXS at the top of the tree with SRAM Force eTap AXS sitting as second tier. If you’re more familiar with Shimano componentry then think of Rival’s equivalent as Shimano’s 105 Di2 electronic groupset offering.

It’s worth noting too that while SRAM Rival eTap AXS may be described as ‘third tier’ it consists of a straight transfer of technology from the SRAM Red and Force eTap AXS groupsets with absolutely NO functional compromises in terms of how this wireless electronic configuration operates and performs. That’s the beauty of a fully digital system; the high-quality performance can be directly replicated; the only difference is the materials that the components are made of and consequently the overall weight of the drivetrain, which is slightly higher.

Trek have spec’d the Checkpoint SL6 with SRAM’s cutting-edge Rival eTap AXS wireless groupset.

 

Needless to say each gear change is completely precise thanks to its digital format, with the wireless shifter consistently activating the Rival eTap AXS rear derailleur, powered by a tiny internal motor. The rear derailleur includes a clutch mechanism to help keep the chain tight and prevent it unshipping from the front chainring over rough ground and the whole system holds up really well to the sort of conditions encountered when riding hard off-road. TREK have spec’d a 12-speed SRAM XG rear cassette with a huge spread of gears from a tiny 10T cog right up to a huge 44T so you’ll always be able to find just the right gear to overcome any terrain.

The electronic 12-speed Rival eTap AXS rear derailleur’s gear selections are made with flawless digital precision.

 

Another key factor to the off-road reliability of the SRAM Rival eTap AXS drivetrain is the simple 40T single chainring with alternate narrow/wide chainring tooth profiling designed to help keep the chain securely located. You’ll have no-doubt noticed the unique flat-topped chain too; this configuration does two things – it adds some additional strength to this particularly narrow 12-speed chain and it also helps keep it stay securely located in its path through the rear derailleur and around the front chainring.

A simple one-by drivetrain with a 40T chainring upfront is brilliantly functional and performs well in all riding conditions.

 

The new Sram Rival eTap AXS gear and hydraulic brake levers look great, are ergonomic and are noticeably more compact than their more expensive SRAM Red and Force cousins, albeit slightly heavier. They feel great in your hands and you can even fine-tune the fit by adjusting the reach of the lever, enabling you to match them to your hand size for enhanced comfort and control.

Clean, compact and ergonomic SRAM Rival 12-speed shifters send a wireless signal to the rear derailleur, with gear changes being instant.

 

The SRAM Rival hydraulic brake calipers combined with those ergonomic hydraulic brake levers provide powerful, easy-to-modulate braking which stays consistent in all weathers and in all riding conditions. The 160mm SRAM Paceline rotors work brilliantly with the Rival calipers to scrub off speed quickly and effectively when you’re descending at speed on loose, unpredictable off-road terrain.

Despite their neat, compact looks the SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD hydraulic disc brake calipers are particularly powerful.

 

Tyre clearance on a gravel bike can be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. 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 helps to prevent any potential mud build up on wet off-road rides. The Checkpoint SL 6 comes spec’d with a pair of Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 tubeless-ready wheels fitted with slightly narrower 40mm Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tubeless-ready tyres, another hint towards how TREK see this aero gravel bike being raced.

40mm wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tyres roll fast but provide ample grip.

 

The TREK Checkpoint SL 6 gravel bike, constructed from superlight OCLV carbon fibre and boasting a super-slippery aerodynamic silhouette with an integrated cockpit screams out free speed. As gravel racing gets more and more competitive and the smallest differences in aerodynamic efficiency multiply over the longer distances of a typical gravel race a bike like the Checkpoint is ready to excel. Look beyond that speedy chassis though and you’ll find a versatile gravel bike featuring some clever engineering which greatly enhances your comfort during long hours spent in the saddle; TREK’s IsoSpeed decoupler plays an important roll in ironing out rough terrain without compromising stiffness and responsiveness when you put the power down. With clearance for up to 45mm gravel tyres and plenty of bolt-on-bosses peppered throughout the frame and fork the Checkpoint SL 6 can be ridden hard off-road on more playful single track terrain or loaded up with bike-packing luggage and ridden out into the wilderness for a multi-day adventure.

The Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap is a super-aero carbon fibre gravel bike ready for racing and long-distance  adventures.

 

Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap Geometry

 

Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap RRP £4,000.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: 500 Series OCLV Carbon, IsoSpeed, internal cable routing, downtube storage door, 3S chain keeper, T47 BB, rack and mudguard mounts, integrated frame bag mounts, flat-mount disc, dropper post compatible, 142×12 mm thru axle
• Fork: Trek Checkpoint, full carbon, tapered carbon steerer, rack mounts, mudguard mounts, flat-mount disc, 12×100 mm thru-axle
• Stem: Bontrager Pro, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree
• Cassette: SRAM XG-1251, 10-44, 12-Speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-Speed
• Chain: SRAM Rival AXS 12-Speed
• Shifters: SRAM Rival eTap AXS
• Chainset: SRAM Rival 40T DUB Wide
• Brakes: SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD
• Brake Rotors: 160mm SRAM Paceline, CentreLock
• Front Wheel: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, Tubeless Ready, 25mm Wide, 100×12 Thru Axle
• Rear Wheel: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, Tubeless Ready, 25mm Wide, SRAM XD-R 12-Speed Freehub, 142×12 Thru Axle
• Tyres: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength Casing, 40mm wide
• Handlebar: Bontrager Elite Gravel
• Saddle: Bontrager P3 Verse Comp
• Seatpost: Bontrager Carbon 27.2mm

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

Want to see more fast bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…