New Trek Checkpoint SL increases tire & frame clearance, more storage, Gravel Endurance Geometry

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
New Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3

Trek releases two new gravel bikes, with options for off-road racers and adventurers alike.

“Trek introduced two new gravel bikes for exploring off the beaten path. The all-new Checkmate SLR is Trek’s first-ever dedicated gravel race bike and the lightest and fastest gravel bike the brand has ever made, perfect for crushing the sport’s most epic events. The new Checkpoint SL Gen 3 improves on the previous model with increased comfort and storage capacity, an improved fit, and all-around carbon performance for long gravel rides and overnighters.” – Trek Bikes

Trek Checkmate SLR Review
Trek’s new Gravel Race Bike, Checkmate SLR

“Both bikes share Trek’s IsoSpeed comfort tech to smooth bumps in the road and keep adventurers riding stronger longer. Plus, both gravel bikes have frame designs and mounts for Trek’s all-new Adventure Bags, including top tube, frame, and the more aero-efficient triangle bag that’s tucked out of the wind.”

New Trek Checkpoint SL First Look Video + Bonus Checkmate

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew presents a detailed first look at the all-new Trek Checkpoint SL, and quick overview of the race-oriented Trek Checkmate. Review of the Trek Checkmate SL coming later, watch this space!

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3

Continued from Above:

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Gravel Bike

Carbon Gravel Performance

“Checkpoint SL Gen 3 features reimagined tube shapes and 500 Series OCLV Carbon that keeps things lightweight, snappy, and economical.”

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Checkpoint SL utilizes 500 series OCLV Carbon

Optimized Storage

“Checkpoint SL Gen 3’s new frame design has more room to fit taller bottles with bags and offers more internal storage. Plus, it has mounts galore for top tube, frame, and triangle bags; fork storage; and front and rear racks.”

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Huge 340z Trek Voda Bottles fit with ease
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Internal storage is increased
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Bag mounts beneath the top tube

New Confidence-Inspiring Details

“Checkpoint SL Gen 3’s new Gravel Endurance geometry has a higher and shorter reach that’s more comfortable and capable for all-day gravel rides. Plus, riders get a GR Elite handlebar (on SL 5 and 6) or carbon GR Pro handlebar (on SL 7), which share a more comfortable drop shape and an increased flare of 6cm between hoods and drops for better control and confidence, no matter the terrain.”

Trek Checkmate SLR Review
Revised Geometry for Checkpoint SL

Room for 50mm Tires (as measured)

“Checkpoint SL Gen 3 comes with 42mm tires but can fit bigger, beefier gravel tires to roll over the chunky stuff.”

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
50mm tire / tyre clearance at front
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
50mm tire / tyre clearance at rear

Compatible with Dropper Post & Suspension Fork

“The new Checkpoint SL Gen 3 is dropper post compatible and adds suspension fork compatibility with up to 40mm of travel* so customers can enjoy even more capability, comfort, and confidence.” – *Available on all sizes except XS

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Isospeed returns for Generation 3 Checkpoint SL
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Nice improvement, traditional 27.2mm seatpost

Trek Checkmate SLR Gravel Race Bike

Trek’s Lightest Gravel Bike Ever

“Checkmate is Trek’s lightest gravel bike ever, with premium 800 Series OCLV Carbon, top-tier components, and new lightweight tube shape technology that help drop a whole pound off the previous Checkpoint SLR model.”

Trek Checkmate SLR Review
Trek Checkmate SLR

Trek’s Fastest Gravel Bike Ever

“Checkmate is Trek’s fastest gravel bike ever, with the same new Full System Foil aero tube shapes and aero one-piece bar/stem as Madone Gen 8. Plus, Checkmate’s new Gravel Race geo puts riders in a more aggressive and efficient riding position. Together, these features help make Checkmate 5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than Checkpoint SLR on the 200-mile course at Unbound (at 200W).”

Trek Checkmate SLR Review
Trek Checkmate SLR

New Lightweight & Aero One-Piece Bar/Stem

“Checkmate features the same ultra-light and aero one-piece carbon bar/stem as Madone Gen 8, with hoods that are 3cm narrower than the drops so riders can choose between a more aero or more controlled position and enjoy more ergonomic comfort on the tops.”

Trek Checkmate SLR Review
Fully integrated cockpit
Trek Checkmate SLR Review
Fully integrated cockpit

Room for up to 45mm Tires / Tyres (as measured)

“Checkmate comes stock with 38mm tires but can fit up to 45mm tires to roll quick over tougher race or training courses.”

Trek Checkmate SLR Review
45mm of tire / tire clearance for Checkmate SL

Customizable in Project One

“The best way to get Checkmate is through Project One for the perfect fit, parts, and color. Plus, the new Project One ICON Raw Lithos scheme brings breathtaking earthen hues exclusively to Checkmate customers.”

Trek Checkmate SLR Review
This Project One colorway is available now

Additional Photos

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Ton of clearance
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Note the derailleur mount
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
SRAM Force eTap AXS XPLR
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
UDH mount, rack mounts
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Force 1x crankset
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Another view of the available mounts
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Inaugural ride on the Checkpoint SL
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Plenty of mounts for storage bags
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Storage mount beneath the downtube
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Checkpoint SL’s fork with plenty of mounts
Trek Checkpoint Generation 3 Review
Stock Bontrager Girona Tires / tyres
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Revieww
Chain retention
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Top tube storage mount
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Traditional 27.2mm seatpost
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
6cm flare between hood & drops
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Traditional stem & handlebar
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Integrated cables enter a custom headset cap
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Force eTap Levers
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Super simple to perform a stem swap
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Flat mount brake, rack mount
Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review
Isospeed returns with Checkpoint SL V3

Learn more at the Trek Bikes Website

Support Gravel Cyclist:
Buy Me a Coffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gravelcyclist
OR
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/gravelcyclist

Links of Interest:

Don’t forget to Like the Gravel Cyclist Facebook page, follow G.C. on Instagram, and subscribe to our Youtube Channel. We are also on Twitter!

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.