The all-new Trek Checkmate SLR and Checkpoint SL additional solidify the Wisconsin model’s dedication to the gravel arts.
If you happen to’ve adopted any of the LifeTime Grand Prix, likelihood is you’ve seen the Trek Checkmate body. Firms like Trek and the like now not attempt to cover their new gear proper earlier than a giant launch. Or we shoppers are getting higher at recognizing them. Both means, it appears to be like quick and loads just like the Madone Gen 8.
Who may blame them? If you happen to’re an athlete like Russell Finsterwald (Trek-Driftless) and your bike sponsor simply got here out with a flyin’ new gravel race body, would you need to wait till the late season to race it? My guess isn’t any, and Trek feels the identical means.
The one which did catch us without warning is the all-new (design) Trek Checkpoint SL. The Checkpoint was the go-to gravel body within the Trek lineup, however it now leans extra towards journey, and it will possibly nonetheless lay down the ability if want be.
So, let’s meet the brand new Trek gravel race and journey lineup.
Trek Checkmate SLR
For the brand new Checkmate, Trek threw the gauntlet down within the gravel. It’s the corporate’s first-ever devoted gravel race bike (in the event you low cost the Checkpoint SLR). The brand new Checkmate fashions are a lot lighter than the Checkpoint SLR and get some assist from top-tier specs. How a lot lighter, you ask? How about a complete pound?
5 minutes and 54 seconds quicker than Checkpoint SLR
The body takes inspiration (heaps) from the brand new Madone Gen 8 and makes use of Trek’s new collection 800 carbon. Just like the Madone Gen 8, Trek employs Full System Foil aero tube shapes and an aero one-piece bar/stem. Plus, the Checkmate’s new Gravel Race geo places riders in a extra aggressive and environment friendly driving place. Lowering frontal space, getting extra aero, and saving watts (sounds just like the Madone Gen 8 proper?). Trek claims these options assist make Checkmate 5 minutes and 54 seconds quicker than Checkpoint SLR on the 200-mile course at Unbound (at 200W).
What’s the Max Tire Measurement?
Some will likely be stoked, some will likely be bummed. The brand new Checkmate maxes out at 45mm tires and comes inventory with 38mm tires. 45mm appears to be the highest of what most (tremendous critical) racers will use till they swap to a full-on mountain bike (with drop bars or not). Keep tuned in the event you’re in search of a motorbike that clears a bigger tire.
Let Speak Compatibility
The brand new Checkmate makes use of an SRAM UDH derailleur hanger and is suitable (and comes with) with the brand new SRAM Crimson XPLR groupset (reviewed right here).
Is there any inside storage? No, in the event you’re in search of storage, learn on. Trek designers determined the additional weight of the in-frame storage was an excessive amount of and went all in for max light-weight good points.
Dropper suitable? That’s a detrimental, too; the CheckMate makes use of a D-shaped seatpost—a primary for Trek, however as we talked about above, keep tuned.
Baggage? Sure, the brand new Checkmate is designed to work seamlessly with the Trek Journey luggage and high tube feeding luggage. However that’s the place the luggage cease; for the reason that Checkmate is a race body, Trek omits the three-pack mounts and the bike-packing mounts.
Aero One-piece Bar/Stem
Checkmate options the identical ultra-light and aero one-piece carbon bar/stem because the Madone Gen 8. The identical piece has hoods which are 3cm narrower than the drops, so riders can select between a extra aero or extra managed place and revel in extra ergonomic consolation on the tops. We love this bar; it’s one of the crucial comfy aero bars round, and it’s good to see it on a gravel bike aimed toward racing.
Trek Checkmate SLR Geo
Trek Checkmate SLR Fashions and Pricing
Checkmate SLR7
The Checkmate SLR7 is the brand new gravel race machine’s base mannequin. It arrives with a SRAM Drive AXS XPLR 1X groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Professional V3 wheels.
- Value: $8,300
- Weight: 17.86 lbs
Checkmate SLR9
Checkmate SLR9 is the top-tier model of the Checkmate. It arrives with the brand new SRAM Crimson AXS XPLR 1X groupset and Bontrager Aeolus RSL wheels.
- Value: $12,00
- Weight: 16.65 lbs
Checkmate SLR Frameset
- Value: $4,000
- Weight: 1223g (ML body solely) 415g (fork solely)
*All weights are measurement ML bikes with Bontrager TLR sealant, no tubes.
Customizable in Challenge One
The easiest way to get Checkmate is thru Challenge One for the proper match, elements, and shade. Plus, the brand new Challenge One ICON Uncooked Lithos scheme brings earthen hues completely to Checkmate clients.
Up to date Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3
If you happen to’re in search of velocity, exploration, and slightly racing – the brand new Checkpoint SL Gen 3 would be the ticket. The brand new design improves the earlier mannequin with elevated consolation, storage capability, and match. Seeking to ship a multifaceted bike that may race and trip on any given weekend.
The Checkpoint SL Gen 3 makes use of the ISO velocity system and a conventional spherical seat put up. So droppers are honest recreation for all sizes.
Packable and Extra Storage
The Checkpoint is extra bike-packable than earlier than. Just like the Checkmate, it really works with Trek’s all-new Journey Baggage, together with the highest tube, body, and the extra aero-efficient triangle bag tucked out of the wind. Plus, it has mounts for entrance and rear racks.
Checkpoint SL Gen 3’s new body design has extra room to suit taller bottles (like our favourite Voda 34 oz) with luggage and affords extra inside storage within the downtube than earlier than.
Up to date Body Shaping
Checkpoint SL Gen 3 options reimagined tube shapes and 500 Sequence OCLV Carbon that retains issues light-weight, snappy, and economical. Just like the Checkmate, the Checkpoint will get the Madone Gen 8 makeover with some sculpted tubes.
Confidence Inspiring Particulars
Checkpoint SL Gen 3 makes use of Trek’s “Gravel Endurance geometry” and has the next and shorter attain that’s extra comfy and succesful for all-day gravel rides. Riders get a GR Elite handlebar (SL 5 and 6) or a carbon GR Professional handlebar (SL 7). Each share a extra comfy drop form and an elevated flare of 6cm between hoods and drops for higher management and confidence, particularly on gravel.
Tire clearance? 50mm. The Checkpoint SL Gen 3 arrives with 42mm tires however can match larger.
How about suspension? Yep! The brand new Checkpoint SL Gen3 is a suspension fork suitable with forks as much as 40mm of journey. (Out there in all sizes besides XS)
Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Geometry
Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Fashions and Pricing
Treks Checkpoint SL 5 AXS has an SRAM Apex AXS 12-speed, Bontrager Paradigm wheels, and a Bontrager GR Elite handlebar.
- Value: $3,200
- Weight: 20.95lbs
The Checkpoint SL 6 AXS comes geared up with SRAM Rival AXS 12 velocity, Bontrager Paradigm wheels, and a Bontrager GR Elite handlebar.
- Value: $4,000
- Weight: 20.73lbs.
The Checkpoint SL 7 AXS comes with SRAM Drive AXS XPLR 12-speed, Bontrager Elite V35 carbon wheels, and a Bontrager GR Professional carbon handlebar.
- Value: $5,700
- Weight: 19.85lbs.
Checkpoint SL Frameset
- Value: $2,400
- Weight: 1385g (ML body solely) 536g (fork-only)
- *All weights are measurement ML bikes with Bontrager TLR sealant, no tubes.
Checkpoint SL Gen 3 and Checkmate SLR can be found globally at choose Trek retailers and on-line at trekbikes.com.
