New Trek Checkpoint and Checkmate SLR: adventure and competition gravel bikes

After several years of indecision regarding its gravel bike proposal, Trek renews its Checkpoint, which is reserved for adventure and bikepacking orientation while adding the new Checkmate SLR to its catalog, which aims to offer a purebred competition gravel bike.

Trek strengthens its gravel offer with the renewal of the Checkpoint and the new Checkmate SLR

It was curious, but Trek, one of the leading brands in the market, did not quite define its commitment to gravel, which was focused on the Checkpoint, a very reliable and versatile bike. Precisely this last quality made it lack definition, being too relaxed for sports gravel and not quite a beast to tackle long bikepacking routes or aggressive gravel.

Now, Trek has decided to segment its gravel bike offer with the renewal of the Checkpoint and the introduction of a new bike aimed at competition, the Checkmate SLR.

We start with the latter because it is the newest. A bike that inherits certain design touches from the road Madone although, as it could not be otherwise, it features the renowned IsoSpeed system at the seat tube and top tube junction to achieve maximum absorption on rough terrain.

As a sports bike, the Trek Checkmate SLR is made with OCLV Series 800 carbon, until the appearance of the Series 900 used by the Madone, the highest level of carbon available at Trek, in order to achieve maximum stiffness and the lightest weight. It has a specific Gravel Race geometry and reinforces the aerodynamic design of its tubes, as we said, inherited from the new Madone Gen 8, with the same integrated handlebar as its road sister.

Despite being a sports bike, considering the demands of some gravel calendar events, this Checkmate SLR has generous tire clearance that allows for tires up to 45 mm wide. It is worth noting that this Trek Checkmate SLR is one of those that adopts the UDH derailleur hanger standard, allowing for a top-of-the-line setup that includes the new SRAM Red AXS XPLR.

With a completely different conception of gravel, we have the renewed Checkpoint, which reaches its third generation with subtle changes that deepen the concept of an adventurous bike and bikepacking. In fact, the first thing that catches our attention is the numerous mounts to attach all kinds of bags and accessories for this activity, which Trek also offers in its catalog.

Additionally, it also features internal storage in the downtube, typically used to carry repair kits. Addressing the needs of this gravel focus, the Trek Checkpoint Gen 3 has updated its geometry, called Gravel Endurance, aiming to accommodate a suspension fork without modifications. With the same focus, it also has a conventional seatpost to easily mount a dropper post. Finally, its tire clearance has increased to accommodate generous 50 mm tires.