Nat Bromhead
Trek have simultaneously launched two exciting gravel bikes, an updated and overhauled Checkpoint and a new race-inspired bike, the Checkmate.
We are currently testing riding the new Checkpoint, our review bike being the mid-level SL6 model. Supplied by SRAM Australia to demonstrate their all-new 13-speed RED XPLR gravel groupset, the test bike is somewhat of a Frankenstein build. Finished in bright white, it is fitted with the aforementioned new SRAM Red – a sub 2.5kg groupset expected only to be available on the Checkpoint SL7 and Checkmate SLR.
The test bike is also fitted with Zipp’s new premium gravel wheelset, the ultra-wide Zipp 303 XPLR wheels. These are huge, with just about every measurement helping propel the wheels to the next level. They’re 54mm deep, 32mm wide internally, and a whopping 40mm wide externally! They weigh in at less than 1500gr and being so wide the wheels will only suit certain tyres, mainly those between 40 and 45mm across.
The test bike is also fitted with SRAM electronic dropper post and Zipp cockpit.
To the new Trek framesets, and the Checkmate SLR is Trek’s first-ever dedicated gravel race bike and the lightest and fastest gravel bike the brand has ever made.
The third-generation Checkpoint SL has increased comfort and storage capacity, an improved fit, and all-around carbon performance for long gravel rides and longer-distance bikepacking rides and events.
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 new range of adventure bags including top tube, frame, and the more aero-efficient triangle bag that’s tucked out of the wind.
Checkmate SLR Key Features
Checkmate is Trek’s lightest gravel bike, with premium 800 Series OCLV Carbon, top-tier components, and new lightweight tube shape technology that help drop 500gr off the previous Checkpoint SLR model.
The Checkmate features Trek’s ‘Full System Foil’ aero tube shapes and aero one-piece bar/stem as latest Madone. Plus, Checkmate’s new Gravel Race geo puts riders in a more aggressive and efficient riding position. Trek say these features help make Checkmate almost 6 minutes faster than Checkpoint SLR on the Unbound 200 course at 200 watts.
The Checkmate comes standard with 38mm tyres and will fit up to 45mm. Pricing will be added as soon as it’s available.
The New Checkpoint
The third generation Checkpoint features what Trek describes as ‘reimagined tube shapes’ along with 500 Series OCLV carbon.
With a new frame design, there’s space for taller bidons. Under the down tube bottle cage is a hatch and inside is quite a cavernous storage compartment. A surprisingly versatile rig, our test bike features mounts galore for top tube and frame bags plus fork storage and front and rear racks.
Endurance Gravel
The updated frameset gives the rider a more upright position along with a shorter reach to help make it more comfortable and capable for all-day adventure rides. The SL6 test bike sure felt incredibly comfortable to me.
After picking it up from the local Trek store it was simply a case of fitting pedals, adjusting saddle height via the SRAM dropper, then embarking on a 70km urban path / trail / gravel loop around northern Sydney. And the bike loved it!
The new Checkpoint SL is factory-fitted with 42mm tyres but will take up to 45mm. Purely subjective, and this will come down to where you ride, but over time we’ve found good quality 38 to 40mm tyres – typically with a slick centre and more aggressive side treads – to be most versatile and efficient gravel tyres.
So far as availability goes, Trek typically have stock in their stores at time of launch. For the most accurate pricing on both the 3rd generation Checkpoint and new Checkmate visit www.trekbikes.com
