I’ll be 60 next April, and just got back into biking 3 years ago. I bought a 2019 Marlin 7 then and have put 4000+ miles on it. I’ve done 95% of that on pavement. My longest riding is 58 miles. I’ve come to realize that I’m more of a roadie than a trail rider. I just ordered this same Checkpoint. It should be here in March, just in time for the Boise weather to think about warming up. I can’t wait to see the speed and distance improvements with the Checkpoint. Right now I feel like a kid in Feb. waiting for Christmas to get here.
UPDATE: I picked up the Checkpoint SL5 on March 5th. She is a beauty. It is amazing how big a difference 10 lbs can make with a bike. I've already done close to 700 miles and climbed over 12k ft. I did a ride a few weeks ago for my 60th birthday. I did 65+ miles, taking care of 2 of my goals: 60 for my 60th and a metric century. Now to work more on the climbing muscles. 🚴♂😀
@@johnsampson2544 I got mine a month ago and I am in love. The ride quality is unbelievable. So smooth and steady and predictable on either pavement or dirt roads. I'm turning 60 and this bike has got me rediscovering the love of cycling all over again. I just listed my old carbon road bike for sale because now I know I will never ride it again.
@@festerofest4374 That is awesome. I am actually in week 7 of healing from an OTB crash over Memorial Day weekend. I have my first PT tonight, and hope I can get back on the bike in another couple of weeks. Enjoy the rides.
I've taken both the ALR5 and SL5 home and ridden both of them over a mixed terrain of good/bad pavement, loose/packed gravel, and dirt roads. The carbon SL5 has a noticeable difference in ride comfort. After switching between them several times in 5 mile stints with roughly about 30 miles total respective to each bike, I felt less fatigue and more ride quality enjoyment overall with the SL5. The SL5 cost increase is justified to me because of the comfort and how much more I appreciate its aesthetics over the ALR5. The ALR5 is still a great bike and would still buy it if I had a budget constraint.
Just purchased the sl 5. Super stoked for it to arrive in 5 months. The local shop also offers a free tune up every year for life, so that’s pretty cool.
Got lucky and got the blue SL7 frameset within 2 weeks via LBS. Absolute dream bike, ticks all the boxes that justified swapping my Bombtrack Hook EXT steel frame for this. More comfy, clean routing, storage, mounts, clearance, lighter, and similar geometry as my Bombtrack. Remains stable on rough trails especially when out of the saddle on low grip. I build it up with my Rival 1, alternating between 700c GP5000 wheels and 650b 2.2 RaceKing which fit easily, at least on 19 mm rims. Downside: Unironically the carbon smoke green'ish blue color is so pretty that I honestly don't know if I can ever risk leaving it out of eyesight on a solo tour, be it at a campsite or grocery store, despite U-lock. Great video, clearly structured and straight to the point!
@@jorgetorres9331 After comparing the geometries on Bikeinsights, I ran with the standard, which is 56 for my 180cm, and the Bombtrack being L. Even with a 54, the reach would've increased to require a new stem, but stack would be even lower. I run almost 60 mm of spacers so I'm glad I went with 56 since 54 would look really odd with even more spacers. For racier geometry preference, downsizing might be ok though, so I wouldn't flat-out recommend against it
I watched this video when it originally released and it was one of the videos that help me decide to buy a 2023 Checkpoint SL5. I upgraded from an FX-2. I love this bike. I am not an experienced rider by any means. But, I love this SL5. Thank you for the review!
I love this bike!! I wish I could get one, but the supply chain is all screwed up right now. I'm a mechanic at a Trek dealer and have built this this model and this color. It is a beautiful bike!!!! I took it out on a little test ride to make sure everything was dialed in, and it felt GREAT!!!! I've been told that it's going to be another year before we will have these in stock and more than a year to get a dealer discount. AAAAUUUUURRRRRGH!!! I want one so bad!! When I finally get one of these, I'm planning on making it my one bike to do all. I'll get some wheels and set them up for the road and use the ones that come with it for gravel tires.
Man! Hope you can get one sooner than later! I looooove riding mine. Trek knocked it out of the park with this one. I had to do some financial rigmarol to get it but went ahead because I was nervous I wouldn't see one again for a while.
Just bought this same bike. Good luck with your search. Awesome bike. Might upgrade the wheels to the Aeolus Pro 3V some day to run a wider tire at lower pressure.
I think the clutch system was made to make it easier to remove the rear tire, I’ve found out that if the clutch is off, you’ll end up skipping gears and shifting is feels sloppy and is not precise.
This bike is insane. I was dreaming about it since it's specifications were shown on trek's site. Unfortunately according to the local trek dealers those bikes won't be shipped to Ukraine before autumn 2023. And that was before the war started. After February 24th new bike is no more highest priority but I'm still dreaming about it.
It breaks my heart to see what Putin is doing to Ukrainians. I sincerely hope that bikes can soon become what you think about instead of war. Слава Українi!
@@mellowcat42 it's not just putin but the whole russian population. russians really support this war. They want to recreate their empire on our bones an skulls.
Trek is making some nice bikes. I especially like the tire clearance and engineered frame compliance. I'm still riding a converted '89 Bridgestone RB-2 that I snagged for a cool $120 on craigslist. It would be interesting to ride the Trek and mine back to back.
Same here. Amount of various mounts ot it's frame and fork is insane! Also I believe that geometry is even more comfortable then the one on my old AL3.
Love this bike. Normally not a fan of internally routed cables but this looks like a nice setup. The storage area appears to give access to cables, should make home maintenance easier. Only thing I don't get is why trek didn't go full grx with the crank. Would like to test ride to see how much the iso speed actually helps.
Trek actually spec a full GRX kit on the SL5, albeit with a mix of RX810 & RX600 components. The SL5 crank is supposed to be an RX600 46/30t per the Trek website. I just picked up an SL5 in Radioactive Red over the weekend, however, it also came with a Praxis Alba crankset. So, I'm assuming that Trek is using the Praxis due to supply chain issues. Mine came with a 48/32 crank, however James referred to it as a 46/30. I think he may have just been going by the Trek website info. I was actually planning on upgrading mine to the GRX RX810, which is a 48/31, because I wanted a larger big chainring. Given the Praxis it came with is a 48/32 I may stay with that.
@@Robert-R I just picked up mine today (after a long wait!) and it came with an RX 600-11 crank. I think I'd actually prefer a 48/32 and the Praxis looks very similar (doesn't have the asymmetric spider but the aesthetics of that are pretty debatable!)
I'm probably biased since the best bike I've ever owned is a trek Marlin 6, but I like the look of a new trek. Love that color. Thanks for sharing this with us.
$4,500 ret (Australia) kinda asks why Trek didn't include a "Multi-tool" in the clip on the back of the "door".... It would be a "classy" touch to see their own "Trek Multi-tool" sitting in that clip.
These bikes actually come set up tubeless from the factory im a mechanic at a trek store and i have been really impressed with these bikes thinkin about picking one up!
I love this bike and thinking about getting it for a commuter over FX sport, Sirrus X 5.0, giant fast road. The only think stopping me is the 2x drivetrain. Wish it had 1x. The SL6 has 1 x axs. The problem with that bike is, it’s more money but does not upgrade to carbon rims. I love treks bikes but their spec is always a little off. That is why I went with Stumpjumper Evo expert over fuel ex 9.8.
I just got the ALR 5 in white, I love the bike! But man, that red is 🔥 ! Also, about the Praxis cranks, if I'm not mistaken they are not 46/30 but 48/32, so slightly different gearing than a full GRX set. Great review!
I couldn’t find any major differences between the alr5 and sl5 except that one is carbon one is aluminum but they weigh just about the same. And the sl5 has the Downtube storage. Doesn’t seem like it’s worth the extra $800. Any thoughts?
@@RyderNight99 I personally have never ridden a carbon bike in my life so I can't comment from experience. What I have heard and read was that people seem to love the Isospeed and that carbon is "compliant" and smooth. I went with aluminum because I couldn't justify the price jump but also for it's durability. I wanted this bike to last me a long time without having to worry about the carbon.. So I guess ride comfort is something to consider?
I have the same bike except when it came in the frame was cracked so the LBS got me a replacement frameset that was apparently from the SL7...dark blue/green with carbon smoke lettering. Looks way better than the gray I was getting. I was replacing a 5 yo Domane SLR6 with rim brakes. For my routes the Checkpoint is a smoother riding bike though not quite as fast.
@@JimS870 Frame size was the same for me. I have no issues with the gearing. Bought a Dual Sport 3 in the summer of 2020, fell in love with the ride of the 40mm tires and the power of the disc brakes. Because the bike market was so hot I knew I could sell my rim braked Domane to fund the purchase of the Checkpoint. The slightly more relaxed riding position was also a plus. Those are my reasons. That Domane was a great bike though, I just had an evolving set of requirements/preferences.
Thanks for the review! I tested out the ALR5 at our local Trek dealer. I liked it a lot, but it does feel a bit jarring on gravel road (I currently have a Fuji carbon fiber road bike). Is the carbon frame on this bike a lot more forgiving than the aluminum version? Just wondering if the $800 difference and the wait time is worth it (they have the ALR in stock).
I always like the carbon hardtail mtb range since most can climb like crazy. Would love to buy this bike which is maybe 2kg lighter but will it climb as well?
If this was released sooner, I might have tried to snag this instead of my preorder for the 2022 Scott Addict Gravel 30. I like the new Checkpoint, but I think I'll stick to the Scott, which hopefully should be in my hands by summer.
I put a deposit to build this exact SL5/color, and a navy ALR5, today, to compare/ride the two and pick which one to buy. I test drove the SL6 etap yesterday and liked that bike a lot, but at least for now and I'd like to stay mechanical.
I’m kinda in the same boat. Doesn’t seem like there’s too much difference between sl5 and alr. Weight is about the same and sl 5 has the downtube storage. But $800 more… is it really worth it? Haha
@@RyderNight99 i guess it depends on your ride habits and style. If your regular ride is below 100km alr is okay. If you like to travel on a bike for days and you are one of randonners who ride 200+ km per day then sl5 is preffered.
It’s a good looking bike. I test rode one and it was pretty smooth-didn’t feel particularly ‘lively’ but smooth and very predictable. Swap the wheelset for some Roval Terra CL’s or something similar and things would really take a leap! It annoys me that Trek and Specialized throw a mismatched Praxis crank on so many of their bikes-mismatched in this case to the GRX810 rear derailleur. God forbid Trek should spend the small extra $ to match it with a GRX crank-difference between the Praxis and GRX crank is like $30-$50.
The one I have on hold has GRX cranks. I think the Praxis switcheroo has to do with the infamous "supply chain issues" that brands are probably finding ways to take advantage of.
The chain stays look really long compared to all the space they have between the tire and the way they have the made the seat tube. I guess parodynamics is not a concern on this frame.
I have a trek alr 5 and am thinking about getting this all carbon bike. Is this bike that much lighter? Do you think this make sense to get the carbon version? Is there that much of a difference? Thanks, I would appreciate your thoughts.
How did you find the sizing? I've heard the longer top tube means you should go down a size, but I'm not sure. For reference I'm a 54cm on the Domane SL5 2022.
I have a more in-depth video on the checkpoint that I did earlier this year where I went into the geometry. Top two blank is only one factor and relatively minor in the overall fit of the bike. Typically you would not downsize, especially coming from a Domani since the stack is so much lower on a checkpoint. Checkpoint. Downsizing would just make that worse. Check the rest of the geometry and you'll see that they corrected for the additional front center room by shortening reach and handlebar stem and adjusting seat tube. For reference, the geometry changes on the checkpoint are nothing new, this is something that mountain bike category has been exploring for years now. Or just starting to see that type of geo come to gravel bikes
@@Jamesthebikeguy Thanks for this explanation. I was really confused about the geometry. The Giant Revolt size S has an ETT of 550 and a reach of 381 whereas a Checkpoint size 52 has an ETT of 555 but the reach is a significantly higher 399. In fact the Checkpoint has a much longer reach than many other bikes around the same sizing so that had me concerned about fit and sizing. I was wondering about sizing down as well.
That would be a good video, although the bikes are a fair bit different. The crux is a much more back to basics lightweight offering with not nearly the same amount of flexibility. The Trek is considerably heavier and offers a lot more flexibility. So my opinion, if flexibility is not as important, and you want a raw lightweight experience, go for the crux. If you want a bike that can do a little bike, packing a little racing and a little bit of everything then get the checkpoint
@@Jamesthebikeguy That’s a good explanation. I’ve heard a lot that the Crux is pretty much an Aethos with a lot more tire clearance (and slack geo). I was almost set on getting one until I saw someone fit some thick 700x50/52c tires on the Checkpoint and that peaked my interest since I’m looking for a replacement for my aluminum Niner RLT 9. There’s about $1K difference between the two framesets (Checkpoint SL vs Crux Comp), that may play a factor too. Honestly, if I can clear 20lb/9kg in total bike weight, I’ll be satisfied.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Hi James, is the higher bottom bracket on the Crux something to be concerned about? I am thinking a lower BB height lowers your centre of gravity and increases stability so you feel like you are in the bike rather than on it?
If you put road tires on this bike, you would be hard pressed to notice any speed difference between this and a equivalent road bike. Being that it is a gravel bike, with nabi or tires, it will be slightly slower than a road bike in stock form
I've been looking at sl5 or the advanced 0 , I think I'm going with the revolt a touch more in price but carbon wheels 🤔 revolt has the flip chip and can run slightly large max Tyre. I'd say it really comes down to how much you want ed to spend as spec changes enough between bikes
Probably this one, especially bc I think you get isospeed and multiple hand positions, as long as you not riding real technical train needing flat bars
I think I'm just an aluminum type of guy. Even the AL bikes seem to have carbon forks. Something I know can last 40 years even though I won't (me old). Steel maybe.
If you can , get the Checkpoint SL6 etap. I have the 2021 Diverge Comp Carbon and 2022 Checkpoint SL6 . Both fast and efficient. I love both but prefer the Checkpoint. It’s comfortable . I rode it at Unbound last week. I rode my Diverge yesterday and smiled all day and it’s fast . But the Checkpoint with that etap whew. I also put Bontrager 3v Carbon wheels on her and it’s a perfect set up. You can use 650b on both as well. I have a set of Hunt 650b’s for the Diverge if I wanna switch her up. Tough choices and you really have to look around. I stumbled upon my checkpoint over the Xmas Holidays. I was lucky they were closed for the Holidays/Covid. I walked when the shop opened and there she was sitting on a stand. No questions just bought it. Good luck. Price point is the same.
@@fraji1 wondering if you feel the ride is smoother on trail/gravel with the sl6 & it’s iso dampening or the diverge with the future shock and terra seatpost? Or are they really similar.
@@cleveland503 hi! Ok I love both bikes. The checkpoint sl6 rides is a nice ride. Unbound on that bike was flawless. The iso works for sure. I have 42mm Specialized Pro Pathfinders and Bontrager 3v carbon rims. Together with the carbon frame it dampens the ride. So I see it as a race and lite bike packing bike. I feel the Diverge is more of a race bike. I have 38mm tires and same Bontrager 3v carbon rims on that bike as well. Nothing like it if you wanna do nothing else but fly :) hope this helps.
I’ll be 60 next April, and just got back into biking 3 years ago. I bought a 2019 Marlin 7 then and have put 4000+ miles on it. I’ve done 95% of that on pavement. My longest riding is 58 miles. I’ve come to realize that I’m more of a roadie than a trail rider. I just ordered this same Checkpoint. It should be here in March, just in time for the Boise weather to think about warming up. I can’t wait to see the speed and distance improvements with the Checkpoint. Right now I feel like a kid in Feb. waiting for Christmas to get here.
That’s like the perfect bike for that area pretty versatile to I use my gravel bike the most out of anything
Update John ? Sounds like a domane sl5 works better for u ?
UPDATE: I picked up the Checkpoint SL5 on March 5th. She is a beauty. It is amazing how big a difference 10 lbs can make with a bike. I've already done close to 700 miles and climbed over 12k ft. I did a ride a few weeks ago for my 60th birthday. I did 65+ miles, taking care of 2 of my goals: 60 for my 60th and a metric century. Now to work more on the climbing muscles. 🚴♂😀
@@johnsampson2544 I got mine a month ago and I am in love. The ride quality is unbelievable. So smooth and steady and predictable on either pavement or dirt roads. I'm turning 60 and this bike has got me rediscovering the love of cycling all over again. I just listed my old carbon road bike for sale because now I know I will never ride it again.
@@festerofest4374 That is awesome. I am actually in week 7 of healing from an OTB crash over Memorial Day weekend. I have my first PT tonight, and hope I can get back on the bike in another couple of weeks. Enjoy the rides.
I have the 2022 Checkpoint SL6 with etap. The bike was made for gravel. Fast and comfortable. Riding it tomorrow at Unbound in Emporia, Kansas.
I've taken both the ALR5 and SL5 home and ridden both of them over a mixed terrain of good/bad pavement, loose/packed gravel, and dirt roads. The carbon SL5 has a noticeable difference in ride comfort. After switching between them several times in 5 mile stints with roughly about 30 miles total respective to each bike, I felt less fatigue and more ride quality enjoyment overall with the SL5. The SL5 cost increase is justified to me because of the comfort and how much more I appreciate its aesthetics over the ALR5. The ALR5 is still a great bike and would still buy it if I had a budget constraint.
Thanks for posting and writing about your experience with Trek Checkpoints.
Just purchased the sl 5. Super stoked for it to arrive in 5 months. The local shop also offers a free tune up every year for life, so that’s pretty cool.
Which country are u from?
Minnesota, USA
5 months is crazy
Got lucky and got the blue SL7 frameset within 2 weeks via LBS. Absolute dream bike, ticks all the boxes that justified swapping my Bombtrack Hook EXT steel frame for this. More comfy, clean routing, storage, mounts, clearance, lighter, and similar geometry as my Bombtrack. Remains stable on rough trails especially when out of the saddle on low grip. I build it up with my Rival 1, alternating between 700c GP5000 wheels and 650b 2.2 RaceKing which fit easily, at least on 19 mm rims. Downside: Unironically the carbon smoke green'ish blue color is so pretty that I honestly don't know if I can ever risk leaving it out of eyesight on a solo tour, be it at a campsite or grocery store, despite U-lock.
Great video, clearly structured and straight to the point!
Congratulations on your new bike, and thanks for the kind words
Did you down size your your regular bike size?
@@jorgetorres9331 After comparing the geometries on Bikeinsights, I ran with the standard, which is 56 for my 180cm, and the Bombtrack being L.
Even with a 54, the reach would've increased to require a new stem, but stack would be even lower. I run almost 60 mm of spacers so I'm glad I went with 56 since 54 would look really odd with even more spacers. For racier geometry preference, downsizing might be ok though, so I wouldn't flat-out recommend against it
The white with red lettering looks amazing
I watched this video when it originally released and it was one of the videos that help me decide to buy a 2023 Checkpoint SL5. I upgraded from an FX-2. I love this bike. I am not an experienced rider by any means. But, I love this SL5. Thank you for the review!
I have this bike thank God and is sweet riding comfy bike I love it.
I love this bike!! I wish I could get one, but the supply chain is all screwed up right now. I'm a mechanic at a Trek dealer and have built this this model and this color. It is a beautiful bike!!!! I took it out on a little test ride to make sure everything was dialed in, and it felt GREAT!!!! I've been told that it's going to be another year before we will have these in stock and more than a year to get a dealer discount. AAAAUUUUURRRRRGH!!! I want one so bad!! When I finally get one of these, I'm planning on making it my one bike to do all. I'll get some wheels and set them up for the road and use the ones that come with it for gravel tires.
Man! Hope you can get one sooner than later! I looooove riding mine. Trek knocked it out of the park with this one. I had to do some financial rigmarol to get it but went ahead because I was nervous I wouldn't see one again for a while.
Just bought this same bike. Good luck with your search. Awesome bike. Might upgrade the wheels to the Aeolus Pro 3V some day to run a wider tire at lower pressure.
That tube is the perfect spot to hide your weed 🤣🤣
Best bike for commuting at 4:20 😁
Omg! Lmao!
No need to hide it if riding in Illinois. Lol
I’d love to see a video comparing the sl5 and alr5. Specs seem so similar but $800 price difference
Aluminum vs. carbon.
The same weight, same specs, same everything just the frame is the difference
I think the clutch system was made to make it easier to remove the rear tire, I’ve found out that if the clutch is off, you’ll end up skipping gears and shifting is feels sloppy and is not precise.
This bike is insane. I was dreaming about it since it's specifications were shown on trek's site. Unfortunately according to the local trek dealers those bikes won't be shipped to Ukraine before autumn 2023. And that was before the war started. After February 24th new bike is no more highest priority but I'm still dreaming about it.
Keep looking don’t give up. I stumbled upon an SL6 in January.
It breaks my heart to see what Putin is doing to Ukrainians. I sincerely hope that bikes can soon become what you think about instead of war. Слава Українi!
@@mellowcat42 it's not just putin but the whole russian population. russians really support this war. They want to recreate their empire on our bones an skulls.
Great channel!
James, always great reviews on great bikes!!!
Trek is making some nice bikes. I especially like the tire clearance and engineered frame compliance. I'm still riding a converted '89 Bridgestone RB-2 that I snagged for a cool $120 on craigslist. It would be interesting to ride the Trek and mine back to back.
Thanks for the review. Looking to buy a bike for a mix of gravel, touring, and work commuter. This bike looks perfect.
Same here. Amount of various mounts ot it's frame and fork is insane! Also I believe that geometry is even more comfortable then the one on my old AL3.
Love this bike. Normally not a fan of internally routed cables but this looks like a nice setup. The storage area appears to give access to cables, should make home maintenance easier. Only thing I don't get is why trek didn't go full grx with the crank. Would like to test ride to see how much the iso speed actually helps.
Trek actually spec a full GRX kit on the SL5, albeit with a mix of RX810 & RX600 components. The SL5 crank is supposed to be an RX600 46/30t per the Trek website. I just picked up an SL5 in Radioactive Red over the weekend, however, it also came with a Praxis Alba crankset. So, I'm assuming that Trek is using the Praxis due to supply chain issues. Mine came with a 48/32 crank, however James referred to it as a 46/30. I think he may have just been going by the Trek website info. I was actually planning on upgrading mine to the GRX RX810, which is a 48/31, because I wanted a larger big chainring. Given the Praxis it came with is a 48/32 I may stay with that.
@@Robert-R I just picked up mine today (after a long wait!) and it came with an RX 600-11 crank. I think I'd actually prefer a 48/32 and the Praxis looks very similar (doesn't have the asymmetric spider but the aesthetics of that are pretty debatable!)
Will collect it tomorrow, cant wait ...
I'm probably biased since the best bike I've ever owned is a trek Marlin 6, but I like the look of a new trek. Love that color. Thanks for sharing this with us.
$4,500 ret (Australia) kinda asks why Trek didn't include a "Multi-tool" in the clip on the back of the "door".... It would be a "classy" touch to see their own "Trek Multi-tool" sitting in that clip.
These bikes actually come set up tubeless from the factory im a mechanic at a trek store and i have been really impressed with these bikes thinkin about picking one up!
Gorgeous bike and cool color
The color is even better in person
New subscriber. My LBS has an sl5 frame in my size. Your is awesome and so is the bike.
Thank You!! James 🤗
Thank you, Hector
I love this bike and thinking about getting it for a commuter over FX sport, Sirrus X 5.0, giant fast road. The only think stopping me is the 2x drivetrain. Wish it had 1x. The SL6 has 1 x axs. The problem with that bike is, it’s more money but does not upgrade to carbon rims. I love treks bikes but their spec is always a little off. That is why I went with Stumpjumper Evo expert over fuel ex 9.8.
I just got the ALR 5 in white, I love the bike! But man, that red is 🔥 ! Also, about the Praxis cranks, if I'm not mistaken they are not 46/30 but 48/32, so slightly different gearing than a full GRX set. Great review!
I couldn’t find any major differences between the alr5 and sl5 except that one is carbon one is aluminum but they weigh just about the same. And the sl5 has the Downtube storage. Doesn’t seem like it’s worth the extra $800. Any thoughts?
@@RyderNight99 I personally have never ridden a carbon bike in my life so I can't comment from experience. What I have heard and read was that people seem to love the Isospeed and that carbon is "compliant" and smooth. I went with aluminum because I couldn't justify the price jump but also for it's durability. I wanted this bike to last me a long time without having to worry about the carbon.. So I guess ride comfort is something to consider?
I already have a 2021 diverge sport but this new checkpoint sl5 is very tempting 😅.
I cannot find any 2021 sports anywhere...How is the bike treating you.......
That is crazy how heavy it is. 1 pound difference between the carbon and alr 5. Glad I went with Aluminium
I just bought one from Trek for $2999 aud $1900 usd, I’m so rapt I got it for that price 🙌
I have the same bike except when it came in the frame was cracked so the LBS got me a replacement frameset that was apparently from the SL7...dark blue/green with carbon smoke lettering. Looks way better than the gray I was getting. I was replacing a 5 yo Domane SLR6 with rim brakes. For my routes the Checkpoint is a smoother riding bike though not quite as fast.
How did you find the frame sizing between the Domane, and the Checkpoint? Is the Checkpoint better geared for your riding?
@@JimS870 Frame size was the same for me. I have no issues with the gearing. Bought a Dual Sport 3 in the summer of 2020, fell in love with the ride of the 40mm tires and the power of the disc brakes. Because the bike market was so hot I knew I could sell my rim braked Domane to fund the purchase of the Checkpoint. The slightly more relaxed riding position was also a plus. Those are my reasons. That Domane was a great bike though, I just had an evolving set of requirements/preferences.
Great video! 🙌
Thanks for taking the time to make it 😊
Do you have an opinion on how the Checkpoint SL5 weighs up against the Grizl CF SL 8?
There’s an established and growing trend towards wider tires, and 45mm might not be enough for some racers
Good to see the 2x on the front.
Thanks for the review! I tested out the ALR5 at our local Trek dealer. I liked it a lot, but it does feel a bit jarring on gravel road (I currently have a Fuji carbon fiber road bike). Is the carbon frame on this bike a lot more forgiving than the aluminum version? Just wondering if the $800 difference and the wait time is worth it (they have the ALR in stock).
Carbon will make a huge difference especially with the iso speed
Nice review
Beautiful bike
Real nice bike!
I always like the carbon hardtail mtb range since most can climb like crazy. Would love to buy this bike which is maybe 2kg lighter but will it climb as well?
Thanks for the vid. I'm debating now to buy one at my local store. Never owned a dedicated gravel bike before.
If this was released sooner, I might have tried to snag this instead of my preorder for the 2022 Scott Addict Gravel 30. I like the new Checkpoint, but I think I'll stick to the Scott, which hopefully should be in my hands by summer.
I got both the Scott speedster gravel and trek checkpoint . Scott is great
James, just FYI but there is no Dirty Conza (it’s pronounced Dirty Kanza, like Kansas) also I’m pretty sure it’s Unbound Gravel now.
I put a deposit to build this exact SL5/color, and a navy ALR5, today, to compare/ride the two and pick which one to buy. I test drove the SL6 etap yesterday and liked that bike a lot, but at least for now and I'd like to stay mechanical.
Awesome purchase, enjoy it!
I’m kinda in the same boat. Doesn’t seem like there’s too much difference between sl5 and alr. Weight is about the same and sl 5 has the downtube storage. But $800 more… is it really worth it? Haha
@@RyderNight99 test drove both yesterday
Sl5 was def better ride and that’s the one I chose
@@RyderNight99 i guess it depends on your ride habits and style. If your regular ride is below 100km alr is okay. If you like to travel on a bike for days and you are one of randonners who ride 200+ km per day then sl5 is preffered.
Hi, thinking of getting slr in 61 or 58. I am 188cm and 80.5cm saddle height.
It’s a good looking bike. I test rode one and it was pretty smooth-didn’t feel particularly ‘lively’ but smooth and very predictable. Swap the wheelset for some Roval Terra CL’s or something similar and things would really take a leap! It annoys me that Trek and Specialized throw a mismatched Praxis crank on so many of their bikes-mismatched in this case to the GRX810 rear derailleur. God forbid Trek should spend the small extra $ to match it with a GRX crank-difference between the Praxis and GRX crank is like $30-$50.
A wheel set is without a question. The best upgrade you can do on any bike and this middle price segment.
The one I have on hold has GRX cranks. I think the Praxis switcheroo has to do with the infamous "supply chain issues" that brands are probably finding ways to take advantage of.
The chain stays look really long compared to all the space they have between the tire and the way they have the made the seat tube. I guess parodynamics is not a concern on this frame.
Tire Clearance > Aerodynamics on gravel bikes
What’s the max PSI available in the tires?
how much wider tires can it take?
I have a trek alr 5 and am thinking about getting this all carbon bike. Is this bike that much lighter? Do you think this make sense to get the carbon version? Is there that much of a difference? Thanks, I would appreciate your thoughts.
Same weight just absorbs bumps better
How did you find the sizing? I've heard the longer top tube means you should go down a size, but I'm not sure. For reference I'm a 54cm on the Domane SL5 2022.
I have a more in-depth video on the checkpoint that I did earlier this year where I went into the geometry. Top two blank is only one factor and relatively minor in the overall fit of the bike. Typically you would not downsize, especially coming from a Domani since the stack is so much lower on a checkpoint. Checkpoint. Downsizing would just make that worse. Check the rest of the geometry and you'll see that they corrected for the additional front center room by shortening reach and handlebar stem and adjusting seat tube.
For reference, the geometry changes on the checkpoint are nothing new, this is something that mountain bike category has been exploring for years now. Or just starting to see that type of geo come to gravel bikes
@@Jamesthebikeguy Thanks for this explanation. I was really confused about the geometry. The Giant Revolt size S has an ETT of 550 and a reach of 381 whereas a Checkpoint size 52 has an ETT of 555 but the reach is a significantly higher 399. In fact the Checkpoint has a much longer reach than many other bikes around the same sizing so that had me concerned about fit and sizing. I was wondering about sizing down as well.
I need to see a true comparison between the new Crux and the new Checkpoint. I’m truly stuck between the two for a frame-up build.
That would be a good video, although the bikes are a fair bit different. The crux is a much more back to basics lightweight offering with not nearly the same amount of flexibility. The Trek is considerably heavier and offers a lot more flexibility.
So my opinion, if flexibility is not as important, and you want a raw lightweight experience, go for the crux. If you want a bike that can do a little bike, packing a little racing and a little bit of everything then get the checkpoint
@@Jamesthebikeguy This is a good answer 👍
@@Jamesthebikeguy That’s a good explanation. I’ve heard a lot that the Crux is pretty much an Aethos with a lot more tire clearance (and slack geo).
I was almost set on getting one until I saw someone fit some thick 700x50/52c tires on the Checkpoint and that peaked my interest since I’m looking for a replacement for my aluminum Niner RLT 9. There’s about $1K difference between the two framesets (Checkpoint SL vs Crux Comp), that may play a factor too. Honestly, if I can clear 20lb/9kg in total bike weight, I’ll be satisfied.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Hi James, is the higher bottom bracket on the Crux something to be concerned about? I am thinking a lower BB height lowers your centre of gravity and increases stability so you feel like you are in the bike rather than on it?
Are these as fast an an entry level trek road bike? Rookie here that has a domane A2 Thanks
If you put road tires on this bike, you would be hard pressed to notice any speed difference between this and a equivalent road bike. Being that it is a gravel bike, with nabi or tires, it will be slightly slower than a road bike in stock form
James : Why wouldn't one just leave the clutch "on" always, on the rear derailleur ?
It makes the shifting a smidge clunckier, so if you’re not going off-road, you’ll have a smoother shifting experience with the clutch off.
Good call, it also makes taking the wheel on and off much easier. I'll add to my explanation in future videos
I’ll buy it on 2023 :,(
Same here. At least we have some time to save up some money for this expensive "toy" 😊
Which one is better checkpoint or revolt ?
Tough call.
I've been looking at sl5 or the advanced 0 , I think I'm going with the revolt a touch more in price but carbon wheels 🤔 revolt has the flip chip and can run slightly large max Tyre. I'd say it really comes down to how much you want ed to spend as spec changes enough between bikes
Just got one today🥳🥳🥳
@@markcrowley2179 what spec did you get
Sl5 red got 20% off it was too good of deal
Love bright colored bikes ... makes me want to go ride the bike .... white , grey , black = depressing colors !
So happy to see some POP!
Damn my aluminum gravel bike is only a pound heavier than that
Should I get this or the FX Sport 6 2022? Same exact tires
Probably this one, especially bc I think you get isospeed and multiple hand positions, as long as you not riding real technical train needing flat bars
@@JitinMisra What is isospeed?
@@ryanstanley6002 it gives the seat post some give so it adds some cushioning on those rough rides.
Are these carbon rims or just alloy
"just" alloy...
I think I'm just an aluminum type of guy. Even the AL bikes seem to have carbon forks. Something I know can last 40 years even though I won't (me old). Steel maybe.
Steel rusts and can get stress fractures.
@@tubesockets120v aluminum corrodes, turns to dust.
How's it still snowing in freaking April???
В нас погодка теж не радує 😌
LOL!! We just had our last snow the 22 of May where I live in Colorado. It snowed a foot, and I was riding the next day.
Whenever I get to the point where I drop $3k on a bike: this.
One day. And when it comes you'll love it
45mm of clearance is pretty decent.
Sure id
so this is a different James? I've Norfork a whole but never asked
heavy
Super
Thanks
this bike was not made for racing, its not fast, its made for bike packing/gravel mainly, the following the gravel trend
Almost like you don't know people race gravel.
ALR5 is the same weight but waaaay cheaper = goldilocks bike.
Looking at this vs Specialized Diverge. Anyone have opinions? 😂
Trek over specialized all day
If you can , get the Checkpoint SL6 etap. I have the 2021 Diverge Comp Carbon and 2022 Checkpoint SL6 . Both fast and efficient. I love both but prefer the Checkpoint. It’s comfortable . I rode it at Unbound last week. I rode my Diverge yesterday and smiled all day and it’s fast . But the Checkpoint with that etap whew. I also put Bontrager 3v Carbon wheels on her and it’s a perfect set up. You can use 650b on both as well. I have a set of Hunt 650b’s for the Diverge if I wanna switch her up. Tough choices and you really have to look around. I stumbled upon my checkpoint over the Xmas Holidays. I was lucky they were closed for the Holidays/Covid. I walked when the shop opened and there she was sitting on a stand. No questions just bought it. Good luck. Price point is the same.
@@fraji1 Great insight!
@@fraji1 wondering if you feel the ride is smoother on trail/gravel with the sl6 & it’s iso dampening or the diverge with the future shock and terra seatpost? Or are they really similar.
@@cleveland503 hi! Ok I love both bikes. The checkpoint sl6 rides is a nice ride. Unbound on that bike was flawless. The iso works for sure. I have 42mm Specialized Pro Pathfinders and Bontrager 3v carbon rims. Together with the carbon frame it dampens the ride. So I see it as a race and lite bike packing bike. I feel the Diverge is more of a race bike. I have 38mm tires and same Bontrager 3v carbon rims on that bike as well. Nothing like it if you wanna do nothing else but fly :) hope this helps.
Nice bike - to bad it costs 10 million zillion damn dollars! Fucking Trek.
Ridiclous for a gravel bike to have drop down bars,
To go faster!!
That's how they're making them now.
Going to switch my SL5 to flat bars.