The all-new Trek Checkmate SLR and Checkpoint SL further solidify the Wisconsin brand’s commitment to the gravel arts.
If you’ve followed any of the LifeTime Grand Prix, chances are you’ve seen the Trek Checkmate frame. Companies like Trek and the like no longer try to hide their new gear right before a big launch. Or we consumers are getting better at spotting them. Either way, it looks fast and a lot like the Madone Gen 8.
Who could blame them? If you’re an athlete like Russell Finsterwald (Trek-Driftless) and your bike sponsor just came out with a flyin’ new gravel race frame, would you want to wait until the late season to race it? My guess is no, and Trek feels the same way.
The one that did catch us by surprise is the all-new (design) Trek Checkpoint SL. The Checkpoint was the go-to gravel frame in the Trek lineup, but it now leans more toward adventure, and it can still lay down the power if need be.
So, let’s meet the new Trek gravel race and adventure lineup.
Trek Checkmate SLR
For the new Checkmate, Trek threw the gauntlet down in the gravel. It’s the company’s first-ever dedicated gravel race bike (if you discount the Checkpoint SLR). The new Checkmate models are much lighter than the Checkpoint SLR and get some help from top-tier specs. How much lighter, you ask? How about a whole pound?
5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than Checkpoint SLR
The frame takes inspiration (lots) from the new Madone Gen 8 and uses Trek’s new series 800 carbon. 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 puts riders in a more aggressive and efficient riding position. Reducing frontal area, getting more aero, and saving watts (sounds like the Madone Gen 8 right?). Trek claims these features help make Checkmate 5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than Checkpoint SLR on the 200-mile course at Unbound (at 200W).
What’s the Max Tire Size?
Some will be stoked, some will be bummed. The new Checkmate maxes out at 45mm tires and comes stock with 38mm tires. 45mm seems to be the top of what most (super serious) racers will use until they switch to a full-on mountain bike (with drop bars or not). Stay tuned if you’re looking for a bike that clears a larger tire.
Let Talk Compatibility
The new Checkmate uses an SRAM UDH derailleur hanger and is compatible (and comes with) with the new SRAM Red XPLR groupset (reviewed here).
Is there any internal storage? No, if you’re looking for storage, read on. Trek designers decided the extra weight of the in-frame storage was too much and went all in for maximum lightweight gains.
Dropper compatible? That’s a negative, too; the CheckMate uses a D-shaped seatpost—a first for Trek, but as we mentioned above, stay tuned.
Bags? Yes, the new Checkmate is designed to work seamlessly with the Trek Adventure bags and top tube feeding bags. But that’s where the bags stop; since the Checkmate is a race frame, Trek omits the three-pack mounts and the bike-packing mounts.
Aero One-piece Bar/Stem
Checkmate features the same ultra-light and aero one-piece carbon bar/stem as the Madone Gen 8. The same piece has 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. We love this bar; it’s one of the most comfortable aero bars around, and it’s nice to see it on a gravel bike aimed at racing.
Trek Checkmate SLR Geo
Trek Checkmate SLR Models and Pricing
Checkmate SLR7
The Checkmate SLR7 is the new gravel race machine’s base model. It arrives with a SRAM Force AXS XPLR 1X groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro V3 wheels.
- Price: $8,300
- Weight: 17.86 lbs
Checkmate SLR9
Checkmate SLR9 is the top-tier version of the Checkmate. It arrives with the new SRAM Red AXS XPLR 1X groupset and Bontrager Aeolus RSL wheels.
- Price: $12,00
- Weight: 16.65 lbs
Checkmate SLR Frameset
- Price: $4,000
- Weight: 1223g (ML frame only) 415g (fork only)
*All weights are size ML bikes with Bontrager TLR sealant, no tubes.
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 earthen hues exclusively to Checkmate customers.
Updated Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3
If you’re looking for speed, exploration, and a little racing – the new Checkpoint SL Gen 3 will be the ticket. The new design improves the previous model with increased comfort, storage capacity, and fit. Looking to deliver a multifaceted bike that can race and ride on any given weekend.
The Checkpoint SL Gen 3 uses the ISO speed system and a traditional round seat post. So droppers are fair game for all sizes.
Packable and More Storage
The Checkpoint is more bike-packable than before. Like the Checkmate, it works with Trek’s all-new Adventure Bags, including the top tube, frame, and the more aero-efficient triangle bag tucked out of the wind. Plus, it has mounts for front and rear racks.
Checkpoint SL Gen 3’s new frame design has more room to fit taller bottles (like our favorite Voda 34 oz) with bags and offers more internal storage in the downtube than before.
Updated Frame Shaping
Checkpoint SL Gen 3 features reimagined tube shapes and 500 Series OCLV Carbon that keeps things lightweight, snappy, and economical. Like the Checkmate, the Checkpoint gets the Madone Gen 8 makeover with some sculpted tubes.
Confidence Inspiring Details
Checkpoint SL Gen 3 uses Trek’s “Gravel Endurance geometry” and has a higher and shorter reach that’s more comfortable and capable for all-day gravel rides. Riders get a GR Elite handlebar (SL 5 and 6) or a carbon GR Pro handlebar (SL 7). Both share a more comfortable drop shape and an increased flare of 6cm between hoods and drops for better control and confidence, especially on gravel.
Tire clearance? 50mm. The Checkpoint SL Gen 3 arrives with 42mm tires but can fit bigger.
How about suspension? Yep! The new Checkpoint SL Gen3 is a suspension fork compatible with forks up to 40mm of travel. (Available in all sizes except XS)
Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Geometry
Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Models and Pricing
Treks Checkpoint SL 5 AXS has an SRAM Apex AXS 12-speed, Bontrager Paradigm wheels, and a Bontrager GR Elite handlebar.
- Price: $3,200
- Weight: 20.95lbs
The Checkpoint SL 6 AXS comes equipped with SRAM Rival AXS 12 speed, Bontrager Paradigm wheels, and a Bontrager GR Elite handlebar.
- Price: $4,000
- Weight: 20.73lbs.
The Checkpoint SL 7 AXS comes with SRAM Force AXS XPLR 12-speed, Bontrager Elite V35 carbon wheels, and a Bontrager GR Pro carbon handlebar.
- Price: $5,700
- Weight: 19.85lbs.
Checkpoint SL Frameset
- Price: $2,400
- Weight: 1385g (ML frame only) 536g (fork-only)
- *All weights are size ML bikes with Bontrager TLR sealant, no tubes.
Checkpoint SL Gen 3 and Checkmate SLR are available globally at select Trek retailers and online at trekbikes.com.
