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Trek Doubles Down on Gravel Racing w/ New Checkmate SLR, Updated Checkpoint SL 

Trek Checkmate SLR 9 in the wild
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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.

Trek Checkmate SLR 9 paint

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 9 shredding

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?

Trek Checkmate SLR 9 in the wild

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. 

Trek Checkmate SLR 7 drive train

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.

Trek Checkmate SLR7ABars

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. 

Checkpoint SL Gen 4 geo

Trek Checkmate SLR Geo 

Trek Checkmate SLR 7 head tube

Trek Checkmate SLR  Models and Pricing 

Trek Checkmate SLR 7 full

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 
Trek Checkmate SLR 9 with bags

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. 

Trek Checkmate SLR 9

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. 

Checkpoint SL7 Gen 4 no bags

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. 

Checkpoint SL6 Gen 4

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. 

Checkpoint more storage

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.

Checkpoint SL Gen 4 5

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)

Checkpoint SL Gen 4 geo

Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Geometry 

Checkpoint SL Gen 4 AXS

Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Models and Pricing 

Checkpoint SL5 Gen 4

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 
Checkpoint SL6 Gen 4

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.
Checkpoint SL7 Gen 4

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.

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29 Comments
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mat
mat
3 months ago

These frames seem really heavy?

FritzP
FritzP
3 months ago
Reply to  mat

Came here to say the same. Over 1200g for the Checkmate SLR frame alone? They’ve got at least another pound to loose to be in the domain of light race gravel frames.

Dinger
Dinger
3 months ago
Reply to  FritzP

While specialized markets the Crux as a gravel bike, it’s really just a very light CX bike, one you’d better not crash (it’s fragile).

Who else makes a 770g gravel frame that you’d really want to ride off road?

FritzP
FritzP
3 months ago
Reply to  Dinger

I think unravelled below is right, 1223g is frame and fork weight. Anyway….

The Canyon Grail CFR is 855g and the Grizl CF SLX is 950g.
Enve Mog is 950g
Factor Ostro is 900g
Scott Addict Gravel RC is 930g
Crux Pro is 825g
Ok, not a pound but still much lighter than the Checkmate and the Grizl isn’t even a ‘race’ bike.
The new Crux has longer, lower, slacker geo, not CX.
Spec chose to prioritize weight over durability for their ‘race’ bike.
Want more durable, buy the still very light Crux Pro.

Dinger
Dinger
3 months ago
Reply to  FritzP

THC Crux isn’t “old school” CX but it’s closer to a Boone than it is to most gravel bikes. Don’t get me wrong, it’s probably what I’d prefer to ride all around.

Point taken on the weight. If the 1143g is accurate that’s still .5lb heavier than many of those other race gravel bikes.

Tom
Tom
3 months ago
Reply to  FritzP

Lose 454g x? off of your fat bodies and the frame weight won’t matter at all. I’d rather have a bike I can throw around and not worry about it breaking.

seraph
seraph
3 months ago
Reply to  Dinger

Bullshit it’s fragile. I ride my last-gen Crux on all sorts of terrain, from gravel to singletrack. Any carbon bike can get damaged in a crash.

unravelled
unravelled
3 months ago
Reply to  mat

It has got to be frame and fork weight and then fork only weight. The article starting with the headline is typo city.

Where do I apply to be a proof reader?

Dinger
Dinger
3 months ago
Reply to  unravelled

Trek’s website says 1143g for the frame, 415g for the fork.

will
will
3 months ago
Reply to  mat

yeah that’s weird for no in frame storage. guess its really strong? lol

Bob
Bob
3 months ago

what is the name of the frame bag on the Checkmate SLR7, is it out yet?

Reformed Roadie
Reformed Roadie
3 months ago

so much for fewer SKUs for Trek.

Dinger
Dinger
3 months ago

I think if you count the number of Gen 2 models offered to the number of Gen 3’s, you’ll see a reduction.

Hamjam
Hamjam
3 months ago
Reply to  Dinger

Yeah, but those are cancelled out mini Bluetooth speakers and light charging cases. Trek is the king of skus and they will not be stopped.

Deputy Dawg
Deputy Dawg
3 months ago

Yup, which means more choice for us!

Fred
Fred
3 months ago

I get the focus on racing, but no internal storage on the SLR? Saddle bags aren’t aero. 45c max in a world of pro’s using bigger and bigger tires for top tier gravel races? And it’s heavy to boot. Seems like a miss

Dinger
Dinger
3 months ago
Reply to  Fred

Having used the internal storage, I would leave it empty in racing scenarios. It’s slow and awkward removing/replacing things in it. As for the tire clearance, Trek is notoriously conservative with their recommendations here. There is a fixed limit to the width of a road crankset so if multiple brands claim significantly different clearances with the same chain stay length, something isn’t passing the sniff-test.

2TurnersNotEnough
2TurnersNotEnough
3 months ago
Reply to  Dinger

Or… they’re using gravel cranksets with a wider chainline

Dinger
Dinger
3 months ago

That’s 2.5mm in Shimano’s case. Are you aware of any gravel bikes that are compatible with GRX and SRAM wide but not road standard chainline? I am not. I could see a frame going 1x only (I wouldn’t buy it) in the name of tire clearance but if it has or accepts an F/D hangar, much bigger tire clearance can only really be achieved with longer chain stays, which generally aren’t as fun to ride (feels slow..).

Tom
Tom
3 months ago
Reply to  Fred

Another note on tire clearance, Keegan just won SBT riding his Santa Cruz Stigmata with Maxxis Aspen and Aspen ST mountain bike tires. 45 was wide a couple years ago but is skinny today. Trek missed the boat on that one.

Oliver
Oliver
3 months ago

Crap tire clearance, heavy, steep head angle, slack seat angle … garbage. Checkpoint fixes the clearance a bit, but gets even heavier.

Marko
Marko
3 months ago

WRONG GEO CHART !!!!

Alex cogger
3 months ago

Are the aero gains really worth it to run cables through the headset on Checkpoint without completely hiding them in the bar/stem? Hardly seems worth it?

Dinger
Dinger
3 months ago
Reply to  Alex cogger

Looks like it works better with bags & stuff. Now that in-headset routing has been around a while we know it’s a service non-issue. The top half of the headset needs to be removed basically never.

Curt
Curt
3 months ago

Anyone else notice that MSRPs are coming down this year?

Trek should have made a Rival build for Checkmate. Not everyone is buying Project One. Also, who is buying SLR 7 when they can get SLR 8 with the old Red 1×12 for the same price as the Force 1×12? Is Trek trying to sell out of its inventory of old Red groupsets and then discontinuing SLR 8? Sram says its committed to continuing to build Red in a 1×12.

In the war of the big brands, Crux still seems superior as a race bike. Checkpoint got heavier for the same spec. Compare SL6 Gen 2 with SL6 Gen 3. Specialized seems to continue to have the advantage over Trek in the gravel realm. Diverge’s Future Shock is a solid adventure feature.

For my money, I’d be looking hard at Lauf for an adventure gravel bike. Extreme tire clearances. Interesting forks. A bit less pain in the wallet. In the direct-to-consumer space Canyon Grail needs to increase its tire clearances and lower its prices to compete.

Jason DW
Jason DW
3 months ago

Aren’t the pros now using dropped bar mtbs?

Exodux
Exodux
3 months ago
Reply to  Jason DW

They used them for the Leadville 100, which is a untechnical 100 mile race. I haven’t seen where pro’s have used drop bars mountain bikes anywhere else in any gravel race.

Mark Beaver
3 months ago

Checkmate SLR9 priced at $12,00?? Think a zero is missing…

Tom
Tom
3 months ago

I think some posters are not realizing Trek is going in two different directions. Checkmate for the racing crowd, and Checkpoint for the adventure gravel and bikepacking segment (why I chose mine). All the people counting grams aren’t elite enough to be worrying about it anyway. If you really want a bulletproof gravel bike then you should be looking at the Salsa Cutthroat.

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