BIKE TEST
Joe Baker finds the Checkpoint’s adventure credentials are in good order
Gravel riding means different things to different people – and the growing range of dedicated bikes reflects this diversity, from lightweight race-ready rigs to do-it-all rugged machines. Trek markets the Checkpoint SL range as its ‘Adventurefocused’ line, designed to carry loads over challenging terrain.
To put it to the test, I roamed local trails for many miles and took the Checkpoint on an overnight bikepacking excursion, fully laden with camping gear. The bike lapped it up, due in no small part to the thoughtful design and choice of components.
Frameset
Previously unchanged since 2018, Trek has given the new Checkpoint platform a serious revamp. The tubes are much chunkier now, giving it a far more rugged aesthetic than previous models.
Trek still includes an ‘IsoSpeed decoupler’ at the seatstay junction – this is a pivot system, which allows the seatpost to flex fore and aft. This, alongside a standard 27.2mm seatpost, is designed to give the bike some extra compliance where the rider will feel it most. One big change from the last iteration is the retiring of the ‘Stranglehold’ system that enabled chainstay length adjustment of up to 15mm (and singlespeed conversion!), which meant riders could alter the geometry for either a more stable or more playful ride.
This time around, Trek has opted for 435mm chainstays across all models – 10mm longer than the previous shortest setting. This does change the ride feel, which I will get on to, making for a more stable-feeling rear end. Once again, this places the Checkpoint SL at the adventure end of the gravel-riding spectrum.
PROS & CONS
COMPLIANT FRAMESET
HANDLES LUGGAGE WEIGHT WELL
I N-FRAME STORAGE IS GENUINELY USEFUL
RUGGED RIDE FEEL WON’T BE FOR EVERYONE
The in-frame storage is perhaps the most radical part of this bike’s dedication to longdistance riding. A section of the frame, underneath the bottle cage on the down tube, can be quickly released via a small lever, revealing room for a tool roll and spares. While the ‘boot capacity’ is nothing overwhelming, it does provide a neat place to hide away a few spares.
Trek has also included a plethora of mounting points. Three bosses are found on each fork blade, and there are mounts for a rear rack – an underrated option for modern-day bikepacking, even if it isn’t the most trendy. As well as these options, you’ll find the usual bikepacking bag mounts on the top tube, and underneath the down tube as well.
Notable, too, is the tyre clearance. The new Checkpoint SL is good for 45mm tyres when coupled with a 700c wheelset, but this can be upped to a 2.1in for those who like the playful handling of a slig
