{"id":67762,"date":"2024-08-15T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-15T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/0934b2a7-8972-4a93-832f-1bad35711e4b"},"modified":"2024-08-15T17:27:00","modified_gmt":"2024-08-15T15:27:00","slug":"trek-splits-gravel-range-into-new-checkmate-race-bike-and-adventure-ready-checkpoint","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/trek-splits-gravel-range-into-new-checkmate-race-bike-and-adventure-ready-checkpoint\/","title":{"rendered":"Trek splits gravel range into new Checkmate race bike and adventure-ready Checkpoint"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trek’s first dedicated gravel race bike is inspired by the Madone <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 15 August 2024 at 15:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Trek has launched its updated gravel bike line-up, with its first dedicated gravel race bike\u00a0\u2013 the Checkmate SLR \u2013 and the Checkpoint SL Gen 3, a more versatile option for adventure riding.\u00a0<\/p>

The Checkmate SLR gravel race bike<\/a> has 45mm tyre clearance. It takes cues from the recently revised Trek Madone SLR Gen 8<\/a>, but with added practicality for gravel riding<\/a> through the use of an IsoSpeed decoupler for boosted compliance and integrated frame bag mounts.\u00a0<\/p>

The third-generation Checkpoint SL takes things a step further with integrated down tube storage and more generous 50mm gravel bike tyre<\/a> clearance.\u00a0<\/p>

Prices start from a princely \u00a38,500 \/ $8,299.99 \/ \u20ac8,999 \/ AU$10,999.99 for the Checkmate SLR 7 AXS and rise to \u00a310,000 \/ $11,999.99 \/ \u20ac10,999 \/ AU$17,999.99 for the top-spec Checkmate SLR 9 AXS.<\/p>

The Checkpoint SL starts at a more affordable \u00a33,700\u00a0\/ $3,199.99 \/ \u20ac4,059 \/ AU$4,999.99 for the Checkpoint SL 5 AXS, rising to \u00a36,350\u00a0\/ $5,699.99 \/ \u20ac6,559 \/ AU$8,499.99 for the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS.\u00a0<\/p>

How do the bikes ride? Check out our first-ride reviews of the Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS<\/a> and the Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Trek Checkmate SLR frame details\u00a0<\/h2>
The Checkmate SLR replaces the Checkpoint SLR. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Trek considers its new Checkmate SLR to be its first dedicated gravel race bike, with the brand saying it\u2019s designed for \u201cgravel riders with the ultimate pursuit of speed\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
It claims the top-shelf Checkmate SLR 9 AXS model is 5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than the outgoing Checkpoint SLR on the Unbound 200<\/a> course, or 38 seconds per hour faster at a 200W rider output.\u00a0<\/p>
The brand primarily attributes this to the new \u2018Full System Foil\u2019 tube shapes, which are also found on the recently launched Madone. This sees Trek do away with the long-standing Kammtail shapes in favour of broader and squatter tube profiles.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Trek$
The Checkmate SLR shares the same integrated cockpit as the Madone. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The other aerodynamic advantage is said to come via the Checkmate\u2019s one-piece Aero RSL bar-stem, identical to the one found on the Madone.\u00a0<\/p>
This sees the hydraulic hoses (and Shimano Di2 wires, if applicable) fully concealed through the front end. The handlebar has 3cm narrower hoods than drops, which Trek claims to be more aerodynamically efficient, translating to a better-controlled riding position.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Trek$
800-series carbon for the Checkmate SLR. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Checkmate SLR is constructed from Trek\u2019s 800 OCLV-series carbon fibre, which was the brand\u2019s top-tier carbon before it introduced 900 OCLV for the latest Madone. Trek claims a 1,223g frame weight for a painted size M\/L (roughly equivalent to a size 56cm) and 415g for a painted fork.\u00a0<\/p>
It sports 45mm tyre clearance (width as measured), which is identical to the outgoing Checkpoint SLR. This drops to 38mm with mudguards<\/a>, for which there are hidden mounting points.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Trek$
The Checkmate relies on Trek’s tried-and-tested IsoSpeed decoupler for added compliance. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The bike sports Trek\u2019s IsoSpeed technology, a decoupler designed to smooth imperfections on the road or trail. This particular variant is fixed \u2013 on older Trek models, there was scope for adjustment.\u00a0<\/p>
Trek reverted to the fixed variant on the Domane SLR \/ SL Gen 4<\/a> because it found most consumers didn\u2019t make adjustments and it added unnecessary complexity.\u00a0<\/p>
There are integrated frame bag mounts, optimised specifically for the Bontrager Adventure Top Tube, and Triangle or Frame Bags.\u00a0<\/p>
Trek says the frame has also been optimised to hold bigger water bottles<\/a> \u2013\u00a0without bags, all frame sizes from Medium and above can accommodate three 769ml bottles.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Trek$
Like many new gravel releases, the Checkmate SLR has a SRAM UDH dropout. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Checkmate SLR uses a SRAM UDH dropout<\/a>, opening compatibility with the new SRAM Red XPLR AXS groupset<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>
Trek continues to use a T47 threaded bottom bracket standard<\/a> with an 85.5mm width. The Checkmate SLR cannot be run with a dropper post<\/a>. <\/p>
Trek Checkmate SLR geometry<\/h2>
$\"Trek$
A chequered graphic that points at the bike’s quest for speed. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Checkmate uses what Trek calls its new \u2018Gravel Race\u2019 geometry, which offers a lower and shorter-reach position than the outgoing Checkpoint SLR.\u00a0<\/p>
According to Trek, this keeps you \u201ctucked out of the wind so you can soar past the competition on race day and stay confident and in control on even the gnarliest gravel sections\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>
On a size M\/L, a 399mm reach is paired with a 584mm stack \u2013 2mm shorter in reach than an equivalently sized Specialized Crux and 6mm taller in stack.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
The bikes are available in six sizes \u2013 XS, S, M, ML, L and XL.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
<\/colgroup>

\ufeff<\/th> XS<\/th> S<\/th> M<\/th> ML<\/th> L<\/th> XL<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>

Head tube angle <\/b>(degrees)<\/td> 71<\/td> 71.3<\/td> 71.5<\/td> 71.7<\/td> 72<\/td> 72.4<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube length<\/b> (mm)<\/td> 91<\/td> 106<\/td> 126<\/td> 150<\/td> 174<\/td> 199<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle <\/b>(degrees)<\/td> 73.9<\/td> 73.9<\/td> 73.7<\/td> 73.5<\/td> 73.6<\/td> 73.7<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube length <\/b>(mm)<\/td> 373<\/td> 414<\/td> 455<\/td> 500<\/td> 537<\/td> 583<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube length <\/b> (mm)<\/td> 532<\/td> 540<\/td> 555<\/td> 570<\/td> 581<\/td> 592<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay length<\/b> (mm)<\/td> 426<\/td> 426<\/td> 426<\/td> 426<\/td> 426<\/td> 426<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase<\/b> (mm)<\/td> 1,003<\/td> 1,010<\/td> 1,022<\/td> 1,035<\/td> 1,045<\/td> 1,054<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach <\/b> (mm)<\/td> 380<\/td> 385<\/td> 392<\/td> 399<\/td> 404<\/td> 409<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack <\/b>(mm)<\/td> 525<\/td> 540<\/td> 560<\/td> 584<\/td> 608<\/td> 633<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table>