The new Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 is a high-performance carbon gravel bike designed to tackle everything from solo sightseeing missions to all-day adventures and even spontaneous bike-packing trips.

The frame might be light and fast but it has various versatile mounts, which makes it easy to carry all your gear. There are front and rear rack mounts, mounts on the fork legs, a top tube bag mount, front triangle bag mounts, a bottle/cargo mount under the down tube, and multiple bottle mounts inside the front triangle. Trek also touts an “optimised” front triangle that can fit Trek’s massive one-litre Voda bottle inside the triangle with bags.

Internal frame storage has also been updated. The opening is larger to make bag removal and installation easier, and there’s more storage space inside the down tube. The storage door is the same as the one you’ll find on the new Trek Slash and Top Fuel mountain bikes, which makes sourcing a replacement easier.

All-Day Geometry

With the Checkmate taking over as Trek’s racing gravel bike, the Checkpoint features slightly more relaxed geometry, which Trek calls ‘Gravel Endurance’. You ride in a more upright position, reducing fatigue on longer rides.

Compared to Gen 2, the reach across the Gen 3 size range is about a centimetre shorter, and most sizes get a stack increase. The Checkpoint also has suspension-corrected geometry (a fork with a longer axle to crown), so riders can swap in a RockShox Rudy or Fox 32TC without changing the bike’s fit or handling. The Checkpoint is tested and approved for use with a suspension fork and it’s dropper-post compatible, too.

Trek wisely carries forward with the IsoSpeed decoupler in the seat tube. This system allows the seat tube to flex further and more easily in response to bumps. It really works: Vibrations are reduced and the bike absorbs harsh bumps on rough terrain with ease.

Tyre clearance is always a huge talking point with gravel bikes and Trek has gone big with the Checkpoint, giving riders the option to fit massive 50mm rubber (equivalent to a 2.0″ mountain bike tyre). Wider tyres have been proven to unlock comfort, especially when you’re touring or riding long distances. They also give you the freedom to ride rocky and loose trails that more racy gravel bikes might shy away from.

Key Features of the Checkpoint SL Gen 3

• Upright Gravel Endurance geometry for long-ride comfort
• Clearance for up to 50mm tyres
• Lightweight 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame
• Generous internal frame storage for your tools and essentials
• Mounts for racks, bottle cages, and various bags
• Compatible with dropper posts and suspension forks

The Checkpoint SL Gen 3 is built for adventure, offering a perfect balance of comfort, versatility and performance to keep you going wherever the trail takes you.

See the full range on the Trek website or visit a dealer near you.

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