Checkpoint Series

The Checkpoint is Trek's dedicated gravel and bikepacking platform, launched in 2018 and now in its third generation (2024). It comes in three frame tiers: the ALR uses 300 Series Alpha Aluminium and starts around €1,499, the SL uses OCLV 500 Series carbon, and the race-focused SLR uses Trek's premium OCLV 800/900 Series carbon. Gen 3 widened tyre clearance to 50mm at both ends, relaxed the geometry slightly for longer-day comfort, and added more cargo mounts on the fork legs and top tube. Carbon Checkpoint SL and SLR frames include IsoSpeed — Trek's decoupled seat-tube technology that lets the top tube flex vertically for comfort on long, rough rides — plus integrated frame storage under the down-tube cover. The Checkpoint is compatible with a dropper post and short-travel gravel suspension fork. Drivetrains range from Shimano GRX mechanical at the entry level to SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1x12 wireless at the top, where the SLR 9 AXS retails around €12,999. Trek races the Checkpoint SLR at gravel World Championship level, and the ALR 5 is widely considered one of the best-value aluminium gravel bikes on the market.