My Dream Gravel Bike Build | 2019 Trek Checkpoint | New Aeolus PRO 3V | Stages Power | Weighed!

[@matthewjohnson7350]

Watching this video, I just imagine your wife / girlfriend in the background, upon another UPS delivery, shouting, "You ordered MORE bike shit?!?!" Lol! Great video

[@edmundgil6008]

So great... I just watched it for a second time...without realizing it! Thank you for the long and hard work!

[@ramizsheriff3050]

Thank you so much ❤️ I wish you have fun with it 👍

[@Graphiaphoto]

Have the same bike, same model Checkpoint, swapped the 40c stock GR1 tires for grippy 32c Continental 5000s as I rarely gravel. Tire upgrade added rolling speed but then a stock spoke popped, so I am replacing the stock rims with the Aeolus Pro 3V carbon rims pairing with the Continental 32c, same size as the outer width of the Pro 3V which has gotten some pretty good reviews as a match. Should add considerable acceleration and at 220lb, i like the no weight limit of this new Pro 3V rim. Thanks for the video.

[@MrRoasteo]

Straight up gorgeous bike! Thanks for posting

[@hw4me678]

Awesome build...You are a very meticulous builder...Keep up the great work....

[@justin94block]

I have a 2020 checkpoint al3. What's readily available for a carbon wheel options that I could just swap out with the stocks. Using original sora groupset.

[@Miguel.Bonavia]

Great video. I have a checkpoint SL5 (OCLV500) with a pair of aeolus pro3V so I guess is bit lighter than 9.2 kgs. Thanx for sharing

[@chriscampana89]

I need that air pump. Whoa!!!

[@ghostvindi]

Good job! Nice build. Where did you buy the drop bar padding (orange pads)? Thanks.

[@ToddJones]

They came with the bars

[@Massimiliano-Fauci]

Good and interesting video ! What differences did you find between the two saddles? which one is more comfortable after many hours of riding ? Thanks

[@sk8nsanta]

Been debating between the ALR 5, and the SL 5 (and doing similar wheel upgrade as you did here.) If you did it all over again would you do anything different? Still get the ALR or would you go for the carbon frame up front if it meant waiting maybe a little longer to do the wheels? Thanks, and nice video!

[@jmalzone]

How would you describe the difference between the changes you made vs. the Trek Domane?

[@ToddJones]

I made very similar upgrades to a Domane SLR 9 a year before this. This bike handles bigger tires and has a longer more stable wheel base, they both feel very similar when built similar tho, not much different. Depends what terrain you are riding on mostly.

[@arturnaumiuk8135]

Very nice documentary. It is so funny to see this video. Without knowing I just did similar to my new Domane 2020 SL5. Prologo seat, carbon handlebar, lightweight wheel set, 4iii PM. Bike lost over 1kg.

[@hithru]

Beautiful build. Bit of random question, what is your bike stand? I am looking for one and it looks good and stable.

[@ToddJones]

Not too random, I’ve been meaning to do a video on it because I love it. It’s a topeak prep stand pro. I’ve used everything out there and this one for the money so my favourite. If you buy one don’t buy it with the scale built in because it isn’t accurate.

[@jmpusa01]

Awesome work, does cgr seat post make any difference in ride,would have been nice to have weight comparisons.

[@ToddJones]

I think I weighed it, about 100g heavier than a Bontrager carbon post. I would imagine it makes a bit of a difference, but its hard to tell how much unless I swapped and rode it back-to-back. I'm thinking with a high volume tire it might not be worth it.

[@Steaks652]

Got my alr5. Changed the seat to a leather Brooks, much more comfortable.

[@spookyaction4461]

Great build wheels make the biggest difference to how a bike rides and the Bontrager Pro wheels are great . Will the stock wheels work on a Trek Marlin ie 135 QR back and 100mm QR front?

[@ianiscaratti4924]

deeO trek checkpoint comes 12x100 not 15x100 and no qr in the back

[@4lpina]

Amazing video. Thanks for sharing!

[@ToddJones]

Thank you!

[@crotalus_4203]

Awesome video man! I'm so torn between one of these or the Émonda ALR 5 in purple this year. Just got one in our shop and I'm very tempted.

[@Nicool333]

I'm in exactly the same boat. Let me know what you ended up with.

[@slash18gabita]

Hello. What size are the handlebars please? Are they the Isocore carbon bars? Thank you

[@ToddJones]

420mm Bontrager pro isocore

[@joejoe8948]

How do you like those Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels? I just ordered a pair for my Giant Revolt.

[@ToddJones]

They are really nice. I’ve ridden a lot of Bontrager wheels over the years and these pro models are great value. Probably the best thing to upgrade for changing the feel of the bike. I think you’ll enjoy them. Thanks for watching.

[@rj-gd3pc]

Are you going to review checkpoint sl5 in the future? Or am I missing something? More power to you.

[@ToddJones]

Maybe in the future, but no time soon. Sorry

[@michaelrobert8090]

I also went with a Stages power meter but it won't fit on the 2020 Checkpoint SL5. The right (non-drive side) crank arm does not have enough clearance with the chain stay. Therefore, the Stage unit hits the chain stay. It looks like the aluminum frame ALR5 works OK. Is there a way to move the crank arm out for added clearance?

[@ToddJones]

Hey Michael, I'm confused when you say the right non-drive side crank arm.. The right is the drive side and the stages right sided power meter works because it's in the spider of the crank. The left does not fit on the ALR5 or the SL5. So for this bike you need only use the right sided crank power option from stages. Does that help?

[@michaelrobert8090]

Hey @@ToddJones, I got it backwards, sorry. That's a very big help! I didn't know you could order the Stages power meter with the right sided spider sensor only - what a great idea! I'll contact Stages to find the Power R 105. I really appreciate your time and expertise.

[@gregskinner9210]

I was able to use the left and right side Stages Ultegra crank on my Checkpoint ALR 4 by having a 1.5mm spacer installed. I have just over 50 miles on it and no chain stay hits. I believe that the frame is essentially the same for both the ALR 4 and ALR 5. Your ALR 5 build has truly been an inspiration for the upgrades I've done on my ALR 4.

[@michaelrobert8090]

Thanks @@gregskinner9210 . I'm going to check my bike shop for a spacer.

[@gregskinner9210]

@@michaelrobert8090 An unintended side effect was the loss of ~6.7 ounces using the Ultegra crankset over the stock Tiagra crankset--and that's taking into consideration the additional weight the Stages strain gauges add to it. Built in cadence sensor, too, so I dropped the Garmin crank arm sensor. I ended up putting a 46 tooth ring gear on it and really lost nothing based on my intended use for the bike. Total win, so far.

[@aleksandra1674]

Hey there ! Thanks for the video :) just wondering how do you compare this bike to the Carbon SL5 version and SL6 ? I am trying to buy gravel bike and I don’t know what to get since there is so many on the market. Thank you !

[@arturnaumiuk8135]

Aleksandra unless you plan on bike packing get new Domane 2020 in carbon SL5 for example. You get threaded BB and front isospeed plus the endurance bike and gravel bike in one. Add set of lightweight wheels for the road and you get do it all bike.

[@jztank]

@@arturnaumiuk8135 but also keep in mind the Domane only fits tires up to 38, not 45 like the Checkpoint. Plus if you want some front suspension type stuff you can get a Lauf Fork (very expensive) or a Redshift Suspension stem (cheaper)

[@arturnaumiuk8135]

John Z 38mm is with official minimum of 4mm clearance on each side of the tire, so you can stretch it to 40-42mm on 700C tire or more on 650wheel.

[@jztank]

Artur Naumiuk so I can go even bigger than 45 when I get my checkpoint?!? Killer. As for myself, I’m pretty hell bent on getting a checkpoint cause I already have an awesome road endurance bike (bianchi infinito cv disc) and want to do some bike packing in the future with the checkpoint (and I’m riding Strade Bianche this year)

[@arturnaumiuk8135]

John Z I was originally aiming at Checkpoint as it is a great bike but in my case went with Domaine 2020 as it has threaded bottom bracket not a press fit which I am not fan of (specially on carbon frame). And don’t go too far with tire width as you will add weight at the same time. For me I find 35mm wide enough for any gravel overall adventure unless you plan to go on extreme where MTB goes. Enjoy your bike. Ride on!

[@ianiscaratti4924]

nice built with awsome spec

[@ShkarenkovTravel]

My Checkpoint AL 4 2020 weight 9,48 kgs with shimano 520

[@JibbaJabber]

Hi LOB. Thanks for sharing your build. From experience, these things take a fair bit of time and effort, but are so satisfying in the end. Best of all, you get to build the bike you want with the best of breed spec (within budget). Please give us an update on it's performance, both in terms of component performance and overall feel (warts and all). Best of luck and keep the great work up.

[@ToddJones]

You are a treat, much appreciated!

[@qinli3280]

I’m not a big fan of those lizard skins finish tapes. But great work dude!

[@michaelrobert8090]

Wow, great build! Just bought a Checkpoint SL5 last week and love it. Love the upgrades especially the Bontrager Aeolus PRO 3V wheels. What size tires did you go with? How much weight did you save? (I also have a Domane, so the Checkpoint seams very heavy)

[@ToddJones]

Michael Robert thanks man, I went with 38mm wide Schwalbe G-one speeds, they feel really wide with the wider internal width of the rim. I dropped just over a pound which is quite a bit considering it’s more of a comfort build than a weight wienie build. I’ve been for a couple rides so far, this bike feels VERY similar to my Domane SLR 8, which is just crazy to me. The tires and that extra volume make a huge difference.

[@michaelrobert8090]

@@ToddJones Great idea! Smother and lighter. Thanks.

[@michaelrobert8090]

@@ToddJones did you have an interference problem with the Stages power meter and the chain stay (non-drive side)?

[@ToddJones]

Yes, check my reply on your other post.

[@stephenbutler1816]

Nice!

[@madmanbehindye]

Very nice, I noticed the top of the right hand side of the bar you wrapped away from you and the left towards you...

[@ToddJones]

Raymond Kelly Good catch, you are very observant. This was nearly 10 hours into filming, I wasn’t thinking straight. I did fix it after. There are a lot of things I’d change if I did another video like this, definitely gives me an appreciation for all the build videos out there. Thanks for watching!

[@raymondkelly3234]

@@ToddJones I've done it too mate more than once, hard to find that colour in UK Web sites where did you get it??

[@ToddJones]

Raymond Kelly the frame colour? Or bar tape? I’m guessing you mean frame. It’s one of the ALR 5 options for North America. I’ve noticed in the last couple years Trek has had different colour ways in different territories which is a bit frustrating.

[@madmanbehindye]

@@ToddJones frame colour, standing out from the urban environment is essential safety now these days I'll keep searching cheers...

[@ToddJones]

It is, plus it's not the usual boring frame colours. Good luck!

[@wendelsoares5]

My passion!

[@Velodynamic]

One of the cleanest bike workshop I've ever seen...probably

[@ToddJones]

It’s my living room, ha

[@noblecabraham]

Hi. Awesome build. This videos really helps for beginners in understanding how to dismantle or service a road bike. I'm looking at the purchasing the similar bike 'Trek Checkpoint ALR5' size 54, also been using a cervelo r3 disc. 1. is the geometry of ALR5 aggressive or endurance or relaxed ? 2. will is it be good for good rides . if I use a 700*28 tires ? Please advise .Thank you

[@ToddJones]

It’s more endurance, nice balance and does not feel aggressive or twitchy. 28’s would work, I’d go with 30 or 32’s tho. Still will role fast.

[@BrettinLux]

What gel pads are those on your bars?

[@ToddJones]

The gel comes with those bars, they are from Bontrager.

[@BrettinLux]

@@ToddJones Cool thanks 👍

[@iancharless]

He put on the drop bar extra padding before he put the brakes on and had to take them off then put them back on. Caught ya

[@ToddJones]

You got it, this video shoot was exhausting. It would have have been nice to have someone move the camera while I was building it, but every shot I had to move the camera, re-focus it move the lighting, hundreds of times during this build. I made many mistakes.. I bit off more than I could chew with doing a build video like this. Nice catch tho, very observant.

[@JogBird]

why did you remove the fork though

[@ToddJones]

To cut the steerer tube.

[@lazyac_]

which tyre size you put? :)

[@ToddJones]

700x38mm

[@dominicwalker9947]

Thanks for answering last question, I subbed. Next is dropout on checkpoint a potential weakpoint? For say pulling a trailer crosscountry. Namely 24lb Burly CoHo.

[@ToddJones]

That’s a good question, I’d assume no since it’s not something that is new from Trek, and has a thru axle. But I have not tested that.

[@ravenone6255]

I'll turn it into a touring bike

[@kuzzzzzzzzzzzz7511]

Wheelset?

[@cosmicredeemer3109]

I would’ve upgraded to GRX 800.

[@subsenix]

man..ultegra crank and 105 left arm ?? really ?

[@ToddJones]

Yes, the bike comes with a 105 crank. I added the Stages Ultegra power meter to the bike, but the left Stages crank arm doesn’t clear the stay, so I can get power from the right side crank still but need to run the original left crank arm. Does that make sense?

[@ChristianRodriguez-fs3ch]

Does anyone what size tire he put on?

[@ToddJones]

700x38c

[@billy3fist]

Hi what seat post did you put on it?

[@ToddJones]

billy3fist specialized CG-r

[@simant5361]

What no Ultegra RX rear mech pfff

[@ToddJones]

Haha, I was looking at that yesterday, do I need it?!?!? I was thinking more along the lines of Force eTap AXS..

[@gregskinner9210]

@@ToddJones Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 with Stages L/R power meter configuration. Over time, I acquired a set of Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheels and mounted a set of Bontrager GR1s (700c X 40) tires. The tires actually ended up measuring 42mm wide when mounted, but still cleared the frame and seat tube even with the Stranglehold in the forward-most position. Tried going 1X by mounting a 40t Wolftooth chain ring on the Stages power meter spider by doing a little Dremel work to the chain ring to clear the power meter 'pod' on the drive side. After I decided I generally liked the 1X configuration, then got the XDR driver for the rear wheel and finished the conversion to 1X using a SRAM 10-50t cassette (used a 1.85mm shim), 12 speed chain and XX1 rear derailleur. I got a really great deal on a set of SRAM Red brifters with Blips, Red calipers and XR rotors. Chain line ended up being 45mm, which is pretty close to ideal. It's basically an aluminum version of the Trek Checkpoint SL7. It's totally reversible and parts can be moved to another bike or frame in the future--but I really like what I ended up with.

[@jasonschooler4450]

You were cursed with that anal retentive condition, OCD, just like me. It can be awesome at times or drive you out of your mind. Not to mention what it does to the people that have deal with you within your personal space. They slowly begin to hate you for being a neat freak perfectionist that has a routine for doing everything. I always think in my head, let me do it, atleast it will be done right the first time. They will never understand the passion side of things either. We are about quality and others just want quantity. I'd rather have one nice bike than ten pieces of shit.

[@chizhang001001]

That hub sound is pretty horrible

[@ToddJones]

Hub sounds are definitely something everyone has a preference with. I've always liked the killer Bee sound ever since I bought my first set of Tune hubs way back. I really like the amount of engagement points this hub has, but it is loud (which I personally like). .

[@gregskinner9210]

@@ToddJones I got tired of the noise of the Bontrager rear hub after awhile, even though it did alert others to my presence. 108 points of annoyance. I had my rear Aeolus Pro 3V wheel down-built/rebuilt with an Onyx Vesper and I couldn't be happier with the result. Quietude and rapid engagement...but at a steep price. Only slightly heavier.

[@bladerunner_92]

lol, need more epic music for changing wheels on road bike🤦‍♂️

[@iancharless]

Omg and that hub sound is fucking ratchet!

[@buddybubble3264]

buy a new bike...strip it and build a complete new bike..to pay twice the price of the new bike....sounds like a big fail, because i would newer buy a new bike which i don't can/ want to ride thousends of kilometer without "minor" adjustments...

[@ToddJones]

Then this video was not for you, sorry. Lots of people upgrade parts on their bikes. It is not uncommon to put carbon bars or seat posts on an aluminum bike. It is also not uncommon to put carbon wheels on a bike or even a power meter. I would never be able to buy a bike for 5 grand with all those things on it. I could pay 6 grand for a carbon bike that still does not have all those things on it, and quite frankly, this bike has such a good aluminum frame that it was worth the upgrades. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@rbrock2928]

Love the upgrades! What's the fun of owning a bike without making it yours? I plan a wheel swap on my Crockett, and thinking about the Aeolus Pro 3V wheels. Seems like an awesome upgrade with even a better warranty.

[@quito787]

Nice!