New Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3: Full Review & Trek Checkmate Comparison

[@nkantar]

The tool holder can be removed with the use of shorter bolts. I’ve done it on my SL 5 to free up some space and it’s quite helpful.

[@DanEscapes]

Thanks for letting me know. Will definitely do this to mine now!

[@pjdubz9383]

I prefer Trek bikes but the earlier Checkpoint was too long so I went with a Giant set up. NOW Trek comes out with this! I would’ve snagged this up! Thanks for the review!

[@DanEscapes]

Thanks for watching! Giant is still good though!

[@chw14556]

I just got this bike, man it is an absolute BEAST.

[@DanEscapes]

Amazing, I’m debating whether to get the frame set or bike. Have some good parts on my current checkpoint. I feel this frame is lighter than my current one. Which model did you go for?

[@chw14556]

@@DanEscapessl6, that exact one actually. It’s so much lighter than I expected when I first looked at it.

[@Vav_01]

I have the same gray bike and I'm going to stay with it, I like the old design of the frame way more, nice upgrades tho

[@Steve-yo8uh]

Agree. I think the last gen frame looks way better. The new frame looks cheaper

[@DanEscapes]

Love riding my checkpoint! They are great looking bikes!

[@lenolenoleno]

The last gen frame had a barge rear end - chainstays the same length as my enduro MTB. Just lazy engineering to gain tyre clearance by simply stretching out the back end. This new design is headed in the right direction.

[@cesar0610]

Thanks so much for the review/video, very descriptive and unbiased. I owned a CP Gen 1 SL6 and I sold it to get something better, I have the Gen 2 in my bucket list but I'm aiming for this Gen 3. Most likely, I'll get the frameset and build it in a Shimano 2X configuration. I can't deal with SRAM super expensive group sets

[@DanEscapes]

I really want to upgrade to this new frame for me it future proofs with the wider tire clearance and I would love to set it up with an mtb derailleur. I need as much help as possible when it comes to climbing.

[@gregmorrison7320]

Still happy with my Gen 1 Checkpoint for long gravel rides and racing, geo seems spot on for me with the sliding dropouts set a little longer for stability, the 45mm tire clearance of the Checkmate does not interest me at all, I'm running 50mm front and 47mm rear (does fit 50mm) however would run narrower for sticky mud.

[@DanEscapes]

The trend is for wider tires, I’m potentially looking at a cross country hardtail for the winter riding! Just too muddy hear in the UK especially in London. Don’t have too many long gravel paths.

[@andrewfennell6511]

I have the previous checkpoint sl6 I can’t really comment on the geometry as it’s the only drop bar bike I’ve ever owned but I love it. The chain stay protection on this new one is definitely a good idea , I have not looked at the colour options on this new model but I love the red on mine. No way will I be upgrading.

[@DanEscapes]

I love the design and look of the old one and I remember that red frame being super nice!! Still a great bike!!

[@douglasadams6543]

The old Checkpoint looks a much nicer bike overall and the finish on the new frame looks really cheap. It's a really small thing, but the swap from a badge on the front of the frame to Trek is a step back as well. I'll stay with my Gen 2 SL6.

[@DanEscapes]

I’m the same, I really like the look of the Gen 2!

[@andrewfennell6511]

Yep me too looks way better and I don’t care about tyre clearance or suspension if I wanted that I would have a Cx mountain bike.

[@johnjosephryan3846]

The wheels spec’s for the SL 5 are garbage, shocked to see the cheapest bontrager road wheels on a bike over 4299 Canadian dollars. Very disappointing.

[@6ft8incyclist]

They have Fender mounts... Hope Trek hears your observation on making the new mount bags be water proof. Great Video

[@DanEscapes]

I hope so too!! Thanks for watching!

[@migatron7359]

On paper looks very compelling. Let’s wait for some ride reviews

[@DanEscapes]

Yeah want to try one out! I’m sure it will feel similar to the old one. The big difference would be the checkmate and how fast it feels.

[@warchalify]

Hi Dan, right now in the proces of buying a checkpoint gen3 and kind struggling with sizing. Trek size chart says i'm at the end of size M\L being 178cm(5'9\5'10) with a 83,5cm(33inch) inseam but when I look at the geo charts I'm feeling like the M would be a better fit. What is your overall experience with the Trek size chart? Is it accurate? Thank you in advance! :)

[@DanEscapes]

It’s hard to say, the best thing as always is try the bike out. I rode the ML and tbh it felt pretty comfy and I would usually ride on a M, I’m 5ft8. I would only look at the size chart as a rough guide and always look to try the bike out. Have you got a trek store or dealer close by?

[@warchalify]

@@DanEscapes Thank you for replying! Yes, and they're bringing in both sizes for me too try. Great service already! With the new geo om the gen3 both are fine for in reach and i'm more worried about stack, afraid the M/L will be too upright.

[@NameNaameNameeNaamee]

Optically, I much prefer the Gen 2 Checkpoint. I just love the look of that frame...

[@DanEscapes]

Yeah tbh I do love the look of my bike, looks a lot nicer!

[@jasonwills6694]

I didnt buy the Checkpoint last year due to the longer and lower reach. Went with a Giant advanced with shorter more upright. Love the UDH.

[@pingpongballz5998]

How's the Revolt?

[@AtomicSkunk347]

What length stem do you use on your Gen 2 Checkpoint?

[@DanEscapes]

With a 54 frame I put a 70mm stem

[@AtomicSkunk347]

@@DanEscapes I’m in a similar situation: Gen 2 feels a little too stretched out. Knowing what you know now, will you stick with Gen 2 + 70mm stem or move to Gen 3?

[@softreset82]

I know Trek really likes their partnership with SRAM (Race team) but I can't help but wonder why the exclusion of a GRX build. Not all of us want 1x on our gravel / adventure bikes.

[@DanEscapes]

I really like the GRX groupset. I guess it’s because they offer an ALR 6 with Apex AXS so couldn’t offer the SL5 with mechanical.

[@98pharaoh]

SRAM offer 2x, just not an option from Trek.

[@arndtbc]

Any thought on how the geometry compares to the GEN1 2020 era Checkpoint? I've been waiting to upgrade because I didn't want the longer reach of the GEN2.

[@DanEscapes]

So I ride a 54 on the gen 2, the effective top tube is 57cms, your gen 1 in a 54 is 55.1cm and the new in Medium is 56.6cm. The checkmate in a medium is 55.5cm. They have raised the head tube by 0.5cm. After this video and properly looking at the geo chart it might still be worth downsizing.

[@arndtbc]

@@DanEscapes Thanks!

[@spdaltid]

All the integration ideas - bar/toolbox - look great, but denegrate the simplicity and reliability I look for in this type of bike. I get it on the Checkmate.

[@DanEscapes]

Checkmate looks very nice!!

[@slalomnorth]

It is odd that there’s isn’t a 2x12 option (shimano preferably) as it’s marketed as an adventure touring bike. Other than that looks pretty killer. Really great video explaining everything.

[@DanEscapes]

Yeah was surprised as well with no 2x option like the previous gen. I guess they offer an aluminium with AXS so people would think it’s a downgrade without the wireless shifting.

[@slalomnorth]

@@DanEscapesI think as you mentioned if you wanted to use it for touring or anything that required lower gears you could put the transmission on and run the huge cassette

[@slalomnorth]

@@DanEscapesalso I wonder when they will update the aluminum checkpoints with the new geometry

[@tomasberka2124]

Can the new headset cable system be used on the previous Checkpoint GEN2 (2022) bikes...? Esthetics aside, the new system would save me a lot of work...as it is very difficult to tighten and properly set the preload on the GEN 2 Checkpoint. Thanks!

[@DanEscapes]

From what I’ve seen you cannot unfortunately, different frame design and headset bearings.

[@jimimavs1]

The best bikes in trek’s line up in my opinion!

[@DanEscapes]

I really like the versatility but I also love going fast!!! Checkmate would be great!

[@luckylogan11]

I have the same Checkpoint SL5 as you and am wondering if the new Checkpoints chainguard cusion would work on my SL5.

[@DanEscapes]

I don’t see know not, would need to see if they sell that part separately

[@todde3232]

Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Chainstay Guard $11.99 Model W5316540

[@mmiller2978]

Can you explain how it can accept 180mm rotors. What adapters do you need?Brand/model of adapter?

[@mtbjer9825]

Any idea what maximum seatpost insertion on the 54 is roughly? Want to be able to run 75mm dropper.

[@DanEscapes]

I’m not sure, the seat post is currently 330mm long.

[@scottwatson7844]

New geo is far better but the smaller trek logo and colour ways are not as appealing to me as the previous bikes. Your bike looks great 👍

[@DanEscapes]

I do like the SL 7 colour, but would go for the plain black tbh. Thanks, the gen 2 is a really nice shape!

[@sigmanu1042]

Great review. Very comprehensive. Does the new triangle bag fit on the SL Gen 2? Are the mounting holes in the same spots?

[@sigmanu1042]

One more question…. Are the Gen 2 SL frames UDH compatible?

[@DanEscapes]

Thank you! 🙏🏻. I’m pretty sure it’s specifically designed for the new one. You can still use the straps, plus they have a new top tub bag that should be able to bolt on. I’ll give it a try and will update if it fits.

[@louisranes2997]

@@DanEscapes this is also my question! Usually that space is hard to maximize due to bike sizing. I'm hoping for the triangle bag because of it's bolt securement.

[@sigmanu1042]

@@DanEscapesany luck?

[@MagicshineLights]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@DanEscapes]

Thank you for watching!!

[@stevemullin1195]

What's the weight limit on that bike

[@DanEscapes]

Has a combined weight for rider and cargo of 125kg 275lb

[@stevemullin1195]

@DanEscapes I've looked at the checkpoint AL version and they have a good price...but I can't use drop bars due to hand/wrist issues so would have to put an alt bar on...flat bar if I can get the reach down enough to ride more upright. I'm looking for a touring or bikepacking setup...more rail trail for off road. There's not that much weight difference between AL and carbon and I can't afford to have a carbon frame or fork break on a tour...not on fixed income.

[@drill_fiend1097]

​@@stevemullin1195Go with FX Sports or DualSport models. They are basically flat bar Checkpoint.

[@juliangrison3816]

Have the Apex Axs Versio also the UDH Standard

[@sventice]

It looks like Trek has gone all in with SRAM on their gravel bikes instead of Shimano GRX. Does anyone know why they made this decision?

[@DanEscapes]

I guess with AXS wireless sram have been more up to date and guess most gravel riders are now putting MTB derailleurs on their bikes and SRAM AXS makes it easy to do that.

[@AquaAguaWaterEau-DML]

et SRAM est américain.

[@cerocerocinco]

I have a Checkpoint gen 2 and it's sad they ruined the geometry (just so they can reduce the number of sizes). I now have a size 54 and i always have been on the verge of a size 56. The new M is 12mm shorter, and even an ML is 6mm shorter then my 54cm. Ok lets go with the ML then ... the headtube on the ML is 30mm! higher then on my current Checkpoint. I would have to go for an M and put a longer, negative 15 degrees stem on it, making it look like freaks bike :D. I dont race, i dont consider my position the be very racy but they kinda push people like me to go for a (very expensive) Checkmate.

[@DanEscapes]

@@cerocerocinco it’s a hot topic with sizing, I guess I’ve seen a lot of people with the checkpoint wanting it more like an endurance bike, so really like the feel of a domane but on a gravel bike. The gen 2 I got a 54 but wished I got a 52 with as I had to put on a small stem on mine to reduce the reach. But that’s the bike world if you can find a company that fits then go with them, if not go full custom.

[@Britishnate]

Trek seems to have dropped the ball on the paint schemes on the new checkpoints. Would have been nice to see a GRX spec as an option.

[@JogBird]

they have trying to reduce the number of skus so they have to choose safe boring colours

[@DanEscapes]

I do like the GRX 820 with that MTB cassette

[@drill_fiend1097]

What's your inseam?

[@Pedalea]

Amazing👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@DanEscapes]

🙅🏻‍♂️🙌🏼

[@elpingon-q3z]

looks good

[@mortlow6688]

oh they build a grizl too...

[@DanEscapes]

😂

[@robertsuede1122]

Awesome bikes. I have 2021 sl6 and love it but i might upgrade to the new sl6. if I had the $$$$ i would buy the checkmate for sure.

[@DanEscapes]

I really like the checkmate, so tempting!!

[@roncelaya4115]

Great bikes however they need to offer a mullet set-up

[@DanEscapes]

That would be great!

[@siarex]

Innovation? Scott got the same axle tool 3 years...

[@DanEscapes]

I didn’t realise, great innovation from Scott then!

[@vault-boydan4984]

Canyon Grail CF SL7 AXS seems like far better value.

[@DanEscapes]

Your always going to get better deal with Canyon being direct to consumer they can under cut the market. With other brands a lot of them are stocked in stores and easier for them to get their proprietary parts. With Canyon they offer a two year warranty on frame and forks compared to other brands that offer lifetime warranty (trek included). For me having that wider tire clearance on the checkpoint is very desirable.

[@alexgonzalezMI]

Can Trek copy Canyon even more?

[@carlg4265]

Not a fan of the new colors

[@antlister]

I agree. If spending $5k on a bike I want to really like everything about it.

[@DanEscapes]

Wish they did project one on the SL models

[@RodimusPrime]

Im interested but not in anything with sram

[@cwitt483]

Your living in the past brother. Sram has taken over and for good reason, especially in drivetrain and brakes

[@drill_fiend1097]

I love Shimano brakes, but their Di2 lineup has a security flaw so much that Shimano is now scrambling to get people to update the firmware. They are just not as good as SRAM when it comes to software, as most Japanese companies usually are.

[@RodimusPrime]

@@drill_fiend1097 i dont want "software" on my groupset period

[@RodimusPrime]

@@cwitt483 LMAO what universe do you live in?

[@cwitt483]

@@RodimusPrime I live in a universe where Shimano is dead lol

[@kubackjeee]

I can't believe they did this and left the cheap and awful looking bar+stem combo. The previous generation at least had a nice looking frame, but they ruined this asweel. Cost cutting at it's finest. Just a cheap looking bike at premium price. Trek is getting more and more irrelevant

[@drill_fiend1097]

Why is it awful looking though? I personally wouldn't want a proprietary aero bar and stem on it, which is used on checkmate. At least on the checkpoint I can replace them with parts I want easily.

[@kubackjeee]

@@drill_fiend1097 those round spacers, stem and handlebars just don't fit the shape of the frame. It is really easy to make aero eggshaped spacers and a stem+bar that fits the frame. I also use bar + stem combo with spacers . But DEDA know how to do it properly, trek doesn't and it looks awful. My guess it's that's just the cheapest parts/stock leftovers

[@DanEscapes]

I agree, trek offer the RCS pro stem that comes on the new Madone SL and Domane SL. It can be fitted on this bike too. Would have been nicer with that.

[@timdixo]

The non integrated stem on this bike is a massive winner here. God knows why anyone would want an integrated front end which makes bike fitting a nightmare.

[@kubackjeee]

@@timdixo Just make matching aero spacers like DEDA Vinci stem has... But yeah once more trek went cheap on components. They just selling crap products at premium price with typical American marketing bullshit for morons

[@davidgardener1152]

super useful review for someone dreaming about gravel bikes at the moment! thanks!

[@DanEscapes]

Thanks 🙏🏻 great gravel bike to get but still not cheap even for the entry carbon version.