Review: 2022 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 Converted to Touring Bike

[@braschultz]

I'm about to buy a SL5. Sounds like all you would have needed to do is purchase a pair of custom built wheels to handle the loads. Many online wheel builders out there can build you something to take the demand of touring. The stock wheels on these bike will never work for that kind of weight.

[@mkenyon7429]

The weak part of the Checkpoint is the wheels. Our local Trek store recommends to swap out for touring wheels like wheels from Velocity for a trip across the country. The other option would be the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37V carbon wheels. Salsa bikes are also rated higher. I had asked them about the Warroad. Their response “As an ASTM Condition 2 bicycle the Warroad is rated for a 300lb rider and 55lbs of luggage!” Oh good on ya for a fine trip. I want hope to do the GAP and C&O next year. I’m still deciding on what to ride.

[@ingepearson4842]

Thanks for the honest review. Good to know where the breaking point was.

[@iketola]

Thanks for the great review! I’m considering a gravel for fast long rides on various surfaces, but also for bike packing and possibly everyday rides. The weight issue has been one of my concerns, and your video helped me reconsider and specify my needs and intentions regarding the gravel (and my other bikes). Greetings from Finland!

[@matshallin6141]

Good job and great review/food for thought! Thanks! Mats from Sweden

[@tankwuli]

Thanks for the review based on your real world experience with this bike.

[@clumpybrown]

Thanks Joe. Just what I was looking for. Have a 2022 checkpoint myself. Have some time on my hands, thought about doing same as you. Even have a broken in Brooks imperial wanting to get back out there. But, you make a very valid point. A review based on a real-world test like the one you put that bike through is invaluable.

[@AdventureJoe]

Just put a higher spoke count wheel on the back and head out the door :)

[@benelliott6133]

Thanks Joe, this was a great, informative video. I too was considering the Checkpoint SL5 as an all-round option for rail-trail rides to longer, touring rides. Seeing Van Duzer’s long tour on his Checkpoint, I was optimistic that it could perform as a touring bike. However, seeing your video has given me a deeper insight into that, so thank you! I think I’ll consider a Checkpoint for lighter, shorter bikepacking journeys. I’d like to do the GAP/C&O trail this year and am racking my brain as to what bike I should get. I’m considering going the opposite - buying a touring bike (right now I’m eyeing the Kona Sutra SE), lose the fenders and go a wider tire.

[@AdventureJoe]

So, what did you end up doing?

[@mariocouture1596]

Much useful information in that video. I have a very similar story to yours... I converted my bike for touring... But Gravel bikes have their limits and your experience surely provides great lessons. Thank you. 👍

[@AdventureJoe]

Thank you, Mario. I will checkout your videos on fasting. This is something I have seen success with.

[@ThomasDawson-yu4hi]

I really appreciate your video. I’m looking at the checkpoint for exactly the same reason you did, it’s versatility. That being said I plan to go with the aluminum version cause I feel it will handle touring better. However, I only considered an upgrade to the drive train for touring. I’ll add some bomber touring wheels to the list now too. Thanks again

[@AdventureJoe]

Thomas, beware aluminum for touring. Check out other videos on that. If you plan on 50 mile days for days on end, aluminum frames are stiff and transfer vibrations much more effectively (painfully) than carbon or steel. My carbon has almost 7000 miles and shows little wear. If cost is the issue, go with steel. As a suggestion, find a used Trek 520.

[@pn9993]

Congratulations on completing your journey! Thanks for the honest review. I am getting my 2022 Checkpoint SL5 next week.

[@AdventureJoe]

Good luck with your new Checkpoint!

[@j.h.4506]

Incredibly detailed and well thought-out video-thanks so much for sharing

[@f1hotrod527]

Your experience is a good advertisement for this bike. You punished it and if it had some upgraded wheels it would have been fine. I think I will be pulling the trigger on an SL-6 soon. Good price right now, and most people seem to like their checkpoints.

[@Viddaprod78]

Greetings from France ! nice and interesting video ! Got myself a checkpoint SL5 and I'am happy with it ! Nice to hear your own experience 🙂

[@AdventureJoe]

Thank you! Profitez de votre nouveau Checkpoint.

[@robj3773]

32 or 40 spoke wheels. That is the upgrade people over look when using a non touring bike for touring.

[@derrekkelso3418]

THIS IS AWESOME!!!!! Way to Go Sir!!!!!! Way to GO!

[@AdventureJoe]

Thanks a bunch!

[@dadama66]

Great overview Joe. I’m about your size and have similar concerns with loading up a gravel bike for touring. As pointed out by others, wheels are where most bike companies cut corners. My solution was to build up a second wheel set on welded 650b 32 hole asymmetrical rims with reinforced eyelets. Still light but likely much stronger than the original wheels and More comfortable as I can fit bigger volume tires; plus greater versatility as the originals would likely be fine for road and moderate gravel riding. My main concern would have been with how well the carbon frame would hold up to the additional weight and tension on the rear triangle.

[@AdventureJoe]

Doug, Thank you for taking the time to comment! Like your insight, the advice coming back from the viewers is centered on increased spoke count. I will likely make that change this coming summer. Having said that, the carbon frame gave me no issues and is significantly thicker than my Domane.

[@vincentwieser]

Stock wheels on sub $5000 bikes are gonna be questionable in strength regardless of weight of rider ive been a bike mech for 2 years in both a trek shop and a independent shop stock wheels should be the first upgrade you look at. Think of oem wheels as temporary places holders. Good look on your future adventures!

[@beatlloydy]

I've just put down the full amount on the 2023 Trek Checkpoint SL5 and on Tuesday next week without training will be doing a 1600km ride from Melbourne to Grafton. I'm nervous but I also wanted a bike I could use for conventional riding. Currently I'm 84 kg but should slim down to 75kg quick enough. I'm hoping I don't break spokes also. I went for the bright red colour to be more visible. Wish me luck 😊

[@AdventureJoe]

I send you the best of luck! You'll be fine. My Checkpoint SL5 (Grey, wish I had the red. Outstanding colour, that red) went over 7000km before I noticed wheel cracking at the spoke roots. Over that 7k, my average weight was 88kg plus the bike weight plus 21 kg of gear/ food/ water. See here for the gear list: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13I33zxlHicdX6mDPq2fQpyIQx-vMj0rgxK0oe7pjuyM/edit?usp=sharing

[@beatlloydy]

@AdventureJoe Thanks..great list. my ride is not as remote as yours so some gear I may not need but great to see how well prepared you were

[@FirstLast-pr2pj]

We are pretty much aligned, same weight and objectives :) All the best!

[@beatlloydy]

@FirstLast-pr2pj I have to modify that comment..I don't believe the checkpoint 5 is cut out to be a tourer. I broke 2 spokes in first wwwk. Trek were also quite unsupportive. Very disappointed in bike and trek unfortunately. had to abandon ride after 1000km.

[@bumbykitty]

I have the same bike, am about the same weight (maybe slightly heavier), and Iove my checkpoint. I have a second set of deep carbon wheels for road riding, and use the stock ones with Continental Contact urban tires (35mm) for touring (never had a flat on them). I agree about the weight limitations though - on my first tour this past year (Oxford to Barcelona) I left in a bit of a rush and way overpacked, so the bike felt sluggish and wobbly. On the third day I stopped at a post-office and sent home a large box of unnecessary /superfluous gear, after which is was totally great. No issues at all after that, even on rough roads and trails. Not sure of the total weight, but I used a set of small ortlieb panniers (designed for a front rack) and a 10l dry-bag on the rear, a Bontranger frame bag (highly recommend - it fits like a glove) and an ortlieb bar-bag. I now have a packing list that shaves off a further 10 lbs or so of gear. If you are planning to take a lot of gear, and you are a "big-boned" individual like me, then for sure it makes sense to consider a heavier-duty touring bike, but if you like to pack minimally and travel light and fast, this bike is absolutely great. I guess it is a trade-off between speed and agility, vs taking all the comforts of home. In a civilized place like Europe though, you don't need to pack a cooking set/stove or a lot of food etc, as all of that is readily available every few KM, and at reasonable prices (thank the Lord and Baby Jesus for the Super-U's in France!). At home on the road with my fast carbon aero wheelset and a pair of Conti GP5000s, the checkpoint rides better and feels stiffer than my old 2000 US postal-service Trek 5500 which I used to race on. It also does really well and feels secure and steady with fatter gravel ties on light off-road, and I have raced it in CX races as well. So it's a very versatile bike. The only gripes: (1) the GR1 tires it comes with are kinda crap - swap them for Conti's or Schwalbe straight away- and Bontranger tubeless sealant is also crap - keep away from that stuff (2) why does it come with a tool-holder but no multi-tool? Seriously Trek? (3) the plastic caps sealing the vast multitude of threaded attachment points come out too easily, and get lost (I replaced them with stainless hex grub screws) (4) the removable QR is a bit finicky, I leave it at home and just use the 6mm allen key on my multitool - but given that I almost never have to repair a flat with the Conti Contacts, this is hardly an issue. (5) the cables and hydraulics are beautifully tucked away in the frame, whcih looks great, but there is barely enough exposed to be able to take the bar /stem off and pack it beside the frame for transport - an extra few CM to play with would be nice, but that may just be specific to my build-up.

[@AdventureJoe]

Great write-up! Thank you. I agree on the GR1 tires being crap. I did swap them for Schwalbe Marathon. And... yes the plastic caps sealing the attachment points also come off too easily and the QR wrench takes Superman to remove it. My problem was breaking spokes, as you saw. The bike went in this past weekend to get a new 32 hole, DT Swiss wheel installed on the rear. The fronts have 6000 miles of loaded touring and show no wear. Obviously, with just rear paniers, the bike is biased heavy toward the back. Still it handled like a dream. Next trip in a few years is Lands End to John o' Groats and maybe on to Cairo. Here is the equipment list for my North America ride: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13I33zxlHicdX6mDPq2fQpyIQx-vMj0rgxK0oe7pjuyM/edit?usp=sharing

[@FirstLast-pr2pj]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@michaeljoey9240]

Thanks Joe. I've been considering doing the same thing. But, I currently weigh in around 230 lbs. I'll never be under 200lbs. Based on your review I'll consider some alternatives.

[@AdventureJoe]

While I don't know your personal struggle with weight, I would urge you to "never say never." Fifteen years ago, I was 244 pounds. I'm now 195. No miracle diets. No more regular coke. Less cookies. No evening snacks. walking. SMALLER PORTIONS.

[@JitinMisra]

@@AdventureJoe the smaller portions is hardest basically eating less .. cutting out cold and junk is easy

[@Dennis-cv5tm]

Great review! I love my Checkpoint too. Sounds like i need to lose 15lbs before i take it cross country. Would love to see more videos on your cross country trip.

[@AdventureJoe]

Or… Trek needs to launch an Adventure version with more spokes on the rear wheel and gearing focused on climbing.

[@ericklou2013]

I own the same Checkpoint and it’s been great but I can see the reason of your explanation.

[@AdventureJoe]

Yes. The Checkpoint is a great piece of engineering and a joy to ride. I wonder if any of the viewers have feelings about the Trek 520... Trek's true touring bike?

[@bassnbikes.]

I think you just needed a beefy 36 spoke rear wheel and you would have been fine - the rest of the bike sounded like it had no problems

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

Well done! Fantastic bike, I've subscribed 🙏

[@AdventureJoe]

Thanks for the sub!

[@gilfolsom5980]

Great review, very informative! As you know, Van Duzer moved on to a Priority 600 x from the Checkpoint. Any thoughts on that type of a bike?

[@AdventureJoe]

I have no experience with the Priority, but love the belt drive concept! Check out @BBB_Adventures and kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ-ZdWVsm7Z-ibM

[@drill_fiend1097]

One question: what torque value are you using for those rear rack bolts? I am bit scared of cracking the carbon frame and was thinking of clip on ones like Aeroe rack instead. If it worked gor you for long time, it must be the right amount.

[@vahpr]

I had a 2015 Domane Project 1, Dura Ace, pretty high spec, right away the rear wheel kept breaking spokes, eventually Trek replaced it under warrantee and about a month wait (at least). No issue after that, but watching your video I was reminded that the Bontrager tires flatted like crazy right away as well. $6800, the most I've ever spent on a bike, you'd think they'd QC this stuff better but apparently not. Good to hear your frame held up - others on YT have had cracks develop fairly quickly. Wonder if that's QC related too?

[@AdventureJoe]

I also have a Domane (5.2, 2016). I took it to England, switched out the tires for Continental Gatorskin and beat the daylights out of it on London roads and canal paths. It went 5,000 miles until a spoke broke. Given that I weighed 215 pounds at the time, not bad. Check out some of my earlier videos on the channel for UK biking. The Bontrager GR1 tires coming with the Checkpoint are, indeed, fragile. The frame is light, yet like iron. I was even happy with the rims lasting 4400 miles under heavy overload. Given my experience and the comments from viewers, I should have gone out on custom rims with higher spoke counts.

[@vincentwieser]

Oem wheels are usally sub par and seemingly always have been. Be rough on them during your warranty period and nice to them after that or until you want to upgrade

[@The72Rabbit]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I weigh 240 lbs and being challenged by the purchase of the bike you have just for the sake of the bike purchase. But I am concerned about the fact that it is not because of the Frame but the spokes, tires and gear ratios that may be less forgiving. After all. ... was it not because of the wheels that you had issues and not the frame or hardware. Just curious.

[@AdventureJoe]

I had no issue with the frame. Failure started at the Spokes. I should’ve made one more modification to the bike which is go to a 32 hole wheels. I will be upgrading my bike in the next month to 32 hole.

[@samhunter8874]

How do peope feel about the strength and longevity of the mounting points on the carbon frame with a load? Since they are inserts that have a backing that presses against the frame are they relaible or easy to potentially replace? This is my consideration when deciding between the SL 5 or the ALR 5

[@stevemullin1195]

Isn't that bike a carbon frame? I'm looking at the ALR 5 bike which is aluminum frame and carbon fork.

[@AdventureJoe]

@@stevemullin1195 Yes. Fully carbon

[@vincentwieser]

Im a mechanic at a trek shop. Trust me when i say that bontrager alloy wheels are questionable as far as durability. I have warrantied coutless ones. With that being siad most stock rims and wheels that come on bikes are weak. Check out velocity rims and wheels.

[@davidhenderson3139]

Joe, I used a Trek 520 this summer on the 4,200 Transamerica route and I weigh 195 pounds. The bike developed a crack in the frame and I am looking for a new bike. The local Trek shop recommended a Checkpoint ALR 5. My 520 has a "granny gear" of 19.5 gear inches. What was your lowest gear after converting your bike for your long distance ride?

[@AdventureJoe]

@@davidhenderson3139 21 gear inches with an 11-40. I only had to get off the bike and walk three times, once in New York State, once in east Moline Illinois, and finally on Patterson Pass to Silicon Valley

[@alexjohnson6462]

Very interesting recap of how your bike held up on the journey. I think it answers the question of whether traditional touring bikes (especially steel) even need to exist nowadays. I still wonder, though, whether it was more a failing of the stock 24 spoke wheelset that comes with the Trek Checkpoint more so than the bike overall. Perhaps a more touring oriented wheelset with 28 or even 32 thicker gauge spokes might have been all that was needed. The nice thing about the touring wheels is they also tend to be much cheaper than lightweight wheelsets, because your really just paying extra for the light weight on most modern wheelsets. I know a good steel touring rig still has a higher overall weight capacity than most carbon or titanium gravel bikes so you get extra piece of mind from that aa a heavier rider, but do you still feel the bike frame itself was maybe partly a limitation (i.e. did you wish you could have carried even more weight such as more water if you could), or mainly was it just the light duty wheelset that was the problem?

[@AdventureJoe]

Great insight on spoke count. A higher spoke count and heavier wheel would have likely solved my problem. It would not have gotten around the published max carrying weight of the Checkpoint (276 pounds), however. One wonders if Trek could just eliminate the 520 by making a Touring version of the Checkpoint with a touring rear wheel and the testing to prove it can hold the weight. The Checkpoint, with its plethora of mounting points and comfortable geometry is just so flexible in its use. As for me carrying more weight, I carried everything I needed. I did not consider bringing a drone on the trip. Had I done so, that would have necessitated a front rack and panniers... and all of that weight.

[@joshriles84]

Heck i weigh 300lbs+ 45lbs of gear and feel like the bike takes it in stride

[@elachichai]

Would you have liked a flat bar bike with a bull horn for additional position with default on the flat, wider bar with more leverage to steer? Could you also mention the costs involved in doing the mechanical changes? Does the frame/iso speed limit you from raising the stack? Were you okay with the reach or wanted more upright position?

[@AdventureJoe]

I would have liked a more upright position. Having said that I like drop bars better than flat… more places to switch my hands to on drop bars. Plus, the Checkpoint bars are plenty wide even to control a fully loaded bike. There is no ISO speed on the front. It is likely the bar could be raised, but the hydraulic brake and shifter lines would have to be lengthened. Here is the full equipment list: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13I33zxlHicdX6mDPq2fQpyIQx-vMj0rgxK0oe7pjuyM/edit?usp=sharing

[@elachichai]

@@AdventureJoe Thanks. Looking at cyclingabout's channel , he has flat bars with bull horns for additional hand position.

[@MG-bc7kn]

Thanks for the video. Why switch from tubeless to tubes? Is that a touring preference for dealing with flats and probably having to bring tubes anyways? Haven’t toured yet with my CP but planning soon hopefully!

[@AdventureJoe]

I got my first flat running tubeless just 3/4 of a mile from my house. I wanted something proven and rock solid. A friend got me interested in Schwalbe Marathon and they proved a good decision. I got 2 flats due to goat head thorns and one flat due to truck tire wire belt material.

[@TravelExplorer2040]

How much weight you lose in this journey from New York to San Francisco?

[@Gosbecol123]

great video!!

[@AdventureJoe]

Thank you!!

[@bbqcrew1]

Sounds like the bike was fine, just the wheels failed. I owned the same bike, the stock wheels are really cheap and nasty. They are not the same standard as the rest of the bike. Just use stronger wheels.

[@AdventureJoe]

You are correct. I could/ should have started out on a stronger rear wheel. Still, the stock wheel went 4000+ miles before cracks started occurring. My biggest pet peeve with the Checkpoint was the Bontrager GR1 tires. Myself and my riding partners before my journey experienced flats immediately... mine was in my first 0.7 miles. Ugh. They now hang on the wall of my garage. I should just throw them out.

[@Thomas-pq3gt]

Joe, I've got a 2020 Trek Checkpoint SL5 and have been wondering if it was a good choice for an epic cross-country adventure as is. From your video, I'm guessing the answer is no. But for 5-10 days bikepacking trips across all kinds of roads and trails, it would be the perfect choice?

[@AdventureJoe]

My experience says the Checkpoint is good for training + journeys up to about 4000 miles ( 6500km) before needing new rear wheels. After reading all the comments, I probably could have converted the rear wheel to a 32 spoke wheel and have been fine on the Checkpoint.

[@l2-4upphysicaltrainingover40]

Well, since Trek is cancelling the 520 touring bike, it seems like the Checkpoint ALR, seems like the only Trek option?

[@AdventureJoe]

See the questions I posed to your first post. And... comparing the 520 to the ALR wouldn't be fair. The ALR is not a touring bike. You would have to modify it to be a touring bike. Plus the 520 was/is steel, a more comfortable ride that the SL5 would come closer to because the characteristics of carbon. To make an ALR a touring bike - new tires, more advantageous gearing, higher spoke count on at least the rear wheels, racks, saddle, fenders, etc. What do you want to do with it? Are you going to take it cross-country or week-long adventure cycling trips? If the answer is yes. Buy a 520 before they are gone. Buy a used 520. Buy a Salsa or Surly. My all-around is a SL5, because I like the ride feel and when I am not traveling with it, it's stripped back to road bike form.

[@l2-4upphysicaltrainingover40]

Would you consider the Check Point if you had the ALR--5 vice the SLR5?. Presumably, the ALR-5 might be more robust...YES...NO??? I am considering an ALR-5 is my "All-Rounder", is why I ask.

[@AdventureJoe]

What will you be using the bike for? What is "all-rounding" to you? Where and what types of rides do you take? I don't see the ALR as more robust. Ten years ago, aluminum tubes had to be made with thick tube walls to be able to hold up. Those thick walls gave a very stiff and many times uncomfortable ride. Now, advances in manufacturing, putting thickness only where needed, has come along. Aluminum bikes are far more comfortable. So, the difference in comfort between aluminum and carbon or steel is much smaller. Ask you local store for loaners of both the AL5 and SL5. Make sure they are from the same model year. The supply chain is now full of bikes. Ride each one for 4+ hours. Make your decision based on your test. How do they feel?

[@l2-4upphysicaltrainingover40]

@@AdventureJoe I am not a racer, but rather ride in the dirt, on long coastlines, trails, to see the world on every ride, and carry all my wife and I want on our bike adventures. Yeah...I'd rather have a traditional touring bike, like the 520 Grando, made of steel...But...since Trek is cancelling the 520 series soon, I am trying to find the Trek model that can go long distance and off road trails. Since there is no more steel, I was hoping maybe the Checkpoint could be that one do-it-all bike. I don't want or need a fleet of bikes..

[@crewman90]

What cassette range in the SLX did you use? Any mods to rear derailleur to make it work?

[@AdventureJoe]

See the full show Description for a listing of part numbers used to modify my Checkpoint. Also, no modifications were needed to the derailer. I believe the chain needed to be longer, however.

[@crewman90]

@@AdventureJoe yes, I see that in the description but that cassette comes in multiple sizes?

[@migueltrujillo5932]

What the SL stands for?

[@AdventureJoe]

I believe it stand for “Super Light.”

[@juice610]

I weigh 85 to 90kg. I plan on doing a 2 week trip on this bike. Will it hold up?

[@AdventureJoe]

Yes. It will hold. Mine held for 6000 km

[@ITakeYourFood]

What tire width did you use? 38mm?

[@AdventureJoe]

Schwalbe Marathon 700c x 38 mm. However, there is a 3mm puncture barrier in the tire. So the external size is somewhat larger, I believe. The ETRTO specs call it 40-622.

[@mugambatv]

what Marathon tire size fit in with fenders?

[@AdventureJoe]

See prior answer

[@stan9636]

You just need heavier duty wheels

[@AdventureJoe]

Yes, or a lighter arse ;)

[@stan9636]

@@AdventureJoe lol it’s easier to buy the wheels 😂

[@truth-Hurts375]

I toured more than 50 000km on bicycles.The closest I came to a touring bike was a 8 800km tour with my Ice Adventure2 Recumbent trike.I broke a chain twise...never any spokes...You dont need a $7 000 touring bike to hit the road...what you need is common sence....