Trek Checkmate - Geometry Matters!

[@vbnxt]

Is this a more upright bike than the specialized diverge base?

[@swanauto47]

You’re talking the aluminum E5? For that, the Checkmate is actually 3mm more upright more or less because of the top tube length. Based on the size 54 comparison. There are a few more things with the geometry that go into it but that is the main aspect I focus on. It can’t be changed like saddle height

[@vbnxt]

@@swanauto47 indeed and thanks for responding- I have the diverge in 52 and was wondering if this is equally upright to if it’s more aggressive as I have a back condition

[@red422coat]

Could you be more underwhelming in you review?

[@racittaj]

Gravel chainstays are to long! We need max 420mm. BB drop is good at 80mm nowdays. BMC kaius is best IMO and new one 2025 have UDH, but they only sell full bikes and no frames-only.

[@swanauto47]

I find that interesting, I wonder if that’s because there aren’t many systems that work with it like Eagle transmission

[@marcindabrowski9172]

You can order a Kaius frameset. In Europe available from July 2025 in a great blue painting.

[@racittaj]

@@marcindabrowski9172 they are 2 years late.. Already ordered S works Roubaix SL8.

[@mister_ray]

Awful audio on this one. Can use bike insights website to visually compare geo. The gen 3 Checkpoint has a shorter top tube and shorter stem for a more upright position. The Checkmate geo is almost identical to the Specialized Crux. The biggest improvement I see with the Checkpoint and Checkmate is the UDH. Kind of dumb to buy a bike that does not have UDH at this point.

[@vbnxt]

Just checking if I’m reading the comparison website right - the checkpoint is more upright than a specialized diverge?

[@mister_ray]

@@vbnxt Yes it appears the stack on the Diverge is +9mm taller than the new Checkpoint in the 56mm size frames.