Trek Checkpoint SL 7 gravel bike review: Too specific or just right?

[@rug212]

Really starting to like this bike. Happy to see you back out riding. Hoping for your full recovery soon!

[@njlillegard]

I've got the previous gen SL7 and share the same positive vibes on these features. Downtube storage = never leaving the house without the minimum tools for a flat. Integrated bag = storage for heavy-duty rain gear or dry gloves, hats, etc. in the winter (I'm in Oregon). All the mounts make this a great winter/commuter bike and an awesome gravel/bikepacker in the summer/fall. I crashed, broke a rib, tore a rotator cuff 12/1 and have been humbled by the recovery process also. Thanks Ben for keeping the inspiration flowing.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

The storage in my Domane has ruined any new bike for me that doesn't have it. I just can't see myself ever buying a new bike without it

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Ah, shoot - sorry to hear you went down. All best in your healing. I Thanks for sharing your experience with the Gen 2 bike.

[@davidray7677]

Thanks Ben! You are one of my favorite reviewers on YT. I appreciate all that you do on your channel.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks very much.

[@m.talley1660]

​@@TheRidewithBenDelaneySame appreciation. I realized you had skills when in presenting a while back and L. Zinn was stumbling for words - you stepped in with precision clarity. Tire/rolling resistance if I remember correctly.

[@ewanmackenzie6777]

Awesome video Ben, Thanks for putting that together, also checked out the gear calculator, that is fantastic, thanks for sharing. Quit procrastinating on the shoulder rehab, the longer you leave it, the longer and harder the it takes to mend (been there done that!). Keep up the great work. wishing you all the very best for 2025.

[@WeberWoodworking]

Happy New Year, and welcome back! I've had my Checkpoint SL6 for about 6 weeks / 400 miles. I really enjoy the bike as a gravel/winter/travel bike. I did swap out to a smaller Force power crankset, some Hunt Gravel 35 carbon wheels, Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 45mm tires, 10mm longer stem, and a SLR saddle. Bike rides great, tires and wheels added some zip and handle my terrain better. Gearing works for me, but I'm in flat Indiana. Love the Blendr system for mounts, and internal storage is better than my Domane. As you noted the handlebar is nice, I had expected to upgrade, but ended up keeping it. Also currently running full fenders for the winter. The Checkpoints seem to run a little big, so I did size down from a 60 to a 58 (Large). I think Trek really checked all the boxes, it's a great bike with tons of flexibility and features, at a somewhat reasonable price point.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@sascha1778]

Happy New Year Ben! Echoing others here in wishing you a speedy and full recovery. I dislocated my right shoulder in June last year during a minor bike accident. After some rest, a few weeks of physio and slowly progressing through some light weight gym work over several months, my should has now recovered about 95% of its full movement/range. Takes time but you will get there. All the best and looking forward to following you in 2025.

[@DJLaFontsee]

Road bikes have been split into race bikes and endurance bikes for decades to cater to different customers. Don’t see why gravel bikes shouldn’t be the same! More bikes for more bodies is always a good thing

[@Hintonbro.]

I prefer this description of ‘race vs endurance’ over ‘race vs adventure’. Most riders need endurance geo - it’s a fact of life

[@flow2tech]

@@Hintonbro. i love endurance geo for my tall lanky back... it just works..

[@richb8709]

Those drop bar Bar Mits are a game changer! Now I just need some for my feet

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Castelli Estremo booties are super warm. I wore them for our sub-freezing 100mi New Year’s Day ride with a mid weight wool sock, and was good to go.

[@chrisjong8412]

Great new concept of the video, and great to see you have a new sponsor

[@whichwayiszigzag]

Nice to see you back on the bike and fully recovered (maybe that already happened, but I just noticed)!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thank you. I am back on the bike but still have a ways to go. Still can’t lift my arm over my head. Cheers.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

I ride a gen2 Trek Checkpoint - built a SL frameset up with Pro discover carbon bars and a GRX Di2 two by 11 speed group set - that does give me the gear range needed. Father Christmas also dropped off some DT Swiss GRC 1400 50mm deep carbon wheels for it too (running Pathfinder 42mm tires on them). I would like the small changes of the Gen 3 compared to mine, but I am so happy with it that I'll stick with my Gen2. And having done 12000+km on it bikepacking Denmark, the Baltic, across Sweden and the Netherlands (twice) I have definitely used it as a bikepacking rig!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Awesome. Sounds like you’ve really got it dialed. I love GRX 11spd Di2 2x.

[@jmdrstv]

There is likely Velcro on the seat tube portion of the bag so the lug insert doesn’t interfere with seat post insertion. My custom Ti bike has a stud there for this reason. Salsa has had those thumb screws for years and they are a sweet option. Hard to effectively wrench inside a bag. Great content as always!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Ah... duh! Pretty obvious not that you point it out! Thanks.

[@troyhamiltonwhite]

Happy New Year Ben! I hope your shoulder heals quickly! Great review. Now review the MOG!!

[@danielwardAUS]

Great review Ben, the storage bags have been improved now, I am surprised yours didn't have the new ones. They are now split in to two, one for a tube, one for all your tools. They work a lot better and are easier to get in & out

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks for calling that out.

[@mattregan9134]

For the in frame storage? If so, that would definitely be welcomed b/c the old one was a pain to get in/out. I actually replaced mine with the Specialized SWAT bag which slides in / out more easily

[@danielwardAUS]

@@mattregan9134 yes, the in frame storage

[@bradleytillotson3626]

Dude! Your poor shoulder. I hope it gets better soon. Great review. I really want to get a gravel bike this year. Sooooo many options.

[@txmale5070]

Nice bike good review Ben as always

[@patrickc4984]

I just got mine a few weeks ago and I did fit Conti Race King 2.2s. The rear clearance is not huge and wouldn’t run it in mud but overall it works fine.

[@dheerajnair89]

Picked up the frame only option the day it released and fitted it with 2x GRX, redshift stem and 9velo gravel wheels. Love it so far with no complaints! Happy to hear in your video that it can support 2.2 tires. Curious to try Race Kings on it.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Official clearance is 50mm. I was saying that some folks are going to 2.2s... sorry that wasn't clear!

[@Charliedid]

Nice write up as usual Ben, mine will be here around March. I didn't read all the comments but flip that internal storage bag and push it up into the frame with the tab end down. Mucho easier. Ride on...

[@fraji1]

Thanks for the review Ben. I hope the shoulder problem is better. I bought this bike, same color. I have a 52 Eagle transmission in the back Whiskey carbon handlebar, 47 Pathfinders, and swapped the carbon wheels for the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3v’s. Where is my bike? At the bike shop for more than a month. Why? It’s been too cold out to ride, today it’s 27. Also if my wife sees it, I’m 100 % done for sure. Trying to secure a storage location (garage) near a trail LOL! Once I sell two of my bikes I can bring her home. She is beautiful. The color is much nicer in person. I’m indoors now and have a Niner I can jump on in the interim. Be safe out there Ben. 2025 is gonna be sweet.

[@shaldivad]

If it's cold enough, I'll be rocking the bar mitts for Old Man Winter this year! Better to look dorky than to feel frozen.

[@flamencoguru]

Thanks for the honest review. I'm not a fan of downtube storage in general... I'm not into the wrestling matches with the downtube. All in all, pretty sweet looking machine.

[@BeardedLer1WD]

Looking to buy the SL5 in a couple months, thanks for the timely review. As someone who lives in the foothills of the coast range here in Oregon gear-range is my biggest "concern".

[@mechanicalmanical]

I like splitting a genre-as long it stops short of MTB and metal sorting. I really enjoy my Gen 2 SL6. I look forward to a udh and 13 speed and/or mullet setup.

[@briannyob7799]

I bought a Checkpoint ALR5 last year. I run an 11-50 Sunrace 12 speed cassette with a GX mechanical derailleur and the Apex brifters. I am not a racer. Im just a guy who likes riding bikes in the forest. I also have a Norco Sight for "real" trails.

[@robertsuede1122]

I love the checkpoint bikes. I have a 2021 checkpoint sl6 and its fast not that heavy and rides like a charm. i fit 50mm tires on it.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Bar mitts need to come with you on your next wind tunnel visit!

[@terrillford7784]

Ben happy new year brother. Hope that shoulder is better

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks, boss! And to you. Shoulder is getting there…

[@idriysmcfield7631]

Good to see you’re back riding. Slow down a bit.

[@adamsolomon9353]

Love the Gen2 Checkpoint. Was a good price, good geometry in my opinion

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Great review. Love my Checkpoint ALR5.

[@williammorris4419]

12 speed 10-48 cassette is my dream

[@sebmour]

The gearing is my first complaint. I also live in a hilly area and 40-44T is not cutting it. I just wished a cable actuated Eagle drop bar setup would have been offered. I still went with the SL5 Gen3 because I love the geo and comfort of the bike but changing wheels cause stock one sucks, bars and drivetrain. I feel Lauf offers lots more for your money. Mullet setups for the win!

[@brodyisaak]

Just subscribed, thanks for all the great content!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Welcome, and thank you.

[@dengar1313]

I have an SL6 Gen3. It's basically the same bike for $2,000 less than the SL7. Nice for tooling around town and gravel roads.

[@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre]

@@dengar1313 curious if you feel the need or ever thought of adding a second chainring to the front? How is it as a 1x?

[@fredrichards3998]

Hey Ben happy new year. I wondered when this review would come out. A fair solid review of Checkpoint SL. I love to see these come through the fit studio as you pointed out the stack and reach are so beautiful proportion and really works for so many average Jane or Joe. 🫶 Hope the shoulder is mending well.

[@lothyr1189]

Just got this bike, coming from mtb with zero gravel experience, this bike is incredible, for me. Never even considered gearing, now you have me wondering.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Glad you dig it. If you haven't thought about gearing, that's probably a good sign that the range is working just fine for you.

[@jamessummers8792]

I’ve put about a 100 miles on my new SL 6. I love it, changed out bar and stem. I went with a 110 stem and 42mm bars. Living in KC I like the gearing but I have a GX eagle der and cassette for when I go down to NWA.

[@galenkehler]

Strikes me as a perfect city bike: low gears for the low speeds, big tires for the rough concrete and potholes, and upright position for better visibility

[@vbnxt]

Would you say this gets a “recommended “ rating from you Ben? On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate it at?

[@budlacombe]

Good work BD 👍

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks.

[@scotthorkey2171]

Love your review ofthe smaller builders, Argonut, Mosaic, etc. When will we see a Pursuit review?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I don’t have a contact there. Know anybody?

[@stefanodirector]

I love my Favero MX Pro too, just great as pedals and as PM. I do also find the 1x front too limiting for me: running Sram 2x 46/33 -10/36 which has also its limits, but more to my liking since I don't like floating on downhills or gradient flats. P.S. Schwalbe G One RS 35s are still my fave fast gravel tires, thanks to you. Let's get that bionic shoulder back up to speed!

[@rnodeprot]

I'm fine with the split race vs adventure. I don't need storage in frame or a ton of braze-ons. I do want racier geo, UDH, and wider than 50mm clearance. I think a lot of manufacturers are a bit behind the quickly escalating tire widths. My crux is 50 and I can squeeze a bit more, but my next frame will need more.

[@divorceshoes5492]

sounds like the seigla rigid would be best, cant say i desire much else from any other gravel bike on the market with that specific bike, other than neater routing. same stack and reach as my aethos, so my cockpit can get low enough with little effort

[@rnodeprot]

@@divorceshoes5492 I do covet the seigla rigid, but not the pricing of the sram xlpr rear derailleur and 13spd cog I'd want to run on it.

[@gavinmurray2848]

Happy new year 🇺🇸 🦅

[@drill_fiend1097]

With UDH they should've just put in GX/XX/X0 Transmission to differnetiate from checkmate. Specialized does that with Diverge, minus transmission. Trek could have basically could have beat Diverge by equipping Checkpoints with transmission.

[@victorschepisi590]

I think the "point" should come with mullet. That 44 is more suited to the "mate"

[@gregmorrison7320]

Still running my Gen 1 Checkpoint since 2018 with 2x 50/34 and 11/34, just shy of 30,000kms on it, really don't like the 1x options or the small chain rings on the newer models. Running 50mm up front Thunderburt and 47mm Pathfinder in the rear, nothing here to upgrade too.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Makes sense to me as gravel seems to split between road bikes with room for fat tires vs drop bar MTB. Even if you never pin on a number some will enjoy the more responsive handling of the "race" bike. Your previous bit on head tube angle (plus chainstay length) defined it pretty well IMHO. After what the Big-T did to Greg LeMond I'd never buy anything with their name on it, but that's just me.

[@benjiejdeguzman3280]

Good day, Sir Ben you review both Checkpoint and BMC URS One 1 compare the ride and comfort what is the difference, Thanks in advance

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

They're pretty similar in back-end feel, despite achieving the flex in different ways. Like the IsoSpeed, the rear MTT is a good solution that provides some comfort without too much complexity or weight. Up front the BMC has more give with the ICS stem; if you like that feel though you can add a Redshift to the Trek. The BMC has less tire clearance; 47mm I believe is what they claim.

[@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre]

Thoughts on running this as a 2x? Was thinking about the sl6 but would like to have a second chainring at the front

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I dig 2x for gravel, particularly GRX Di2. An FD may compromise the 50mm clearance at the rear, though. Let me ask Trek about that. Hold, please!

[@AllThingsSportsMikeMcIntyre]

@ thanks for the reply. Given the choice, would you choose GRX 2x or sram rival/force 2x? I am also looking at the canyon grail cf slx and am undecided between the force build and grx. I am a shimano user on the road and part of me wants to give sram a try but I want a 2x setup. With the grail, the grx build is already setup as a 2x

[@MichaelMancuso-c4h]

Would love to know your thoughts compared to your Scarab Paramo. I almost bought this bike and went with the paramo instead as I just love the classic look of steel bikes and this will be my second Scarab.

[@kayhartkamp234]

The Orbea Terra has similair storage solution but the latch is better. See if you can take a look on their line-up?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks for calling that out. I've been talking with them for a while about a test bike but we haven't yet got it together.

[@kayhartkamp234]

Not local cant lend you mine. But super satisfied with orbea, mostly since you can pick basics and colours!

[@APham-ld9do]

I’ve been eyeing the Orbea Terra M30Team, but I’m convinced that the wedge mechanism for the seat post is inferior to the simple traditional seat clamp. Not to mention the PF30 bottom bracket. I’ve heard great things about Orbea, including their quality carbon frames and how they are able to manufacture a frame with tolerances acceptable for press fit bottom bracket. But what ultimately turned me away is that apparently Orbea is not quite responsive in their responses regarding warranty issues. Supposedly, this is especially true of US customers.

[@kayhartkamp234]

@@APham-ld9do i think as an american consumer buying american makes a lot of sense. Me as an european the market of EU bikes makes more sense. Orbea remains a classic Bask small company and in my opinion the bike industry has to evolve in terms of consumer support. The wedge, well its annoying but no showstopper

[@christophermunoz7332]

I have Gen 1 SL7 and was thinking about Checkmate that I could use as a 2-1 bike (gravel race and road) with a second set of wheels. What are your impression of the Checkmate with 32’s for road riding? Thx 👍

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I answered this question from another viewer here below. Please let me know if you can't find it. Cheers.

[@joesephfrench3702]

The brand of the power meter pedals please. I couldn't catch it

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Favero Assioma

[@christiantaylor7150]

What size bar mits do you use? I am looking to buy a pair but can't decide on size.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Those are XL. I've also used small ones, so I don't know if I'm much help!

[@jameshoward9700]

I reckon a range split between bikes that prioritise speed and those that prioritise practicality is fair enough. The manufacturer can then decide where they want that speed to come from (weight, aero, comfort, a combination) and how they want it to be practical (comfort, versatility, robustness etc). Trek seem to have done a good job, but I still don't like the integrated front-end with that silly headset cap with a hole in it. Integrated vs non-integrated would be my first delineation between race and all-round. Price is still high.

[@evdb7246]

What is the fox on your shelf from?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

From Transcordilleras, where the stuffy is the leader's jersey: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYi1dYmZecuWgLs

[@brianshelford2099]

May I ask how tall you are and what size this is? Maybe your inseam? I'm looking at this bike but feel like I could ride either the M/L or the L. There is only 11mm difference in effective top tube and only 5mm of that is the reach. I"m smack in the middle of the height range Trek recommends for the Large but on the very low end of the inseam recommendation. I feel like I want to push the seat forward to control the reach and maybe even go with a 10mm shorter stem than the stock 90mm. Not sure how short I can go without screwing things up. I've also had wrist surgery due to an injury and the longer reach bikes (not that this is one of them) put a lot of pressure on my hands. Especially the steep seat angle bikes. I was surprised to see that the difference between these two sizes was so little. Most of it is the 2cm difference in height of the seat post and head tube which lowered the standover 2cm. The 11mm length difference doesn't amount to much in my book. I know this isn't a fit clinic but any thoughts? Thank you. Love your videos.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I'm 6ft, 76cm saddle height and that was the ML/56 bike. I'm usually in between 56 and 58 in many brands, and I go with the 56 because usually that's the breaking point for 172.5/175 cranks and 42/44 bars (or narrower). Plus, I have shorter legs so prefer the fit. I always suggest getting to a shop and getting on a bike if possible. If not, take good measurements of your current bike and talk to Trek about the fit. Agreed - 11mm length difference is nothing, but a small stack difference could make a difference with your wrist. Good luck. That will be $500 for this professional fit analysis. 😜

[@brianshelford2099]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Awesome. Thanks so much for the input. I am also 6' tall and seem to have the same saddle height of 30" which is super close to your 76cm. My inseam is apparently shorter than average. I took the 58 home after riding it around the shop floor since we currently have 8 or 10" of snow outside. Trusted Trek's height recommendation and figured I was in the middle of the range so must be fine. Once I started measuring things it just feels and looks too big. You know how a bike just looks wrong? The seat is a bit more slammed than it should be, etc. I don't mind leaning on my hands but when the reach on a frame gets too long or the seat tube is too steep (or seat slid way forward because the bikes too long) then your torso can no longer balance itself easily and you end up leaning on your wrists too much like you're falling forward. I ended up calling Trek today and the fine person on the phone actually recommended I down size due to the fact that my inseam is on the low end of the recommendation as well as the other things I mentioned. Seems like they may have given me good advice. I appreciate it very much. Thanks for the "fit analysis". I promise to watch all of your videos. I've already learned a lot from the ones I've seen. I just checked the 'bell' too. Much appreciated. Heal up, carry on.

[@simonfarr8670]

Great review Ben, Happy New Year! glad to see you jumping on the “XPLR isn’t enough” bandwagon. out here in NC it’s Mullet all the way, NO chance of climbing in the right zone to train well with a 40-46t cassette.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I don't know if I'm on the bandwagon - I just want to underscore that folks think about what they need for where they live and how they like to ride before they buy, you know?

[@m.talley1660]

Did you say 'Hairo' when everyone else says 'Hawro'?

[@Gs_11111]

Hey Ben, great review! I’d like to consult with you regarding the size you chose. I’m seriously considering going one size down from what Trek’s size guide recommends and slightly extending the stem because the geometry seems more logical to me. What’s your opinion?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

If at all possible, get yourself to a Trek store so you can get on the bike. That's always best. For me, I'm often in between a 56 and a 58 for most brands, and I almost always go down, in part because I prefer the shorter cranks and narrower bars that often accompany a 56 compared to a 58. If this was my bike, I'd put a longer stem on it, and would be good to go. But those are just my preferences. For you, if you currently have a fit you're happy with, trust those numbers and make sure your next bike can accommodate them. And... get to a shop if possible!

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

Price & weight of the setup next time por favor!!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

$5700 in the US and just shy of 20lbs. Will try to remember weight next time! Prices are tricky because of global markets and how often they change.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

@ thanks Ben! Love your channel BTW and you as a person! Not just the information you give but you seem to be sooooo nice & easy going! Kudos man. Remember that MANY watching aren’t from the US of A so we gotta make that lbs to kgs conversion hahaha

[@ArjanBBBB]

Hello there, do you like the Factor ostro gravel? Gr from the Netherlands

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

For dry racing it's great. If you need big clearance for lots of rubber or mud, not so much: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH28c3ulqcd2n9E

[@ArjanBBBB]

@TheRidewithBenDelaney thanx 😃👍

[@maocycle]

my buddy Mike just switched to this bike a loves it because there's no toe overlap on the size Medium. He hates toe overlap😂

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I hate toe overlap too.

[@hectormurciaruiz3820]

Hello! Happy 2025! The only Issue with Trek are the prices! But very pretty Bike!

[@mikemac577]

Broke my right shoulder many years ago. 3 months in a sling and an arm like a baby at the end., it was a long road back but stick with the physio!!!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Ooph! Thanks for the encouragement, boss.

[@thsaintful]

Hej Ben, happy new year! Did the weight of the Checkpoint bother you? On paper it's quite a bit heavier than its rivals....

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Happy new year. Nope, it didn’t. The Checkpoint has always been about a pound more than its rivals. I mean, you can definitely feel it when lifting the bike, but not while riding.

[@thsaintful]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I'm not a cyclocross guy, so lifting won't happen that often. 😁 Thanks!!

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney "I mean, you can definitely feel it when lifting the bike, but not while riding." What? You admitted this? OMG - the weight weenies will go into full outrage!

[@rdd6366]

I see it - long and cut, head is nice too

[@k2dave1969]

I run a 50/34 front with 11/40 XT rear cassette and it works and the 34 x40 ration is amazing as a low and the 50 just brings the ultimate roadies gravel gearing but if I did it again 46/30 x 11/40 would be the best solution... no 1x for gravel...makes no sense.

[@gregmorrison7320]

I've been running 50/34 with 11/34 cassette since 2018 on my Gen 1, personally I wouldn't want 1x or a smaller chain ring, only hill I haven't been able to climb was a very steep forestry road that I couldn't get traction on.

[@rolffuchs2737]

I ride 38 10-52 on my URS and I won't miss this low gear, I can ride anywhere.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

You can ride up a wall with 38-52!

[@polvivesclos9422]

How do you feel for this bike with a pair of road wheels to switch? Geometry wise its seems ok! Checkmate its too expansive in my mind..

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

The frame and geo would work fine. My usual warnings for a two-fer setup: gearing that works well for gravel might be too small for road, and the low BB with 42-50mm tires gets even lower with 25-28mm tires. So no crits! 😁

[@polvivesclos9422]

@ Thanks for the info!

[@HeyWattsUpCycling]

check out my WORLDS LIGHTEST new checkpoint build I just finished up! Full pound lighter than the top spec checkmate and was 5grand less. Also with bigger tires...

[@Reindeerr4]

I know some people use them but fork pimples ruin the look of any gravel bike

[@9023gregb]

The new Canyon Grail frame bags put every other brand to shame.

[@pingpongballz5998]

To me, it still looks like an aggressive bike and not an upright, adventure rig.

[@Heimdallar]

Trek being a cheap bastard with leaving out a PM at that level. Also, loose dogs man … people never learn.

[@davidvonslingshot]

yup…. they nailed it all…… except clearance. wompwomp.

[@neilwheel]

Bottle bosses on the fork legs. Very racy, molto aero...

[@frienduro24]

That frame bag is a terrible fit. Sorry engineering attempt

[@sativagirl1885]

Q: should gravel bikes always be #MUDREADY? --MVDP

[@OerlikonNoerd]

No grx option on the past few checkpoint models is a big letdown

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Same for the Checkmate. Shimano really took a beating on spec this season. I hope their forthcoming Di2 1x gets them back on the board. Also, I really like their 2x GRX.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney What's up with that? Pretty well-known that no WT race team will use SRAM unless some fat chex are included. Are they buying-up the OEM market with predatory pricing vs Shimano? I'm not a huge Shimano fan but have to admit after buying a GRX-equipped bike it's good enough that I wonder if I'd ever pay the premium to have EKAR again? OTOH I'd rather walk than use SRAM.

[@BrianKearns-l8n]

God their frame bags fit terribly…😂

[@Stevenwalks]

Who can afford those bikes … 😮 cycling is killing itself from inside

[@Robinators]

Well, if i would got this bike for free, best bike ever! Mean time, rocking my old 87k km Focus ax mares.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Solid! Keep on, keepin’ on. What’s the tire clearance on that bad boy?

[@valiantabello]

FIRST! CROWN ME

[@JibbaJabber]

👑

[@mikecardwell6497]

What is Treks problem they have great looking bikes , but they are missing the boat on tire clearance,you have to be able to fit a 2.2. No sale for me.😕🚵‍♀️

[@sturdyvw]

If you need a 2.2, your MTB is a better choice 😊

[@stevevarga8621]

I agree, 2.2’s feel great on gravel bikes. Very few companies make a frame that can take a 29x2.2. Frustrating.

[@CycleXplorer]

That'll be the next version to make people want another new one 🤣

[@APham-ld9do]

@@sturdyvw, I figured it would eventually happen. Along with comments such as the desire for ever increasing tire sizes, these gravel bikes are becoming XC mountain bikes. And the introduction of front shock forks is turning the gravel bike into a XC hard tail, lol. Soon we’ll see full suspension gravel/xc/mountain bikes.