Trek Checkpoint SL5 Review

[@johnsampson2544]

I have the 2023 SL5 in the radioactive red. I have 3500+ miles on it and just love it. I'm mostly on the road, but have done some fire roads and even a bit of singletrack. I'm not going to keep up with the roadies, but as a 60+ yo who started riding again in 2019 after a 30 year hiatus, it does what I need it to.

[@timhenderson9794]

With ya. Same bike. It's amazing. I switch from the stock gravels to continental 500gps

[@BigBearBikes]

Agree. Great bike great Conti tyres. Enjoy 👍. Thanks BBB

[@BigBearBikes]

Appreciate the comment & feedback. Keep enjoying the bike. Many thanks BBB 👍.

[@AbdulYilla]

Just got this same exact one. Happy 😊

[@BigBearBikes]

Enjoy 👍

[@gerrypimblett5715]

I’ve got a checkpoint ALR 4 43 size tyres …. Great bike

[@BigBearBikes]

👍. Thanks BBB

[@brucewalker6141]

My SL5 has GRX 810 derailleurs and 600 shifters, which is also what's listed on Trek's website.

[@BigBearBikes]

Thanks BBB 👍.

[@charlesboundy5355]

Looks fab. I have a Top Fuel but can you put a 2by set up on a Checkpoint? and how much slower is a Checkpoint compared to the Domane please in the same frame material. Thanks guys

[@drewhuckla2807]

that sl5 is a 2by set up

[@BigBearBikes]

You can have a 2x setup on the Checkpoint. It's best if you compare them side by side at a Trek Dealer. Thanks BBB.

[@SMor42]

I’m confused about the GRX 400-600-800 series. Trek online says this bike has a mix of 600 and 800. You’re saying it’s 400-600?

[@BigBearBikes]

The spec may change in different markets and due to supply chain issues. Please check with your local dealer. Thanks for the comment 👍. BBB

[@richardsoares4653]

I’m buying one tomorrow and all Australian sl5 now come with praxis cranks 😢 I’ll have to change it to the grx crank myself.

[@SMor42]

@@richardsoares4653 I bought a 2023 model a few weeks ago and it came with praxis cranks as well. They seem fine so I don’t really feel like spending a couple hundred to change them.

[@ecnorthernlights2094]

6'3" Long wingspan. Currently ride a TREK 5200 road bike with 60cm frame. Fits well. Looking at the checkpoint however it doesn't come that size. Would you recommend a 58cm or 61cm?

[@BigBearBikes]

We would suggest visiting a Trek store that has those frame sizes as built bikes on display and trying them both for size. Big Bear Bikes, in Pickering North Yorkshire 🇬🇧, has them both built 👍. Thanks BBB.

[@ecnorthernlights2094]

@@BigBearBikes Appreciate the advice. I will do that. Obviously that's everything but in your experience is sizing up or down the general consensus?

[@BigBearBikes]

It depends on your body build. Longer backed riders (often less flexible) usually fit the larger frame better, with the saddle relatively lower and are more comfortable. Comfort is everything the further you ride. Vice versa for longer legged riders 👍. BBB

[@elachichai]

Can you increase the stack? And reduce reach? Does the design allow it?

[@BigBearBikes]

Hi, yes you can make the usual road bikes changes to the cockpit with headset spacers and different stems, length & lift. You can't change the geometry of the frame. Thanks BBB 👍.

[@elachichai]

@@BigBearBikes Thanks. Does water get into the head tube in that design to integrate cables and ISO speed similar to Spesh future shock?

[@elachichai]

Please speak on gear ratios and gear inches

[@BigBearBikes]

@@elachichai Please call or or telephone us, 01751 474220 for more information. Thanks BBB

[@BigBearBikes]

@@elachichai Please call or or telephone us, 01751 474220 for more information. Thanks BBB

[@glennanderson2790]

Disappointing to see they are still using the crappy GR-1 tire on it.

[@BigBearBikes]

Thanks for the comment 👍. BBB

[@ZacharyBureau420]

What’s bad about it? I’m interested in buying this bike so I’m wondering what your experience has been with the GR-1 tires, thanks!

[@timhenderson9794]

​@ZacharyBureau420 I have the 2023 version with the grs. They're great for gravel and road. Only downside is climbing l, kind of feels like the wheels try to stop going uphill

[@chrisgravel7157]

The GR1 is comfortable,offers very good grip for its speed - its fast as hell. It would be 9/10 it just needs a pucture belt under the tread. Would add like 40g Bontrager/ maxxis are you listening??

[@jds7438]

Lost you when you got technical "fat tyres" 😅

[@BigBearBikes]

Thanks BBB 👍