Trek Checkpoint SL5 Review

[@midnightrambler4004]

I upgraded to this last week from a Trek Dual Sport 1 that I bought 3 months ago. Night and day, this is by far the best bike I've ever owned.

[@BigBearBikes]

That's great! Many thanks for the feedback and enjoy your bike. BBB 👍.

[@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 👍.

[@TheSendakite]

Stock tires are crap on this bike so I slapped on some 38 Marathon Plus and added puncture protection with Mr. Tuffy tire liners along with Slime tubes. I own a Trek Checkpoint and have not had a puncture since upgrading to my triple protection method. Highly recommend this bike with the triple protection method.

[@BigBearBikes]

Top tip, many thanks 👍. BBB

[@kubackjeee]

Nice bar and stem combo. Also the round spacers are fire. All this perfectly matches this semi aero shaped frame. Good job trek, you clearly did not cheap out on components

[@BigBearBikes]

👍

[@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.

[@Deepdowndeliriouspizza]

Just got this same exact one. Happy 😊

[@BigBearBikes]

Enjoy 👍

[@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.

[@peterlindsay8235]

Unfortunately the Trek SL5 (I own one) is not geared for climbing fully loaded and does not have capacity to install a winder range cluster. Suffice to say its a huge compromise when bike packing or touring. In hindsight Cannondale may have been a better choice

[@BigBearBikes]

Hi, we'd have to disagree with you on this one. The 105 groupset is a climbing range of gears, and can be easily extended further should you need. This is what we do for out Trek customers. Many thanks for your feedback, BBB 👍.

[@peterlindsay8235]

@@BigBearBikes I appreciate your feedback. Trek In Perth Western Australia are adamant it cannot be done. Based in your feedback I will seek out an independent retailer for advice

[@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

[@jds7438]

Lost you when you got technical "fat tyres" 😅

[@BigBearBikes]

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??