Why the 2025 Trek Checkpoint SL5 Might Be the Perfect Gravel Bike

[@universe-juice]

Picked up a new 2023 checkpoint sl5 4 months ago for $2700. And my oh my what a bike!

[@arndtbc]

I have the gen 1, this bike looks closer that. I switched the drivetrain form 105 to 2x GRX and I love the bike. I think they should still have a 2X option. I've had the bike for close to 5 years and its been great, check point is a solid choice.

[@jimlanave8000]

The derailleur hanger isn’t meant to protect the derailleur, it’s there to protect the frame. Nice post.

[@bebopman5]

Porque no los dos?

[@jimlanave8000]

@@bebopman5 The hanger protects the derailleur (in very rare instances) because it protects the frame; the derailleur hanger was invented in the 90's to protect alloy frame (then carbon fiber) because neither bends well. The hanger is there to break before the frame does if something catastrophic happens to the derailleur. It's all good!

[@Albert-q6u7z]

I like it. Great Video. Thank you

[@nalissa77]

Thanks for the review. I’ve been thinking about this bike a lot. Sure looks better here than on the website.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

You bet

[@mikec9162]

Thank you for posting. I'm still committed to a steel frame for my purposes but I am curious as to how carbon frames have developed over the years to be more durable and fixable. I do like the electronic shifting idea. Happy riding.

[@dougchrysler3694]

I like it! Would change the chainring to a double to get to lower gearing without sacrificing higher end speeds. I'm looking for a new adventure bike and will study up more on this one. Thanks for the video!

[@drill_fiend1097]

Also consider Propain Terrel as well. Insane value if you want GX mullet setup.

[@98pharaoh]

There is more than enough low and high range in the 1x setup here. I know, I have one 😊

[@mtb416]

Never had anything other than mountain bikes. Want a gravel bike to get some training miles in on the street and paths. Funny how even though it’s a bike, because it’s not a mountain bike I have no idea what I’m looking for in a gravel bike.

[@michaelc3416]

Debating between the new Checkpoint SL5 Gen 3 and the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon. My local Trek shop doesn't have a Checkpoint in stock so I haven't been able to test one. But, my local Specialized shop has a Diverge in my size. I took it for a little test spin yesterday and really liked the way it felt.. Am I wrong in thinking the Checkpoint has a longer reach than the Diverge? I'm also thinking I may like the 11-50 mullet on the Diverge for steeper climbs, compared to the 11-44 on the Checkpoint. My LBS offered me a decent discount on the Diverge which puts it at the same price as the Checkpoint. I haven't found a good direct comparison between the two bikes yet. What are the relative pros and cons of each.

[@bartoszsmietana1]

It should come with GX derraileur and Eagle casette since the bike is more adventure oriented than Checkmate. 40-44 combo is just not enough to hit the climbs while loaded.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

You may be missing who this bike is targeted to. 95% of riders would likely miss the spacing of gears not the range. You can easily swap a wider cassette or smaller chainring if you choose to load the bike up more the the common adventure gear.

[@danielwardAUS]

@@Jamesthebikeguy When you say "easy to swap cassette", you would need to swap RD and Chain also

[@larrypiazza4909]

I ride Trek FX Sport 6 , recently I purchased a 52cm trek Discovery Channel bike in mint original condition trying to find out what year it is can you help ?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Call your local Trek dealer and give them your serial number

[@larrypiazza4909]

@ ok thank you

[@larrypiazza4909]

Thanks

[@pingpongballz5998]

I have the SL5 gen 2 Checkpoint. Long ass bike! I might get a shorter stem.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Truth

[@IIISentorIII]

It's always a pleasure to see a new upload 😊 I just came home from a ride with my glossy white/black Custom Carbon Stumpjumper Comp with Elitewheels pro 36. My brother came along to show me his new bike. It was a SCOTT Spark RC 900 Ultimate TR Bike... 😅 But I have to say, he basically works seven days a week all his life and got a 30% discount on the bike. 😊 Dream bike at around 10kg...😅 Keep up the good work! Cheers from Switzerland

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Very nice!

[@jeremyhammack5317]

You want go faster replace the front chainring with a 46t amd put some carbon wheels on

[@FranklinNomad]

Is it good for hill climbing?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

I'd opt for a Domane

[@drill_fiend1097]

@@JamesthebikeguyDomane with stock gearing will go only low as 1:1 (AXS version can go below this, but still not as low as gravel options). SRAM Apex XPLR AXS can have max of 44t, and this bike has that with 40t front chainring. Checkpoint is better for climbing, but it is a missed opportunity for trek to not offer mullet setup with GX Transmission considering this is UDH.

[@MrSchattka]

It may well be the perfect gravel bike, until the next generation of Trek Checkpoint.

[@daispatrick]

The stem is upside down... unless it was done on purpose.. but at least its a normal stem for once, big plus, easy to change or adjust. Also normal seatpost. I have one, sl5, I'm very happy with it, first time a gravel bike (with 45mm tires) gives me almost the same confidence as my xc bike on rough decents. Definitely room for mtb tires if wanted. While it has a little more climbing ratio than my 11sp 1x grx it feels like I'm missing a gear, its heavier climbing, maybe because of he shorter cranks, thicker tires and heavy wheels. While I like it, I really wish it was mechanical shifting, sram or shimano and 2x . soon or later i wil break that derailleur and then it wil be pricey. Entry level should be more user friendly. Oh... and WTF too expensive! 4000euro for the SL5 (6000CAD) I'm just trying to figure out how to not damage the paint while mounting bottle cages directly on the paint?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Stem is not upside down. They are reversible and your choice what direction to mount.

[@nilokillian]

love gen 2 look better

[@tmayberry7559]

Blah blah blah

[@Chicago_Bikepacker]

Oh look… Another black bike…

[@SkippyTheRedKangaroo]

Doesn't look good at all. I think I'll pass.

[@joellevg3698]

How ugly. Nice review