TREK launched two new gravel bikes recently. The timing couldn’t have been better as gravel racing is experiencing unprecedented popularity and appears to be set for continued growth. What makes the TREK Checkmate and TREK Checkpoint Gen 3 so attractive? Here’s what you need to know.
Paid partnership with TREK South Africa
No matter how you look at it we all want two things from a gravel bike – efficiency and comfort. Sure, we may want each in varying volumes depending on our physical conditioning and racing/riding objectives, but this is what we want and TREK has delivered with the new Checkmate and Checkpoint Gen 3.
ISOSPEED
Both bikes come with TREK’s proprietary IsoSpeed. Initially launched in 2012, but now refined, IsoSpeed is a small, but significant decoupler at the top of the seattube that that allows the rear triangle to have some ‘give’ and absorb small bumps. It is also used on TREK’s Domane road bike and Procaliber hardtail mountain bike.
The IsoSpeed is what helps separate TREK’s gravel bikes from most rival brands. Only once you have ridden long sections of relentless corrugations will you appreciate the value that the IsoSpeed offers. The energy that’s sapped from you over time on rough surfaces is what determines whether you finish a long gravel ride – or race – feeling triumphant or tortured.
The success of TREK’s pro racers using the IsoSpeed system and continued feedback from their road, gravel and mountain bike racing programmes is combined with scientific data. TREK built a proprietary treadmill that mimics real-life conditions and use sensors to monitor vibrations and forces transferring from the road to the rider, collecting data to determine how to dissipate vibrations through the bike.
IsoSpeed delivers that little bit of ride-smoothing technology to offer just enough comfort without sacrificing efficiency – that’s essentially the sweet spot of gravel bike design.
CHECKMATE SLR
This a completely new bike, designed from the ground up and incorporating elements of TREK’s recently launched Generation 8 Madone road bike.
It’s fast: The New Full System aero carbon fibre tube shapes and an aero-yet-ergonomic one-piece bar stem help make Checkmate TREK’s fastest gravel bike to date.
It’s light: Premium components and 800 Series OCLV Carbon keep things light and fast for ultimate race-day performance.
It’s comfortable: IsoSpeed compliance tech absorbs fatiguing bumps in the road to keep you riding stronger for longer.
It’s efficient: This brand-new geometry was designed specifically for gravel racing to keep you tucked out of the wind, nimble on corners and in control on descents and rougher roads.
It measures you: This bike helps you get the most out of every ride with a SRAM power meter that measures your input and provides accurate data, allowing you to track your progress and tailor your training to crush your goals. Only standard on the SLR 9.
It offers optimal control: Room for gravel tyres up to 45 mm wide keep you smooth and fast on quick courses and gnarly terrain.
It’s practical: Multiple frame mounts let you add Adventure Bags to carry your race-day essentials while leaving room for ample hydration.
It’s customisable: Choose from a seemingly endless palette of colours, cherry-pick your components and find your perfect fit with our Project One bike programme.
See the models available now:
Checkmate SLR 7 R185 000 – See it here.
Checkmate SLR 9: R255 000 – See it here.
These will only be available as Project One models.
CHECKPOINT GEN 3
The third generation of the TREK Checkpoint SL sees an update of TREK’s already much-loved gravel bike.
It’s long-ride ready: The Checkpoint’s Gravel Endurance geometry lets you sit higher up and features a shorter reach to keep you comfortable on all-day gravel adventures, light singletrack, bike-packing trips and more.
It’s comfortable: Road-smoothing IsoSpeed comfort tech soaks up vibration from rough surfaces to keep you feeling fresher for longer.
It offers optimal control: Clearance for 50 mm tyres means that you can add extra traction and cushion for rowdy gravel roads.
It’s practical: You can haul it all with large internal frame storage and mounts galore on the frame and fork for hydration, front and rear racks, mudguards and Adventure Bags that were designed to perfectly fit the Checkpoint.
It’s durable: A stout 300 Series Alpha Aluminium frame with a progressive geometry that’s stable at speed and efficient when you’re grinding up a climb. Only on the ALR 5 and 4 models.
It’s wireless: A SRAM Apex XPLR AXS 12-speed drivetrain offers precise, fully wireless shifting that’s made for the roughest roads. Only on the SL5 AXS model.
It’s versatile: Dropper post and suspension fork compatible (except size XS).
See the models available now:
Checkpoint SL 5: MSRP R75 000 – See it here.
Checkpoint ALR 5: MSRP R50 000 – See it here.
Checkpoint ALR 4: MSRP R40 000 (coming soon).
As one of the world’s leading performance bicycle brands, TREK has invested significantly in its new gravel bikes. The Matchpoint SLR and Checkpoint SL offer the world’s best materials, design and technology to ambitious South Africans that are keen on gravel racing performance or all-day adventures. Check out TREK’s Gravel Bike Buyer’s Guide here.
