Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap

£3,850 Can this Checkpoint compete with the pricier and racier models on test?

Comfort and joy Weight 9.47kg Frame Carbon Gears SRAM Rival AXS eTap XPLR, 10-44t cassette, 40t crankset Brakes SRAM Paceline hydraulic discs, 160mm rotors Wheels Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 Finishing kit All Bontrager: Elite Gravel bar, Pro stem, carbon seatpost, GR1 Team Issue 40c tyres

OF THE THREE bikes in this test, the Trek Checkpoint is far and away the most versatile. It bristles with mounts for all sorts – triple-boss bikepacking bags, mudguards, extra bottle cages, pannier racks and top-tube bento boxes are all invited to the accessory party. In this second-tier SL guise, the Trek isn’t exactly a slouch at 9.47kg, but that’s 2.17kg more than the Crux. However, when you consider it is built up with SRAM Rival AXS XPLR and chunky alloy wheels, you’re not giving up much in terms of frame weight for a more versatile package (that costs £7,450 less than the Crux, but that’s not the focus of this test).

The key feature of the Checkpoint family is Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler system. This splits the seat-tube from the top-tube, allowing it to flex around a pivot. The upper cup of the headset also sits on a pivot, allowing the steerer tube to flex. This system helps take the sting out of bumps, particularly when seated. This is hard to quantify but, psychologically at least, it helps reduce fatigue on rough climbs. Square-edged hits to the front wheel are also dissipated despite the fork’s chunky blades and very broad crown.

Having tested other bikes – such as the Focus Atlas – with forks of similar dimensions that are also designed to carry luggage, I suspect the Trek’s front end would be a great deal harsher without the decoupler. The plump 700x40c Bontrager GR1 tyres mounted to the 25mm wide Bontrager Paradigm Comp wheelset also contribute as much to the comfortable ride as any carbon wizardry. The tread consists of nine rows of tightly packed knobs that get larger towards the shoulder. Like all tyres of this ilk, they don’t shed claggy mud very well but have plenty of grip on drier surfaces when run at lower pressures, plus they’re much more predictable on the road than the Crux’s Pathfinders. Clearances for up to 2.1in tyres on 650b wheels or 45mm on 700c mean you can tackle wilder terrain.

The pliant ride and geometry make for a confident, fun and calm partner on singletrack trails and high-speed riding. It’s definitely not a gravel bike that errs into pseudo mountain bike territory but, of the three on test, it’s the best behaved on gnarly trails. A swap to tyres with a more aggressive tread would greatly improve control in rough terrain if that’s a key performance factor for you.

The Bontrager Elite Gravel handlebar is, for me, close to perfection. It has long drops that give ample space for your hands to move around without smooshing them up into the hooks. The 75mm reach is also generous enough to allow your hands to move fore and aft when riding on the tops. At 42cm wide on the size 54 and 56cm bikes, they’re also not over wide. The squishy Bontrager P3 Verse Comp saddle will also be a crowd pleaser.

Cables and clamps

The Checkpoint is slightly noisier over rough ground than the other two bikes in this test. The cable-routing system forces the cables to run close to the underside of the stem so off road, the cables rattle against the stem. It’s also a shame that the external seat clamp (hooray!) sits above a rather ungainly step from the widerdiameter tube down to the clamping surface. Functionally, it’s fine and it’s a small detail, but it visually detracts from the otherwise premium-looking frameset.

The Checkpoint SL 6 presents decent value for money, with a well-thoughtout build and a frameset that is notably versatile without looking too ungainly. As has been proven before, IsoSpeed really does work as advertised.

That comfortable ride – in combination with the ability to run a zillion accessories and carry enough water to quench the thirst of an army – sets the Checkpoint apart as the sensible option of the three bikes tested for those interested in traditional long-distance gravel racing.

“The pliant ride and geometry make for a confident, fun and calm partner on singletrack trails and high-speed riding”

Verdict The most versatile bike of the bunch that is comfortable and decent value too