Trek Checkpoint Gravel Bike Review-We Rode em' 3500 Miles Across the USA

My girlfriend Ali and I rode the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 and SL5 across the United States. We pedaled 3500 miles, carrying all of our own gear while searching out America's beautiful backroads and rail trails. Of the 3500 miles, 1,000 were on dirt roads and rail trails. Neither of us had ridden gravel bikes before, and we LOVED these bikes! The main takeaway is that gravel bikes open up a variety of terrain, you can easily go from pavement to dirt and be very comfortable.

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**Welcome to DuzerTV** This channel is dedicated to inspiring viewers to get off their couches and explore this beautiful world (or even your backyard). You'll find videos about biking, running, trekking, traveling, do goodery, and anything that involves being outside and enjoying life. Join #TeamDuzer and let's have some fun!
#TrekCheckpoint

Our Gear: *most of it

Bike Stuff:

Clothes N Stuff:
Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell

Camp Stuff:
Thermarest OHM 900 Fill Down Sleeping Bag
Thermarest Sleeping Pad Coupler

Camera And Tech Gear:
Sony A6500
Sony 4k Action Cam FDRX3000
Rode VideoMicPro Plus
DJI Mavic Air
JOBY Gorilla Pod
La Cie 4tb Rugged Thunderbolt Drive
Goal Zero PowerBank
Amazon Fire 7
Macbook Pro 13inch

Tools:
Lezyne Micro Floor Pump
2 Pedros Tire Irons
Crank Brothers Multi Tool
Tri Flo Chain Lube
Patch Kit

[duzer]

Hello everyone! If you followed our series, LOVECYCLES, you'll know that we pedaled these bikes across the entire USA and loved em. Full disclosure, Trek did give us these bikes. I could probably get free bikes from many brands, but I choose to work with Trek because I love their bikes (have been riding them since I was 14) and I admire the values of their company. The fact that they sponsored our ride does not mean that I can't say anything bad about the Checkpoint, in this case however, I REALLY like this bike, which is why I don't have anything negative to say. Early on in our ride, Ali's derailleur acted up, but that was mainly due to getting damaged on the flight to Oregon. MY MAIN GOAL IS TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO RIDE, I DON'T CARE WHAT BRAND OF BIKE YOU RIDE, I JUST CARE THAT YOU RIDE!! Happy trails my friends!

[AdamJStoryDC]

I don't know how you're going to make your channel any better than the series you just did. Really enjoyed watching you travel across America. Very inspiring.

[michaellangfitt]

Perhaps the best bike review in years. You keep a great balance between tech and clarity/simplicity. As a loyal Trek rider, I appreciated your review greatly as I am currently shopping for a new Gravel bike.

[fiets]

Just wanted to give you some kudos for replying to everyone's comments and questions! That a job in itself. Keep up the good work! ✌

[tonycastro]

I love the tires, No flatties no whammies no crashes.wow very cool, I’ll pick some up today!!!

[ful]

Ryan and Ali, great job reviewing your Checkpoint's.
I purchased a Checkpoint Alr 4 last week and I finally got enough courage to take it for a spin! I didn't want to get it dirty, but like you said, Ryan, "It's meant to get dirty!"
Let me tell you, my Checkpoint is a blast to ride!
My wife and I road our bikes at a Metropark in Michigan, today, and I put my Checkpoint to the test.
I road it on asphalt, gravel, grass and swampy grass, and it performed, flawlessly!
Another awesome quality about the Checkpoint; it's a rocketship! This bike is super fast and responsive!
I test road quite a few bikes before purchasing my Checkpoint. I test road a Specialized AWOL, Sequoia, and Roubaix. I also test road Treks 520 and 920 touring bikes and a Surly Trucker.
When I was about to give up my search for a bike, I decided to try a local Trek dealer. I have always road Specialized and had a hard time crossing over to another manufacturer. Specialized makes some awesome bikes, indeed.
An incredible salesman by the name of Scott showed me the Checkpoint and it caught my attention do to it's versatility.
When I took the Checkpoint for a spin, I was immediately hooked!
I payed 1500 dollars for a my bike. It was a 2018 demo and in fantastic shape.
I owe my thanks to you, Ryan. You and Ali are an awesome inspiration to the world cycling community!

Thanks again, Ryan and Ali. Happy trails to the both of you, lover cyclists! 🚴💨💨💨

Frado

[jeffkatzer]

Wow, no flats the whole trip. That's awesome.

[Superimposing]

I've owned an ALR5 for a few months and just love it. It's done everything from easy MTB single track to long gravel and road rides. Great bike.

[alangrant]

Dude! I JUST bought the exact bike, the ALR5 and I LOVE IT! Trek nailed it. I've always ridden carbon road bikes so I was very skeptical about an aluminum road bike especially on gravel. But no worries...it handles everything sooo smooth! I waffled for 2 years if I even wanted to join the gravel movement or just stick to mountain biking but now I can't believe I waited so long...except I was waiting for this bike! Thanks for posting. I will check out your other videos.

[gauloisrefractaireenexilvo]

Thank you Ryan, sold! After a decade of cycling trips of 3 to 5 weeks at a time, mostly on back-roads, I now want to be able to go off-road in full confidence. And this Trek stallion looks like a good start point.

[jimmccorison]

Just saw this today, after ordering a new Checkpoint 3 days ago. Your review further validates my decision. Now all I need to do is wait for the shipment to arrive.

[mohamedismail]

Nice video. I just bought the checkpoint ALR5, I was wondering is the carbon one any better? Thank you

[TomLukanen]

I finally have been able to catch up and complete the full Love Cycles series. An absolute pleasure and inspiration. Glad I was able to very (very, very) briefly bump into you and Ali in a coffee-shop one morning on RAGBRAI. You two were in a booth enjoying a quick coffee/breakfast and I was able to verbally pass along my appreciation. Looking forward to whatever it is you have planned next. My Best!

[rolffuchs]

I just bought the Checkpoint ALR5 Driftless for a very good price. I'll get it next week because of some adjustments. I love this bike, because you can use it for anything for daily commuter, traveling or even gravel races.

[NowWhatIsSheDoing]

I loved the Love Cycles series! You captured some beautiful shots and I can't wait to do the same soon. I do have to tell you that because of you and Ali, I got a 2019 Trek Checkpoint. I absolutely LOVE it too (I did deck mine out in pink though, lol).

[terrycarwile]

I've ridden the same OCLV Trek 5200 series for almost 20yrs. My wife and I moved to a place in the country so she didn't have to board her horse. Anyway, now that I live out of town, I think it's time to acquire a ride that is more suitable for gravel roads. I've been on numerous multi-day bike tours and the old Trek has treated me well. Even when Ride the Rockies had us on gravel roads, it did just fine. But it's time for a new bike, and Trek would be my preference. Good video, thanks!

[somaticatic]

Great video! I just ordered a 2021 Checkpoint ALR 4 and now I'm even more excited!

[aboutthearthur]

Came back to this video because I'm getting excited for an upcoming tour, but just wanted to say that, though I didn't get a checkpoint, this video helped me commit to a great deal on a used Co-Op Cycles Adv 2.2 because it opened my eyes to the tour-ability of gravel bikes. Thanks, Duzer!

[waynemiracle]

I am serious, you deserve to have your own TV show! You guys are great!

[gwolf]

I really enjoy my Trek bike. I rode it once around in the parking lot at the store and had to have it. It's lightweight, sturdy and stays in adjustment. I paid Trek for this by the way.