One Year Gravel Bike Review: Trek Checkpoint AL 3 / AL3

We have had our Checkpoint AL3 for over a year and would like to share with you what we think about the bike. We think it is a great entry level gravel bike that represents a great value for its USD1,200 price tag. We are not sponsored by Trek but just want to give you our thoughts after a year of riding it. I hope you find it useful if you're in the market for gravel bikes. Let us know if you have any questions below!

00:00 Intro
00:28 Some background on why we got bikes
01:37 Specs
02:11 What kind of gravel bike is it?
02:36 Road bike DNA
03:23 Terrains we have ridden
04:47 Dependable
05:31 Disc brakes and durable tires
06:14 Shimano Sora is great!
07:43 Lightweight enough to carry up and down the stairs
08:32 Aesthetic
10:02 (Mostly) internal cabling
11:07 Paint gets chipped easily
11:38 What to upgrade: tires
12:37 What to upgrade: saddle
13:13 Conclusion: Versatile all-road bike with understated aesthetic
15:08 Tangent: Is it available though?
15:52 Outro

Specs:
Alloy frame | Carbon fork | Shimano Sora | Tektro disc brakes | Internal cabling | Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite 32mm tires (up to 38mm tire clearance) | Bontrager Affinity Disc tubeless ready | Thru Axle

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We love biking and we love New York City, but biking in the city is not always fun. We love riding gravel and dirt roads and finding beautiful sceneries not far from New York City. Join Fandi and Lisa for a short escape; we are always on the hunt for short getaways out of the hustle and bustle of New York City. We love exploring new places so come join our adventure!
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Our playlists:

[JasonVoorhees-jexc]

I just got the green 2020 al 3. It’s at the bike shop getting Nano 700x40c tubeless tires put on it as I’ve seen on other YouTube videos. If it ever stops snowing this spring maybe I’ll even get to ride it! Thanks for the excellent vid.

[jessejones]

Awesome review. If I had to get another bike, I would seriously consider this one. I like the different perspectives that you both offer. Thanks!

[ruberteric]

Hi!! I'm 61 yrs old, and i have been debating on what bike to purchase. I'm a complete newbie, and thanks to you guys, i have decided on this bike, thank you again so much.

[skipwalker]

Thanks for the great review. I got my Checkpoint ALR3 in February. At 65, its my first real bike. Enjoying it a bunch! I also changed out the saddle. Be safe!

[chaoliu]

Great video guys, I have the same white AL3 as you. I was looking for reviews prior to purchasing and I couldn’t find any online. Glad you guys did one. One of the things I upgraded immediately was the wheels to some carbon wheels. I felt it was too heavy for me.

[helloitsdawn]

This was a nice, balanced review. I appreciate both of your perspectives. You have probably discovered it by now, but bike/helicopter tape and touch up paint can help with chips and scuffs.

[doclaput]

Mabuhay! I also have an AL3, I already upgraded the drivetrain, tires and brakes. I was not really happy with the disc brake, it had a long brake slide for me. Enjoy the ride! Ingat kayo dyan!

[BLACKNOY]

Thank you for this vid, I’m now sticking to road bike

[TheMd]

I work as a tech for a bike shop that sells Trek. And you are right, Sora just works. I do think a 38mm or so tire is much better. Also, the Bontrager tape is not top spec on stock bikes. Trek makes some very good bar tape, avoid Lizard Skin, it will get sticky and it is rubber and will be a mess in short order. Supercaz is top notch as well as something like Bontrager track tape. If you want to upgrade, start with wheels. Trek makes some very good options and carbon wheels are amazing. They are light, strong and best decrease rotation weight allowing for a lighter bike. And due to the lower rotation weight it will allow you to ride farther easier. After that, I would go to a GRX drive train. Just much more efficient shifts and better overall quality. Plus, the additional ability to swap the brakes to hydrologic. Which work amazing even compared to mechanical disc brakes. You can get some entry level hydro calipers for about $100 a set. Saddle, tire type and even things like carbon bars are also things that are common switches/upgrades. While carbon wheels are not cheap (however you can get ICAN for $500 a set) it is well worth it. I always tell people get a good frame and fork. It's key, doesn't have to be carbon. Then you can always upgrade as you improve, things wear out or you have the money for it.

[peterbaskind]

I am a fan of the CheckPoint. And, like you, I am a fan of Sora. I have used it in the past and liked it fine. I wonder, however, whether the chain slaps around on bumpy terrain without a clutch.

Your tan wall tires look great on your bike. I put tan walls on my Cobra Blood-colored Checkpoint. It just didn't work with that color.

[ds_]

Great Video guys!!!! I just bought one last weekend, and I am trying to link the bontrager duotrap that comes with the bike to my phone. Did you guys buy a cycling computer or use your smartphone with an app (Which app?) to connect to the sensor. Your guidance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[sharkyy]

Im new to biking and im wondering if you can switch out the 32 wheels for 28 wheels by just changing the tire or do you have to change like the rim and other stuff too?

[semiprocircle]

Heey, great video! Do you know the maximum tire clearance of the bike??

[JAFAR]

You need to adjust the bicycle fitting to u

[normenradvany]

My opinion is that is not normal how the paint is coming off from a TREK!