Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Review

Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Gravel Bike Review:

Optimized Storage:
"Checkpoint SL Gen 3’s new frame design has more room to fit taller bottles with bags and offers more internal storage. Plus, it has mounts galore for top tube, frame, and triangle bags; fork storage; and front and rear racks."

New Confidence Inspiring Details:
"Checkpoint SL Gen 3’s new Gravel Endurance geometry has a higher and shorter reach that’s more comfortable and capable for all-day gravel rides."

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew presents his long-term review of the Checkpoint SL Generation 3 Carbon Gravel Bike.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:30 Trek Checkpoint SL Generation 3
2:50 Checkpoint SL Internal Storage & Mounts
3:28 Checkpoint SL Revised Geometry
5:30 Checkpoint SL IsoSpeed
6:12 Checkpoint SL7 Drivetrain
7:46 SRAM XPLR 13-Speed
8:19 Checkpoint SL7 Wheelset & Tires
9:03 Real-World Riding Experience
15:35 Closing
16:20 General Madness

Links of Interest:

Amazon Affiliation Link:

[aclements]

Just purchased the Gen 3 a month ago. After 40+ years of higher end Italian steel and carbon racing bikes, I thought the gravel bike was just a fad. After my son purchased the Pinarello Grevil I was convinced otherwise. I test rode MANY high end carbon gravel bikes and just kept coming back to the Gen 3 Trek. I absolutely LOVE this bike. If you are into gravel or Core 4 racing, this will be great. If you want the bike to be the end all bike for all types of riding except hardcore single track, there simply is NOTHING better IMHO. Trek knocked it out of the park.

[cesar]

Thanks so much for this review !!! kudos for putting the effort and time in the making it .!!!
I'm about to pull the trigger for this Checkpoint frameset and build my own in 2X configuration. I sold my SL Gen 1 and bought a Obed GVR 2X, not a bad choice but a heavy one.
Not I want to jump the fence again and this is in my shortlist. Planning to dissemble the GVR and use the components on the CP Frameset.
Thanks again

[SNS]

I’d be interested in seeing a review on the Checkmate as well.

[mkenyon]

I am happy I got the Gen 2 SL5 with 2x. I would have gotten an SL6 but it was 1x. Guess if I need 50mm or wider tires I get a 650b wheelset. The Gen 3 s look nice but I’d have to convert to 2x. I thinks it is possible with an SRAM mtb rear derailleur.

[toniedvardsen]

Great video review👌I am in between checkpoint SL6, ALR5, and a Boone. The SL6 mounts may be what I favour. Not because I wanna go bikepacking for days. But still a great thing for those new bags. Thanks 🙏

[JibbaJabber]

@16:23 Jom, not sure about the fence excuse. Tuesday looks like he caught a whiff of your foot😅

Keep the vids coming👍

[justsomedude]

I've got a set of the Bontrager Girona RSL tires in 42 and love them for the fast gravel and road, been really happy with them. Very fast and really supple. I have the Gen 2 SL7 frame and I also had to roll with a 90mm stem. The longer top tube is a bit deceiving in sizing.

[warchalify]

Thank you for reviewing this bike, havent seen much good reviews. May I ask your thoughts on sizing. Trek size chart puts me at the end of M/L being 5'10 with a 33 inch inseam but that just seems so wrong to me when I compare the geometry to other bikes and my current bike. Thank you in advance!

[mseekles]

Thanks for the review video. On the 2x … you can spec the checkmate through project one and order it with sram 2x both force and red. Just no Shimano options whatsoever. Which is a shame.

[johnraub]

I road the Girona RSLs at SBT Black course and they held up great. I have the Gen 3 Sl 5. Going to switch to GRX Di2 12 speed. Also, check out Bonty Paradigm Carbon 30 wheels. 29 inner, I mounted 700x50 Bonty Betassos and road those at Big Sugar. Awesome for that course.

[hansschotterradler]

Looks like Trek did a lot of things right about this bike. I like their semi-integral canle routing, the massive tire clearance and the geo that allows for a 40mm suspension fork. You could build it up for some really gnarly conditions.
BTW, I tried those 32 oz water bottles and did not like'em at all. They fit very loosely in the cages of all my bikes.

[patrickc]

I just picked up my Gen 3. The main reason I chose this over the checkmate was tire clearance. I think Trek missed the boat a little bit with the Checkmate. The trend towards very large tires seems to be the future and the checkmate just doesn't have enough clearance. I was easily able to fit 2.2 Conti Race Kings which are some of the fastest tires for gravel.

[shewhrn]

It's not a real mystery as to why there is no 2x... with 50 mm tires, unless you want a wheelbase so long that it would take a week to turn the bike, 1x is the only option. To get the 50 mm clearance, Trek is using SRAM's wide crank, which SRAM developed in collaboration with Lauf. It uses a wider MTB bottom bracket in order to get the extra tire clearance, while still maintaining the Q factor of a road bike.I'd just like to know why they're not clearing 57 mm tires like the Seigla does. Anyhow, a front dereailleur would likely rub, or be at risk of getting yanked off if you run into a muddy situation with 50 mm tires. If you convert to 2x, I suspect you'll be limited to 45 mm.

[chw]

I have this bike (SL6), highly recommend if you can spend the money.

[MCGMB]

Excellent review but I have a question. You compared to the prior generation in good detail, between Gen 2 and Gen 3, which would you personally choose and why?

Thank you!

[bengt_axle]

Could easily fit a rolled up suit into that downtube.

[JogBird]

i have 4 other trek bikes and was interested in this, but, the sram-only options makes it a no-go for me.. the frameset option is only for show, the pricing is ridiculous

[reinholdachleitner]

Ever going to take those sunnies😎 off?

[gregmorrison]

Geometry nah
1x nah
Sram only nah
Flared 42cm bars nah
Headset routing nah
Price nah
Not much going for the new Checkpoint TBH
Nothing to tempt me here.

Sticking with my Gen 1.

[M.t.bottles]

Great review, Nice bike, but internal storage box=weak frame I wouldn't buy any bike with this feature just my opinion. Enjoy the ride!