Trek Checkpoint SL 5 Gravel Bike 2020 [Review]
Reviewed by Pedallers
Last Updated on September 2, 2020
OVERVIEW
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2020 |
Trek Checkpoint SL 5 Gravel Bike 2020 Review
The Trek Checkpoint SL 5 is a gravel bike that makes outdoor biking so much fun. It comes with a quality body frame technology made from light carbon, well suited to the rigors of rough terrain biking. The overall comfort and stability of the biker are assured courtesy of the shock absorptive fork and gravel-specific tires. The disc brakes are top-notch, delivering great stopping power when needed.
Features
Lightweight carbonized frame
The body frame of the Checkpoint SL 5 is constructed from highly durable OCLV Carbon. It is very light, enabling the biker to travel at optimal speed levels, cope with day-to-day riding, and great reflex response in tight corners. The frame is very easy to maintain. Integrated as part of the frame are rack and fender mounts, which makes bikepacking very easy. There is also provision for up to three water bottle mounts, depending on the size bought.
IsoSpeed Fork
With the expected rigors of off-trail biking, a good bike fork is very important. This bike does not fail in this regard. It comes with an IsoSpeed decoupling fork that absorbs all bump shocks and vibrations on rough bike routes. As a result, a biker does not experience the early onset of hand muscle fatigue. It also gives bikers more stability and more control. So, better performance on tough terrains is assured.
Efficient braking system
The braking system of this bike is designed in a flat-mounted disc version. This makes it smaller, lighter, and easy to maintain when compared to that of regular bikes. The disc brakes are very efficient at providing a biker with sufficient stopping force when needed, regardless of the topography. Complementing the disc brakes are tires designed for riding on rough surfaces. They are tubeless and wide enough to cope with gravel.
See specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
Sizes: small, medium, large, extra-large, extra extra large
Weight: 9.6 kilograms
Weight capacity: 125 kilograms
Body makeup: Carbonised, internal wire routing, rack mounts, linear slide dropouts, thru-axle 142 x 12mm
Fork set: IsoSpeed, hydraulic discs, carbonized steerer, thru-axle 12 x 100mm
Crankset: R7000, Shimano
Chainset: 11-speed levels, HG 601 Shimano
Cassette: 11-speed levels, HG 700 Shimano
Front derailleur: Shimano, brazen
Back derailleur: 34-T, Shimano
Front-wheel: Alloy, covered bearing, Bontrager, center locked disc
Back wheel: Alloy, covered bearing, Shimano, 11-speed
Rim: 17mm wide, Presta
Bike Tires: tubeless-ready, Bontrager, Aramid beading, 120TPI, 40c
Shift lever: 11-speed levels, 105 Shimano
Braking design: flat-mounted, hydraulic disc, Shimano
Handlebars: Bontrager Isozone, Alloy
Body stem: Bontrager, Blendr supported, 31.8mm long, 7-degree rise
Headset: 1.5 inches, FSA integration
Seat saddle: stainless steel, 138mm long, Montrose
Seat post: offset 10mm, Bontrager, Alloy
Pros
- Solid, aesthetic build
- Great hydraulic disc braking system
- Versatile terrain use
- Tubeless, gravel designed tires
- Blendr compatibility
Cons
- Overall weight is somewhat heavy
- It cannot carry much load
FAQs
What makes the Checkpoint SL 5 give a rider great stability on gravel surfaces?
The tubeless tires of this bike are specifically designed to provide a great grip on gravel grounds.
What makes the Checkpoint SL 5 comfortable for lengthy rides?
The IsoSpeed fork system absorbs all-terrain shocks, leaving a rider with less muscle fatigue.
Conclusion
Are you desirous of a bike that makes an adventure into the wild a thrilling experience? Checkpoint SL 5 is one of the best bikes that you can get for enjoyable on-road and off-road cycling. This versatility is especially true when navigating through gravel grounds. The lightweight carbonized body frame, great shock-absorbing fork system, seamless gear changing positions, and an efficient flat-mounted disc brake design, make it an ideal gravel bike.
