Alloy is the answer! Why you don't need to spend loads to hit the gravel: The Trek Checkpoint ALR5
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- Опубликовано: 27 май 2020
- The Trek Checkpoint ALR5 came into my possession after Trek got wind that I'd had my bike stolen. A loaner for a few months while I worked out what my next bike would be and saved up for it. Several months on and even with the interruption of the well you know what, and I'm reluctant to be handing it back. The few rides I've had out on it since lockdown has been eased here in France has reminded me how much I enjoyed the pretty fancy-free bike.
This thing retails at US$2099 / Au$2999 / £1700, not megabucks when it comes to what you can pay for a gravel bike today. I'd safely say it's a budget banger, or "just easing out of the budget bracket banger". And shock horror it's made of aluminium, in this case, Treks Alpha 300 variant. The reason I bring this up is that I honestly think that a bike at this price, made of this material is pretty much anything anyone really needs. Or anything anyone who wants to start getting serious with the gravel scene really needs.
Sure this bike came with the not too ideal Shimano 105 groupset that isn't really suited to hitting the dirt, but it performed well enough for me over the few months I got out and played on it. The good news is that for 2021 the bike has been updated and that 105 has been swapped out for the Shimano GRX 11 speed mechanical groupset.
But as I said, I hadn't intended to review this bike, and that's why I won't go into a big deep dive here. But because quite a few people over on the RUclips channel asked for a look at the bike when it made a cameo in a recent video, I thought I better not disappoint. Much like the bike didn't.
So go on, click the play button. 
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I like the style of this review. Clear concise honest and informative. A brew review for sure. Thank you.
Thanks. We'll have to make it a series. then eventually release a coffee to go with it ;) - Dave
He has charisma! You cant fake that. It takes a review and makes it special.
I could listen to this gentleman doing reviews all day!! Great job 👍
Great review, most us are pushing our budgets to buy a bike like this one. Finally someone reviewed a bike for the average person.
Purchased 2021 Checkpoint ALR5!!! Thanks for the suggestion.
Great entertaining review Dave. I like your personal opinions rather than scripted.
This bike, if you're not racing, is perfect for gravel and road with a change of tyres. The mounts make it a hugely versatile bike. As for frame material on dirt and gravel I have yet to find any discernible difference.
Got to say, playing with the tire choice makes a massive difference. A cheap way of really changing the feel of a gravel bike. Cheers Rick - Dave
Digging the rear dropouts.
Well said mate! A true comparison on upgrading a high end alum bike vs a Carbon base bike!! cheers!
I bought one frame only and built it up with Rival 1. Its a great platform and the best allround drop bar bike I've owned. The 2021 spec is miles better for Gravel but ditch the narrow wheels at purchase. c'mon Trek bontrager does a 25mm internal width rim already use it.
Bought the 2021. Looking forward to it to complement my Emonda SL 6
" A Brew Review " Ok Shoddy, I just got this bike (2020 in Brit racing green) and love it and you are the best thing on this channel, I'm subbing and will watch more of your reviews, You are awesome!
Thanks for a review as reviews should be. Where most of them drivel on with information you can read for yourself in the brand’s marketing piffle, you’ve told us what your standards are and where this bike fits in that scheme. And you’ve actually ridden the bike an good honest length of time. Loads of so called reviewers have just unboxed their hapless subjects. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words. If you stay tuned there may be a follow up about this bike, or more accurately the frame as I invested in one a couple of months after handing it back. - Dave
very well done review i cant wait to have mine
Short and sweet - nice one ☝️
Top video. Shoddy continues to be my favourite cycling presenter. Keep it up.
Everyone this isn't my mum with a fake account, honest ;) -Dave
David! Your tea’s getting cold! Come inside! 😂
@@alanmacaskill6121 awghh but my mates are allowed to stay out!!
Real review. Thank you
I´m partial since I own one, but I found it to be a very very fun bike that is good on road rides with mates, on gravel (no mud) and the occasional single track. I just changed the tires for tubeless added sealant and was done. The saddle is a personal thing so that's for you to decide. Maybe I would like a GRX rear derailleur to avoid chainslap on the singltracks but that's about it.
Hi, I have one too. I was wondering what tires you put on it. Thanks!
GR1 Team Issue 40mm
Nice review; I'm looking forward to seeing more from you! I bought this exact same bicycle, with 105, about six months ago, and your review is pretty much spot-on: it's a very nice bike for the money, does surprisingly well on the road, and even on unpaved roads, but the 105 groupset isn't ideal for even moderately serious dirt. However, if you swap out the gravel tires for 32mm road slicks, get a nicer saddle, and change out the Bontrager wheels/hubs, which are frankly kind of awful, you end up with a decent endurance road bike for not an obscene amount of money... :)
I’m looking at a used one of these, same model year. The 105 is holding me back since I don’t think the RD has a clutch and I will be taking it onto gravel. Hmm…
I have the GRX version, it's fantastic going up a hill, or on dirt roads. Riding through regular city traffic is a bit annoying though, the ratios are such than often I'm at the edge on the rear, and need to shift the front ones; not particularly pleasant doing that in traffic. It's much more pleasant when I have no traffic to deal with on single use bicycle paths.
Very informative. Thank you
I bought an ALR5 late last year primarily as a commuter bike and absolutely love it. The position is more upright than my road bike but it just feels so solid and planted. Yes it is heavy but for commuting and longer adventure rides that is a benefit in my eyes as you want a rock solid if anything overbuilt ride. My only complaint was the Bontrager tyres shipped with the bike which were crap - appalling grip on road and no better off, but that's fine tyres are cheap and I replaced them with Tubeless.
Benjamin Archer what tyres did you change to?
@@dct1 For commuting I put some Tan wall Bontrager R3 32mm, I find them pretty much perfect as fast multi sufrace tyres and cope well with bouncing off curbs. For gravel I am waiting on some Panaracer Gravel King SS 45MM.
Thanks for the review! Like a lot of people I've had a lot of spare time to think about bikes lately. The checkpoint seems like a good option. I really like the Canyon Grail Al 7.0 in this price range due to its weight, but I could be happy on the Trek. Cheers
You'll have to be quick thinking though as speaking with a few brands bikes under $3000 are selling out fast. Great for the cycling community, not so great if you have to wait till september or Oct for that bike you really really want. - Dave
I just got my AL 7.0 in green and love it! Been trying to ride it daily
Nice! Thank you for the brew review...
Our pleasure! -Dave
Synthetized information with hot points needed to know.
And yes... it is oriented to those who don't want to spend all bank on a bike.
I'm thinking to buy the new 2021 model but changing the front plates to Shimano 105 50/34.
I cannot know if that change will affect too much the climbing but my goal is to maintain higher speed on road and, if I see some gravel pass, I get the opportunity to go too.
Thanks for your opinion.
I just picked up the latest version of this bike and it seems like they listened to you! The fork is now Carbon and internally routed. Tires came set-up tubeless. Obviously came with the GRX set-up for easier climbing. So far so good!
I've built one up from a frameset and chosen a heap of stuff that I wanted changing. A great bike - dave
Thanks for the nice info
Great review, thanks! Vitus Energie VR is very similar and mightbe worth checking out. With a 1200g comfortable frame it's a great alternative.
Someone else in the comments have pointed me in the direction of that bike. I'll take a look, cheers - Dave
Can you advise if the stranglehold drop out on the rear axle might be troublesome with keeping the brake disc perfectly aligned?
My lady has the ALR5 and it's pretty fantastic. I've ridden it a few times and really like the feel of it. I do like my Fuji Jari 1.5 and its carbon fork and flared drop bars a lot more for my personal riding style.
Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍
Absolutely the right mindset. Been riding my 2018 Focus Mares AL. Upgraded the hell out of it and it’s been a dream. I have a really hard time seeing a better value for the money with the current crop of bikes coming out.
Totally agree: I'm running a Mares Al from 2015 and loving it. Clearance is less than a "true" gravel bike, but running 38mm tubeless and the ride is good. Hard to justify swapping for a newer bike when the Mares is so fun and versatile.
@@chewingthehandlebars I've been using a Mares AX from 2016 with Force 1/Rival1, Alu Quarq crank and Mavic Allroad Wheels with WTB Raddler 40mm REAR and WTB Raddler 44mm Front. Recommend!
Another impartial quality vlog from Dave! In my view, pushie are still much to expensive. They're opening to door for eBikes!
It still amazes me how much bikes can go for now. James did do an article a while back that actually proved that with inflation the top end bikes are quite similar in price to what you would have paid years back. But I still think no one needs to spend more than £3000 on any new bike to get somthing that is more than enough for them. - Dave
Prior year clearance sale if lucky enough to have correct size. Today got a 2021 SL5 for $2.5K US with GRX. I did the same with a Madone many years back. Big difference in old bumpy roads and direct pedal to road feel carbon frame. Just try out the difference in Al and carbon frames.. 2022 Checkpoint SL5679 have threaded inserts all over frame tubes and forks.
Been running this singlespeed for over 6,000km after getting the frameset for £200 on eBay. Awesome fun bike!
£200m, that's a god damn steal. I'm not jealous at all...honest - Dave
What is your gear ratio? I'm torn on 1x Vs 2x but the only option ratio wise that appeals to me is 1-46 and a 46 but I think it might look stupid.
Great review
Cheers, glad you liked it - Dave
Love the review. Thanks for the information I was looking for. I’m about to make a decision on a gravel bike and this one is leaps and bounds ahead currently.
I may have just invested in the new 2020 framest too - Dave
Just bought this bike new in 2023. Fucking love it! New to the whole biking scene so to me it's perfect
It's great. I have one too. Got the frame and built it up with the spare parts I had. Hope you'll continue to enjoy it. -Dave
I'm in the process of getting the ALR5. Excited about that ride.
I've one and it's great, enjoy -dave
Hi Dave, You mentioned replacing the wheel. What would you upgrade to?
I’ve had this bike for over a year and it is great, honestly. The press for bb is not ideal, but I love the bike. Great ride quality, Shimano 105 is good enough. I run some WTB Raddlers 700x44s and it rips! Just a warning, 45c tires BARELY clear the frame in the rear...
Thanks for the info! I was wondering how wide I can make it. Is that 44mm for the front and rear wheel for a 54 frame size? Think I could run 44mms on a 48cm frame size as well? How's the toe clearance in the front?
(I'm about to get the bike in September :( )
Kevin L I run 44s on the front and rear on a 56cm frame - toe clearance is not an issue for me, and the Raddlers have some chunky side knobs too. I personally would want to go any bigger, if mud builds up on the tread, that clearance goes away lol for a 48cm frame, I’d try a 42 to be safe, but just check out the 40s that come stock and take your best guess! If they are too big, return before you set up tubeless haha
Awesome review mate 👌👊
Fair enough but £1000 pound more than I paid for my Fuji Jari. 105 is not a gravel group so more money to layout. The Fuji has been amazing for me
I loved the accent. It accentuated the review!
It's all a con, I actually sound like the Queen - Dave
Hambini wants to have a talk with you about that bottom bracket!
Please compare with Diverge Comp E5 2021 - which comes with a 1BY setup.
Excellent review !
At this price you can also get a Cannondale Topstone Ultegra. I’m super happy with mine plus you get Ultegra components, full carbon fork and a threaded BB 😍
$1300 more than the ALR 5. Do enjoy!
Checkpoint alr4 also has carbon fork
@@user-lo9wx9mo4z it has an alloy steerer tube
@@plain-bagel and?
@@user-lo9wx9mo4z lol the steerer is part of the fork. It is definitely not a full carbon fork as you suggested
Where is Mr. Dave from? I love the accent! And I’m a proud owner of a alr5!
superb honest and wonderfull english (or something that resembles)lol
Trek - giant - canyon
3 budget bike witch one looks best 🤔
'same' Price I like giant but wich it has grx 600 instead of 105
I rather put it into the affordable category, than budget. I have a 2021 ALR5. It is a superb bike. While I am riding on the road I don’t care about zip ties. 😒 The GRX is performing well. I might want to swap the cranks for the 48/36 version, because I use much more on the road. A good way to buy this bike, upgrade parts and some point (years later) upgrade the frame. But no point to wait years to save money for a carbon one and sitting at home without a bike.
...and the teal color is my absolute favorite. 🥰
You're right, maybe affordable is a better word to describe it. -Dave
Love it Dave
I want to know what bike Dave bought for him self
Nice video. I'm not even buying a gravel bike at present, but I thought it was interesting anyway!
Great to see a review about a bike that most people (myself included) would consider their budget range. Oh and hope karma catches up with the lousy sod that took your bike.
I've got my fingers crossed it already has. I had the brakes set up UK style 9I now live in France). So when he shot off I hope he grabbed a handful and then ate tarmac. - dave
This is nice, comfort(isospeed) is the only reason i want carbon. and i want threaded bb
Diverge alloy ‘comp’ model offers both the bsa bb and rider suspension
@@Hintonbro. Yeah seems great. Iif you could combine specialized future shock with treks isospeed(or something like supercalibers rear) it would be perfect gravel bike. but i dont have many shops near me, my lbs is trek, so ill have to wait for 2022 model and hope it will have threaded bb, its not like my carbon procal is bad, but that +1 :D
AT LAST! a review of a bike that isn't top of the range, but at a pricepoint thats likely to be more in keeping with the bike market.
I'm aiming to do more at this price point. And there may be a my personal dream gravel bike build coming very soon that fits the same price point(ish) - Dave
@@VeloVeloVeloTV
Cheers Dave I've got back into cycling during the summer using a 30year old Saracen Eiger Extreme (old scholl mtb) and I'm looking for a Gravel bike when 2021 stocks are available so your dream build will be something I'll be interested in seeing!
Dave, can I ask what handlebars you would go for? Ditto for the seat post. I’m pretty keen 😀
I'm a fan of Ritchey bars and I currently have a set of their WCS Butano bars in for test. 12 degreee flare, so not too crazy like their venturemax range. -dave
Aluminium and fat tyres is the way to go, only issue now is availability. Bikes are sold out everywhere :)
Yeah they're becoming hard to get hold of. But we m sure later in the year that they'll be replenished...or I bloody hope so.
@@DavidEverettshoddycycling I hope so, I intended to go bikepacking this summer, money burning a hole in my pocket but no bikes available :)
You've mentioned the alloy Cannondale Topstone and the Specialized Diverge E5. Have you by any chance tried them?
I'm about to buy my first gravel bike and I narrowed down my choices to these three bikes.
I was wondering which one of them would be best suited for all day all-road riding...
I've not tried either but am super keen too. - Dave
You can’t go wrong with any of those - all quality machines.
I am in the same position as you. I am 5'8" with a 30" inseam. This Checkpoint in a 54 has a very high standover, it touches where it shouldnt when i am standing over it. I want to get on a Topstone, but the Diverge is much more forgiving. It is more of a relaxed, upright ride as opposed to the checkpoint which is more long and stretched out. Just so you know.
C_DOES I’m 172cm and just picked up the Checkpoint AL4 in a 54cm frame.
5 months with Giant revolt 2 and its an awesome bike. You can get it vs 1000$
Damn I need to learn english more cause my teacher use different pronunciation.
Got Domane disc, im wondering if both got same frameset?
This is a great bike for sure, but Marin bikes also have good frames and others better suited to compete directly with the Trek. I think almost any frame that offers disc brakes is worth upgrading, saying you really need a $2k "budget" bike to be into gravel is gatekeeping like no other. The upgrades might not go as far but tons of people are just as happy not spending every other paycheck because they need more speed. There are tons of ways to build a top tier race bike for less than this bike. A vast majority of compliance comes from the seatpost and tires. Juin mech. disc and compression-less cables can compete with hydraulic discs and are way easier to work on. Beginner riders very often want lower gearing for gravel than this offers. I run 50/34, 10-42 and have yet to need to walk a steep hill or overexert to stay upright. Gravel events are mostly about pacing.
What groupset/ rear mech do you use
I’m thinking of purchasing the GT Grade Carbon Elite 2020 Gravel bike and was wondering what you thought of this model ?
I cant say I've rode it but I hear it gets a nice bit of praise. Sorry I can't be of any more help. - Dave
I bought the ALR 4 bike in April this year, love the bike for the first 2hrs,into a ride, Gravel Trail and Road then after that I have a butt /back issue..to be fair The parts just mentioned, are 82yrs old.
I want to keep the bike, so have ordered a carbon seat post, hoping that might help, My other bike is a Willier Carbon, Cento Uno with Sram E Tap, Which I can ride all day...Any Tips...peter b
Agree with the comments regarding alloy vs carbon overall but they're misplaced on the Checkpoint... The IsoSpeed decoupler isn't available on the alloy Checkpoints and makes a huge difference to overall comfort. I'd argue it's worth spending the extra few hundred to move to the SL5 Checkpoint to get the IsoSpeed alone.
I've only ever rode the IsoSpeed on the Domane and was impressed. But it's still $800 more. That's quite a jump I'd say. - Cheers Dave
@@VeloVeloVeloTV Oh Dave, you've got to give it a try sometime. It really is an impressive system, particularly in the Domane implementation where it's front and rear. If you ever find yourself in NW Florida, give a shout and I'd be happy to loan you mine so you can giver 'er a go. Cheers!
Pressfit BB is an instant no for this one!
What is so bad about a pressfit bb?
@@Lander76 they get creaky and that creak can be almost impossible to remedy (my old bike was a noisy nightmare). Also, they’re impossible to remove/fit without specialist tools. Threaded BBs are a lot easier to look after and don’t tend to get noisy.
@Earl James I don’t really fancy adapting my riding style to counteract crap engineering.
Damn this bike is good for its price, but I can only afford $500 bikes here in my country with my salary.
I bought this bike as a fast commuter and the odd gravel ride. I've since really gotten into road riding and are considering racing. I've upgraded the wheels to Hunt Aero Wide 35s which made a massive difference to how the bike feels.
Will there be a massive improvement if I upgrade to a 'proper' road bike?
Nice bike. I may have a set of Hunts in to test. They look superb - Dave
@@VeloVeloVeloTV I look forward to the review Dave. The freehub sound is monstrously superb 👌
After a year of running them with tubed gp4000/5000 I'm finally about to try a tubeless setup with some GoodYear F1s 28mm tubeless complete 🤞
Yes! More non-top spec bike reviews please!
I like to think myself as a humble bloke. He he. I may very well have a few vids lined up already :) - Dave
How can a bike that retailed at £1700 in 2020 now command £2400?
Good review. Actually prefer the 2020 colour scheme. The 2021 model in red is super pretty.
That fork is unforgivable at the price, tho'
My first gravel bike was aluminum alloy - the ride sucked and was really harsh. Went to a steel Niner RLT9 and much, much better. Granted it's built like a tank (and about as heavy as one), but it's pretty bombproof.
Can get a titanium planet x ,force or rival for that price.
Not bike related question - what are those transparent sunglasses You have there when you are in orange jersey? Hopefully someone can help with this )))
There the Oakley Reader Advanced. I really like the depth of the lens. Go check out my vid on gravel gear and I talk of them there.
Just got the 2021 alr5 and love it! I was thinking of upgrading wheels/tires, what are your recommendations?
Check out the Paradigm Comp/Elite 25 wheels. I've been blown away with Bontrager wheels, and you *will not* find a better wheel set under $500 for the Checkpoint than the Comp 25's. I use them, and wrapped them with WTB Ventures (yep, 50mm tires work fine)
My "race" wheels are a set of Rolf Hyalites wrapped with 32mm GP5000TL
I just got mine too. It's awesome
I ride a surly 650b it's a little heavy but I squat 300so I don't mind a heavy bike
Still expensive for a budget gravel bike, I have the Vitus Substance VRS-2 Adventure Road Bike with 650b 47mm WTB Byway tubeless ready with GRX 600 2x11, 46-30 11-34 all for £1249 and will take 2inch tyre ..
I agree, but as I sate in the video I feel it's value for money long term as a budget bike. It comes in roughly £450 more than the Vitus and the 2021 model has GRX too. - Dave
good
Does the ALR5 come with hydraulic brakes?
ALR 4 and 5 have hydros
How does this compare to the Cannondale Topstone AL?
Good question, as we've not reviewed thee Alu Topstone it's hard to say. But as a bit of a Cannondale fan (when they are in alu mode) I'd say they'd be a close call between the two. I like that the Cannondale has a full carbon fork. But this has the neat dropouts and seems pretty bomb proof. - Dave
How about a review on a FARA Gravel bike!
Wow, just taken a look at them. they look really nice. I like how clean they are. And not bad money either for how much you can play about and change them. Cheers for bringing them to my attention - Dave
@@VeloVeloVeloTV Thanks for replying. There's also a nice Canadian connection with the owner.
Top presenter and very good review.
I was seriously thinking about this bike but the local Trek dealer has yet to give me a price for the 2021 model. It's only been 3 days. I've seen a few reviews of the ALR5 but never noticed the front brake cable clipped to the outside of the fork. Why do that? Plus the 2021 model seems to be £250 more than last year. Not for me thanks.
Decided to go with the Ribble CGR AL with the 105 groupset.
Always enjoy the videos Dave. Glad you've escaped the balcony.
I don't miss the balcony. The Ribble looks nice, though if you're going to do lots of gravel I'd advise not going for the 105. - Dave
Hope you went orange on the Ribble. Nearly bought one, guys at their Brum showroom were fantastic.
My first gravel bike was an Aluminium Cannondale Topstone 105 and it was an amazing bike compared to my MTBs. But then I got a Scott Addict Gravel carbon with ultegra and instantly sold the Topstone. Yes it's that good. There is a world of difference between an entry-level and mid level gravel bike for sure. BTW last week I got a new Scott Gravel GRX Di2 and it's absolutely amazing. Long story short, I'd never ever ever go back to an aluminum gravel bike!
What about Cube's models in this price range?
I can't say I've rode any of them.So impossible at this stage to compare ride quality. But as I say in the vid there are plenty of great alloy bikes that do similar to what the Checkpoint does - Dave
The gx 1x10 of the Marin you deemed unworthy of upgrading is 100 times better than 105 for serious adventure riding,the Marin also has a much lower standover,if you dont know why thats important,you should just stick with roadbikes which is pretty much what the checkpoint is.
Finally, someone who gets it. He didn't even explain why he disliked the Marin, despite him wanting to review more "cheaper" bikes, even says liking the Marin as "weird". I can't trust this video
I got the ALR4 and upgraded to Schwalbe tubeless....
did it bring down the weight...pete b
No idea but great tyres
'Gravel bike' manufacturers quickly moved in the elite materials with price-tags to match. Probably because it's not really a kids bike, and so therefor the target customer has money. Alloy frames will never be the answer as long as there is steel around!
I'm a huge fan of steel. Maybe that's a comparison video for somewhere down the road. - Dave
Anything for around £1-1.3k I am thinking specialised diverge base e5 but apparently the gears are bad.
You can always upgrade the gears. But check out Cannondale and Canyon. They have two nice bikes at that price. Even Marin seems a good buy. E5 is nice but you are paying for that Futureshock headset, which is good but not 100% for everyone. Also check out the new Focus, it's had great reviews. Hope that helps - Dave
@@VeloVeloVeloTV thank you, I'll have a look at those. Fingers crossed they are in stock
for a 1000 dollars there is the cannondale sora
Why, when Shoddy is in the damp forest wearing his orange jersey do I think of short people in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
It'll be the accent too, I'm sure - dave
#brewreview like it
T-shirts coming soon, or maybe not! ;) - Dave
I understood about half of this video
2500.00 now
I'll bet those wheels will taco the first time you take it out of the barn for a ride.
Forgive my uneducated question here, but I have had this bike on my list for a while. I currently have a Domane ALR 4, but want to get off the pavement a bit. I need a 49 in the Checkpoint and as the specks state and you reiterated, 700x45c are not recommended due to toe overlap for the size 49? Could you explain this for me? Thank you anyone who can educate me on this.
Due to the geometry and the small size it results in the front wheel with a 45mm tire that touch too close to the foot while pedaling. So when your foot gets to the 3 o-clock position and you try to turn it'll touch the front of your foot. Hope that helps - Dave
@@VeloVeloVeloTV Thanks, Dave. I just couldn't imagine 2.5mm width extra on each side of center in width would create an issue. I guess I was wondering if this is a cheatable thing?
After watching a review of Sram Force AX Wide. I realize this is the answer. The front crank and deraileur are 5mm further out (2.5mm each side on crank) to accommodate 45mm tire width. As I was going to upgrade to Sram Force AXS, this solves the toe overlap issue ( I am thinking).
Zip ties on the fork? At $2,100 for aluminum? PUH-LEEZ!! You can get similar spec (minus the zip ties) from Cannondale, Canyon, Giant, Ribble and Scott for less than $2k
yeah lol for 2k one could buy a carbon Ribble bike
The Trek Checkpoint product manager needs to work for the US govt since he/she is pretty good at inflating prices for mediocre product
I'm partial to a Ribble (growing up in the NW of the UK it was a local brand) but for something with a similar build in carbon you'd be paying £450 more. You could get the steel Ribble for the same price, which looks a lovely bike. -Dave
I'm really enjoying my 2020 Checkpoint ALR 5...upgraded the wheelset to these Paradigm Comp 25 www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/cycling-components/bike-wheels/road-bike-wheels/bontrager-paradigm-comp-25-tlr-disc-road-wheel/p/27391/ shod with the GR1 Team Issue 700x40 tanwalls setup tubeless (on the wider rims they actually measure 44mm installed and are very supple) www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/cycling-components/bike-tires/gravel-and-cyclocross-bike-tires/bontrager-gr1-team-issue-gravel-tire/p/24706/?colorCode=black_brown and added an inexpensive carbon seatpost smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07788BYY8/. The fork is already carbon (albeit with an alloy steerer tube). Taken together, the upgrades whisk the comfort/fun up to the next level! :-)
The Paradigm comp and elite wheels seem super popular as an upgrade. We'll have to take a look. -Dave
It is the answer if you are on a tight budget, but carbon offers superior ride comfort.
It’s heavy and much more expensive than the Cannondale TOPSTONE with 105 spec ....
I'd love to get a Topstone to test, I can only review what I have. And I do mention the Cannondale in the vid. It looks a lovely bike. - Dave
How about a premium *Aluminum* gravel bike shoot out Shoddy? 5 or 6 bikes compared .Which one is best value for money (engineering, weight, components, ride)? Throw in a similarly priced carbon frame gravel bike for comparison.
NOBODY has done this! It’s all carbon, all the time !
Very informa'ive, where this accent come from?
Hi, I'm from the Lake District, up in the North West of the UK. Certainly not the Queens English!- Dave
Could you build a gravel bike for a lot less ?
105 and 2 kg frame seems a lot
I agree it's far from light. The 2021 frame ditches the 105 in favor for GRX. But it seems well built and certainly doesn't handle like the 10kg it is. - dave