My dealer just got this bike in recently and damn its a beauty! I currently own a Checkpoint ALR frameset I custom built up as I had parts and a 1X rival drivetrain. I use the bike for commuting, errands and gravel riding (I also own a carbon road bike and 6 inch enduro bike). My impressions are simular. Its incredibly comfortable, stable and responsive and I just love riding it everywhere and in any condition. Its the most confident and stable drop bar bike I've ridden and its fast enough my road bike is collecting dust. Handling wise its good on single track but is bested by a few other bikes (Giant revolt, Norco search) that dont excel at speed like the trek but some of that is setup - speaking of add a flared wider bar to improve handling off road - not sure why trek doesnt spec that in the first place. The ride and workmanship of the ALR are the best I have seen on any alloy gravel bike so if you dont have SL5.6.7 cash or like me have too many other bikes and sports to drop that kind of coin on 1 bike go ride an ALR 4/5
Checkout the Redshift Shockstop Stem. I picked it up for my warbird and it really smoothes out a lot of the vibration from gravel. You can adjust it for how much flex you want to have. The instructions include a weight chart to get your initial elastomers installed.
Yup! But at the time of this video I didn't know how to adjust it to really make it any better since it's a 1x. I didn't want one shifter to be completely unused. I have a few ideas now though after a few more rides!
Been looking for reviews of this bike, thank you for taking the time to record this and post it. I have the same wheels setup tubeless and can run them at 30-35psi (i'm 165 lbs) and that makes a dramatic difference to the comfort level of the bike over the rough stuff. This is probably the best way to improve the compliance over rough terrain. You simply can't run the pressure low enough with tubes. Enjoy the ride!
Excellent video & review, I’m interested in the SL6 & will be new to the gravel scene. Looking to change things up from mtn & road riding, might even plan a trip across Pa. you just picked up a new sub!
I made the switch to SRAM on my new 3T road bike. I have the 1x set up and am using the AXS group set. I’m now used to shifting easy with my left hand and hard with my right. When I get on my trainer on my old bike I have to remind myself, a lot, not to use my left hand to shift... :). Enjoy the AXS
I have a Checkpoint SL as well. You seem to have similar trouble like me when going into tight corners. Mine came with a pretty long handlebar with a 85mm reach and just a week ago I switched it out with a Zipp Courser XPLR 70 which has a 70mm reach and also a more shallow drop. Also went up from 42 to 44mm but that was because I'm riding a 54 despite being 1,80m (~5.9feet - you guys measure in feet right?) with a 44mm shoulder width. With that I'm suddenly able to get into corners where I previously had to get off the bike. Still feeling stable, tho. I think the Checkpoint is overall build more for stability which comes at the cost of manouverability.
It is a beautiful bike. I want to pull the trigger on the Checkpoint, but the lack of front IsoSpeed stops me from doing it because I assume the next version will have it.
@@ChristieBrinker I did too! I basically want a Domane; front and rear isospeed, the aero, the integrated storage, and the rage red, but with the Checkpoint tire clearance, and the ability to put rear racks on it. Alas, maybe next year.
I lust after the Checkpoint. But the standover height on this bike is so high compared to others in its class. Do you ever find that to be an issue? I don't spend a ton of time with my feet flat on the ground, but I do like the ability to put my feet flat in an emergency stop situation for safety reasons. A 52 CM frame Checkpoint is taller in standover than even a 54 CM Domane and some 56 CM other bikes!
sweet bike & video! Air pressure - drop those GR1's down below 40psi (once they are tubeless) and get an accurate gauge. Fine tune the air pressure & that will make a big difference in ride feel. Enjoy!
Any updates on your Checkpoint SL7? How's it been treating you? I'm considering one and there's a surprising lack of content by way of long-term reviews of the SL7 online!
Took my 2016 Speclized Crux and put 700/40 cc Maxxis Rambler on them. Have done single track, road and power line dirt roads on it. Now just wondering do I need a specific gravel bike? Do love this bike (Trek Checkpoint )
If you ever ride your Di2 1x, it does the same as the AXS or Red eTap. Its weird at first, but I loved it once I got used to it. Then I went back to 2x. LoL That trail looks like fun and yes go TUBELESS.
You’ll get use to SRAM, it’s actually very intuitive. That seems so much fun. Can’t wait to get out ride. I’m in California all these wild fires are awful 😩
You mentioned in the video about riding a AL bike on gravel, but preferred the Carbon of the SL7. Can you elaborate on that? I have been eyeing the Checkpoint ALR5, but have a Domane SL5 now. I have ridden an old 1990s Trek 1200, and was under the impression that AL had come a long way in the terms of being comfortable vs being a stiff butt beating ride. I have done zero mountain biking or gravel riding. Was looking at something for dirt roads, nothing to wild.
I think the issue for me was the weight difference. It was 5 pounds difference between the two bikes. I never felt really comfortable on the AL bike, but that might have been geometery as well.
Is this bike still relevant in 2022? I found a new one for $5000. Seems like a lot of bike for $5000. My only hang ups are the seat post cap, press fit BB and the front brake cable being exposed. Am I over thinking it?
How far up is your seat clamp from the line with a v on the back of the seat post? I noticed size chart puts me at a 56 but then my seat clamp is all the way down to the v mark and I want to see where your seat post is to know if 56 is right size for me
I returned my checkpoint SL 5 and bought 2020 Domane with the thought process that the Domane is kinda of both bikes in one. However, I really wished I kept my checkpoint instead of worrying about ruining my Domane going over mixed terrain. Great video and thanks for adding to my regret. Maybe I’ll will get another checkpoint some day.
I considered this route when I first realized I wanted a gravel bike. I did get talked out of it by a friend though. But look on the bright side, you have a super aero gravel bike if you want!
What is your feeling in disc brakes? Is your Madone disc? Any problems? Lots of maintenance? I am in the market for a new bike but all aero bikes are sold only with disc.
Yes my Madone is disc brakes and I love it. I did have an issue not long after building it where the hose came lose and I lost all brake fluid in my front brake. We think it just wasn't tightened or something silly. It's been fine since then. I ride MTB and have had disc brakes for 10 years so I was ready to get them on the road lol
They can't be swapped, but they can be reprogrammed via the app but there's not really a better setup unless I only use one shifter for everything. I got used to it really quick so I'm not worried :)
Looks like an awesome bike! Wild that you went riding in that rain Saturday, I reactivated my Zwift account LOL. Anytime I've tried to go low pressure on gravel I've had flats.
Yeah I'm still experimenting with pressure running tubes. I was running 42 psi but thinking I picked up the flat on the paved, maybe too low for that section?
@@ChristieBrinker Great video! I love my gravel bike, too. I'm riding it more than my road bike now. As far as flats go, it seems they happen mostly when the roads/paths are wet. A piece of road debris sticks to a wet tire. With each revolution, it grinds itself deeper and deeper into the tire. Finally, it punctures the tube. On gravel, I usually run 50-60 lbs of air in my 700x40 tires. The extra pressure keeps a sharp piece of gravel from puncturing the tube. The ride will be a bit harsher but it sure beats dealing with flats : )
Thanks for the excellent video! I'm just starting out my gravel bike research and.I've heard a lot about this bike or the Cervelo Aspero as do-it-all options for folks who don't want two bikes. I currently have a Cervelo S3 and an old Merida CX, both of which fit me perfectly and serve their functions well, but they are older bikes. Could you see this Checkpoint being anywhere near an actual road bike in performance, considering of course that you'd swap out the tires and rims, and maybe drop the bars a bit. Thanks.
It could definitely double as a road bike! The biggest thing would be the gearing. It came with a 42t in the front and of course the Eagle in the back. If I'm riding on a flat road with a tail wind, I can easily gear out. The front ring would be an easy swap though.
I would always have a mountain bike. It's how I started with cycling. The gravel bike is really awesome for me too though due to so many of the roads in my area being gravel. But I could easily ride them on a MTB if I really wanted lol
Nice spin on the new bike! Very cool! What a great day for a ride. Oh, noes! Getting stuck under a bridge. Christie's Urban Adventures! Haha. So what are your opinions of the suspension feels of gravel versus road versus mountain bike? I thought the SRAM e-shifting was programmable via an app. You could have whatever shifter/button do whatever. That was you could get parity with your Shimano setup? Is this possible? Or more work than it's worth? Ha! You answered my suspension question from earlier! Mindreader! Hahaha. What kind of kit are you riding during the colder weather? Awesome video! Great to see the new bike is workin' out for ya!
You can reprogram the shifting, but because it's a 1x if I matched my road bike then one shifter would do nothing and I'm not sure I like that lol. Haven't had to wear any winter kit yet, might have to this weekend! I have some lined fleece stuff that's pretty warm!
The batteries in the shifters are CR2032's and should last 2 years (what I've heard). Those are still going strong. The SRAM AXS battery seems to get a range of 300ish miles maybe? Obviously how often you shift is going to be a bigger factor in that.
Hello, just found your channel. I’m looking at purchasing a trek checkpoint in the next few months. Did you do a bike fit before you bought your bike? Do you think they are necessary?
I did not get a fit prior, but I would recommend it if you're able to! There's not any bike fitters near where I live so it's not an easy task for me. I've had a fit on a different bike so I have an idea for position that I use to get me by until I get to a fitter. But if you can do one then I would!
Christie Brinker I’m paranoid about getting one because I think they are over priced and maybe I could figure it out on my own. But, I don’t want to spend $$$thousands of dollars and then realize maybe comfort is not the most efficient riding position...there are 2 places that will do fits here in Iowa for trek. But they are like $200-400 dollars. Im sure it will be just fine...will you make more videos “checkpoint” specific, please and thank you!
@@ChristieBrinker Kind of a shame it did not come with them. My new Domane+ came with tubeless ready rims but did not come with tubeless capable tires.
You may not need rim strips. Most Bontrager rims can be taped, which is significantly lighter than the rim strips. I did this with the wheelset on my Emonda SLR and it's been perfect with GP5000 TLs.
I don't know if I understand the appeal of riding gravel. MTB makes sense, tons of technical riding, bombing over chunky terrain, and hitting the odd jump. Road cycling I get. Ripping strava segments, cafe stops, and enjoying scenic rides in the mountains. Riding rough gravel roads in the middle of nowhere on an essentially a road bike with wider tires... mmm I dunno.
No one wants to ride a new bike in the rain? You need new riding friends. I take my Marin Gestalt out in all types of weather. Great looking bike. Are you going to try a tubeless setup on it? Definitely worth it
I second Frank's comment, go tubeless! The reason your brake hoods are so much larger is the hydraulics for the disc brakes. Hydraulic systems have a reservoir which is in the larger bulbous hood.
I'm already tubeless! I have hydraulic disc brakes on my Madone with Shimano and they are the size as normal hoods, I guess that's why I was curious about it 😁
Christie Brinker Shimano’s managed to make their hydraulic disc hoods the same size as their mechanical ones. SRAM hasn’t managed to miniaturize them yet
Well that was with pedals. I believe it's advertised at 19.07 lbs. I think it should weigh less as well. I thought about this already trying to figure out where to save weight. The wheels aren't the lightest but they're good beyond that. The saddle doesn't have carbon rails, could change that. But not too many other places to shave weight.
@@ChristieBrinker I have been looking at the Ibis Hakka or Santa Cruz Stigmata, probably less compliant, but less weight as well. I guess that is the trade off.
Measure your saddle height, move your saddle all the way back, adjust saddle height. It'll let you load your core and apply torso weight to the pedals and take it off the bars . I noticed you bobbing your torso for more power, this should help. You can get shorter road bars b4 shortening stem (if you have too). Don't do tall men's fit, just sayin.
Thanks for the tips! The road bars are already short. I'm hoping to get a professional fit in a few months as well, but will definitely try out your recommendations!
I have checkpoint sl5, for some reason I found that bontrager R3 tires sucks, I’ve had flat tires a number of times in 3 months and since I Changed my tires to PANARACER GRAVEL KING I’ve no flat tires for 6 months now. Again BONTRAGER TIRES SUCKS!!!!!
I agree. However the initial mounting of the tyres can be frustrating. you better have a compressor or tyre booster at hand and the sealant handling can be a make a mess.
Came here to make the same comment. Definitely a learning curve to getting tubeless setup, but so worth the effort. No reason not to go tubeless on a gravel bike.
I'm tubeless on my MTB so I'm fully equipped to mount the tires. I have both an air compressor and a bike pump with a chamber that I can inflate and inject the air at once to seat the bead. So no worries there. I will definitely be going tubeless! Thanks all!
Thanks for your review. I went with the SL7 and I’m thrilled.
My dealer just got this bike in recently and damn its a beauty! I currently own a Checkpoint ALR frameset I custom built up as I had parts and a 1X rival drivetrain. I use the bike for commuting, errands and gravel riding (I also own a carbon road bike and 6 inch enduro bike). My impressions are simular. Its incredibly comfortable, stable and responsive and I just love riding it everywhere and in any condition. Its the most confident and stable drop bar bike I've ridden and its fast enough my road bike is collecting dust. Handling wise its good on single track but is bested by a few other bikes (Giant revolt, Norco search) that dont excel at speed like the trek but some of that is setup - speaking of add a flared wider bar to improve handling off road - not sure why trek doesnt spec that in the first place. The ride and workmanship of the ALR are the best I have seen on any alloy gravel bike so if you dont have SL5.6.7 cash or like me have too many other bikes and sports to drop that kind of coin on 1 bike go ride an ALR 4/5
I've known a few people to get the ALR and they really enjoyed it as well! The handlebars did seem a tad misplaced as well. Thanks for the review!
Checkout the Redshift Shockstop Stem. I picked it up for my warbird and it really smoothes out a lot of the vibration from gravel. You can adjust it for how much flex you want to have. The instructions include a weight chart to get your initial elastomers installed.
I've seen those! I'm not sure if I'll pick one up anytime soon but would love to feel one out for sure.
If you have issue with the way the shifting works, which button goes up and which goes down, you can reprogram then in the axs app
Yup! But at the time of this video I didn't know how to adjust it to really make it any better since it's a 1x. I didn't want one shifter to be completely unused. I have a few ideas now though after a few more rides!
Been looking for reviews of this bike, thank you for taking the time to record this and post it. I have the same wheels setup tubeless and can run them at 30-35psi (i'm 165 lbs) and that makes a dramatic difference to the comfort level of the bike over the rough stuff. This is probably the best way to improve the compliance over rough terrain. You simply can't run the pressure low enough with tubes. Enjoy the ride!
Thanks Scott! I'll get it setup tubeless ASAP! 😁
Bring a tiny parch kit and/or fill your tubes with Slime/sealant for small punctures.
Excellent video & review, I’m interested in the SL6 & will be new to the gravel scene. Looking to change things up from mtn & road riding, might even plan a trip across Pa. you just picked up a new sub!
Awesome thank you! Gravel riding is really awesome!
Change your tires right away for PANARACER if you want to enjoy riding more..
Trying to convince my brain to pay 6700.00 for a bike .
One year later and it's not working.
I made the switch to SRAM on my new 3T road bike. I have the 1x set up and am using the AXS group set. I’m now used to shifting easy with my left hand and hard with my right. When I get on my trainer on my old bike I have to remind myself, a lot, not to use my left hand to shift... :). Enjoy the AXS
I'm loving AXS so far. Great, now I'll have to change my road bike eventually haha
With SRAM AXS, you can change what each shifter does through the app on your phone.
Yup exactly, but since it's a 1x I'm not sure how I would change it to make it better. I wouldn't want one shifter to be doing nothing, haha
@@ChristieBrinker Install a dropper post and use the left shifter to work it.
Haha good idea! I'd be a trend setter around here
I have a Checkpoint SL as well. You seem to have similar trouble like me when going into tight corners. Mine came with a pretty long handlebar with a 85mm reach and just a week ago I switched it out with a Zipp Courser XPLR 70 which has a 70mm reach and also a more shallow drop. Also went up from 42 to 44mm but that was because I'm riding a 54 despite being 1,80m (~5.9feet - you guys measure in feet right?) with a 44mm shoulder width. With that I'm suddenly able to get into corners where I previously had to get off the bike. Still feeling stable, tho. I think the Checkpoint is overall build more for stability which comes at the cost of manouverability.
It is a beautiful bike. I want to pull the trigger on the Checkpoint, but the lack of front IsoSpeed stops me from doing it because I assume the next version will have it.
I assume next year will have that new bottom bracket and front isospeed. I really thought this year would have it 😕
@@ChristieBrinker I did too! I basically want a Domane; front and rear isospeed, the aero, the integrated storage, and the rage red, but with the Checkpoint tire clearance, and the ability to put rear racks on it. Alas, maybe next year.
@@RoninCycling and now 2023 no IsoSpeed for the Domane 😊
I'm thinking of getting one and enjoyed the review.
I lust after the Checkpoint. But the standover height on this bike is so high compared to others in its class. Do you ever find that to be an issue? I don't spend a ton of time with my feet flat on the ground, but I do like the ability to put my feet flat in an emergency stop situation for safety reasons. A 52 CM frame Checkpoint is taller in standover than even a 54 CM Domane and some 56 CM other bikes!
sweet bike & video! Air pressure - drop those GR1's down below 40psi (once they are tubeless) and get an accurate gauge. Fine tune the air pressure & that will make a big difference in ride feel. Enjoy!
Awesome tips! Thanks!
Any updates on your Checkpoint SL7? How's it been treating you? I'm considering one and there's a surprising lack of content by way of long-term reviews of the SL7 online!
Took my 2016 Speclized Crux and put 700/40 cc Maxxis Rambler on them. Have done single track, road and power line dirt roads on it. Now just wondering do I need a specific gravel bike? Do love this bike (Trek Checkpoint )
If you ever ride your Di2 1x, it does the same as the AXS or Red eTap. Its weird at first, but I loved it once I got used to it. Then I went back to 2x. LoL That trail looks like fun and yes go TUBELESS.
Haha thanks! I actually really do like it after getting used to it!
You’ll get use to SRAM, it’s actually very intuitive. That seems so much fun. Can’t wait to get out ride. I’m in California all these wild fires are awful 😩
I love SRAM! Didn't take long to adapt at all. Sorry to hear about the wild fires! It sucks that it seems like it's happening more and more
You mentioned in the video about riding a AL bike on gravel, but preferred the Carbon of the SL7. Can you elaborate on that? I have been eyeing the Checkpoint ALR5, but have a Domane SL5 now. I have ridden an old 1990s Trek 1200, and was under the impression that AL had come a long way in the terms of being comfortable vs being a stiff butt beating ride. I have done zero mountain biking or gravel riding. Was looking at something for dirt roads, nothing to wild.
Eh just put bigger tires you'll be fine.
I think the issue for me was the weight difference. It was 5 pounds difference between the two bikes. I never felt really comfortable on the AL bike, but that might have been geometery as well.
rear isospeed do have ,, front isospeed does not have ,,,you need him?? (or future shock (specialized)) . thanks ,you would change today??
I love this bike, I think it would be better with a front IsoSpeed and a different BB. But other than that, I've really enjoyed riding it!
I’m surprised your SL7 didn’t come as tubeless. My new SL5 came as tubeless.
I love that bike. But maybe for me I'd like some slightly narrower tires.
I might change my mind as I get more comfortable
Is this bike still relevant in 2022? I found a new one for $5000. Seems like a lot of bike for $5000. My only hang ups are the seat post cap, press fit BB and the front brake cable being exposed. Am I over thinking it?
I would've used Schwalbe Marathon Plus 25c or 28c for on road, and Marathon Plus Tour 40c for gravel. Flatless.
Great video review
Thanks for the tire recommendations!
Great video and commentary, again!
Thank you!!
How far up is your seat clamp from the line with a v on the back of the seat post? I noticed size chart puts me at a 56 but then my seat clamp is all the way down to the v mark and I want to see where your seat post is to know if 56 is right size for me
I'm a road cyclist using Look Keo Blade carbon pedals. What class or type of pedals do gravel riders typically choose?
Most people I know are using MTB pedals. I'm using Bontrager MTB pedals currently that are very similar to the Shimano XTR SPD pedals.
I thought the axs can be customized via phone app for shifting buttons? Maybe that's just on the MTB axs.
No it can, but since it's a 1x I wouldn't know what to change it to to make it any better lol I wouldn't want to use only one shifter
Excellent ride review for us new buyer of the SL7 Checkpoint! Must have better wheels though!
I returned my checkpoint SL 5 and bought 2020 Domane with the thought process that the Domane is kinda of both bikes in one. However, I really wished I kept my checkpoint instead of worrying about ruining my Domane going over mixed terrain. Great video and thanks for adding to my regret. Maybe I’ll will get another checkpoint some day.
I considered this route when I first realized I wanted a gravel bike. I did get talked out of it by a friend though. But look on the bright side, you have a super aero gravel bike if you want!
Do you still regret buying Domane? Why you are worry about Domane on gravel do you think checkpoint would be tougher?
In addition to your review explaining the good performance, the bike looks great. Awesome color.
Thanks! It sparkles a bit in the sunlight!
What is your feeling in disc brakes? Is your Madone disc? Any problems? Lots of maintenance? I am in the market for a new bike but all aero bikes are sold only with disc.
Yes my Madone is disc brakes and I love it. I did have an issue not long after building it where the hose came lose and I lost all brake fluid in my front brake. We think it just wasn't tightened or something silly. It's been fine since then. I ride MTB and have had disc brakes for 10 years so I was ready to get them on the road lol
Christie Brinker Thank you for your fast response! I have never had disc for a road bike so I am nervous.
I have a carbon cyclocross bike, close to a gravel bike. Mine has cables and a single drive, I have yet to take it off road.
Fine some gravel roads and rip it!
Can you swap the shifter? Or are the asymmetrical so they won't move
They can't be swapped, but they can be reprogrammed via the app but there's not really a better setup unless I only use one shifter for everything. I got used to it really quick so I'm not worried :)
6:38 I wonder if she would be able to speak if you held her hands still.
definitely not
Nice ride ! Enjoyed the 1st impressions !
Thanks!!!
Looks like an awesome bike! Wild that you went riding in that rain Saturday, I reactivated my Zwift account LOL. Anytime I've tried to go low pressure on gravel I've had flats.
Yeah I'm still experimenting with pressure running tubes. I was running 42 psi but thinking I picked up the flat on the paved, maybe too low for that section?
@@ChristieBrinker Great video! I love my gravel bike, too. I'm riding it more than my road bike now. As far as flats go, it seems they happen mostly when the roads/paths are wet. A piece of road debris sticks to a wet tire. With each revolution, it grinds itself deeper and deeper into the tire. Finally, it punctures the tube. On gravel, I usually run 50-60 lbs of air in my 700x40 tires. The extra pressure keeps a sharp piece of gravel from puncturing the tube. The ride will be a bit harsher but it sure beats dealing with flats : )
Thank you for posting this. Been trying to find a cross bike with eagle axs.
Silly question: did you set it up tubeless when you flatted?
I set it up tubeless a few weeks later. I had to order the valve stems I wanted for it. I'm in love with this bike however!
Thanks for the excellent video! I'm just starting out my gravel bike research and.I've heard a lot about this bike or the Cervelo Aspero as do-it-all options for folks who don't want two bikes. I currently have a Cervelo S3 and an old Merida CX, both of which fit me perfectly and serve their functions well, but they are older bikes. Could you see this Checkpoint being anywhere near an actual road bike in performance, considering of course that you'd swap out the tires and rims, and maybe drop the bars a bit. Thanks.
It could definitely double as a road bike! The biggest thing would be the gearing. It came with a 42t in the front and of course the Eagle in the back. If I'm riding on a flat road with a tail wind, I can easily gear out. The front ring would be an easy swap though.
Cool vid! Will there be a 208 mile ride through Kansas in your future?
Haha I wouldn't rule it out! But sounds terrible lol
what PSI are you riding at
I've been experimenting a bit. I've bee running 36-38 but could probably go lower (setup tubeless).
if you had a choice would you have MTN bike or a Gravel bike 🚴♂️🇨🇦
I would always have a mountain bike. It's how I started with cycling. The gravel bike is really awesome for me too though due to so many of the roads in my area being gravel. But I could easily ride them on a MTB if I really wanted lol
Nice spin on the new bike! Very cool! What a great day for a ride. Oh, noes! Getting stuck under a bridge. Christie's Urban Adventures! Haha. So what are your opinions of the suspension feels of gravel versus road versus mountain bike? I thought the SRAM e-shifting was programmable via an app. You could have whatever shifter/button do whatever. That was you could get parity with your Shimano setup? Is this possible? Or more work than it's worth? Ha! You answered my suspension question from earlier! Mindreader! Hahaha. What kind of kit are you riding during the colder weather? Awesome video! Great to see the new bike is workin' out for ya!
You can reprogram the shifting, but because it's a 1x if I matched my road bike then one shifter would do nothing and I'm not sure I like that lol. Haven't had to wear any winter kit yet, might have to this weekend! I have some lined fleece stuff that's pretty warm!
Nice review Christie! Did you buy the Quarq PM separately or were you able to get it included with the bike? If so, how did the dealer handle this?
Just watched your other video on the build and saw you were able to buy the spider separately.
Yup! I ordered just the spider, swapped the chainring and crank arms, carried on with life :)
Wait, you don't swipe to type?
Also, gravel bikes are so fun on the Hardwood Trail!
Nope. I type faster without swiping (when I can use two thumbs lol)
How long do the batteries last?
The batteries in the shifters are CR2032's and should last 2 years (what I've heard). Those are still going strong. The SRAM AXS battery seems to get a range of 300ish miles maybe? Obviously how often you shift is going to be a bigger factor in that.
Hello, just found your channel. I’m looking at purchasing a trek checkpoint in the next few months. Did you do a bike fit before you bought your bike? Do you think they are necessary?
I did not get a fit prior, but I would recommend it if you're able to! There's not any bike fitters near where I live so it's not an easy task for me. I've had a fit on a different bike so I have an idea for position that I use to get me by until I get to a fitter. But if you can do one then I would!
Christie Brinker I’m paranoid about getting one because I think they are over priced and maybe I could figure it out on my own. But, I don’t want to spend $$$thousands of dollars and then realize maybe comfort is not the most efficient riding position...there are 2 places that will do fits here in Iowa for trek. But they are like $200-400 dollars. Im sure it will be just fine...will you make more videos “checkpoint” specific, please and thank you!
@@kidgiven Go test ride the bike
I don't mess with them cO2 cartridges
They're letting me down lately lol
I agree with tubeless and then carrying plugs and 1 tube.
Yeah, best route to go in my opinion. I will be purchasing the rim strips and valves looks like :)
@@ChristieBrinker Kind of a shame it did not come with them. My new Domane+ came with tubeless ready rims but did not come with tubeless capable tires.
You may not need rim strips. Most Bontrager rims can be taped, which is significantly lighter than the rim strips. I did this with the wheelset on my Emonda SLR and it's been perfect with GP5000 TLs.
Proving why tubeless is an excellent option!!
20lbs? What size is your frame that you're riding?
52cm. I believe it's advertised at 19 something lbs and I hit 20 with pedals
Cool video and bike.
How does the bike feel when you have to hop or even jump over something?
I only did a little hop or two and it didn't feel too terrible lol 🤣 still not great though
Nice vid. What brand and model sun glass'es ??
Thanks!
Oakley Flight Jacket Sunglasses: amzn.to/36pkpVJ
That looks like so much fun! What a nice bike... like literally my car is worth 1/3 of that bike lol
Haha 🤣
I don't know if I understand the appeal of riding gravel. MTB makes sense, tons of technical riding, bombing over chunky terrain, and hitting the odd jump. Road cycling I get. Ripping strava segments, cafe stops, and enjoying scenic rides in the mountains. Riding rough gravel roads in the middle of nowhere on an essentially a road bike with wider tires... mmm I dunno.
Wonder where that trail was?
Western Kentucky, in Land Between the Lakes
Miss Christie -Whats the speed on that bike.top speed.
No one wants to ride a new bike in the rain? You need new riding friends. I take my Marin Gestalt out in all types of weather. Great looking bike. Are you going to try a tubeless setup on it? Definitely worth it
Riding in the rain is fun! Definitely going to be going tubeless very soon. I'm a big fan of tubeless and running lower pressure
Where is this awesome trail
Land Between the Lakes in Western Kentucky!
Get some proper gravel bars on there( flared ones) you’ll have more control off road
Would love to try that!
Christie Brinker you can get a set of flared bars for less than $100
Good review , I like your input , 👍🙂
I second Frank's comment, go tubeless! The reason your brake hoods are so much larger is the hydraulics for the disc brakes. Hydraulic systems have a reservoir which is in the larger bulbous hood.
I'm already tubeless! I have hydraulic disc brakes on my Madone with Shimano and they are the size as normal hoods, I guess that's why I was curious about it 😁
Christie Brinker Shimano’s managed to make their hydraulic disc hoods the same size as their mechanical ones. SRAM hasn’t managed to miniaturize them yet
for the money ur spending they could have top quality puncture resist tires...... everyone complains about the stock tires
20lbs seems a lot for such a high end bicycle? The competitors seem to be a couple of pounds lighter.
Well that was with pedals. I believe it's advertised at 19.07 lbs. I think it should weigh less as well. I thought about this already trying to figure out where to save weight. The wheels aren't the lightest but they're good beyond that. The saddle doesn't have carbon rails, could change that. But not too many other places to shave weight.
@@ChristieBrinker I have been looking at the Ibis Hakka or Santa Cruz Stigmata, probably less compliant, but less weight as well. I guess that is the trade off.
Yeah that makes sense. That Ibis is pretty sweet
@@ChristieBrinker Following up , I just ordered an Ibis Hakka. Cycling the Iceland Rift next summer, so hopefully it should meet my needs.
Sweet bike!!
Thanks!! 👍
BIKE4LIFE ! I do Urban,XC MT,road/gravel.
Heck yeah!
Measure your saddle height, move your saddle all the way back, adjust saddle height. It'll let you load your core and apply torso weight to the pedals and take it off the bars . I noticed you bobbing your torso for more power, this should help. You can get shorter road bars b4 shortening stem (if you have too). Don't do tall men's fit, just sayin.
Thanks for the tips! The road bars are already short. I'm hoping to get a professional fit in a few months as well, but will definitely try out your recommendations!
Oh, how I wish Trek bought this model into Australia...
dang that sucks!
Do you have Jamis Renegade bicycles there? Better geometry especially the smaller sizes 49 - 54, (73 degree seat tube).
@@ChristieBrinker sure does... I can private import and still have warranty, but our dollar is really bad at the moment
Some say you still live under that bridge
I died a little under there.
@@ChristieBrinker you did look cold, let's do it again.
GRX. Nice bike. Must tubeless.
My buddy Kevin just got a Niner with GRX so I'm curious how he likes it! Thanks! Tubeless is definitely coming!
I have checkpoint sl5, for some reason I found that bontrager R3 tires sucks, I’ve had flat tires a number of times in 3 months and since I Changed my tires to PANARACER GRAVEL KING I’ve no flat tires for 6 months now. Again BONTRAGER TIRES SUCKS!!!!!
I've heard a lot of good things about the Gravel Kings, thanks!
Christie. Pulling more than 'one finger' can be hazardous to your respiratory health. Set a 'one-finger' limit. Have fun!
🤣🤣🤣
No brain explode! Much gravel in the future. Now, if I can get Misty to be patient...
Go tubeless!
I agree. However the initial mounting of the tyres can be frustrating. you better have a compressor or tyre booster at hand and the sealant handling can be a make a mess.
Came here to make the same comment. Definitely a learning curve to getting tubeless setup, but so worth the effort. No reason not to go tubeless on a gravel bike.
I'm tubeless on my MTB so I'm fully equipped to mount the tires. I have both an air compressor and a bike pump with a chamber that I can inflate and inject the air at once to seat the bead. So no worries there. I will definitely be going tubeless! Thanks all!
Frank Winters best thing I ever done going tubeless especially on a trek stache and trek Farley 9.6 bigger tyres where they can be run real low
Illinois Native !
The bike looked like it wanted to go fast.
Definitely! Just needs me to ride it faster now :)
Gotta run tubeless
Love me some tubeless!
Shame on Trek for being so cheap and not setting it up tubeless from the factory!
I'm still really surprised by this, I even double checked the box, haha.
Tubeless
You need to go tubeless on the gravel bike or road bike if you going to be in the woods
You need to go tubeless on the gravel bike or road bike if you going to be in the woods