Do-It-All Gravel Bike Gets an Adventure Makeover: Trek Checkpoint SL7 AXS Gen 3 Review

Back in August, Trek expanded its gravel lineup with the launch of the all-new race-focused Checkmate and the redesigned Checkpoint SL Gen 3. While the media may have given the Checkmate the most launch coverage and attention at the time, it was the new Checkpoint that immediately caught my eye. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the lightest, fastest, and most expensive new bikes, but let’s face it: race-specific bikes aren’t what most people actually need. With the Checkmate taking over as Trek’s dedicated race rig, the Checkpoint SL’s Gen 3 updates focused on making it more adventure-ready, comfortable, and versatile than ever before. 

I tested the Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS for 3 months on the gravel ribbons in Truckee, Calif., and Reno, Nev. During this time, I looked at the bike through the lens of what most people really need in a gravel rig.

While Trek carried over some features from the previous generation — like IsoSpeed — the new Checkpoint SL gets increased tire clearance, additional frame mounts, a revised Gravel Endurance geometry, and compatibility with Trek’s new line of bikepacking bags. Trek definitely leaned into the adventure updates, but it’s still quick, efficient, and light enough to transition into a race bike for a few events a year.

In short: Trek’s Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 ($5,700) is a chameleon of a gravel bike that can pretty much do it all. Its updated design and features add adventure and endurance riding comfort and versatility, yet the responsive ride and respectable weight make it a capable part-time race bike. This is an agreeable bike for the masses — it’s approachable and fun to ride any and everywhere, and that’s exactly what makes it great.

Shopping for a gravel bike? Check out GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Gravel Bikes.

Trek Checkpoint SL Review

Frame Design

Trek uses its 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber on the Checkpoint SL frame. The Wisconsin-based brand uses several different grades/series of OCLV carbon fiber in its frames, with the 500-Series being one of the lower-tier options. This essentially results in a lower price but heavier weight than the 800 Series carbon used in the new Checkmate.

For comparison, the Checkpoint frame weighs 1,385 g and costs $2,400, while the Checkmate frame weighs 1,146 g and sells for $4,000.

While the Gen 3 shares a similar silhouette to the previous version, the head tube, top tube, and seat tube shapes are all a bit more sculpted for a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. 

Trek’s IsoSpeed system carries over from the Gen 2 frame, although it is visually more apparent as the frame now exposes the hardware. This unique design essentially decouples the seat tube from the rest of the frame, allowing it to flex slightly with an internal strut to absorb chatter while retaining the lateral stiffness and responsiveness of a completely rigid bike. It’s somewhat similar to Cannondale’s Kingpin system, providing a small amount of vertical compliance with the goal of enhancing comfort over rough surfaces.

The Checkpoint SL frame has loads of mount points on the top tube, downtube, and fork to fit a wide range of frame bags — including Trek’s new Adventure Frame, Triangle, and Top Tube bags — water bottles, fenders, and front and rear racks. Trek also claims it optimized the frame to fit larger bottles, even with frame bags installed. 

The frame still has downtube storage but with a larger door that’s secure, rattle-free, and easy to operate. Trek reportedly also increased the internal volume of the storage space. And, it added a new Bontrager (a Trek brand) BITS bag to organize your tools and keep them quiet. 

Tire clearance is now 50mm (from 45mm), so you can fit some seriously high-volume gravel tires. Additionally, the frame is now compatible with 30- to 40-mm suspension forks for those looking to smooth out the ride even further (all sizes except XS). The round seat tube means that adding an aftermarket dropper post is an option, too. 

All of the complete builds come with 1-by drivetrains, but the frame is compatible with front derailleurs. The Gen 3 frame also has a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), enhanced chainstay protection, and headset cable routing. While the headset cable routing undoubtedly makes for a clean look, it may cause some headaches when performing certain repairs and maintenance.

Geometry

One of the biggest changes to the Checkpoint SL Gen 3 is the move to what Trek calls “Gravel Endurance” geometry. Trek basically shortened the reach and raised the stack height in an effort to make the bike more comfortable for all-day riding. Compared to the Gen 2, the Gen 3’s reach is 9 mm shorter, and the stack is 11 mm higher in the same frame size. 

At 402 mm (on size large/58 cm), the reach isn’t necessarily that short, but the higher stack certainly contributes to a more relaxed and upright body position, especially compared to low-stack race bikes like the Specialized S-Works Crux. This certainly lends itself better to long endurance rides and bikepacking adventures. 

With longer-than-average legs for my height, however, I still had a decent saddle to handlebar drop on the Checkpoint SL, and I found it plenty easy to get into a more aggressive body position by simply riding in the drops. If I wanted the front end even lower, I could easily drop the stem by another 20 mm by shifting around the headset spacers. 

So, while the new geometry is more comfort/adventure-oriented, I found it to be easily adaptable to different riding styles. While it definitely isn’t the raciest, I was able to make it racy enough for me, and I’d happily line up with this bike for the two to three long-distance gravel events I do each year.

Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 Build

The 7 AXS build is the top-tier option in Trek’s lineup of three Checkpoint SL models. As such, it commands a price of $5,700, which is no small potatoes but far less than what premium bikes go for these days. It’s very nicely equipped for the price with an excellent component spec that leaves little, if anything, to be desired. 

The SL 7 AXS gets a 12-speed SRAM Force AXS drivetrain with electronic shifting. This includes SRAM Force carbon cranks with a 40T chainring paired with a 10/44 cassette. Crankarm length varies by frame size for a proportional fit, with 172.5 mm on my size Large test bike. 

I experienced zero dropped chains, and shifting remained crisp and precise throughout my several-month test period. The 40T chainring and 10/44 cassette combo provided ample range for every riding scenario I encountered. 

Speed control duties belong to SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes paired with 160 mm Centerline rotors. I found these to be adequately powerful, and I was able to brake easily from both the hoods and the drops. Unlike older versions of Force brakes that I’ve used, these never got mushy or faded over time, which was a pleasant surprise. 

The SRAM Force brake hoods were comfortable perches for the hands. The rest of the Checkpoint SL’s cockpit was equally ergonomic. Like most Trek bikes, it consists of a generous helping of Bontrager components, and that’s not a bad thing. Stem length and handlebar width increase by frame size for a proportional fit, and I found the 90mm stem and 44cm-wide handlebar to feel spot-on for the size large. 

The SL 7 gets an OCLV carbon fiber Bontrager Pro Gravel handlebar with IsoCore vibration damping tech that Trek claims to reduce vibration by 20% compared to other carbon bars. That’s hard to quantify, but I found them comfortable over the chatter.

They have a short reach and a generous 15-degree flare that I got along very well with. Bontrager’s SuperTack Perf bar tape added to that comfort with a medium level of cushioning and a grippy surface.

Out back, a Bontrager carbon seatpost helps keep the weight down and is topped with a Bontrager Verse Short Elite saddle with hollow magnesium rails. Bike saddles are one of the most personal components on a bike, and I’m rarely satisfied with the stock options. But the 145mm width, short length, side-to-side profile, and generous pressure relief cutout worked great for my anatomy.

One of the nicest parts of the build is the Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35V OCLV carbon fiber wheelset. These 35mm deep rims not only look boss but also feel stiff and responsive while avoiding the excessive harshness and feedback that some deep-section rims are known for. Meanwhile, the Rapid Drive 108 hub provided a snappy and precise feel with just 3.3 degrees between freehub engagement points.

The 25mm internal width pairs well with modern gravel tires, including the 42mm-wide Bontrager Girona RSLs that come front and rear on the Checkpoint SL. With a super-smooth center tread and lightly knobby shoulders, the Girona tires are best for hardpacked gravel and mixed-surface riding.

I found them to be very fast-rolling, with excellent straight-line speed and ample grip when leaning them over in firm to slightly loose gravel conditions. At 42 mm wide, they are quite voluminous, and I enjoyed running around 35 psi for a large contact patch and enhanced cushioning.

A sharp rock punched a hole in the front tire on one of my first test rides, but it plugged easily, and I’ve had no other issues despite riding plenty of rough and rocky trails and roads since.

While Trek doesn’t include them with the bikes, it sent one of the new Adventure Frame Bags ($130) to try out. These bags fit the mount points on the new Checkpoint SL and Checkmate SLR frames. The 2.8L size fits perfectly under the top tube, where it is impressively stable and rattle-free, even when loaded with gear.

It added a significant amount of well-organized, easily accessible on-bike storage with a weight penalty of only 270 g. The thumb screws made it easy to install and remove, plus it comes with straps so you can mount it on other frames, too.

Build Options

Trek currently sells the Checkpoint SL Gen 3 in two other, less expensive builds. The SL 6 and the SL 5 both feature the exact same 500 Series OCLV carbon frame and fork but come with alloy wheels and lower-tier components that keep the price down. If you prefer to build your own bike from the frame up, the Checkpoint SL Gen 3 frameset goes for $2,400.

For $4,000, the Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Gen 3 comes with a 12-speed SRAM Rival AXS drivetrain and brakes, Bontrager Paradigm 25 alloy wheels, a Bontrager Elite Gravel alloy handlebar, and a Bontrager Verse P3 saddle. It gains a pound of weight but saves you $1,700.

At $3,200, the Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 still comes with wireless shifting in the form of a SRAM Apex AXS 12-speed drivetrain. It has SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels, a Bontrager Elite Gravel alloy handlebar, and a Bontrager Verse Comp Short saddle.

The Ride

Trek is about as mainstream as cycling brands get, and it has decades of experience making some of the most popular bikes on the market. Having tested many and owned a few Trek mountain bikes over the years, I’ve always found them incredibly easy to get along with, sometimes almost to a fault. 

That trend continues with the Gen 3 Checkpoint SL, especially as it relates to the revised Gravel Endurance geometry. By shortening the reach and raising the stack, this bike immediately has a more neutral body position that will certainly be more comfortable for more riders, particularly on casual-paced group rides, long-slow-distance adventures, overnight tours, etc. 

While casual-paced doesn’t necessarily describe the way I like to ride, as a lanky 6-footer with a 35-inch inseam and short torso, the Gravel Endurance geometry felt great to me. My saddle height is already crazy high, so the added stack kept me from hinging more than I like at the waist. Even with the higher stack, my saddle height is still quite a bit higher than the bar top, but much less than on racier rigs.

For someone who likes to try to push the pace and ride fast most of the time, I find that aggressive geometries and the resultant body positions simply aren’t the most comfortable for me. Still, I could get into a low and aggressive enough position by riding in the drops or lowering the stem. But for putting in miles on regular training rides, I found the Checkpoint SL to feel pretty ideal. 

Trek’s IsoSpeed system added comfort by reducing vibrations that came up through the saddle. While the frame remained rigid, it provided a bit of “suspension” for the rider, similar to the Future Shock system on the Specialized Diverge STR.

It didn’t feel anything like the traditional suspension you might find on a full-suspension mountain bike. But it was absolutely noticeable compared to most rigid gravel bikes, even those with intentionally “compliant” frame designs. 

The feel of IsoSpeed was quite subtle. By isolating and allowing the seat tube to flex slightly, it provided a bit of a calming sensation. It reduced buzz and feedback instead of transferring every vibration straight into the saddle.

Once I was used to riding this bike, I honestly didn’t notice it. Jumping back on my personal bike without IsoSpeed, however, quickly made me realize how effective it actually was.

The plump 42mm tires also played their part by adding cushioning to help smooth the ride even further. And, the fancy carbon Bontrager IsoCore bar helped keep my hands from going numb as quickly as they do when riding most alloy bars. The carbon fork was quite stiff, though, so good line choice in chunky conditions was still necessary to avoid getting bucked around.

Another nice thing about the IsoSpeed system is that it didn’t take away from lateral frame stiffness or pedaling efficiency. The Checkpoint SL responded immediately to pedaling input and had a lively feel under power. For a bike catering more toward adventure riding than its predecessor, it had a zesty feel when I got on the gas.

Riding everything from hardpack gravel, loose gravel, pavement, and non-technical singletrack, the Checkpoint SL was comfortable, fast-rolling, and responsive to handling input. I enjoyed taking turns on a whim, piecing together rides on singletrack, smooth fire roads, rutted double track, and paved bike paths, and it transitioned between terrain and surface types without missing a beat.

I quickly found its limits, however, when venturing down super-rough, technical, and extra chunky roads and trails, but the same is true of just about any drop bar bike with a rigid carbon fork.  

Although every new super-light gravel race bike continues to skew our perception of weight, 19 pounds, 9 ounces (size large, tubeless, no pedals) is still pretty dang light for a non-race bike. Sure, if you rode it back to back with a 17-pound bike, you’d notice the difference. But otherwise, it didn’t feel sluggish or heavy in the slightest. Having raced and done well on heavier bikes in my life, the Checkpoint SL felt light enough to me for racing, especially since I’m not battling for a spot on the pro podium.

I also found the 7 AXS build to come together very nicely, and there’s nothing at all that I’d need or want to upgrade on this bike right out of the gate. Of course, the saddle and tires will be the most obvious changes people will make, and sure, you could drop some weight with some lighter carbon hoops, but the package is great and performs well. At $5,700, it’s a competitive price for what you get, too.

While looks are always secondary to performance, I happen to think the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 looks fantastic. The sparkle coat “Bronze Age” paint and carbon matte finish is stunning, with small purple Trek logos that pop just enough without being obnoxious. The tan wall tires, big carbon rims, and traditional frame silhouette also work together to give it a timeless appeal.

Final Thoughts on the Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3

To me, the Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 is the epitome of what a gravel bike should be. While I enjoy gravel racing, I don’t necessarily want to ride an aggressive race bike all the time. Sure, I want a bike that’s light, fast, and efficient, but I also want a bike that’s comfortable and up for anything, and I assume the vast majority of riders do, too.

That’s the beauty of gravel riding, after all. Sure, it’s loosely defined as riding on unpaved roads, but at its core, gravel riding is whatever you want it to be. From smooth to rough gravel and paved roads to singletrack, I want a bike that’s as multi-faceted as the sport itself and ready to take on any surface, terrain, or hare-brained route I come up with.

And that’s exactly what the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 is — a capable and adventure-ready gravel rig that’s easy to get along with, fast-rolling, light enough, and fun to ride pretty much everywhere. Its comfortable geometry, user-friendly nature, and adaptability give it a mass appeal that many bikes lack.