Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless

Evoking challenging terrain and stunning scenery in southwestern Wisconsin, the Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless is Trek's most recent addition to their gravel/adventure lineup. The Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless is a custom-painted, high-quality gravel bike that will hold up for long, rugged miles on pavement, dirt, and even the most treacherous gravel roads. The component build is centered around adventure and exploration. A single-chainring GRX drivetrain is aimed at riders looking for simplicity and reliability. The dropper post -a new addition to the Checkpoint- is aimed at riders who don't shy away from roller-coaster trails. But there's so much more!

To build the Checkpoint's ALR frame, Trek started with their ultralight hydroformed 300 Series Alpha Aluminum. Refined frame shaping and a tapered head tube add plenty of strength, bringing instant pedaling response and razor-sharp handling to every mile. Mounts for racks, fenders, integrated frame bags, and bottle cages galore are found throughout the Checkpoint ALR. The Checkpoint’s slightly longer top tube moves the front wheel further ahead of the rider, improving stability on crumbly descents. A correspondingly short stem and short-reach handlebar keeps the bike’s fit unchanged. A carbon fiber fork soaks up fatiguing vibration from washboard hardpan.

The components chosen for the Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless are Shimano's 11-speed GRX group. Built to put up with dirty, messy conditions, the GRX component group will get you through multi-day adventures, or just a rainy commute across town. This version of GRX is a single-ring drivetrain, bringing simplicity and reliability to every mile. A 40T GRX single chainring crankset is matched with an 11-42T Shimano SLX cassette, boasting a very wide gearing range. When laden down with bags and cargo on hilly terrain, the Checkpoint ALR Driftless can help you meet the challenge. A GRX RX812 long cage rear derailleur will handle shifting under load and while tackling washboard surfaces, thanks to an onboard clutch. 11-speed GRX dual-control levers feature textured hoods and adjustable lever reach for excellent ergonomics. Bontrager supplies the tubeless-ready alloy Paradigm wheelset. The 21mm interior rim width allows a tire to spread out for improved traction and handling on loose surfaces. Meaty 700x40c Bontrager GR2 Team Issue tires bring a more aggressive tread to the Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless for increased traction on gnarly trails and jeep doubletrack. Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power in all conditions, rain or shine (or mud).

The aforementioned Easton EA70 AX dropper post is operated with the left hand GRX lever, getting the Bontrager P3 Verse Comp saddle out of the way with 50mm of travel. Cool, huh? An accessory-ready alloy Bontrager Elite Blendr stem and flared alloy Bontrager Elite Gravel handlebar complete the cockpit of this bike built for epic adventures.

A color-matched custom Bontrager frame bag that features the same topo map design as the Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless is included with the purchase of this bicycle.