Trek Checkpoint SL 5

Sometimes the bike industry needs to do a collective forhead-slap when they see a bike like the Checkpoint SL 5. Why doesn't everyone make a bike like this! VeloNews was so impressed, they gave the Checkpoint SL 5 their Bike of the Year award for 2020!

The Checkpoint SL 5 takes plenty of great features and combines them to make a brilliant all-rounder. It can take on plenty of weeklong adventures and still commute to work on Monday. Trek's exclusive 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber makes up the Checkpoint SL 5's frame, making it very light yet incredibly strong for excellent handling and power delivery. The fit of the Checkpoint is more upright, allowing a wider range of riders -and rider flexibilities- to get comfortable easily. A tapered head tube/steerer tube interface adds to the Checkpoint SL 5's handling precision, while a press-fit BB90 bottom bracket ensures flex-free power delivery with every pedal stroke. Out back, the adjustable Stranglehold thru-axle dropouts allow the rider to tweak the bike's wheelbase, adding stability for rough surfaces or heavy loads. The Checkpoint's all-carbon fork is also thru-axle equipped, adding an extra dash of handling precision.

Little details on the Checkpoint SL 5 add up to huge versatility, including a 3S chain keeper that prevents dropped chains (and greasy fingers), asymmetrical chainstays for better tire clearance (up to 45c!), a rear IsoSpeed decoupler and Ride Tuned no-cut seatmast to soak up fatiguing vibration. Downtube-mounted Carbon Armor defends against rock strikes, while mounts galore allow for racks, fenders and bottle cages to be installed for weeklong adventures or just rides across town.

Shimano's latest 11-speed update of their GRX gravel/adventure component group are found on the Checkpoint SL 5. The latest updates to this world-beating setup includes features found on mountain bike groups, improved functionality, and user-friendliness. The new GRX rear derailleur is now a Shadow-style unit, increasing cassette capacity up to 34T, as well as tucking it under the chainstay for more precise operation, especially under hard pedaling loads. A clutch mechanism helps prevent dropped chains on rough surfaces. The new GRX front derailleur's toggle pivot design is much more compact, easier to adjust, and improves clearance for wider tires at the cage's trailing edge. Shimano's engineers have increased the rigidity of the GRX 36/30T crankset with a massive hollow bottom bracket spindle. The lighter GRX dual-control levers have a wider range of adjustment for smaller hands, as well as improved lever hood texture. Less effort is needed for each shift, too. An 11-34T Shimano 105 cassette brings a massive gearing range to the party, making challenging inclines less intimidating. The flat-mount Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes found on the Checkpoint SL 5 help regulate speed with excellent lever feedback and sheer stopping power, rain or shine. Tubeless-ready alloy Bontrager wheels are shod with Bontrager's 700x40c tubeless-ready GR1 Team Issue semi-treaded tires, giving the Checkpoint SL 5 excellent grip on road, gravel and hardpan surfaces alike.

Bontrager's Montrose Comp saddle, accessory-ready alloy Elite Blendr stem and alloy Elite IsoZone VR-CF road handlebar completes this epic-ready machine.