Trek Checkpoint SL 7

Trek has taken the gravel racing world by storm with their Checkpoint SL carbon fiber bikes. This is their best version of the Checkpoint!

Every mile of a gravel adventure is tougher than the same ride over pavement. The bike needs to be light, smooth and -above all- tough as nails. The design team at Trek didn't cut corners for low weight or high strength. They used Trek's proprietary 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber to build the frame of the Checkpoint SL 7, ensuring feather-lightness and high torsional strength for instant power transfer. The frame's carbon fiber "recipe" also smoothes out rough surfaces at every point between the dropouts. The heart of the Checkpoint SL's ride quality magic is the IsoSpeed decoupler and no-cut seatmast at the top tube/seat tube juncture. This forehead-slap simple technology soaks up sudden impacts from harsh surfaces, making it an excellent choice for attacking washboard surfaces, crumbling fire roads and gravel paths for hours (or days) on end. A tapered head tube and 12mm thru-axles all add an extra dash of sharpness to the bike's handling, especially during high-speed turns and descents. The rear dropout is an adjustable Stranglehold sliding unit that allows the rider to change the wheelbase and tire clearance. A long wheelbase will improve stability in loose or sandy conditions, while a shorter wheelbase quickens the handing. The rear brake caliper mount moves with the left dropout, eliminating guesswork when making adjustments in the field. The aforementioned brake caliper mounts are also flat-mount versions, reducing overall weight further. Mounts for racks and fenders and up to 4 water bottles are found throughout the Checkpoint SL 7, bringing versatility to the bike. Control Freak internal cable routing keeps brake lines tucked in and rattle-free, while downtube-mounted Carbon Armor prevents chipped paint from flying debris off the front tire. If even wider tires are part of your Checkpoint SL 7's build, it can accept rubber up to 45c. 

The Checkpoint SL 7 boasts cycling's latest tech: 12-speed wireless shifting from SRAM. Called eTap AXS, this is SRAM's cutting edge shifting technology, allowing a single-ring bicycle to run a gearing range of a cross-country mountain bike. With no wires, cables or housing to snag or foul, the Checkpoint SL 7 has a reliability advantage when charging across mud, dirt and gravel-strewn surfaces. A set of Force eTap AXS dual-control levers operate a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS mountain bike rear derailleur, bringing lightning-quick operation (literally!) to every gear change. Time between recharges of the removeable derailleur-mounted battery is 25+ hours. A massive 10-50T SRAM Eagle cassette delivers 12 speeds along with a 40T single-ring SRAM Force D1 carbon fiber crankset. A unique SRAM Flattop chain with improved durability does power delivery duty.

Bontrager has been in the wheel business from the beginning, and the Aeolus Pro 3V wheelset found on the Checkpoint SL 7 is a classic example of their commitment to improving products for diverse needs. The "3V" designation is for their 25mm wide tubeless-ready version, allowing treaded gravel tires to produce a wider "footprint" on any given surface. Ready to take tubeless tires with sealant, gasketed valve stems and rim strips (sold separately), the Aeolus Pro 3V wheelset is better than narrower road wheels for rough terrain and long miles. The characteristic shallow aerodynamic rim profile is still there, making the wheelset an excellent choice for windy conditions in all directions. The cassette driver boasts 108 points of engagement, nearly eliminating "free play" with every pedal stroke. Weighing only 1575 grams for the set, Aeolus Pro 3V wheels won't hold you back when attacking challenging terrain or ferocious headwinds. Or both. Bontrager also supplies the 700x40c GR1 Team Issue tubeless-ready tires, offering excellent traction and a smooth feel over hardpan, gravel and broken blacktop.

SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes cover stopping duties with excellent lever feedback and stopping power, even in wet and muddy conditions. Bontrager's Pro IsoCore VR-CF OCLV carbon fiber handlebars add an extra layer of defense from fatiguing vibration as well as keeping total bike weight very low. An accessory-ready alloy Bontrager Pro stem and Bontrager Arvada Elite saddle finish off the cockpit of this outstanding adventure machine.

A SRAM eTap battery charger is included with the purchase of this bicycle.