Overview
The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3 is a highly versatile gravel bike that offers modern geometry, a lightweight and refined aluminium frame and good performance on both tarmac and gravel. It is particularly suited to riders looking to make the transition to gravel riding or looking for a reasonably priced but truly modern gravel bike. https://vmsport.fi/osasto/polkupyorat/maantie-ja-gravel/gravel-pyorat/?_valmistaja=trek
Structure and equipment
The bike rolls on Bontrager Paradigm 23 discs with 23 mm internal width and tubeless compatibility. The manufacturer's declared weight for a pair of discs is around 1 800 grams. The tyres are 42 mm Bontrager Girona Pro tyres with lightweight pattern, brown sides and integrated puncture protection.
The cab has a Bontrager Elite gravel bar and 90 mm stem. On the test bike, the bar width was 42 cm, which helps the bike feel fast and controlled. At the rear is a 27.2 mm Bontrager aluminium bar and a Bontrager Verse Short Comp saddle.
The test bike was delivered ready tubeless, which is a big plus. It also came with two bottle cages and water bottles, as well as a Trek Adventure tube bag.
Driving position and geometry
The geometry of the Checkpoint ALR is clearly in the endurance and all-road category. The riding position is comfortable and more relaxed than on the more aggressive gravel bikes, but still sporty enough for a fast ride.
The steering is calm and predictable, which increases safety, especially on uneven gravel roads and during long days of driving.
Driving feel and performance
Checkpoint ALR is particularly strong on asphalt and hard gravel. The bike feels fast and light, and the 10.56 kg total weight is particularly noticeable on uphill sections.
The aluminium frame and full carbon fibre fork are stiff in all the right places, but still offer good ride comfort. The 50 mm tyre clearance clearly offers more potential for more demanding off-road riding with the right tyre choices.
Transmission and brakes
The SRAM Apex XPLR mechanical drivetrain is precise, reliable and well suited to gravel riding. The gearing is adequate for off-road without compromising too much on-road performance.
Braking power is good and there is a clear feel in the levers. In wet conditions there was occasional squealing, which is typical of disc brakes, especially in muddy conditions.
Tyres and terrain
Bontrager Girona tires are fast on asphalt and excellent on wide, fast gravel roads and forest roads. On muddy and more technical terrain, their grip is more limited, but this is easily solved with a tyre upgrade.
Summary
The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3 is a very balanced and well thought out gravel bike. It works great as a first ride, commuter bike and for long adventures.
At the moment, it's hard to find a better gravel bike in the under €2 100 price range.
This review is based on the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3 test conducted by BikeRadar.
Read the original test: BikeRadar.com https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/gravel-bikes/trek-checkpoint-alr-5-gen-3
