2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 Review

2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 Review

Are you looking to upgrade your bicycle and don’t know where to start? With so many options on the market, it can difficult to decide which one is best for you. 

Well, if you are an avid cyclist that covers long distances, then the 2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 should be at the top of your list.

Trek has been in the business of making bicycles for more than four decades and is renowned for making some of the best quality cycle frames. 

The 2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 features a lightweight 500 Series OCLV Carbon fiber frame and parts that have been designed with high performance and durability in mind.

2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 Review

This review is an exploration of the 2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 bike; everything from its build quality, handling, components and performance. 

Read on to discover why this road bike is worth investing in.

The 2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 is one of the most versatile, race-ready gravel bikes on the market. 

With Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and other components, you can go from crushing all-day gravel epics to exploring singletrack with equal parts speed and confidence. 

In this review, we’ll explore the features that make this gravel bike stand out from the rest.

The Trek Checkpoint SL 5 is a bikepacking and gravel bike that gives you the perfect blend of balance, power and performance on any terrain. 

With its lightweight OCLV Carbon frame and components, this bike is great for rides over miles of hills or through sandy trails. 

Other features include 29-inch wheels, IsoSpeed, downtube storage door, unobtrusive mudguard compatibility and durable Bontrager Paradigm SL rims. 

This is an adventure ready bike designed for those wanting to explore their limits on varied terrains.

Features:

– Lightweight OCLV Carbon frame for superior strength

– Shimano GRX 2×11 drivetrain

– Flat mount hydraulic disc brakes

– Unobtrusive fender and bag mounts

– Durable Bontrager Paradigm Tubeless ready rims

– 700x40c Tubeless Ready Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tires

Frame

The Checkpoint SL 5 has an incredibly light and stiff 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame which provides excellent handling and response. 

The IsoSpeed decoupler delivers a dampened, responsive ride that absorbs unpleasant bumps while avoiding harsh impacts. 

A storage compartment on the downtube allows you to conveniently store your tools and equipment. 

It also has strategically placed mounts for extra water storage or bags, as well as a wide range of gears that make it an ideal choice for racing across any terrain.

Gearing

Shimano’s GRX 2×11 drivetrain offers crisp shifting and incredible control while riding off road or in technical conditions. 

The 46/30T chainrings and 11-34, 11 speed cassette gearing combination gives you plenty of options to choose from during climbs or descents.

Braking

Running on Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, the Checkpoint SL 5 provides exceptional brake performance with minimal effort required from the rider to modulate stopping power. 

This makes it easy for novice riders who are still getting accustomed to higher speeds on off road terrain.

Wheels & Tires

Tubeless compatible Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels with 700x40mm Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tires offer ample traction to tackle any type of terrains, whether it be dirt roads, gravel paths, or trails full of rocks and roots. 

The generous clearance of this frame allows you to install larger tires (700x45mm or 27.5×2.1″) for riding over more difficult terrain and tracks.

Bottom Line

The Checkpoint SL 5 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance race ready gravel bike that won’t let them down when pushed hard in unpredictable conditions. 

The light frame paired with powerful disc brakes alongside tubeless compatible wheels & tires provide extreme control across varied terrain – making it well suited for epic adventures through nature as well as competitive racing against your friends on long weekends away!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!