All-new gravel race bike: Trek Checkmate review

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Trek has a brand new gravel race bike, the Checkmate - a departure from their original gravel bike, the Checkpoint, which continues on but as an adventure bike with more upright geo and a truckload of mounts and storage.
The Checkmate is nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than the top-end Checkpoint SLR bike it replaces.
In this video I’ll tell you all the pertinent details about the Trek Checkmate, how it compares to other so-called fast gravel bikes on the market, and give you my two cents on what the bike is like to ride. I’ll tell you what I really like about it, and what bugs me, and some questions I have.
I have tested more than 70 gravel bikes at this point, including each and every one of the iterations of Trek’s gravel bikes going back to the short-lived stopgap - the Domane Gravel - which I called BS on six years ago.
I’ll also tell you about a major change in how Trek sells its bikes (move over, Canyon) and the big news on the component front with all of Trek’s gravel bikes (no Shimano spec at all), plus what’s up with the new bolt-on bags.
Checkmate SLR 9 AXS $11,999 - 7.55kg/16.65lb
Checkmate SLR 8 AXS TBD
Checkmate SLR 7 AXS $8,299 - 8.1kg/17.86lb
Checkpoint SL 7 AXS $5,699 - 9kg /19.85lb
Checkpoint SL 6 AXS $3,999 - 9.4kg/20.73lb
Checkpoint SL 5 $3,199 - 9.5kg/20.95lb
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15 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 282

@iyadkamhiyeh527 Месяц назад

I don't say this lightly, but this channel is probably the best bike reviews channel out there, calm and confident voice, professional, no BS and straight to the point! Thanks, Ben

@irockuroll60 Месяц назад

Agreed. He is a great presenter. Objective and fair.

@davidvonslingshot Месяц назад

because NOT paid for reviews that blow smoke up the arses of manufacturers.

@gearsofmedicine Месяц назад

Agreed - professional, objective, excellent, detailed.

@Cyclingchoice Месяц назад

Ditto. I love Ben. Doesn't create unnecessary drama like in other cycling channels just to increase views.

@kellenhassell Месяц назад

100% agree. Love this channel and all Ben’s insights, reviews, and personality.

@RyonBeachner Месяц назад

I can’t wait for the Trek CheckList. My shopping trips and work flowing management will hold speed substantially better, and be at least 20% more compliant.

@MaxwellPowers666 Месяц назад

God, you sound like a terminal corporate case.

@mpad680 Месяц назад

This comment is hilarious!!! I busted out laughing 😂 Trek Check List for the grocery haul win!

@whatshubdoc Месяц назад

Wife will def be on board with this one. Buy two!

@donbarnard82 Месяц назад

You can tell when one has been on the trail by the checkmarks.

@jamesfam3121 Месяц назад

Don't forget the fully solar powered e-bike version CheckOut - made with 100% recycled 23c tyres that no one buys anymore

@dannyzander8398 Месяц назад

RIP Magnus White, too many people are killed by cars

@tubesockets120v 29 дней назад

Data from the Colorado Department of Transportation show 754 people died on Colorado roads in 2022, the highest number in four decades. Of those deaths, 36 percent were pedestrians, motorcyclists or bicyclists.

@prestachuck2867 28 дней назад

@@tubesockets120vCareless drivers are to blame, not the cars themselves.

@robelsby9487 Месяц назад

Thanks for talking about Magnus and the work his parents are doing to honor him. Also, that couch is still up there.

@pin0teres Месяц назад

2:50 "what does that have to do with the gravel race bike review" I believe for many people, and for sure for me, a gravel bike is the only way to enjoy some long bike rides while avoiding high traffic roads, and therefore staying safe.

@festerofest4374 Месяц назад

Getting a Checkpoint last year has changed my life with cycling.... I have tons of dirt roads and rail trails around me and now I can ride there instead of mingling with cars. Less cars, More nature!! It's the only bike I need now, as it's a dream on the roads too.

@howesfull8 Месяц назад

I'm sure not to be the only person to notice this, but it was very cool of you to put Magnus' Ghost Bike in the frame at the end.

@mattregan9134 Месяц назад

As a current Checkpoint owner, I was definitely interested when I saw your video about a lighter version of a gravel bike from Trek, however, there are two things that will keep me on a Checkpoint and not on this newer Checkmate: 1) lack of in-frame storage which I've really come to love on the Checkpoint; and 2) the integrated cockpit seems like it would make dis-assembly for airline travel cases even more of a pain. When traveling to gravel races and assembling the bike in a hotel room or out of the trunk of a rental car, you want the re-assembly process to be as easy as possible.

@irockuroll60 Месяц назад

Bro…expand your horizon and get away from trek. There are so many other brands that make better bikes for the same price and better components (not Bontrager).

@festerofest4374 Месяц назад

I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE my downtube storage on my Checkpoint. I can't imagine buying a bike without it now.

@mechanicalmanical Месяц назад

@@irockuroll60but I love America and the trek store is next to my house

@irockuroll60 Месяц назад

@@mechanicalmanical oh yea. I love America too. And I love my neighborhood trek store as well. It’s like 4 minutes from the crib and the dudes that work there are actually cool. They are not the snobby bike shop workers that don’t have time for you when you are about to drop $7,000 on a bike. Seems like that’s the typical ppl I run into.

@johnsampson2544 23 дня назад

@@irockuroll60 My Trek store guys are the same. They'll actually tell you that you might not need something you're about to buy. They also let me in the back to watch them service my bike, and learn how to do some of the things I'm a bit nervous in trying. Maintaining today's bikes is not the same as working on my BMX bike 45 years ago.

@Tim_McMurray Месяц назад

Beautiful looking bike, for the life of me I can't understand how a brand who actively participates in gravel racing would still sell these with 38mm tires??? and provide clearance for 45mm only. That shows the manufcaturers are still about two years or more behind where the customers needs are. I'd want a 10-52 and clearance for a 2.1 MTB tyre or 50mm at least. Gravel is not smooth everywhere, like in Australia we have a lot of fire road which is rougher and needs a 50mm plus.

@tjb8841 24 дня назад

Agreed. Not everyone needs wide tires, but you can always put narrower tires on a bike with clearance for wide ones, not vice versa.

@petersouthernboy6327 Месяц назад

I’ve been racing my Revolt for two seasons now in the SE-USA. I’ve gravitated from 40mm to 47mm tires. IMHO, knowing what I know now - I wouldn’t buy a gravel bike that couldn’t take a 50mm tire in the mud.

@Mamilian Месяц назад

Same. Also racing a Revolt, mostly on 45s. If it could fit a 50, I'd be using that instead.

@petersouthernboy6327 Месяц назад

@@Mamilian it will fit a 47mm Pathfinder Pro with the rear flip chip in the standard location. I’ve got to think that a 50 would fit with the flip chip stretched out

@Mamilian Месяц назад

@@petersouthernboy6327 I have the OG pre-flip chip version. I think the new flip-chip one can fit a 2.2. Was really hoping that Giant would put a T47 BB in it.

@petersouthernboy6327 Месяц назад

@@Mamilian you and me both on the bottom bracket. I am so fortunate that I have a straight and true BB86 hole. That is too small of a bearing for dub or 30mm (and I run SRAM AXS). To this point, I’ve replaced it each Winter and it was actually a relatively fast and easy process - thanks to a $40 Chinese press kit from Amazon.

@MatthewJohnson85 27 дней назад

@@petersouthernboy6327they specify 53mm max in the long position but I'm pretty sure I saw someone with Maxxis Aspen STs (2.25"~ 57mm) during that Oregon stage race. I've been running 45mm Maxxis Reavers and keep thinking bigger would be even more fun.

@chadsmith71 29 дней назад

I lived in Boulder for a summer in college in 1992, and I still have a lot of friends there. It's a beautiful place, with a great cycling community, and the ride for Magnus was an amazing gesture. Good on you for covering that at the beginning of this video. Love the channel content.

@PeakTorque Месяц назад

Nice overview, Ben. But a gravel bike at this end should be fitting 50-52mm tyres. Data is out there that bigger is often faster. Imo theyve really limited the appeal of this. Should have copied the new checkpoints clearance. No downsides.

@bewe9473 Месяц назад

Would be interested to see the propain terrel on one of your channels, is there a chance ben that you get your hands on this one? Seems to do all the things the checkmate does, but only better, with more tyre clearance and all that for more than a fair price

@EliCriffield Месяц назад

Absolutely, here in the midwest US I don't think anyone should consider buying a new gravel bike with clearance less then 50c, even if they are going to stick to smooth gucci gravel

@PeakTorque Месяц назад

@@bewe9473 thats my current favourite gravel bike on sale judging by the spec and features, and the slightly longer front geo. Im trying to get hold of one.

@scottwatson7844 Месяц назад

Bit odd they’d limit the clearance to 45mm when some riders are rocking up with xc mtb for the added tyre clearance. Even the checkpoint is limited to 50mm which again seems bizarre.

@PeakTorque Месяц назад

@@scottwatson7844 50mm is really pushing the limit before making the leap to mtb bb shell widths and maybe even boost. The tyre clearance, drive chainstay thickness and chainring clearance is the limiting factor. The pros want to run larger rings on gravel which means something has to give and it seems jn this case its tyre clearance.

@bretprins4792 Месяц назад

Ben! Super solid review, these are getting better and better. Super appreciate your explanation on the "flavour" of bike and where it sits in the market. That's the kind of consumer advice most people need IMO. Cheers!

@danpaulus9462 Месяц назад

A very thorough, thoughtful and detailed review. I was made aware of this review from my "in-the-know" son because he knew I was very interested in the Checkmate. It helped answer all my questions. I subscribed and look forward to future reviews. Well done.

@cbenson513 Месяц назад

That's one plush looking ride for Steamboat! Triple chainring ftw!

@ShermanKenB Месяц назад

Having a frame that will fit more tire sizes IMO is always useful and can help future proof your purchase, especially since tire size seems to be increasing. It's always a buyer be ware deal and make sure it fits your needs.

@scottwatson7844 Месяц назад

I personally think Trek should have given this bike greater clearance, with it being aimed more at racers it seems bizarre to limit the bike to just 45mm in a world where tyres are getting wider and wider pretty quickly.

@mattwilliams3104 Месяц назад

Especially with a lot of ppl riding mtb tires

@richardmiddleton7770 Месяц назад

45mm is plenty if you're light, i.e. a cyclist. After that you can just put drop bars and rigid forks on a hard tail mtb.

@aaronclarkphotography4088 2 дня назад

I think Trek did pretty well with this bike. Thanks for the review. I do wish for bigger tire clearance. I'm in the Ozarks, and as you know it's pretty rough riding on some of these minimally maintained roads. I think that in 5 years gravel bikes will accommodate 2.3" tires. On a different note, you are so right about Sram hoods being too narrow. That's the only thing I miss about Shimano. I'd love to figure out a way to bulk the bar up and still get the rubber hood to fit. Right now I've got as much bar tape in there as I can fit. Hope you are healing up Ben!

@neilashton9459 Месяц назад

Great job as always Ben! Regards the Magnus White ride and call out for Trek sponsorship IMO totally justified when a corporate entity supports a worthy cause. Trek are far from perfect but seems to me they do more to support our sport than just selling bikes. They have been with NICA for a long time for example and as a cyclocross racer myself Trek is far and away the biggest supporter outside of Belgium - and one of the few brans still making a dedicated CX bike.

@f1hotrod527 Месяц назад

Kind of cool to see the old Trek bike next to the current Trek race gravel bike.

@NameNaameNameeNaamee 4 дня назад

The Checkmate I like, and it makes sense for what it's meant for. When it comes to Checkpoint, I'm sticking with the Gen 2. It's such a beautiful bike. Actually, it looks more expensive than either of the new ones tbh. That headtube and toptube design just is a winner.

@grwoolf Месяц назад

The UDH compatibility is good, but launching a gravel race bike in 2024 that only fits 45's seems like it's going to significantly limit the market for them (people who only race tame courses or people who have multiple gravel bikes for different courses). Also, I'm a fan of in frame storage for race bikes, but I get that it's a weight trade off. It's not storage for basic flat repair (c02, plugs, etc.), but for all the other stuff you carry but don't expect to need unless things go really sideways (extra tube, tire levers, boots, extra battery, etc.). I don't want all that stuff filling up pockets.

@bodoknudsen5450 Месяц назад

This new bike has been in development for a while and unfortunately for Trek gravel racing is evolving at an even faster pace. There is certainly a trend towards larger tires. It's gone from 38's to 42's to 45's and now to 47 - 50mm as pretty normal widths. On the pointy end we are seeing XC tires on rougher courses like Unbound and Big Sugar. Trek is saying 45 clearance on this bike, so basically the same as the current Checkpoint SLR, so something like a 47 Pathfinder Pro would still likely be just fine. For me, if I'm going to buy something new at this time, I'd want clearance for at least 50s. More bikes that clear that will be coming in addition to ones that already exist like the ENVE MOG. Personally I'd also like to have in frame storage. I get they were trying to cut weight, but I'll spend a lot more time on the bike training for races, than actually racing. I'll take the few extra grams to have the convenience to store stuff in the frame and keep my pockets lighter. Ultimately as Ben eludes to in the review, I think this is a stop gap measure to put something out with the new SRAM XPLR AXS group and Trek is likely working on the next gen gravel race bike already that will have 50+ tire clearance.

@chrisbenten9971 Месяц назад

"Waypoint" should be the name. Question is: Does the Checkpoint replace the Giant?" OMG!!! Cannot wait for the Steamboat Race Report!!

@sailingsvfreelivin3732 24 дня назад

I just bought a sl6 and had it shipped to my house. It was so easy to open and assemble. They even sent tork wrenches.

@dennishaughton4554 29 дней назад

A few yrs ago I purchased a Domane at Trek in Boulder, CO. Such a beautiful city. I miss living in Denver! RIP Magnus. Nice video. I love the checkmate. I don’t really race though and I absolutely love the down tube storage. So the checkpoint would be more suitable for me. Now I just need to come up with 6k lol.

@ChristopherTaylor-q2p 26 дней назад

thanks for honest review. I live in MD and ride/race up and down east coast. Races are very chunky with long climbs and lots of short, steep climbs. A lot of courses are stretching definition of gravel with sections that would def be better on a MTB. Thinking of Mountaineer, Hibernator & Iron Cross as good examples. I have raced on 40mm Cinturato H on my current Checkpoint SL7 and have had no problems. Def would have appreciated bigger tires on certain sections but overall 40 tires were fine with no flats. 🤞moving forward. I may try wider tires this fall race season as there is a lot of evidence that it doesn’t slow you down but I don’t see the major disadvantage to 45mm max. There are not many current race focused bikes with bigger clearance. Most have smaller max clearance. And the few that do have the flip chip that allows larger size which changes the geometry to a more relaxed.

@RicardoRocha-lg1xo Месяц назад

Your review on the Domane Gravel broke my heart back in 2018, cause I had just ordered an ALR. A couple of years later I got myself a Lynskey GR300, which is a proper gravel bike, but I still have that Domane as my road bike and it has been through several builds and a few overseas trips. In hindsight, it ended up being a pretty good purchase.

@ZenEndurance Месяц назад

Integrated stem is always a no-go for me. You can’t tell what length to get until you’ve ridden it for a few weeks.

@gregmorrison7320 Месяц назад

Not to mention the fact that many gravel riders like to fit a Redshift Shock Stop stem so would need to buy new bars to do so.

@timdixo Месяц назад

@@gregmorrison7320 Yep,100%,run a redshift stem and post,game changing. Current integration trends don’t allow for this….a case of marketing style over function.

@ZenEndurance Месяц назад

@@gregmorrison7320 yep. I have one and love it

@altern8tive Месяц назад

The industry's "Faster, lighter" mantra can only go so far before it becomes a parody of itself (if we are not beyond that point already).

@TarmacSkin Месяц назад

One bike to rule them all !! 🙄

@nl3712 Месяц назад

entire bike industry is verging on parody at the moment

@3TZZZ 25 дней назад

Hey Ben…I’d like to see gravel race bikes like the new Checkmate, reviewed also as road bikes, with road tyres. Afterall, one of the greatest strengths of gravel race bikes is also their ability to be utilised as all-road N+1 killers.

@bunnyadrian Месяц назад

I don't know what bet you lost, but I look forward to that video!!!

@evandarling699 Месяц назад

Oh boy! You should be easy to spot on that thing at SBT! I'm doing the 100 mile. I'm taking your past advice.. I did the black last time and it was tough. The 100 seems more enjoyable and competitive for an old guy like myself! RIP Magnus. It was an emotional ride for sure! Especially considering how often I ride right past that spot!

@doughills8024 Месяц назад

I believe in the not to distant future gravel bikes will be UDH and at least 50mm clearance.

@frienduro24 Месяц назад

You can’t fit big chainrings and frames will need to be heavier to accommodate the 50s. Pick your poison

@dextor3 15 дней назад

Man, that’s a sweet paint job, too

@gravelDave Месяц назад

Its a minor but making the trek logo smaller and placing it low on the downtube is a genius move, It gives the impression the bike is lower than it is snd it looks more aggresive.

@hansschotterradler3772 Месяц назад

My 7-yr -old TI bike that takes 45 mm tires. That was big tire clearance in in 2017. I just installed 45 mm tires for the first time (GK X1 R); I think size this hits the sweet spot for most gravel riding.

@trwilliams22 Месяц назад

Thanks for continued great coverage. I always appreciate your reviews, even if I’m not in the market for the item. Good to stay informed.

@sccxvelo Месяц назад

Tire sizes could be getting determined now. 30mm-32mm for road. 35mm-40mm/42mm for CX, all road, and fast gravel. 45mm-50mm most gravel bikes. Then bigger then 50mm/ 2.0in up is MTB. What is insane what old CX tires width is now road width, no knobs. Old CX equals endurance/ all road whatever they call it now with fast gravel with just slight geo. changes. Then most gravel/ adventure bikes that some borderline MTB in some cases. Amazing 10-15 years of frame development and people just testing ideas got us.

@urbanadventurer5 Месяц назад

Value wise, the updated Checkpoint seems like a real value for an all around gravel bike. It seems like it could be a great bike with a lightweight groupset and light carbon wheels. I don’t see any reason why that bike can’t be ridden pretty fast if you set it up right. That being said, this seems like a really cool rig. Looks super fast, it’s light for gravel and still comfy. I like that combo lol. The prices are a little nuts for most of us though. I would probably opt for a Revolt or comp level Crux as a result and save myself a bunch of money.

@tjb8841 24 дня назад

Dropped vertical bottle makes a lot of sense. So many bikes leave a gap there

@markandrews2222 Месяц назад

Another great video, Ben! If you’re taking requests, it would be great if you could put the Parlee Taos on your Review To-do list. Thanks!

@tjb8841 24 дня назад

The integrated bar-stem is a “lazy designers” way to get the bike more aero. How much more aero is it once you strap a number plate to it, which is what you have to do in a race. Instead, spend the time to design a solution that makes the number plate more aero, by creating a fairing or such behind it. Then you could run any stem and cables wouldn’t have to go through headsets either.

@terrillford7784 Месяц назад

Man, I want to be Ben in the next life. Just get to ride all the top end bikes without swipping a credit card. Great video

@GHinWI Месяц назад

Lower BB makes a lot of sense, especially with people tending toward shorter crank arms.

@3TZZZ Месяц назад

Exceptional review Ben. …Tyre size / clearance in gravel is a fascinating topic. Is 45mm clearance enough? Yes for champagne gravel. But as you rightly point out many will already be looking to the next iteration of Checkmate for more tyre clearance. …However, why has everyone seemingly forgotten about 650b wheels? Rolling diameter of 50mm tyres on 650b wheels is the same as 32mm tyres on 700c (700c x 32mm = 686mm = 650b x 50mm). Also, 650b tyres and wheels are lighter for equivalent widths. So the new Trek Checkmate (or any gravel bike) with 650b wheels and 50mm tyres would make a perfect rough gravel race rig.

@chrisharley4353 Месяц назад

Looking forward to the new Checkpoint video. Checkmate looks amazing, but it's too bad the tire max size is 45mm. Trek missed the mark on that.

@michaeldee697 Месяц назад

Great review. You're getting the hang of this.

@hardmtnbiker 14 дней назад

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 my thoughts and prayers go to that family.

@bluemystic7501 Месяц назад

I really like the style of your reviews.

@romankarabutin3781 Месяц назад

The bike looks awesome! But the tire clearance🫣 Dylan Johnson is laughing right now))

@Zahava Месяц назад

New Checkmate replaces old Checkpoint SLR. So yes its two new bikes announced, but its also still taking a model / sku’s away. Also, love the new name! ♟️

@mseekles1972 11 дней назад

Another great video/review! Will you be doing a separate one for the new checkpoint? I noticed you were riding the new SL7. Thanks!

@whichwayiszigzag Месяц назад

Keep up the great work! My fave cycling channel since even before you roasted the Domane. LOL I love my Revolt too, but it just cracked! Do you have a merch store? You should. 🚴🚴‍♂🚴‍♀

@daniels.2720 Месяц назад

@13:58 "...and Delaney for the SAVE !..."

@jayseb 8 дней назад

I think the safest bet currently is wait another 2-3 seasons till gravel bikes mature with winning combinations... BTW these roads look real fine 😅

@Coholbell15 23 дня назад

Just order mine cant wait

@barrowsworm1226 Месяц назад

Note: Paige Onweller has a video out where she was able to fit a 2.1" MTB tire in the front of the Checkmate, it would not fit in the rear though. As with most bikes, one can usually fit the next size tire up (lots of folks race the Canyon Grail with 45s) from what is specified, so perhaps a 50 mm tire will fit in the rear. Of course fitting the larger tires does not leave much clearance for mud, so if one expects mud, going narrower is the best call (usually narrower is better in mud anyway).

@BritBike60 27 дней назад

Can’t all these big brands realize that space for +50mm tyres is non-negotiable…….save the effort of all the compliance and just give us race gravel bikes with huge clearance!

@igorgetsin3646 Месяц назад

I keep hearing about Trek reducing number of skus to keep up with sluggish demand post pandemic. Yet here we are, with now 4 gravel bikes, Checkpoint, Checkmate, Boone and Crockett, the last 2 being cyclocross but similar enough.

@kevindolan2194 Месяц назад

Crockett is only sold as a Frameset and the Boone has only 1 model and a frameset option.

@RogerEcks Месяц назад

The Checkmate is a cool new addition to the Trek family, but let’s get a build review on that 970!

@jmscheel Месяц назад

Good stuff Ben. Love the word games. Regarding 40 vs. 45 vs. bigger. I wouldn’t ride anything less than 47 now on my Crux. Evolve my friend.

@davidvonslingshot Месяц назад

agreed. 47-50 seems needed in a large amount of racing events if you want to compete…

@justsomedude7556 Месяц назад

I run the Girona RSL in a 42 on my CheckPoint, they are great tires. Wish they have a 45mm as well.. maybe in the future.

@migatron7359 28 дней назад

Looking forward to your Checkpoint review. Would be great to hear your thoughts on that vs your highly recommended Revolt

@haemstah 29 дней назад

As they say: 'horses for courses'. 45mm is fine across mild stuff. New custom dropbar frameset is 29x2.6+.

@dansugardude2655 27 дней назад

A bike shop on Cape Cod that I went to a lot when I lived there told me that Trek bikes are trash. Pinarello and Guerciotti are the bikes to go for!

@unbridlededification Месяц назад

Loving the mixed metaphors :) 45s definitely aren't enough

@GaryCherniy 28 дней назад

That Trek 970 is fire.

@bikemellon Месяц назад

We’ll need a full breakdown and review of the Protege after steamboat, Ben.

@jancoetzer9941 28 дней назад

Another good video. I'm done with Trek. Ordered a new $8k bike from them in February this year - they made me wait three months for it to arrive. However, it never arrived, and four months later, Trek offered to "try to find another bike from somewhere else". I went home, ordered a Canyon for half the money, and had it four days later. Sorry Trek. Bye Trek.

@KolbyWoodMedicalSales 29 дней назад

Can’t wait to see the bike review for the ‘03 Protege 😂

@ErwinPfuhler 29 дней назад

Overall this is a wnderful bike and an indepth review not only something which comes straight from a marketing department, but you took a closer look e.g. at the cockpit. I wonder whether one expects a minor but bothersome flaw at this price point.

@maczafarana8989 11 дней назад

RIP Magnus 🖤

@CurtAJ9 Месяц назад

I look forward to your run down of gravel race bikes for 2025. I want to see what you think of Checkmate as compared with MOG, Revolt, Crux and others.

@GG108CT Месяц назад

Rebadged Domane RSL with room for 45’s

@graemehill Месяц назад

Maybe I just give Dylan Johnson and his social media reach too much credit, but I find it shocking that race bikes are still coming out with such narrow tire clearance! We simply can not get it through our thick skulls that narrower tires are not better ffs. I think the fact that wider tires are more comfortable and preferred by casual riders is maybe causing us to think surely then a race bike should not also use them but time after time after time when anyone actually tests this out they find that the typical gravel size tires in the 38-45mm range are trash on a lot of typical terrains that people race on. For example I think hardly anyone is voluntarily racing unbound on 45mm tires. You even have people going to great lengths and tolerating very risky chain stay gaps to stay sponsor correct while using appropriate tires. At least this isn't as bad as the Canyon Grail where they said pros demanded only 40mm clearance so they could fit gigantic chain rings. 45mm clearance is for euro gravel. NA gravel I'd sooner get a drop bar mtb than a 45mm gravel bike if I'm racing. Haha sorry I need to calm down. Love your videos!

@barrowsworm1226 26 дней назад

And... Keegan Swenson just won at SBT GRVL on 2.2" Maxxis Aspen STs! Manufacturers are messing up by limiting gravel race bikes to 45, this is short sighted.

@PhilandErika Месяц назад

Don't know if you had the opportunity, but would like to have seen that on some more challenging "gravel". It seems there was a target market when they started designing, but maybe that market has moved on!

@gregbrown3764 Месяц назад

5:41 I spy with my little eye, the Big Cat.

@standish250 25 дней назад

We moved to Boulder county a few months ago. Didn't hear about Magnus until the ride event passed, very tragic. I've done a few road rides with semis and utility trucks passing and, with events like Magnus' on my mind, it's not very fun. These gravel roads you're featuring in the video look amazing. What area is that? My "gravel" is mainly Rocky Flats or Coalton Trail, so would like to find these more open, country based ones. Thanks for any advice!

@BruceChastain Месяц назад

nice bike and beautiful place to ride

@christianverry4878 Месяц назад

Compare to Allied Echo please. Echo only fits 40 mm tires but I’m interested to know if the ride feel regarding stability, cornering, acceleration are similar.

@braydley Месяц назад

Would you use this as an “all-road” bike with two wheelsets? Looking to ride fast group rides, but then switch to gravel on other days.

@drewbutler833 Месяц назад

Now this is how to do a bike review!

@mtbdawg4987 28 дней назад

I want a Shimano group option on the Checkpoint. I hate Sram. I keep all my bikes Shimano for bike part compatibility across all my bikes. Also still prefer Shimano shifters and brakes

@gearsofmedicine 24 дня назад

May I ask, Ben and community of The Ride, how do we think this geometry compares with Specialized Crux - as a fast gravel bike, a bit more detail on geometry as the video refers to Crux is lighter. Thanks 🙏

@louisranes2997 25 дней назад

Amazing review! One question and I couldn't really get any information, are the triangle bag bolt compatible with the previous gen (alr and gen 2)? I'm in search of such bags to maximize frame spaces.

@nl3712 Месяц назад

Local pricing for both models is INSANE in my market (South Africa). Prices are now at S-Works MTB levels...

@57ebartley Месяц назад

Jeez, I hope you have some video of you riding the Hoopty bike next week.

@peterlindsay8235 18 дней назад

I have a 2023 trek checkpoint sl5 that I rode through France loaded with approx 15kg. I found that it did not have sufficient gear range for climbing. Which Gravel Bike offers the biggest/best gear range. I rode with 40mm tyres which were ok excepting for the rougher paths and rural roads. I am not sure that 45mm is optimal and found a lot of bike tourists preferring a 50mm tyre. Is there a standard tyre for touring? Cheers Peter

@mister_ray Месяц назад

The Trek Checkmate SLR 9 will replace my Trek Domane and Trek Boone. Will run 40mm Schwalbe G-One 40mm tires (RS and Speed) depending on terrain.

@gregmorrison7320 Месяц назад

I hope you don't regret your purchase when they up the clearance to 50mm in the next generation.

@mister_ray Месяц назад

I already have a Checkpoint SLR 7 that I can run chunky wide tires on. The Checkmate will be more of an All Road bike.

@MedvedActual Месяц назад

Sweet bike but damn, Trek! How can I afford even a single water bottle after paying that $$$ for the bike? 😢

@dominikd4775 Месяц назад

Nice video as always! Did you ever do a stand-alone video for the old canyon grail? Thanks and cheers from Vienna.

@pedalandypedal Месяц назад

Was excited until the 45 max popped up.

@AppleJack76 29 дней назад

As a grieving father, peace and love to Magnus' parents. 😢

@OleKyrreBrnd Месяц назад

I must say it is a purpose looking bike. Maybe you said it and I just did not pay proper attention. Can you have a 2by front mech?

@TheRidewithBenDelaney Месяц назад

It can, yes. Electric only though, I believe.

@thomaskuhn6541 Месяц назад

Like the colour scheme but thought it was a Canyon when your video first popped up. Why can't they finally get rid of Isospeed? Not enough tire clearance at 45mm, the Revolt has 53mm - don't need 53 but nice to have the option.

@jonphotos8631 Месяц назад

No 50m tire clearance cause it’s a Domane

@Digi20 29 дней назад

At this point i feel there is really no point for the "average" person to go for a dedicated road-only bike anymore. just get something like the checkmate with a not so heavy tire and you will pretty much have 95% of what a road bike is. even if gravel riding isnt your thing you can use it perfectly on the road and add a lot of short-cuts, pathways, forest roads etc. to your cycling. and gain lots of comfort on pavement too. with the new tire options like the 38mm schwalbe pro one or the super fast hutchinson caracal you dont even need two wheelsets for that. seriously considering merging my (heavy, comfy, slower more bike-packing focused) gravel truck and my older first gen disc-brake road bike back into one fast gravel machine when the time has come to update.

@AnthonyVaughn-w7i Месяц назад

Love it, I’m an u happy checkpoint because it feels like it’s lugging a boulder behind it. How does this compare to the speed and stiffness of the old Cronus Ultimate?

@edwardmiller578 29 дней назад

Hey Ben ! Thanks so much For your great videos.. question today is I love your kit .. do you have a link to buy your jerseys .. thanks Eddie

@TheRidewithBenDelaney 29 дней назад

Thank you. I just got jerseys in and need to get them up on my site, theride.bike. Give me a week!

@drill_fiend1097 Месяц назад

Will you have a review for checkpoint separately? As a non racer I am more interested in the other bike. On a side note, I noticed checkered icon on the fork. Personally it would be cooler if yhe entire fork is checkered lol.