Perhaps the best bike review in years. You keep a great balance between tech and clarity/simplicity. As a loyal Trek rider, I appreciated your review greatly as I am currently shopping for a new Gravel bike.
I don't know how you're going to make your channel any better than the series you just did. Really enjoyed watching you travel across America. Very inspiring.
Hello everyone! If you followed our series, LOVECYCLES, you'll know that we pedaled these bikes across the entire USA and loved em. Full disclosure, Trek did give us these bikes. I could probably get free bikes from many brands, but I choose to work with Trek because I love their bikes (have been riding them since I was 14) and I admire the values of their company. The fact that they sponsored our ride does not mean that I can't say anything bad about the Checkpoint, in this case however, I REALLY like this bike, which is why I don't have anything negative to say. Early on in our ride, Ali's derailleur acted up, but that was mainly due to getting damaged on the flight to Oregon. MY MAIN GOAL IS TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO RIDE, I DON'T CARE WHAT BRAND OF BIKE YOU RIDE, I JUST CARE THAT YOU RIDE!! Happy trails my friends!
Hi Ryan. I think you could have gotten any major bike company to give you a bike because you are such a good brand ambassador. Transparent, honest, but ready to show the product's features at the same time. You and Alisa are athletes but what I enjoyed about this series is that you didn't make it a project about racing across the country. I learned a lot about how pleasant (and at times difficult) it can be to ride across America along rail beds, bike paths and through forests. It was very nice to see two people camp out for several months eating little more than tacos and Nutella, wearing the same clothes. It shows how you can still have a great experience even when you are in a position of vulnerability (to weather, fatigue, and the unknown). My favorite episode was the one where you encountered the bikers (one with his daughter) and the one where you camped out by the hot springs. I think you really showed us how to enjoy biking and people, and for that I think you and Ali have done Trek a huge service, worth well in excess of the couple of bikes they gave you.
It would have been really helpful if you had been more clear about the actual maintenance and repairs that were needed (drailleurs, cables, tune-ups, etc). That's the kind of information that you had a unique opportunity to provide.
Ryan and Ali, great job reviewing your Checkpoint's. I purchased a Checkpoint Alr 4 last week and I finally got enough courage to take it for a spin! I didn't want to get it dirty, but like you said, Ryan, "It's meant to get dirty!" Let me tell you, my Checkpoint is a blast to ride! My wife and I road our bikes at a Metropark in Michigan, today, and I put my Checkpoint to the test. I road it on asphalt, gravel, grass and swampy grass, and it performed, flawlessly! Another awesome quality about the Checkpoint; it's a rocketship! This bike is super fast and responsive! I test road quite a few bikes before purchasing my Checkpoint. I test road a Specialized AWOL, Sequoia, and Roubaix. I also test road Treks 520 and 920 touring bikes and a Surly Trucker. When I was about to give up my search for a bike, I decided to try a local Trek dealer. I have always road Specialized and had a hard time crossing over to another manufacturer. Specialized makes some awesome bikes, indeed. An incredible salesman by the name of Scott showed me the Checkpoint and it caught my attention do to it's versatility. When I took the Checkpoint for a spin, I was immediately hooked! I payed 1500 dollars for a my bike. It was a 2018 demo and in fantastic shape. I owe my thanks to you, Ryan. You and Ali are an awesome inspiration to the world cycling community! Thanks again, Ryan and Ali. Happy trails to the both of you, lover cyclists! 🚴💨💨💨 Frado
Ryan, my new Checkpoint and I were smiling at one another for the entire 30 mile trip we took together! How sweet life is, exploring and discovering the world on a bike. 🚴💨
I've been a mountain biker first, then a road biker, then a mountain biker, etc etc etc for 21 years. The gravel thing has really taken off around here (Mississippi) as people are tired of being accosted and run over by cars. I straddled the fence for 2 years before buying a dedicated gravel bike. But, I recently purchased the Checkpoint ALR5 and LOVE it! The same bike Ryan has. The first thing I did was take it and get it dirty. Fits me like a glove! It's Awesome!
Just saw this today, after ordering a new Checkpoint 3 days ago. Your review further validates my decision. Now all I need to do is wait for the shipment to arrive.
Thank you Ryan, sold! After a decade of cycling trips of 3 to 5 weeks at a time, mostly on back-roads, I now want to be able to go off-road in full confidence. And this Trek stallion looks like a good start point.
Dude! I JUST bought the exact bike, the ALR5 and I LOVE IT! Trek nailed it. I've always ridden carbon road bikes so I was very skeptical about an aluminum road bike especially on gravel. But no worries...it handles everything sooo smooth! I waffled for 2 years if I even wanted to join the gravel movement or just stick to mountain biking but now I can't believe I waited so long...except I was waiting for this bike! Thanks for posting. I will check out your other videos.
I finally have been able to catch up and complete the full Love Cycles series. An absolute pleasure and inspiration. Glad I was able to very (very, very) briefly bump into you and Ali in a coffee-shop one morning on RAGBRAI. You two were in a booth enjoying a quick coffee/breakfast and I was able to verbally pass along my appreciation. Looking forward to whatever it is you have planned next. My Best!
I really enjoy my Trek bike. I rode it once around in the parking lot at the store and had to have it. It's lightweight, sturdy and stays in adjustment. I paid Trek for this by the way.
Came back to this video because I'm getting excited for an upcoming tour, but just wanted to say that, though I didn't get a checkpoint, this video helped me commit to a great deal on a used Co-Op Cycles Adv 2.2 because it opened my eyes to the tour-ability of gravel bikes. Thanks, Duzer!
Awesome helpful review. And it really speaks to the attraction that gravel riding holds for me. I found your video through my search on the Trek SL5. I rode Trek's Domane years back with a similar iso decoupler joint and was really wowwed by how well that absorbed road shock. Well done with that review.
I loved the Love Cycles series! You captured some beautiful shots and I can't wait to do the same soon. I do have to tell you that because of you and Ali, I got a 2019 Trek Checkpoint. I absolutely LOVE it too (I did deck mine out in pink though, lol).
I've ridden the same OCLV Trek 5200 series for almost 20yrs. My wife and I moved to a place in the country so she didn't have to board her horse. Anyway, now that I live out of town, I think it's time to acquire a ride that is more suitable for gravel roads. I've been on numerous multi-day bike tours and the old Trek has treated me well. Even when Ride the Rockies had us on gravel roads, it did just fine. But it's time for a new bike, and Trek would be my preference. Good video, thanks!
Thanks Ryan for your review on the Trek bikes. Like I said before I'm ordering my Checkpoint next month because of you and Ali's super tour. I've had this Bike on my to buy list for awhile. Thank you both
@@djhackgt That's what I want to know...... how wide. My Checkpoint came with 38's, and I put 28's on them for credit card camping (hotel / motel) for a week.
@Mark Lewis These are specifically built as touring tires. Thick layer built in to ward off flats. I just use orange seal and flats are a thing of the past so far,works fine in tubes or tubeless.
I have been looking at gravel bikes for about a year now, I ordered a Checkpoint this week. I have been riding a Trek DS-4, which I really like. I found your video on the Checkpoint after I ordered mine. Makes me believe I made the right decision.
I just bought the Checkpoint ALR5 Driftless for a very good price. I'll get it next week because of some adjustments. I love this bike, because you can use it for anything for daily commuter, traveling or even gravel races.
Great video , I purchased the checkpoint in October to use as my winter training bike , love the 105 group set with the 34 cassette, I agree this bike is so much fun , I upgraded to tubeless which is a god send 👍
I have a SL5 in the same color scheme. Love it! Went shopping for some panniers to do my first attempt at bike packing. They told me It couldn't handle the weight in attempt to sell me a steel touring bike... I used your trip as a reference and BS meter😆. Thank you for your quality content and keep up the great work.
I remember asking you about the Checkpoint last summer. You told me you'd do a review on it, and here it is. :) A knee injury took me out of the saddle but I think I'll be getting back soon. Love watching your adventures Ryan, take care.
Ryan, love your channel! I watch it all and you inspire me to ride more. On your cross county trip with Ali you were near my home and CatSix bike shop in Portland. These guys and cat Steve are the greatest! Keep on keeping on sir.
Interesting video. I have a 2020 trek Crockett 4 disk. It was a budget purchase after just purchasing a 2020 trek fuel ex 9.8. The selling point was they match. The Crockett became my daily commuter and weekend tourer. In the 3 years I've owned it I put on 5200 miles. It has been a great bike. Not long after I purchased it I wanted to ditch the cable brakes for hydraulic. My lbs made me a deal with some ultegra electric shifters, yes they ended up putting a 2x up front but I got the hydraulic brakes put on and with the hilly terrain here in lake havasu city the bike is more up to the task around here. I live the bike and am currently setting up gravel sims and tires to alternate from the street tire set up. Your videos really inspire me to try over nighting some day. Thanks for the share and keep on pedaling.
Thank you, Ryan and Ali. Several months ago, I parted with my conventional touring bike and began searching for a bike that will allow me to take advantage of the extensive network of USFS roads in my region, SW USA. Your videos have helped narrow the search. Sub'd.
I enjoy your videos Ryan. Good news! I've just bought a Trek Checkpoint ALR4 - it will be in my possession next weekend. Cannot wait to ride it, although a trans-US adventure might need to wait a while (I live in Scotland). Keep truckin'!
We began riding Trek carbon fiber road bikes, over 20 years ago, after thousands of miles on Raleigh aluminum frames. At our ages, we up on the handlebars most of the time, these days so we both bought Trek Verves. We sacrifice some speed but the comfort is remarkable, giving us the opportunity to hit most any road surface for 50-60 miles with no regrets. We plan to complete a transcontinental ride next year (thanks for your previous reply and encouragement) averaging 80-100 miles/day. We have completed an Idaho crossing as a practice; and now firming up our cross-country route.
Nice presentation, helpful to my shopping. Cute how Ali expresses appreciation for the Isospeed decouple, pointing at the rear wheel, where it is not (it's where the seatpost meets the top tube). She has great video presence due to her eyes and symmetry, no need to be an engineer too. It's all good. Sweet couple (I can say that because I am old and been there).
Thank for fabulous presentation touring tje landscapes I'm fan of Bycicles since I 8 years old, when I lived in my counyry I drove in the mountains and I lived in a montainous area. Now I lived. United State of America I still drive a bycle but in Miami is dangerous, I come by bycle but. I take the bus , the good thig is that the journeyis long to take it every day for t years I decided not to have car.
I am picking up my 2021 alr5 this week! Had one pre ordered that wouldn't get here until Feb or Mar...well I kept checking treks website and I'm totally driving 3 hours one way to pick my baby up 🥰
Hi Ryan, Have enjoyed you videos. This past March or April 2021, I bought the Red Trek 520. I have ridden it 1,590 miles. Plus a couple of thousands miles on/between my other 4 bicycles ( you know if I don’t give my other bicycles some attention they would file formal complaints against me for bicycle abuse). My 2021 Trek came with Bontrager tires are 38 mm. So far I’ve been happy with no flats. I put on Schwalbe Maaathon Plus tires on my other REI, Rondanne Navara bike, and have drove 2,607 miles with no flats. On the other hand on my FELT road bike about 22 lbs. with the stock factory tires in one day in less than two miles I had 3 flats. In the original factory tires on the FELT, I’d had many flats -30-40 between the the front & rear. In the first 4,500 miles. In your video, you promoted the Schwalbe tires what is your experience with Bontrager tires? Jim.
Hi Ryan, hi Ali. Loved the tour of America, also love your take on bikes, don't let a bunch of specs get in the way. Bought a 920 this summer. Yes it's the Family Truckster of bikes but does well on the road too. I love it. Ryan I've worked in video a long time and your videos are really good. Anyway thanks for all the incentive.
I just bought a specialized diverge E5 after watching the love cycles series..... I had a road bike forever and I think I’m a new believer in the gravel bike setup! :)
I have the SL5 and it is the most comfortable "road" bike I have ever used. I ride the tires that came with it. My back has never hurt and I love every minute I spend on that bike!
@@duzer I was a scholarship Athlete on the football team that went on to win the national championship at CU. Then of all thing I went on to bike racing because my roommate was on the CU bicycling team and a CAT 1. I've always enjoyed riding bikes for training. I was able to CAT up one category and raced for 3 years, but I was really not very good as I wasn't built for it at 6'2" 242. racing dropped be down to 218. I have a really long upper body compared to my legs and I've always had a hard time getting a good fit on a road bike. so I really appreciate your review and would ask in your personal opinion do you think this would be a good long torso style road bike?
very nice sir.. love the video.. i got the checkpoint alr5 2022 model.. sadly we donthave much gravel here in Japan.. but so excited to drive this in Philippines
Ryan, try a Jamis Renegade Expat. Awesome all around bike for touring, back roads, gravel, commuter. Very versatile machine and as usual, keep the awesome video's coming!
I've got Schwalbe Marathon plus on my Trek 7500, eight years puncture free. I don't even carry a repair kit. Go to town, five miles each way to do my shopping so not a huge mileage but some pretty heavy loads. A puncture would mean a walk home and car rescue of a hidden bike.
Thanks for the awesome review Ryan! I got a charge steel frame gravel bike as a graduation present two years ago and I’ve never looked back. I would always commute by mountain bike before that which was very inefficient but I liked being able to ride on gravel as well as pavement. Once I got my gravel bike 🚲 I was set. It’s the best of both worlds being able to ride well on pavement as well as trails. I’ve only needed to take it in for repairs once and that was after 2 years of consistent use. Gravel bikes rule!
I knew it from the start that you change the tire and waited 5 months to get my answer... on the last video I saw the tread .. ILove those tire , my 404 got 4000km and no flatty even on Cuba road
Wow cool journey and great review and video . the tire choice seemed to pay off very well (no flats) and the durability of the bikes seemed to really shine. Really nice video.
Hey Ryan would love to go with you on a bike packing trip next year 2023 perhaps around beginning of March. I live in Atlanta and I have been watching your videos and they are all great and very inspiring. Keep up the good work and you have the best job in the world.
Just picked one up. Loving it. For me personally, it's a road bike that I can ditch into the shoulders with, and hit the rail trails and parks. I have zero confidence on anything with street tires, this is a great compromise. I'd love the bars to be a pinch wider and taller, that's about it. Bike rides excellent :)
Checkpoint SL6 what a super bike, need to get rid of my hard tail superfly. I can’t believe how comfortable they really are switch between on and off road so easy.
Hi Ryan thanks for your support & subbing to my channel, much appreciated ;) I love the effort that has gone into your videos, both time on tours & recording/editing them, it certainly shows you have a keen eye for photography & presenting. Unfortunately my computer is so full of footage it has a 1.5 second delay when I add an overlay to my videos in the edit, meaning for me it is a guessing game if I have got the timing right, rendering 3-5 times to see the mistakes I need to correct is a bummer but must be done. anyway, you have lots more subs than me so you must have lots of comments to reply to, not enough time in the world my friend. ride safe & find peace on a bike :)
@@duzer I've used software to split my hard drive into sections, c:/ is on a small section and two other 900GB sections for footage & photos. This is primarily for security reasons. thanks for the tip I shall go give it a clean now you have reminded me, it's been a while haha
Would love to hear that you trekked the Katy Trail. I did it in 24 hours non stop, then turned around and smelled the roses on the way back. Great little towns, accurate and informative interpretive signs along the way. I want to acquire a proper gravel bike and do it again.
I watched your video on the Priority 600 and you were all about that bike as your everyday bike , comfort, could ride it forever. After watching this video it reminded me of the Dave Chappell skit on which is better Coke or Pepsi. It’s the one that paid him last.
Phillip Almeraz these are very different bikes. The Priority is a pure commuter. The checkpoint is a gravel bike ready for long adventures and hauling weight.
I have a Domane SL 5 road bike which i LOVE! but was wanting to buy a bike i could get on some dirt paths and gravel so i would not abuse my good road bike. after much research and now your video I have decided to purchase the Checkpoint ALR 5. due to Covid many bike stores have very little inventory which has been a problem. I did find a new left over ALR 5 2019 with the 105 shimano group set at a good price so i am going with that. I believe i will not be disappointed!! I will keep you posted!
Nice review. I ordert the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 today. I choose the color Britisch racing green. I am thinking changing the tires from Bontrager to Schwalbe, but in the shop they said the Bontragers are okay. Greetings from the Netherlands!
wow, nice video, liked and subscribed got to check all your other movies soon. i love my TrekDomane ALR5 wich was the latest ALR5 model before the checkpoint came out, just did about (7250km) 4500 miles started the bike new in half april 2018
I love your cross-USA tour vids (except for all that "love advice stuff")....sweet Trek commercial (I hope Trek Corp loved it, too)....I have a 1992 Trek that I tour with....but, need front forks with braze-ons for those much-needed front panniers...you had no front bags? Ride safe....Ride Happy....Thanks for the entertainment....
Thanks man, you introduced me to Trek, I run and bike at the same time. Just bought a Trek Dual Sport 2 and I'm thinking of gradually upgrade it to a gravel bike.
