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Trek's 2023 Checkpoint SL 5 Is a Gravel Bike Ready for More Than Just Giving You That Burn

There I was looking for a subject to bring to your attention, and before long, I was staring at Trek’s 2023 lineup of gravel bikes, and boy was I pleased with what’s in store for the new year. Let’s look at the Checkpoint SL 5, and you’ll see what I mean.
2023 Checkpoint SL 5 15 photos
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
Checkpoint SL 5 With Cargo BagsCheckpoint SL 5Checkpoint SL 5Checkpoint SL 5Checkpoint SL 5 With Cargo BagsWater Bottle MountsCheckpoint SL 5 ArmorCheckpoint SL 5Checkpoint SL 5 DrivetrainCheckpoint SL 5 StorageCheckpoint SL 5 StorageCheckpoint SL 5 Head TubeCheckpoint SL 5Checkpoint SL 5
If you’ve ridden a bike or are into cycling even just a little bit, you know who Trek Bikes is. Since 1975 they’ve been one of the crews leading the cycling industry, in the process, defining entire classes of bikes and helping countless riders attain their next gold medal.

But, not all of their machines are for professional riders; some are for the average folk like you and me. Nonetheless, that does not mean that bikes like the Checkpoint SL 5 lack Trek’s heritage and know-how; it’s not. On the contrary, the manufacturer defines this machine as a gravel bike, but once I started to explore it, I realized it can do a whole lot more than just help you get that burn you desire.

Just to kick things off, I have to point out that there are countless bikes in the 2023 Checkpoint lineup. However, it’s the SL 5 that’s the least expensive carbon fiber machine. There are aluminum frames in the family, but for $3,300 (€3,270 at current exchange rates), you can brag that you’re rocking a machine built out of Trek’s 500 Series OCLV carbon fiber.

But that’s not all you’ll be able to brag about; this trinket has countless features designed to offer you a comfortable ride. Why is comfort so important? Think about it; if you’re comfortable, you’ll stay in the saddle longer, ride further, and without limits, affected only by a lack of food in your belly.

Checkpoint SL 5
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
With that, allow me to point out that it won’t be just carbon fiber’s inherent properties that soften your ride, but the inclusion of a rear IsoSpeed should do wonders to help you glide over gravel and rougher roads without losing any ability to transfer power into the ground. Just we’re on the same page; this is Trek’s proprietary tech that allows the seat tube to wiggle just enough to reduce vibrations that riders typically feel from such a surface. As an added tip, pay attention to the tires you use and their pressure to tune the softness of your ride.

I mentioned that the SL 5 can go above and beyond your typical gravel bike. What I meant by this is the bike’s ability to house countless cargo bags and gear to help you ride further than before. By mounting bags to the top tube, seat tube, and handlebar, you’ll be able to simply sleep under the stars once you’ve run out of juice for the day. While the gallery doesn’t showcase any fork racks or fenders, the manufacturer’s website mentions they are an available option for this two-wheeler.

After setting up camp and having something to eat, you’re off to bed, only to wake up the next day to keep riding; it’s only another 50 miles or so until you and your buddies meet up at some checkpoint in the wilderness for the final leg of the journey, returning home.

Checkpoint SL 5 Armor
Photo: Trek Bicycle Corporation
Since you’ll be taking longer rides through questionable terrains, Trek felt it would be a good idea to also include an integrated storage bay for tools and even spare tires or tubes, maybe some CO2 cartridges. Speaking of questionable terrains, the frame you see also features carbon armor to protect against otherwise devastating blows.

Other than that, like most other machines to come off Trek assembly lines, Bontrager covers the secondary gear like tires, rims, hubs, seat posts, and all that other jazz. An 11-speed Shimano GRX cassette will be handling your efforts with an 11-34T range, while you can rock either a 1x or 2x drivetrain. Oh, did I mention the size 56 SL 5 only weighs 9.70 kg (21.4 lbs)?

At the end of the day, you’re being asked to drop a tad more on this bike in comparison to others that may float across your screen, but you can see why. Just something to consider if you’re looking to partake in the gravel-riding wave that’s taking the world by storm right now.
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Editor's note: Images in the gallery display two color options for the Checkpoint SL 5.

About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
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