Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 - A lot of gravel adventure for the money

One thing's for sure: a gravel bike will breathe fresh air into your everyday cycling life. Especially one like the Checkpoint ALR 5, which meets even high demands with its modern features, but thanks to a top price / performance ratio does not tear too big a hole in the budget. Trek's Checkpoint model range is more versatile than ever: from training on mixed terrain to fast commutes to the office to multi-day tours with small luggage. From sport to adventure, it's all here. Even on your home turf, you'll discover many new routes because you're no longer tied to asphalt roads. Another argument: The Checkpoint with all its clever details stands for real Trek quality. The frame offers numerous mounting options for bikepacking accessories such as frame bags, water bottles and mudguards. If you're mostly off-road, you can mount tires up to 45 millimeters wide. That's the equivalent of 2.1 inches, so it's almost comparable to a CrossCountry mountain bike. Also clever is Trek's proprietary Blendr system for mounting lights, bike computers, smartphones and other accessories to the cockpit in a snap.

The Checkpoint ALR 5 comes with modern 1 x 12 drive and hydraulic disc brakes from the Sram Apex group. Thanks to the combination of 40 teeth on the chainring and a maximum of 44 teeth on the cassette results in a powerful mountain gear ratio. The components of the US manufacturer function reliably and precisely, even on rough gravel roads. This also applies to the proven Bontrager parts from Trek's own development department. These include the cockpit, saddle and post, as well as the high-quality tubeless-ready wheels.

Trek - frame construction at the highest level

The US forge Trek was already in the eighties among the first manufacturers worldwide to use aluminum in frame construction. A huge know-how, which refines the Trek frames to this day. The Checkpoint ALR 5 uses 300 Series Alpha aluminum, from which special tubular profiles are created with the help of the so-called hydroforming process. This shape ensures an optimal ratio between stiffness and weight. In addition, there are details such as internally routed cables and a stiff quick release system for the wheels. Aluminum is still the most reliable and robust material in frame construction. Trek combines the aluminum frame with a lightweight carbon fork. The carbon fiber material effectively dampens vibrations thanks to its molecular properties. A new, progressive geometry guarantees safe and stable handling on dirt roads.