Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS

Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS - Carbon gravel bike at the highest level

One thing's for sure: a gravel bike will breathe fresh air into your everyday cycling. Trek's Checkpoint model line is more versatile than ever: from training on mixed terrain to fast commutes to the office to multi-day tours with a small pack. From sport to adventure, it's all here. Even in your home territory, 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 Cross Country 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

Light, fast, modern - The carbon frame of the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS is equipped with absolute high-end components. At the heart is the electric Sram Force AXS D2 circuit, in which the 12 gears are changed wirelessly from the handlebars with the help of the eTap system. Even on bumpy trails, you can rely on precisely engaging gears. Thanks to the combination of 40 teeth on the chainring and a maximum of 44 teeth on the cassette, this results in a powerful mountain gear ratio. The Force group also includes the hydraulic disc brakes. Other carbon parts refine the SL 7: The seatpost and especially the Bontrager Aeolus Pro wheelset, whose rims are made of OCLV carbon.

Trek OCLV Carbon - The classic in lightweight construction

The OCLV Carbon developed by Trek has been a household name in the scene for years. There are different series for the bike classes, from mountain bike to road bike. The 500 Series variant is slightly less complex in construction than the razor-thin 800 OCLV. Specifically, the difference makes up about 400 grams. However, it is not only the lower weight that distinguishes a carbon frame from an aluminum frame. Rather, the material offers better opportunities to improve the stiffness at neuralgic points quite specifically. Nevertheless, the Trek OCLV frames are extremely comfortable to ride. For one thing, carbon has natural self-damping properties that mitigate vibrations. But Trek goes one step further with its specially developed IsoSpeed system: it is based on a flexible connection that decouples the top tube from the seat tube. In addition, the seat tube flattens above the bottom bracket like a kind of leaf spring. Studies show that the comfort gain makes the rider tire less quickly than on a conventional frame.