First Look | Trek’s new Checkmate SLR gravel racer and Checkpoint SL Gen 3 adventure machines

First launched in 2018, the Trek Checkpoint was pitched as the brand’s adventure-minded gravel bike. Fast forward six years, Trek has launched its latest Checkpoint SL Gen 3, which sees revised endurance geometry and improved in-frame downtube storage alongside additional bottle/bag mounts for extended adventure/bikepacking missions.

The brand didn’t stop with the launch of the Checkpoint SL Gen 3; it has also introduced the all-new Trek Checkmate SLR, explicitly designed for gravel racing. Until now, Trek lacked a model tailored to the demands of modern gravel racing to go head-to-head with bikes like the Cervelo Aspero, Canyon Grail and Scott Addict Gravel RC. The launch of the Checkmate SLR sees Trek’s lightest and fastest gravel frame yet, shedding nearly 0.5kg compared to the previous Checkpoint SLR.

We managed to get our grubby hands on a Checkpoint SL Gen 3 during SRAM’s latest Red XPLR launch event

Related:

Trek Checkmate SLR Overview and Geometry

To compete with the current crop of gravel-specific race bikes, Trek developed the Checkmate SLR, essentially blending the characteristics of the Checkpoint SLR with a Madone Gen8. The frameset uses the brand’s top-tier 800 series OCLV carbon and ‘Full System Foil’ aerodynamic tube shapes, said to deliver a fast and efficient ride. All said and done, Trek claims that the Checkmate SLR is a whopping 5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than the Checkpoint SLR on the 200-mile Unbound gravel course, assuming a constant power output of 200W.

The Checkmate SLR is flat-out fast, so Trek claims.

Checkmate SLR 9 and SLR 7 models are offered stock with 40mm and 38mm tyres respectively, however the frameset has clearance for tyres up to 45mm, meaning there is room for Zipp’s latest 303 XPLR SW wheels and compatible tyre offerings. Other frame features include a plethora of mounts for improved on-frame storage, a UDH hanger interface, hidden fender mounts and completely hidden cable routing. Frameset weights come in at a claimed 1,638g, with the SLR 9 and 7 builds weighing in at a claimed 7.55kg and 8.10kg, respectively.

We will see the Checkmate SLR offered in six different sizes ranging from XS to XL (49cm to 61cm), with a more aggressive, race-oriented geometry compared to the Checkpoint SLR. However, Trek has sought to balance the longer and lower position by carrying over its Isospeed decoupler seen on the Trek Procaliber, Domane, and Checkpoint, to name a few. This Isospeed link is engineered to maintain the handling of a traditional race bike while decoupling the seat tube, providing enough vertical flex to improve comfort over rough terrain.

2025 Trek Checkmate Geometry
The new Trek Checkmate is significantly more aggressive than the Checkpoint.
The Checkmate will be available on Trek’s ‘Project One’ customisation platform, allowing you to select every detail from paint to parts.

Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Overview and Geometry

The Checkpoint SL Gen 3 is an evolution of the platform first launched in 2018, with improved endurance geometry, frame features and internal storage. The frame is made with the the same 500 Series OCLV carbon as its predecessor and sees a smorgasbord of storage options, including top-tube, and frame bags, and fork mounts alongside provisions for front and rear racks and hidden fender mounts.

2025 Trek Checkpoint Gen 3 geometry
By splitting the its gravel range into two bikes, it has allowed Trek the spaces to make the new Checkpoint more fit for purpose with a more upright position and geometry pitched towards stability.

Bikes will be available in XS to XL (49cm to 61cm) and see the brand’s newest ‘Gravel Endurance’ geometry, featuring a higher stack and shorter reach. This put riders in a slightly more upright position, improving all-day comfort on the longest of rides.

All models will be delivered stock with 42mm tyres, but have clearance for widths up to 50mm for those looking to run higher volume rubber. The Gen 3 is dropper post compatible and also adds compatibility suspension forks up to 40mm on all sizes except XS.

Pricing and Availability

Trek Australia will offer two Checkmate SLR builds: the SLR 9 AXS and SLR 7 AXS. The SLR 9 AXS features an 800 Series OCLV carbon frame and the latest 13-speed SRAM Red XPLR groupset. At a staggering $17,999.99, this top-tier offering is certainly costly.

The SLR 7 AXS build sees the same 800 Series OCLV carbon frame, and steps the groupset down to SRAM’s 12-speed Force XPLR AXS, along with a slightly cheaper variant of Bontrager’s carbon wheels, saving a whopping $7,000 in the process over the SLR 9 AXS model.

For those looking for something a little special, the Checkmate SLR will be offered in Trek’s Project One customisation platform, allowing the customer to completely customise the paint and specifications. Framesets will not be available in Australia at launch.

The Checkpoint SL Gen 3 will be offered in three different builds, ranging from the SL 5 starting at $4,999.99 up to the SL 7 at $8,499.99. All builds feature the same 500 Series OCLV carbon frame, but vary the level of SRAM’s AXS drivetrain depending on the spec level. The SL 7 sports Bontrager’s Aeolus Elite 35V carbon wheels, whereas the SL 6 and 5 come fitted with Aluminium wheels.

Checkmate SLR 9 AXS

The Checkmate SLR 9 leaves little to be desired but is also customisable in Trek’s ‘Project One’ platform.

Checkmate SLR 7 AXS

Trek’s Checkmate SLR 7 in the Gloss Black/Matte Carbon Smoke

Checkpoint SL 7 AXS

We love this ‘Bronze Age’ colour-way of the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS

Checkpoint SL 6 AXS

A classy blue with a splash of black on the Checkpoint SL 6 AXS

Checkpoint SL 5 AXS

Red goes fastest, yeah? The Checkpoint SL 5 AXS certainly looks quick!

Flow’s Initial Impressions

While we haven’t managed to get our hands on a Checkmate SLR just yet, however I did have the opportunity to ride the Checkpoint SL at the recent SRAM Red XPLR launch event. This was of course kitted out with the latest 13-speed drivetrain from SRAM along with a pair of Zipp 303 XPLR S wheels, neither of which will be available as a stock configuration on a Checkpoint SL from Trek Australia. If you are chasing that sweet-sweet 13-speed, the Checkmate SLR 9 AXS will be the place to look.

My time on the Checkpoint SL was brief, spending only a few hours testing the latest gadgets from SRAM and Zipp. At first the 46cm wide bars and wide flare felt a little out of place, however on the trail the width and stability that came with it was much appreciated. The shorter reach and increased stack was comfortable and made it a little easier to duck a weave in tighter sections of the trail, a position I prefer as opposed to being more stretched out. We didn’t manage to bring the scales out, but the Checkpoint SL Gen3 felt light and agile and more than capable enough in some terrain typically reserved for XC bikes. We’ve got plans to spend more time on the Checkpoint SL Gen 3 and Checkmate soon, so stay posted for a more in-depth review.

We had a blast ripping some singletrack and gravel on the Checkpoint SL Gen 3 during SRAM’s latest launch event for Red XPLR, and we plan to spend some more time on the bikes soon!

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