We’ve grown quite fond of this thing, and the result is the traditional road bike in the garage has been gathering dust. We ride mountain bikes for the fun of it and to get outdoors, we ride road bikes to go long distances and hopefully get ‘fitter’. Combining the two is made simple with a gravel bike, the Checkpoint is a comfortable and versatile rig that we are really enjoying riding.

For a more detailed look at the Checkpoint, check out our first impressions article here. Trek Checkpoint SL 5.

Watch the video for an update on the review.

We’ve received the new Shimano Ultegra RX rear derailleur for review, which is essentially a combination of a road and mountain bike derailleur, using the clutch mechanism to stabilise the chain over the bumps for a quieter ride and less risk of a dropped chain. A handy addition as the 105 derailleur currently fitted is low on the tension required to keep the chain from slapping about on rough gravel roads.

The brakes are going to score an update too, with the Shimano Dura Ace units adding power and hopefully resisting fade on the longer descents, as some of the fast roads over the mountain ranges we’ve been riding have us feeling a little nervous when we’re used to the power of mountain bike brakes!

We’ll be back, so stay tuned for an update soon, there are backcountry roads to explore.