r/CheckpointClub

This is my first gravel bike, coming from MTB 😁

After having multiple Checkmate isospeed frame failures, I wasn't prepared to spend another season on one. Trek and I came up with this build to replicate the Checkmate as close as possible.

• Checkpoint Sl7 Frame
• 39/42 x 100 RSL Cockpit with wireless blips in the drops
• Rsl Seatpost
• Aelous Saddle
• Force cranks with power (not as keen on the aaa power meter as the previous dual sided)
• 46t Wolftooh Chainring
• 303SW Wheels for gravel with G One RS/RX combo for proper gravel , Aeolous 49v with 45mm Gravelking Slick R for allroad and champagne gravel (If I ever find any)

So far, the frame is as comfortable as the Checkmate but not as stiff when doing sprinted efforts. The front end is also quite high, which I'm not as keen on, and, in retrospect, I should've gone with a two-piece cockpit so I could run a negative-rise stem.

Built my new Checkpoint SL 3 up from scratch a few months ago. Fast forward to last night, I was on my weekly club gravel ride, on thick/fresh gravel section, so we were all riding near the shoulder where it wasn’t so deep. Hit a big stick/log, it somehow popped up and jammed itself all the way through my rear spokes, followed by a loud crack and a locked up rear wheel. I survived, somehow stayed upright, and didn’t take anyone else down. I'll take that as a win. Shockingly, I was able to ride it (slowly) the remaining 15 miles home.

Sooo... what do you all think about the repairabilty of the wheel and frame? I'm hoping the wheel can be repaired with some new spokes and a rebuild. My guess is the frame is done and I'm in "crash replacement" territory with Trek.

Edit: I'm going to take it into the bike shop for inspection/recommendation regardless, but appreciate the feedback/suggestions from the community.

Finally followed the advice in this group and swapped the 90mm stem on my 2025 Gen 2 for a 70mm. Wow! Game changer. Neck stiffness after a long ride… gone. I was hesitant to do this because I was worried about handling and stability issues, but I’ve actually found the stability is even better now. Put in a 65 mile ride on Saturday with no problem.

Hi everyone ,

I own a checkpoint sl5 gen 3 size XL. I would like to order online carbon wheel but I am a bit lost about what specs I need to look at.

I have original cassette , drive train etc I just changed the tire to tufo thundero 48. I would like to keep everything and just swap wheels. Can someone explain a bit what needs to be picked ?

I did some google and ChatGPT but not convinced with what I found….

Cheers all

2026 Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Gen 3

The last time this bike will ever be this clean!!! Minor upgrades, mostly cosmetic. When I have to replace parts as they age I’ll make more improvements.

The gold was initially a little much for me but now I’m in love with it.

Specs:
- Shifter: SRAM Rival AXS E1, 13 speed
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS, 46T max cog
- Chain: KMC WAX XFLAT (Ti Gold/Black)
- Wheels: Zipp XPLR SW (InkMyRide Gold Graphics)
- Brake Rotor: SRAM Paceline 160mm
- Tires: Goodyear/Zipp XPLR SLICK
- Pedals: Garmin Rally XC200
- Saddle: SDG Components Bel-Air V3 Lux-Alloy Mountain Bike Saddle
- Other:
- Trek Frame Bags
- Ride Wrap
- Bike Sticker Frame Decals
- KustomCaps Bar End Plugs
- Dispatch Head Cap
- Garmin Varia Lights & 840 Computer

I can’t wait to get out and about. I’m coming from a fitness bike (Verve 2) and I am looking forward to the upgrade!

Just upgraded my ALR5 from stock wheels&tyres to 303s with 45 mm Pirelli Cinturato tubeless and i have to say, WOW, what a difference. I dont know if its just in my mind but the bike seems a lot quicker. Very happy with the upgrade

I ❤️ this bike. Built like a tank. Rides like a dream.

Love that there are no straps except for the seat tube and steerer tube. Good amount of space and can haul both water bottles. Expensive but worth it imo to not deal with straps and have a clean look

Can anyone tell me what this noise is on my Checkpoint ALR3 Gen3 and how to get rid of it? It seems to be coming from the crank and I only really hear it on going up any sort of incline when I’m putting a little more pressure into pedaling. It goes away on flat ground. I thought it was from a dirty chain so I cleaned and relubricated it yesterday but the noise persists. For what it’s worth the bike is two months old and has about 800 miles on it.

As an old finnish comedy group would say, "bikes like to be ridden" so let's go.

I am double amputee cyclist from Finland. I changed to 30mm gp5000 for this summer as most of my rides are on tarmac and some on good guality gravel. Cycling is easier compared to 40mm gk but not as smooth with high pressure though. My cycling club Olutpolkijat (olpo) is loosely translated as beer cyclists 🍻 🤪

For the love of beer and cycling.