The Checkpoint ALR 5 is a pocket-friendly and best-in-class gravel bike by Trek. The primary details like weight, color options, size, etc., are discussed below to understand the bike better.
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Shop if: |
You enjoy riding your bike on the countryside, dirt, and gravel roads. |
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Available size: |
49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm |
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Colors: |
Era White/ Trek Black, Satin Nautical Navy/Satin Red |
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Weight: |
9.75 kg / 21.5 lbs for 56 cm model |
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Our Rating: |
4.7/5 |
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Price: |
Trek is a bicycle designing and manufacturing brand situated in America. It is considered America’s best bicycle brand that builds endurance, gravel, racing, and many more bicycles. Trek focuses on creating a healthy, safe and eco-friendly society motivated by the thought process of leading a better lifestyle. The company has more than 1700 other production houses and individual bicycle stores spread across the globe.
Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 is the best-selling gravel bike in America in the segment. The fantastic build quality, progressive geometry, and rigid frame hold up the bike for long, rugged miles on dirt, pavement, and even the most treacherous gravel roads. This review of Trek ALR 5 sheds light on all the features, specifications, user feedback, etc., that helps in understanding the bike from the inside out.
Technical Specifications:
Frameset :-
Frame : 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, tapered head tube, Internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, T47 BBFrame fit : GravelFork : Checkpoint carbon, tapered alloy steerer, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru-axle
Wheels :-
Wheels : Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, center lock discTires : Bontrager GR1 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, aramid bead, 120 TPI, 700x40c
Drivetrain :-
Shifters : Shimano GRX RX600, 11 speed
Front derailleur : Shimano GRX RX810, braze-on
Rear derailleur : Shimano GRX RX810, long cage, 34T max cog
Crank : Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30
Bottom bracket : Praxis, T47 threaded, internal bearing
Cassette : Shimano 105 HG700-11, 11-34, 11 speed
Pedals : N/A
Components :-
Saddle : Bontrager P3 Verse Comp, steel rails
Seatpost : Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length
Handlebar : Bontrager Elite Gravel
Stem : Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree
Headset : FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom
Brakeset : Shimano SM-RT70, center lock, 160mm
Checkpoint ALR 5 frame design and size:
The 300 Series Alpha Aluminum frame used in the Trek ALR 5 makes this bicycle very lightweight while giving the much-needed toughness for comfortably cruising through even the most treacherous gravel roads. The stable and progressive geometry, loads of mounts, and a GRX drivetrain make it easy to customize the bike for your kind of adventure.
The tapered head tube and Internal cable routing give this bicycle a professional, sleek, and premium look. Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 has a rack, fender, and integrated frame bag mounts that allow the customers to personalize the bike as per their needs.
The Gravel frame fit of this bike gives the rider the much-needed confidence while cycling through the rougher descents and rough pavements. The tire clearance of 700x45mm or 27.5×2.1” enables the riders to run meatier tires for tackling chunkier gravel and terrain.
The size chart listed below gives approximate information regarding the ideal height of the rider for the Trek Gravel Bike.
What are the different components included in Trek Checkpoint ALR 5?
In the Checkpoint ALR 5, Trek has used the Bontrager GR 1 team issue tires, one of the best purpose-built gravel tires with durable treads for confident traction across all road surfaces. The wheels of this bike are tubeless-ready, meaning you can use similar tubeless tires in the Trek ALR 5 without worrying about compatibility. The inner strength casing adds to the strength of the GR 1 tires to reduce the wearing of the tires.
Trek designed the seat post of the Checkpoint ALR 5 using the Bontrager alloy, which brings up the maximum total weight limit to 275 pounds or 125 kg. ( This weight includes the combined weight of the bicycle, rider, and cargo.)
The 160 mm Shimano SM-RT70 brakes with center lock provide the bicycle with ample braking power to control the bike even at high speeds and in challenging situations. Trek uses 14g stainless steel for building the spokes of this bike to prevent the problem of rusting, bending, etc.
Trek ALR 5 has an integrated frame bag and fender mounts, making it easy to carry your riding gear, water, and other essential supplies. This feature adds to the portability and convenience factor of the bicycle.
How does it feel to ride a Checkpoint ALR5?
The Checkpoint ALR 5 is a very comfortable, fast, all-terrain gravel road bike. The handling of this bicycle over the rough surface, around the cracked pavements, and hideous gravel roads is genuinely exceptional. It is very convenient to shift on the tarmac with Bontrager GR 1 Team Issue tires at speeds more than 18mph.
The powerful Shimano SM-RT70 and the GR 1 tires offer excellent control and grip over terrains like dirt, pavements, gravel roads, and tarmac. The rider can confidently maneuver this bicycle around the challenging corners. However, a more extensive set of tires would be better in place of the thin 35mm tires.
The Trek Checkpoint ALR has various fender and cargo mounts that make it easy and efficient for riders to carry their riding gear, snacks, and water comfortably. The 27.2mm wide Seatpost delivers a relaxing and pleasant riding experience even on long trips.
What We Like
- Good Frameset
- Amazing specifications
- Incredible Performance
- Brilliant Handling Efficiency
- Smooth and uniform riding experience
- Best valued gravel bike
- Exceedingly versatile
What We Don’t Like
- Thin tires
- Limited color choices
Why should you buy a Checkpoint ALR 5 road bike?
The Trek Checkpoint ALR is the right choice if you prefer epic off-road adventures, contrary to the true roadie who measures watts and weighs out meals. This bike does not compromise on the performance despite being a gravel bike which makes it stand out from its competitors.
The incredible build quality of the Trek ALR 5 ensures the longevity and durability of this bicycle over the years of usage. The ability to cruise over difficult gravel roads without compromising on the performance and comfort enables you to decide the type of bike you want it to be.
This bike can be used for various cycling purposes like racing, off-roading, long rides, and many more, making it a versatile and customizable biking option.
Is the Checkpoint ALR 5 Trek bike value for money?
The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 is an affordable and best value gravel bike available in the market. If the level of adventure you can get per dollar spent is the top priority, you won’t be disappointed by the Checkpoint ALR 5. This bike will compliment you perfectly on your off-road expeditions by providing great control over the dirt and gravel.
The premium quality parts, a rigid and durable alloy frame, and abundant features like the added tire clearance and customization options make this bike worth every penny you spend.
FAQs:
The Endnote:
The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 offers its customers the most exciting, powerful, versatile, and comfortable riding experience. This bicycle will entice your hidden love for off-roading and going on adventurous bike rides along the hillside and challenging gravel roads.
Therefore, if you are searching for a value for money bicycle with excellent built quality, features, and incredible handling capabilities, in that case, Checkpoint ALR 5 is the go-to bike for you.
