Trek’s New Gravel Bikes: Checkmate SLR for Off-road Racers & Checkpoint SL Gen 3 for Adventurers

release by Trek Bicycles

August 15, 2024 - (Waterloo, WI) Today, Trek introduced two new gravel bikes for exploring off the beaten path. The all-new Checkmate SLR is Trek’s first-ever dedicated gravel race bike and the lightest and fastest gravel bike the brand has ever made, perfect for crushing the sport’s most epic events. The new Checkpoint SL Gen 3 improves on the previous model with increased comfort and storage capacity, an improved fit, and all-around carbon performance for long gravel rides and overnighters.

Trek’s new Checkmate SLR gravel race bike… their fastest ever. ©

Both bikes share Trek’s IsoSpeed comfort tech to smooth bumps in the road and keep adventurers riding stronger longer. Plus, both gravel bikes have frame designs and mounts for Trek’s all-new Adventure Bags, including top tube, frame, and the more aero-efficient triangle bag that’s tucked out of the wind.

Checkmate SLR Gravel Race Bike
Checkmate is Trek’s lightest gravel bike ever, with premium 800 Series OCLV Carbon, top-tier components, and new lightweight tube shape technology that help drop a whole pound off the previous Checkpoint SLR model.

Trek’s fastest gravel bike ever
Checkmate is Trek’s fastest gravel bike ever, with the same new Full System Foil aero tube shapes and aero one-piece bar/stem as Madone Gen 8. Plus, Checkmate’s new Gravel Race geo puts riders in a more aggressive and efficient riding position. Together, these features help make Checkmate 5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than Checkpoint SLR on the 200-mile course at Unbound (at 200W).

Checkmate is Trek’s lightest gravel bike ever w/new Gravel Race geo and more. ©

New lightweight and aero one-piece bar/stem
Checkmate features the same ultra-light and aero one-piece carbon bar/stem as Madone Gen 8, with hoods that are 3cm narrower than the drops so riders can choose between a more aero or more controlled position and enjoy more ergonomic comfort on the tops.

Room for up to 45mm tires (as measured)
Checkmate comes stock with 38mm tires but can fit up to 45mm tires to roll quick over tougher race or training courses.

Customizable in Project One 
The best way to get Checkmate is through Project One for the perfect fit, parts, and color. Plus, the new Project One ICON Raw Lithos scheme brings breathtaking earthen hues exclusively to Checkmate customers.

Trek’s new Checkpoint SL Gen 3 is lightweight, snappy, and economical. ©

Checkpoint SL Gen 3 gravel bike
Checkpoint SL Gen 3 offers carbon gravel performance and features reimagined tube shapes and 500 Series OCLV Carbon that keeps things lightweight, snappy, and economical. 

Optimized storage
Checkpoint SL Gen 3’s new frame design has more room to fit taller bottles with bags and offers more internal storage. Plus, it has mounts galore for top tube, frame, and triangle bags; fork storage; and front and rear racks.

New confidence-inspiring details
Checkpoint SL Gen 3’s new Gravel Endurance geometry has a higher and shorter reach that’s more comfortable and capable for all-day gravel rides. Plus, riders get a GR Elite handlebar (on SL 5 and 6) or carbon GR Pro handlebar (on SL 7), which share a more comfortable drop shape and an increased flare of 6cm between hoods and drops for better control and confidence, no matter the terrain.

Gen 3’s new Gravel Endurance geometry offers better control & confidence, no matter the terrain. ©

Room for up to 50mm tires (as measured)
Checkpoint SL Gen 3 comes with 42mm tires but can fit bigger, beefier gravel tires to roll over the chunky stuff.

Compatible with dropper post and suspension fork
The new Checkpoint SL Gen 3 is dropper post compatible and adds suspension fork compatibility with up to 40mm of travel* so customers can enjoy even more capability, comfort, and confidence.

*Available on all sizes except XS

Canadian SRPs
Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 – $4,299.99
Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Gen 3 – $5,199.99
Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 – $6,999.99
Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS – $11,399.99
Checkpoint SLR 9 AXS – $16,999.99

Checkpoint SL Gen 3 and Checkmate SLR are available globally at select Trek retailers and online here.