Trek has launched the Checkpoint+, adding a motor to its gravel adventure bike.
As with the Domane+ SLR road bike, launched in 2022, Trek has chosen a TQ harmonic pin ring motor, but for the Checkpoint+, it’s the upgraded HPR60 that's also trickling into the electric mountain bike market.
The motor kicks out 60Nm of torque, up from 50Nm on the HPR50, along with 350W peak power rather than 300W. Trek says the TQ HPR60 is both lighter and quieter than the HPR50.
Like the Domane+, the Checkpoint+ is a Category 3 electric bike in the US and can provide assistance up to 28mph, although riders elsewhere are limited to 25km/h.
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50-mile range
The in-frame 360Wh battery offers a 50-mile/97km claimed range in Eco mode, with a full recharge time of 3 hours 45 minutes.
There’s the option to add a bottle-cage mounted 160Wh external range extender, increasing the range by up to 44 per cent.
As with the Domane+, Trek puts tiny buttons on the bar to enable you to change modes, placing them below the brake hoods, so you don’t have to release your grip to use them.
There’s an LED display built into the top tube, providing data on battery level, range and more. On the top-spec SL 7 AXS bike, the display is colour; it’s monochrome for the lower-spec bikes.
50mm tyre clearance
Trek applies its gravel endurance geometry, also seen in the current-generation non-assisted Checkpoint, to the Checkpoint+’s 500 Series OCLV carbon frame, including its rear IsoSpeed ride-smoothing tech.
The Checkpoint+’s geometry has a shorter reach and higher stack than Trek’s previous-generation gravel bikes, matching that of the non-assisted Checkpoint.
Gravel bike tyre clearance has increased significantly, with a host of gravel bikes, including the non-assisted Checkpoint and the just-launched fourth-generation Specialized Diverge, now offering 50mm clearance. The Checkpoint+ joins that list.
The Checkpoint+ SL 7 AXS includes a 40mm-travel RockShox Rudy XPLR suspension fork, while the lower-spec SL 5 and SL 6 have rigid forks. You can fit a gravel suspension fork aftermarket to all frame sizes except XS and add a dropper post to all sizes.
Typically of gravel bikes, there are numerous mounting points, enabling you to fit mudguards, a rack and an array of bikepacking bags. You can add Trek’s clip-on bar extensions, too. With the battery in the down tube, there’s no in-frame storage, though.
Trek Checkpoint+ model range and prices
There are three spec levels on offer, all with 1x drivetrains, with two SRAM AXS 12-speed mullet builds and a Shimano GRX option. All are tubeless-ready and come with the valves and sealant necessary to set up tubeless.
While the SL 5 and SL6 specs are available in sizes from XS to XL, the SL 7 is only available from S to XL, due to its suspension fork.
We’ve quoted Euro prices for the Netherlands and Belgium, although they vary by country.
Trek Checkpoint+ SL 7 AXS
- Frame: Checkpoint+ Series 500 OCLV carbon
- Fork: RockShox Rudy, 40mm travel
- Groupset: SRAM XO Eagle Transmission, Force levers, Praxis cranks
- Wheels: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35V, carbon
- Tyres: Bontrager Girona Pro
- Price: £6,500 / $7,999.99 / €7,499.99 / AU$12,999.76
Trek Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS
- Frame: Checkpoint+ Series 500 OCLV carbon
- Fork: Checkpoint+ carbon
- Groupset: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, Rival levers, Praxis cranks
- Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, alloy
- Tyres: Bontrager Girona Pro
- Price: £5,000 / $6,599.99 / €5,999.99 / AU$ N/A
Trek Checkpoint+ SL 5
- Frame: Checkpoint+ Series 500 OCLV carbon
- Fork: Checkpoint+ carbon
- Groupset: Shimano GRX 12-speed mechanical, Praxis cranks
- Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25, alloy
- Tyres: Bontrager Girona Pro
- Price: £4,500 / $5,999.99 / €4,999.99 / AU$8,999.76
