trek vs alubike

Trek bikes range: which model is right for you?

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The humble beginning of Trek bicycles took place in the "red barn" - once a carpet warehouse - in Waterloo, USA. The first bikes were steel touring frames , but within three years the brand had expanded substantially.

Eventually outgrowing the barn, Trek moved into a much larger headquarters - still in Waterloo - in the year 1980. From there it began to manufacture road racing bikes, then in 1983 created its first mountain bike before moving into accessories come 1984.

Having started out in steel, Trek moved into developing aluminium bikes in 1985. The first Trek branded full carbon frame came in 1989 - the Trek 5000 had a frame weight of 1.5kg. It was built by an outside manufacturer and discontinued after a year. Trek made its own efforts at carbon, with an in-house production, in 1992 to much greater success.

>>> Trek mountain bikes: which model is right for you?

Now, Trek offers the Madone (aero bike), Domane (endurance bike), Emonda (lightweight race bike) and Checkpoint (gravel bike) as well as the Boone cyclocross and Speed Concept time trial machine.

Trek's OCLV Carbon

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Trek's carbon bikes have always used their own patented 'OCLV carbon' - this stands for Optimum Compaction Low Void. It believes this carbon creates the best compromise between low weight and high strength and stiffness.

Optimum Compaction refers to the way sheets of carbon are layered into the mould, and optimised via heat and pressure - in Trek's opinion the two treatments are administered to the perfect ratio. Low Void refers to the minimisation of space between the layers of carbon, which might otherwise reduce strength and durability.

In 1995, Trek opened an independent facility inWhitewater, Wisconsin. The idea being that the Waterloo factory would work in frame development only. For those who want to customise their ride, the'Project One' custom paint programme arrived in 2001.

Trek's pro cycling support

Trek supported now disgraced American cyclist, Lance Armstrong, through his peak years. In 1997, it helped him sign with their sponsored team, US Postal Service Pro Cycling. He won his seven editions of the Tour de Frances on bikes bearing the brand name, but all of said wins were later taken from him following doping violations.

In 2014, the brand sponsored the Trek Factory Racing Team, now calledTrek–Segafredo. In that role, it provided bikes for high profile winners such as Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador,as well as Jens Voigt, and notably his Hour Record in September 2014.

In 2020, Trek continued to support the Trek-Segafredo men's and women's race outfits, two highly successful teams.

Trek's acquisitions

Over the years, Trek has made a number of high profile acquisitions. The most famous, perhaps, Gary Fisher bicycles - the mountain bike brand which it took over in 1993.

Later came Bontrager Cycles in 1995 and Electra Bicycle Company in 2014. Bontrager, now Trek's component and apparel brand, maintains the same name as does Electra, the creator of leisure bikes and accessories.

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Trek's road bike models

Trek is able to offer a wide range of different bikes, each tuned to a slightly different purpose. Some model families are available in a selection of standards (SLR premium carbon, SL carbon, ALR premium aluminium and AL aluminium), and then these come with assorted levels of componentry to suit your price bracket.

To add even more depth to the range, Trek offers many models in two different 'fits'. The Madone and Émonda come as standard in an H2 (traditional) fit, but there are versions in what it calls 'H1' fit. This is more aggressive, shaving off about 30mm on the head tube to create a longer, lower ride. The Domane comes in an H2 'Endurance' fit, with a few models in 'Pro Endurance', again with a longer and lower stance on offer.

Here's a look at the key model families...

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Trek Domane

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

The Trek Domane was introduced in 2012. It was created to offer a comfortable ride, the key feature being an IsoSpeed decoupler which separated the seat tube from the top tube, thus reducing vibrations and fatigue.

In 2016 it gained theFront IsoSpeed, which helps to reduce vibrations at the front end without impacting handling. This came alongside a new slider, which alters the level of dampening offered by the rear.

In its most recent update , the Domane took notes from the Madone with an aero fork profile, whilst becoming more versatile thanks to clearance for 38mm tyres (without mudguards, 35mm with). It also gained a downtube compartment for stashing tools (or snacks!).

Though comfort is important to the Trek Domane, it's still a racing frame, and its prowess has been demonstrated by UCI WorldTour riders at major one-day Classics, such as Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. The top Domane bikes come with an H1.5 fit, which was developed with the Trek-Segafredo teams to offer the optimal balance between aerodynamics and endurance.

The Trek Domane - available as a men's build or with women's specific componentry - is a fast selling model, which comes in a range of frame materials.

The Domane SLR uses the lightest carbon Trek offers, the SL is one step down, whilst the AL uses aluminium and is the cheapest of the range.

Trek Madone

The Trek Madone is quite another beast, and the bikes come built for men and women; the latter's models with women's saddles and narrower handlebars . With an aggressive geometry and stiffness to boot, it's a road race hero, and aerodynamics have become part of its lifeblood. When we tested five aero bikes , head to head, the Trek Madone came out fastest.

Modern Trek Madone's feature a high level of integration, with the cables tucked away yet reachable via an access point at the top of the down tube.Wind tunnel testing has helped Trek to create theirKVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes, used on the frame and fork. These unconventional tube shapes are designed to further reduce drag, helping the rider/bike unit to slice through the air efficiently.

Because being bumped around doesn't make you faster, the Madone also features an IsoSpeed decoupler at the seat tube and more recently an adjustable one at the head tube, which offers greater compliance whilst still being integrated to prevent adding drag.

The newest model, according to Trek, can offer 17 per cent more compliance through to 21 per cent more stiffness, depending upon your chosen setting. A damper at the seatpost is also said to cut rebound by 13 per cent. All of these stats add up to a bike that can be comfortable and stiff at the same time - and one that earned a place in our 2018 Editor's Choice awards.

The majority of the bikes come in a more relaxed 'H2' geometry, save for the Madone SLR, which is in an 'H1.5' fit - this is designed to allow riders to achieve an H1 fit or an H2, depending upon their set up.

Trek Émonda

Adding more depth to the Trek family is the Trek Émonda, launched in 2014. Designed to be a climbing bike, newer adaptations are capable of negotiating mixed terrains - with disc brakes available and tyre clearance to 28mm.

>>> Trek Émonda range explained

Trek continues to work on developing the Émonda, dropping the weight of the top end Trek Émonda SLR to 640g in a size 56cm (665g with discs) and 1091g for the Trek Émonda SL (1149g with discs). The weight difference is largely achieved by the use of700 Series OCLV carbon on the SLR, as opposed to 500 series on the SL.

The aluminium model has seen some major work and the result earned it a place in the Editor's Choice 2019 awards. The key characteristic we loved was the way it simply didn't look, or ride, like aluminium. A lot of this is down to Trek's 'Invisible Weld Technology' which increases the surface area of the frame, adding to strength and reducing weight. The ALR model's frame weight comes in at a competitive 1112g, or 1131g with discs, and it uses the brand's 300 Series Alpha Aluminium.

The carbon models are available in 'SLR' build or 'SL', the former being the lightest and the latter more affordable. The majority of Trek Émonda bikes cone in an 'H2' fit, but they can be purchased in an 'H1' geometry, if you choose the top end 'Race Shop' version.

There are a few nods to neatness and integration around, such as the use of 'Blendr Integration' which seamlessly mounts Bontrager’s cycling computer, Ionbike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars. On SLR versions there's ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame.

Trek Checkpoint

With gravel and adventure bikes a fast growing category, the Checkpoint is Trek's offering to fill that sector. The crucial element here is that both the SL and ALR frame options come fitted out with 35c gravel tyres, and can accommodate rubber up to 45c. They've all got internal cable routing, to ensure much stays out, whilst the higher end models use 'Control Freak' routing which is neater.

>>> Best gravel bikes: the top models reviewed

If you opt for the carbon SL model, you get vibration dampening from an IsoSpeed decoupler at the rear, too.  To provide stability and confidence on light trails as well as comfort on all-day adventures, the geometry is not as aggressive as the road bikes elsewhere in the range. Such all-day rides warrant plenty of kit, so there's mounts for racks and mounts. Similar to elsewhere in the range, there's AL, ALR and SL models.

Trek Speed Concept

Trek's Speed Concept time trial bike has been raced by the pros yet is still seen on the amateur race scene as a popular option.

>>> Check out Fabian Cancellara's 2016 Speed Concept

The frames use 500 Series OCLV Carbon, boasting the KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes described in the Madone, plus a carbon fork with integrated brake and stem - the key goal being cutting through the air quickly.There's space to fit Trek's SC Draft Box and SC Sped Box, largely used by triathletes carrying snacks.

Trek Boone 5

Trek's got plenty of experience in the muddy realm of off-road cycling - and they've got a selection of cyclocross bikes. The Trek Boone 7 model comes with hydraulic disc brakes, a one-by crank and 12-speed cassette and they've all got Bontrager's own 33c cyclocross tyres.

The frame material is Trek's 600 series OCLV carbon, and there's front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers to help riders negotiate the mud without excess transfer of vibration. Combining the mud ready tyres, disc brakes, 'cross focused cable routing and geo into an aluminium package is the Trek Crockett family.

They key differentiation is the frame material, which is300 Series Alpha Aluminium, and there's no decoupler. However, it's still a performance bike that's ready to race.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

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17 of the best aluminium disc-brake road bikes — check out today's best value bikes

First Published May 15, 2021

If you want your new road bike to offer great value for money and come with disc brakes, an aluminium disc-equipped road bike could be the right choice for you.

There’s a wide range of aluminium road bikes that typically offer really good value for money. Because less cash is tied up with the frame, there’s more budget for better components. And many of the latest aluminium frames offer really good performance.

Updated August 3, 2021

Welcome to the latest edition of road.cc’s buyer's guide to aluminium road bikes with disc brakes, in which you’ll find everything you need to know to find the right bike for you, plus our pick of 17 of the best disc-equipped aluminium road bikes.

More about road.cc buyer's guides .

The best aluminium frames give little away to carbon fibre in terms of weight and performance, but cost a lot less

Disc brakes — especially hydraulic disc brakes — increase the price of a bike, so going for an aluminium frame is a sensible compromise if you want better brakes

Many of these bikes will take fatter tyres than rim-braked bikes, and still have room for mudguards; disc-braked bikes are versatile

Choose a bike with hydraulic discs if possible, they really do work better than cable-actuated brakes

17 of the best aluminium disc-braked road bikes

Best overall: cannondale caad 13 105 disc 2021 — £2,249, best for women: liv avail ar2 — £1,348.99, best value: triban rc 520 — £849.99, best money-no-object: mason definition 2 red axs — £5,995, best for speed: specialized allez sprint disc comp 2021 — £2,200, best for sportives: ribble endurance al disc 105 — £1,299.00.

• Best for commuting: Bergamont Grandurance RD 7 — £1,789.00

Best on a budget: Triban RC 120 — £499.99

• Liv Devote 1 — £1,348.99

Condor Italia RC Disc — £1,199 (frameset)

Merida scultura disc 2021 — from £1,000, trek emonda alr disc 2021 — from £1,600, canyon bikes endurace al disc 2020 — from £1,449, cube attain disc 2021 — from £849, kinesis aithein disc — £720 (frameset), bowman cycles weald — £845 (frameset), giant contend sl disc 2021 — from £1,449.00.

Disc brakes are increasingly popular and we’re seeing more bike manufacturers releasing disc-equipped aluminium bikes, so we thought it would be useful to round up some of the most interesting choices.

Read more: Everything you need to know about disc brakes

Read more: The best disc brake endurance road bikes

The very best aluminium disc-braked bikes

Cannondale is a brand famous for its dedication to aluminium, with its CAAD series stretching back a couple of decades and being raced in the pro peloton. The CAAD 13 Disc is the latest version, lighter than the CAAD 10 and smoother than the CAAD 12 (don’t ask about the CAAD 11, it never happened). There are three disc versions in the CAAD 13 range, plus a woman's version of the 105-equipped bike, which at £2,249 is the base model. There's an Ultegra-equipped version and at the top a bike with SRAM's Force eTap AXS 12-speed wireless electronic shifting for £4,799.00.

The Shimano 105-equipped bike is the CAAD13 sweet spot: you get the superb CAAD13 frame, with Shimano's most popular, versatile and reliable groupset and you still have the £750 premium for the Ultegra-equipped version in your bank balance.

road.cc technical editor Mat Brett said of the CAAD13 105: "One ride on the CAAD13 is enough to demonstrate that aluminium bikes aren't always harsh. This bike offers a superbly smooth ride.

"You're not totally isolated from what's going on beneath your tyres, of course – let's not get silly about this – but the ride quality is high and not much annoying (and ultimately energy-sapping) vibration is transferred up to you in the saddle. Even when you're spinning through the most neglected, gravel-strewn back lanes, the whole feeling is very composed.

"The danger with chasing extra comfort and aero efficiency and altering the tubes so significantly is that Cannondale could have sacrificed features for which its CAAD bikes have always been famous: frame stiffness and snappy handling. Thankfully, that hasn't happened.

"I used to own a CAAD3 about 20 years ago – what's that? I don't look old enough? Yoooou! – and it was a burly beast. A lot has changed since then but the CAAD13 feels equally tight and strong. This isn't a bike that flinches when you muscle it about. Whether you're sprinting for signs, smashing up power climbs or slicing through tight corners, it has the beef required to stand up for itself."

Read our first ride of the new CAAD 13 Disc Read our review of the Cannondale CAAD13 Disc 105

AR stands for 'all roads' and is Liv's shorthand for a do-almost-anything endurance bike that'll take dirt roads and potholed city streets equally in its stride.

Comfort is taken care of with Liv's Approach women's saddle, shock-absorbing D-Fuse composite seatpost and 32mm tyres; there's room in the frame for 40mm rubber if you're venturing off-road.

There aren't as many women-specific road bikes around as a few years ago and Giant deserves kudos for sticking to its guns with the Liv brand where big hitters like Specialized and Trek seem to have dropped women's road bikes from their ranges.

Find a Liv dealer

For first time bike buyers after an optimum blend of build and price, or experienced riders after a great value winter bike or commuter, at £850 direct from French sports megastore Decathlon, it's hard to look past the Triban 520. What surprises most about the Triban 520 is just how accessible the ride is; how easy it is to pedal the bike at moderate speeds and feel like you're just cruising along.

This is a consistent characteristic for everything from a 5km commute to a 40km spin around the country – in each situation, it's a supremely easy bike to get on with. In fact, it's almost lazy. If you want sharp and direct responses above all else, this aluminium-framed bike most certainly isn't the one for you, but the easygoing manner lends itself to almost any other kind of road rider this side of a gravel specialist.

It gets our nod for value for money because of its Shimano 105 gears and TRP HY/RDdisc brakes with hydraulic final stage, features that are otherwise unheard of at this price.

Read our review of the Triban RC 520

Launched in 2015, the Mason Definition is aimed at the cyclist wanting a four-season road bike with stable and surefooted handling with lots of practicality and versatility, space for wider tyres and eyelets for mudguards and racks. The updated Definition 2 brings a few changes such and as a new fork and thru-axles front and rear. It’s one of the more expensive aluminium bikes here proving that aluminium isn’t a byword for cheap, especially when you bolt on a suite of SRAM's amazing Red AXS wireless electronic components.

road.cc editor Jack Sexty tested the Ultegra-equipped version of the Definition 2 and wrote: " The acceleration and power transfer you can generate through the Definition2 is almost other-worldly, and although I knew of the bike's lofty recommendations it still took me by surprise. It's easily comparable or even better than a lot of the carbon frames I've ridden in terms of power transfer; you really feel that none of your effort is wasted and everything just works in unison.

"I made sure to test out the stiffness of the frame and comfort offered from the front end through the many potholes that my local council are kind enough to not bother covering up, and the Definition2 passed with aplomb. No buzz or vibrations that I dread with cheaper aluminium frames, it glides over with ease. The wider tyres and plush Deda RHM 02 handlebar with the comfy new Ultegra brake hoods would have undoubtedly contributed to this, but as a whole package you get a seriously smooth ride.

"Descending and cornering were equally as impressive, and the Definition has a great ability to hold its line."

Dom Mason's bikes represent the state of the art in aluminium, and the Definition 2 is a bike any of us would love to live with, if we only had the spare cash.

Read our review of the Definition 2 here

Spcialized brings its Allez Sprint to the disc-equipped aluminium road bike party. The frame uses a very trick hydroforming and welding construction process that leads to lower weight and improved stiffness, and it’s also aerodynamic with a teardrop shaped seat tube and down tube. There’s just one model available, the Comp, and it costs £2,200 with a Shimano 105 groupset.

Everything about the Allez Sprint Disc screams "faster!" from the shaped tubes and deep rear wheel cut-away to the dropped seatstays and airfoil seat post. Specialized says it's "the stiffest alloy bike we've ever tested, let alone made"

Read our first look at the Allez Sprint Disc

Tester Stu writes: "With the Endurance AL Disc, Ribble has created a bike for the masses. It's ideal for winter training, commuting, club runs, short blasts or long rides – it's even quick enough for entry-level racing. The balanced, neutral handling works for the beginner, without feeling overly relaxed for the seasoned roadie. It's a lot of bike for the money.

"The Endurance AL embodies all of the good bits of the old Ribble Audax, a dependable aluminium mile-eater, but in a much more refined and up-to-date package.

"For starters, the alloy frame is much more comfortable. It's not the smoothest ride out there, but at this price, I'm certainly not complaining.

"With the tyres pumped up hard (the way I like them) I can feel what's going on with the road below, but the frame and fork dampen much of the harsh vibration. The contact points don't tire you out on long rides. And that's ideal because long rides are something the Endurance AL does very well."

Read our review of the Ribble Endurance AL Disc

Best for commuting: Bergamont  Grandurance RD 7 — £1,789.00

You can commute on just about any bike, of course, but we love the Bergamont Grandurance RD 7 for its almost-unique set of features: a well-mannered frame with excellent handling across a wide range of situations; room for pothole-proof fat tyres; and a rack, mudguards and dynamo lighting as standard.

When she tested the Grandurance 6, off.road.cc editor Rachael concluded that it was "an ideal bike if you are going to be commuting, exploring the back lanes and occasionally bikepacking… as an all-rounder, it’s hard to fault" . With its practical suite of standard equipment the Grandurance RD 7 tips away from all-rounder and towards commuting and touring, and that's not a bad thing at all.

The rest of the spec is top-notch too. Shimano's 105 components are light but reliable, and include the excellent 105 hydraulic disk brakes. The Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres are a do-anything favourite.

If the best part of two grand is a bit of a hefty price tag, there are cheaper versions. The Grandurance RD 3 with Shimano Claris components is just £989 , while a step up to Shimano Tiagra components takes you to the £1,399 Grandurance RD 5 . Both cheaper bikes still have rack, mudguards and lights as standard.

Read our review of the Bergamont Grandurance 6 Find a Bergamont dealer

With the least expensive of Decathlon's Triban RC disc-equipped bikes you still get the easy-handling, comfortable aluminium frame and carbon fibre fork that makes its more expensive stablemates a compelling proposition, but Decathlon has kept the price down with cheaper components including Microshift gears and Promax brakes. These are still decent performers though: not as light as the Shimano equivalents on more expensive bikes, but the gears still have a wide range with a 1:1 low ratio, and the brakes will still bring you to a confident stop.

Overall, this is an excellent package for the money.

More excellent disc-braked aluminium bikes

Liv devote 1 — £1,499.

In a relatively small pool of female-focused gravel bikes, the Liv Devote 1 delivers a fun and sporty but confidence-inspiring ride, on tarmac or trail.

Tester Lara says: "Straight away, I noticed how stable and planted it feels, both on the road and off, with the geometry and lower bottom bracket position placing me firmly within the cockpit for maximum control and confidence. To start with I felt the riding position was quite aggressive, but that was soon solved by adjusting the spacers to give a different bar position.

"Climbing is an absolute pleasure, and even on a fairly tricky off-road climb it gave no twitchiness in terms of handling or issues with front wheel lift at all. It actually climbs better than my hardtail mountain bike!"

Read our review of the Liv Devote 1 Find a Liv dealer

Liam Cahill writes: "The Condor Italia RC Disc is nimble, twitchy and exciting to ride fast. Aimed at racers, the frame is stiff and very well balanced, providing direct handling that makes the bike great in tight corners. The Campagnolo Chorus groupset on our test bike impressed with its braking and snappy shifting, but if you'd prefer something else, don't worry – you can choose whichever components you want.

"A few miles of riding leaves no doubt that this is an out-and-out race bike. The frame and fork are stiff, a rather tight wheelbase keeps things fun, while the 8.2kg overall weight is very respectable for an aluminium disc brake bike.

"The Italia RC Disc doesn't disappoint when the road goes upwards, responding quickly when you stamp on the pedals with no hint of flex at either the bottom bracket or the front end. It's a nice reminder that aluminium is far from inferior when it comes to frame construction."

Read our review of the Condor Italia RC Disc

For 2021 Merida offers two disc-braked bikes on its excellent aluminium Scultura platform; 'Disc' has been dropped from the name with rim-braked bikes now designated 'Rim' to differentiate them. When he reviewed the 2019 version of the entry-level Scultura Disc 200, Stu Kerton said: "It's yet another example of just how good alloy frames are right now, offering a very comfortable ride and plenty of stiffness to boot."

Read our review of the 2019 Merida Scultura Disc 200

Not to be outdone, Trek has been investing heavily in aluminium and its Emonda ALR with its claimed 1,050g frame is one of the lightest options. The welds are as smooth as anything and there is internal cable routing and many features carried over from the carbon fibre Emonda, such as the tapered head tube and oversized bottom bracket. At £2,450 the ALR 6 Disc is the most expensive model in the range with a Shimano Ultegra groupset and hydraulic disc brakes, while at £1,600 the ALR 4 Disc features a Tiagra groupset.

Your guide to Trek's 2021 road bike range

German direct-sales brand Canyon is probably best known for offering carbon bikes at a fraction of the price of other mainstream brands (well until recent political events anyway ) but it also understands the value of a really good aluminium road bike. Using its endurance platform the Endurace AL Disc provides a more upright riding position for knocking out big miles in comfort, with a carbon fork and seatpost. There’s a 105 option at £1,749 or you can pick the Endurace AL Disc 6.0 with Shimano Tiagra. Both bikes share the same 1,350g frame with internal cable routing and 12mm thru-axles.

Read our review of the Canyon Endurace AL Disc 7.0 Read our review of the Canyon Endurace AL Disc 6.0

Cube’s Attain model is an endurance and comfort-focused road bike and several models bring disc brakes to the party. The Pro costs £849 with a Shimano Sora groupset or there’s the posher spec of the Attain SL Disc for £1,299 which upgrades the braking and shifting to Shimano 105 along with better wheels and tyres. It’s a smart frame, with slim dropped rear stays to boost comfort, a tapered head tube for precise steering and full internal cable routing giving a very clean appearance.

(photo by Taz Darling)

Kinesis is a brand synonymous with affordable aluminium frames and a couple of years ago it took the weight battle to the carbon competition, with the Aithein frame weighing a little over 1kg. Naturally, a disc brake version soon followed. When Mat reviewed it he said : “Stiff and spirited aluminium road frameset that will appeal to people who like to take the battle to the roads, hammering the climbs and hitting the descents equally hard.” Sounds like he enjoyed it then!

The best thing is that the frameset retails for just £800.

Read our review of the Kinesis Aithein Disc

Young Brit bike brand Bowman Cycles launched a few years ago with a couple of models, but it’s the Weald we’re focused on here. With an aluminium frame, carbon fork, clearance for wide tyres and disc brakes, it’s a really good choice for UK riding. The frame is made from a new 6069 aluminium tubeset with a threaded bottom bracket, internal cable routing and 12mm thru-axles with flat mount brakes. It’ll take up to a 32mm tyre, up from the 30mm of its well-regarded predecessor, the Pilgims. Best thing is it costs just £845 so you can build a complete bike for a pretty reasonable price.

Read our review of the Weald's predecessor, the Pilgrims Disc

The Contend is basically the aluminium version of Giant’s Defy, the endurance bike that is aimed at cyclists who value comfort as well as performance and speed. The Contend SL features an advanced aluminium frame made from what the company calls Aluxx aluminium combined with features borrowed from the carbon Defy, such as the D-Fuse seatpost, geometry and disc brakes. It’s available in two versions, one with Shimano Tiagra for £1,449, or a Shimano 105-equipped model for £1,649, with the respective groupset's hydraulic disc brakes in each case. 

Robin Wilmott, who reviewed the 2021 105-equipped version, described the Contend as "a high-quality aluminium road bike that's relatively light, comfortable and well priced. It's not really a racer, but offers a lively, positive ride, with crisp handling."

Read our review of the Giant Contend SL 1 Disc 2021

Explore the complete archive of road bike reviews on road.cc

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John has been writing about bikes and cycling for over 30 years since discovering that people were mug enough to pay him for it rather than expecting him to do an honest day's work.

He was heavily involved in the mountain bike boom of the late 1980s as a racer, team manager and race promoter, and that led to writing for Mountain Biking UK magazine shortly after its inception. He got the gig by phoning up the editor and telling him the magazine was rubbish and he could do better. Rather than telling him to get lost, MBUK editor Tym Manley called John’s bluff and the rest is history.

Since then he has worked on MTB Pro magazine and was editor of Maximum Mountain Bike and Australian Mountain Bike magazines, before switching to the web in 2000 to work for CyclingNews.com. Along with road.cc founder Tony Farrelly, John was on the launch team for BikeRadar.com and subsequently became editor in chief of Future Publishing’s group of cycling magazines and websites, including Cycling Plus, MBUK, What Mountain Bike and Procycling.

John has also written for Cyclist magazine, edited the BikeMagic website and was founding editor of TotalWomensCycling.com before handing over to someone far more representative of the site's main audience.

He joined road.cc in 2013. He lives in Cambridge where the lack of hills is more than made up for by the headwinds.

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Tribans are both out of stock online and in my nearest 10 stores.

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They’ll be back, great bikes for the money.

No love for the BMC ALR Disc? I rode a friend's and it impressed me. I'd buy it before most of the bikes listed.

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Results have arrived, carbon fiber vs. aluminum bike frames: what's better.

Carbon fiber and aluminum alloy each have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to bike frame material. Considering comfort, weight, stiffness, durability, cost, and looks, which is better? Which is right for you?

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Jul 11, 2023

Posted in: Tech

The frame is a bicycle's heart and soul. It binds all the components together into a cohesive machine. It is the bike's identity. Without it, a bike is nothing. But what kind of soul should your bike have? Does it have a space-age carbon-fiber frame or an affordable aluminum frame? 

Most bike frames are made of either steel , titanium , aluminum , or carbon fiber . Steel and titanium are the most popular options for custom and handmade bike building. Most modern bikes, however, are made from aluminum or carbon fiber.

How do you choose between aluminum and carbon fiber frames? Let's compare the key differences

Note: There are always exceptions, but this is (very) generally how different bike frame materials are perceived. 

Bike Weight Comparison: Carbon vs. Aluminum

Even if you’re not a “weight weenie,” a lighter bike can improve the riding experience . It’s possible to build very light and capable bikes out of either aluminum or carbon. However, a carbon frame will almost always be lighter than an aluminum equivalent. Few materials can come close to carbon fiber's strength-to-weight ratio.  

Using high-modulus carbon and clever engineering, designers produce carbon bikes that are very strong, while being ludicrously light. Many major manufacturers now produce carbon road bikes that weigh less than 15 pounds complete, and cross-country mountain bikes weighing in around 20 pounds. 

Not all carbon is created equal though. Lower-grade (or modulus) carbon has more fillers, which reduces cost but adds weight. It is possible for a lower-modulus carbon frame to weigh more than a high-end aluminum frame. In this case, you get what you pay for. 

The bottom line : With the right components, aluminum frames can still be competitively light, but if you’re looking for no-holds-barred lightweight performance, carbon is unbeatable.

[newsletter]

Are Aluminum Bikes Harsh? Is Carbon More Comfortable?

Ride quality has long been a claimed benefit of carbon frames. Carbon can be engineered to be stiff in certain directions and compliant in other directions. This means a carbon frame can be comfortable over bumps and rough roads yet simultaneously efficient under pedaling. Bike marketers love using the old “laterally stiff and vertically compliant” chestnut.

Over the last couple of decades, improved technology has narrowed the comfort gap between aluminum and carbon. Manufacturers can now vary the shape of aluminum tubing throughout its length with  hydroforming to achieve laterally stiff and vertically compliant ride characteristics. Frame tubes can be thinner — sometimes as thin as a soda can — in areas where compliance is desired and thicker where stiffness and strength are necessary. All this means that a modern aluminum frame isn’t significantly less comfortable on regular roads than its carbon counterparts.

Objectively quantifying the difference in comfort between two similar bikes is incredibly hard. Bike design has a huge influence on comfort. So do  tires and touch points. If your bike feels harsh, wider tires with more supple casings and lower air pressure will make the greatest perceptible difference. Things like more compliant handlebars, seatposts, and thicker bar tape can make noticeable improvements too.

The bottom line : Carbon has a slight edge, but if comfort is your biggest concern, frame material is often secondary to other, more important factors. Is the bike intended for road racing or endurance riding? Look at things like tire clearance, fit, and geometry. Ultimately, no matter the frame material, comfort is something that can always be fine-tuned or improved.

Are Carbon Bikes More Efficient, Stiff or Responsive Than Aluminum?

Does one material do this better than another? Technically, carbon comes out on top. With aluminum frames, manufacturers use different tube shapes and varying thicknesses to control the ride characteristics. But fundamentally, Carbon fiber simply has more potential for engineers to tune ride quality. By simply changing the carbon layup (the direction that carbon fibers are oriented), it can be made stiff in one specific direction, and in one specific area. 

The bottom line : Both carbon and aluminum frames can be made to be both responsive, stiff, and efficient. The responsiveness and stiffness of carbon frames can be engineered and tuned to a higher level and it can be finely controlled, giving carbon a slight edge over aluminum. 

Are Aluminum Bikes More Durable than Carbon Bikes?

The biggest risk is that carbon is still susceptible to cracks and other damage from direct impact, as you'd experience in a big crash. Fortunately, carbon can be easily repaired , and when done correctly, the repaired frame's performance and durability is indistinguishable from when it was new. That's something that can't be said for aluminum.

While aluminum frames cannot typically be repaired, they are less expensive to replace. Aluminum can also withstand some crashes and impacts and still be okay to ride. However, make sure you have your local bike shop check out your frame, if you're concerned it might be damaged. Dents in key areas can compromise an aluminum frame. Cracks can appear in welds that can eventually lead to frame failure.

While carbon fiber has nearly infinite fatigue life, aluminum frames may not last for a lifetime of riding. Sometimes veteran riders will talk about how they can notice how an extremely old aluminum frame feels "softer" after years of riding. For most regular cyclists though, this isn't a common concern, as they'll never keep or ride an aluminum frame long enough for it to matter. 

No matter your frame material, it's important to regularly inspect it to ensure it is safe. The simplest way to tell if carbon is cracked is to run a clean rag along the tubes to see if it snags on loose fibers. You can also tap on an area that's been impacted and listen to the sound — a dull "thwack" is a bad sign, but a clean, crisp "tick" might mean you're okay. Again, check with your friendly, local pro mechanic before assuming your bike is safe to ride.

Aluminum dents can vary from shallow cosmetic blemishes to deep dents. Ultimately, it’s always best to get your bike inspected by a trusted professional.

The bottom line :  Any frame that’s properly cared for can last a long time. Bad luck and crashes can happen, and in these cases, aluminum  might be more durable. It's certainly cheaper to replace. Carbon might be more susceptible to damage from impacts, but it can be repaired.  

Aluminum Bikes Are (Usually) Less Expensive Than Carbon Bikes

There’s no real contest here. Carbon is more expensive. There is more engineering required, the manufacturing process is more labor-intensive, and every frame requires a dedicated mold that further increases the cost. It's possible for aluminum frames to be built by machine, but carbon fiber layup is still done by hand. 

When considering bikes at an equal price point, an aluminum bike will generally have nicer components than a carbon bike. It is a balancing act between paying for frame quality and component quality. Remember, components are always easier to upgrade than frames.

The bottom line : Aluminum is cheaper. Whether or not that makes it better or worse can be a matter of taste. Good bikes are made at every price point. The lower cost of aluminum frames may free up your budget for higher-end components.

Carbon vs. Aluminum: Which Looks Better?

Aluminum bike manufacturing has also gotten good enough to produce bikes that look a lot like their carbon counterparts. Hydroforming allows manufacturers to form aluminum frames into smooth aerodynamic shapes. Seamless welds can add to that smooth appearance, making some new aluminum frames almost indistinguishable from carbon at a distance.

For some, welds can also be a mark of beauty. Perfect, clean, and even welds represent excellent craftsmanship. For some mountain bikers, thick, beefy welds can make a bike feel tough and ready for gnarly riding. 

Ultimately, a good-looking bike could be made out of anything if it’s done right. It's up to the rider, and if you're happy, that's all that matters. 

The bottom line: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Ride what you like and be happy!

Carbon vs. Aluminum: What Conclusions Can We Draw?

Remember, though, that the most important part of a bike — even more so than the frame — is the rider. Pick the frame that you think can make you the happiest. That’s the best way to enjoy the ride.  If you still want to compare carbon and aluminum bikes in-person, try a physical shop like TPC’s Louisville/Denver bike store . Pick bikes up to see how heavy they actually feel in real life. If you can, test ride them to compare the differences in weight or ride characteristics. Then, you can always buy online if you choose to do so.

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11 of the best aluminium gravel bikes in 2024

Our pick of the best aluminium gravel bikes

Russell Burton / Our Media

Paul Norman

The best aluminium gravel bikes – also often called alloy gravel bikes – offer great value for money. Since aluminium gravel bikes are cheaper to manufacture than carbon gravel bikes or titanium gravel bikes, they are ideal if you're just dipping your toe into gravel riding and don't want to spend too much.

Aluminium gravel bikes also tend to make great commuter bikes , because they're robust and can take wide tyres but still usually enable you to fit gravel mudguards and a rear rack.

Here's our pick of the best aluminium gravel bikes that our expert testers – who clock up thousands of hours of ride time and years of experience between them – have ridden and rated.

Towards the bottom of the page, we've got a buyer's guide to aluminium gravel bikes , which explains why they feature among the best gravel bikes .

If you're attracted to aluminium gravel bikes because of their value for money, you can also check out our guides to the best gravel bikes under £2,000 and the best gravel bikes under £1,000 .

Best aluminium gravel bikes in 2024

Boardman adv 8.9.

• Buy now from Halfords

• £1,150 as tested
• Pros: Good spec for the money; energetic ride; proper all-rounder
• Cons: Handlebar can transmit vibration at high tyre pressures

The Boardman ADV 8.9 uses the brand's alloy frame. It still offers excellent value and spent two years as our Budget Bike of the Year . Its alloy frame provides plenty of stiffness for good power transmission and it's equipped with quality Boardman finishing kit.

It's equipped with a Shimano GRX RX400 10-speed groupset, which gives a wide range of ratios, mechanical disc brakes and tubeless-ready wheels. Although the cables run externally, the shifting still functions well. It's about the cheapest you can get a 'real' gravel bike that rides well and doesn't make too many spec compromises.

We've also reviewed the Boardman ADV 8.6 , which has the same alloy frame but is equipped with a 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset and offers an even lower-priced entry into the world of gravel riding .

• Read our full Boardman ADV 8.9 review

Canyon Grail 6

• £1,649 / $1,699 / €1,499 / AU$2,349 as tested
• Pros: Top components for the cash; amazing performance for the money; gravel-specific gear ratios
• Cons: Older model had better spec for the price

Unlike the carbon Grail, the alloy version has a conventional gravel handlebar and stem setup. Some riders may prefer this.

Canyon offers a quality spec for the price, with a 10-speed Shimano GRX RX400 groupset including the hydraulic disc brakes. The alloy wheels come from DT Swiss with quality 40mm Schwalbe G-One Bite gravel tyres.

The gravel-specific gearing means there's the range for off-road riding, and that's paired with a confidence-inspiring ride on gravel and decent tarmac performance. We've also reviewed the women's-specific Canyon Grail 6 WMN , although that bike has now been superseded by the offer of smaller sizes of the standard Grail 6.

• Read our full Canyon Grail 6 review

Focus Atlas 6.8

• £1,899 / €1,999 / AU$3,099 as tested
• Pros: Touring and bikepacking-friendly; progressive geometry; excellent-value package
• Cons: Boost spacing limits wheel upgrades; top tube bag rattles

Focus makes a carbon Atlas, which sits above this good-value alloy model. The alloy Atlas we've tested is well configured for bikepacking, with plenty of mounting points, but its progressive geometry means it's also effective for more technical off-road use.

The groupset is a mix of Shimano's top GRX 800 and mid-range GRX 600. That's paired with tough Alex rims on wheels with Boost spacing and 45mm WTB Riddler gravel bike tyres . The Boost spacing means any wheel upgrade is likely to require an MTB wheelset .

• Read our full Focus Atlas 6.8 review

Kinesis Tripster AT

• £1,850 (mudguards extra £60) as tested
• Pros: Wonderfully thought-out frame; great handling and lots of fun; good mudguards
• Cons: Occasional mis-shifts; slippery saddle

With AT signifying all terrain, the Tripster AT from Sussex-based Kinesis is a bike designed for all-road riding including gravel, tarmac, commutes and winter training. As such, it's very practical with mounts for mudguards, but also space for 52mm tyres if you want to head off-road.

The Tripster AT is an enjoyable ride with enough stiffness for sprints, as well as tackling gnarlier off-road terrain. There's the gearing from the SRAM 1x drivetrain to tackle climbs and the simplicity to manage hostile conditions. We rated the sturdy mudguards, which are an extra, highly.

• Read our full Kinesis Tripster AT review

Voodoo Nakisi

• £650 as tested
• Pros: Cheap and cheerful; well kitted out
• Cons: Heavy

Voodoo is Halfords' in-house MTB brand, but it has strayed into gravel territory with the Nakisi, which is a bargain gravel option, although it could cover commuting duties as well. Mounts for mudguards and a rack ensure the bike's versatility and there's wide tyre clearance too.

Despite its price, Voodoo has specced a 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset, rather than the cheaper 8-speed Claris. This provides a good gear range and enables you to tackle hills more comfortably despite the bike's 11kg-plus weight.

• Read our full Voodoo Nakisi review

Ribble Gravel AL Enthusiast SRAM Rival 1x

• £1,999 / $1,967 / €1,964 / AU$2,853 as tested
• Pros: Great on technical terrain; fairly lightweight build; well-specced for the price
• Cons: Long reach; draggy tyres; large 42-tooth chainring

We were impressed by the quality of the welds on the Ribble Gravel AL, which offers a quality spec with 650b Mavic Allroad wheels, making for great capability over rougher ground. There's tyre clearance for 47mm 650b or 45mm 700c rubber.

As usual, Ribble gives you plenty of stock spec and upgrade options, with the review bike featuring SRAM Rival 1 11-speed mechanical shifting. Finishing kit comes from Ribble's in-house Level brand.

• Read our full Ribble Gravel AL SRAM Rival 1x review

Cannondale Topstone Alloy 2

• £1,800 / $1,925 / €2,199 / AU$3,199 as tested
• Pros: Plentiful accessory mounts boost versatility; great tyres for light gravel and road riding
• Cons: 10-speed groupset; relatively narrow tyres

Cannondale has been making quality aluminium bike frames since the 1990s and its accumulated expertise shows in the Topstone Alloy. Post-update in mid-2022, the bike now has 45mm tyre clearance, extra mounting points and features dropped seatstays.

The spec tested includes 10-speed Shimano GRX shifting and 37mm Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres on WTB rims. The tyres are a bit narrow and smooth-treaded for more technical or muddy rides, but roll well on smoother surfaces and tarmac.

• Read our full Cannondale Topstone Alloy 2 review

Genesis Fugio 30

• £2,000 as tested 
• Pros: Fun to ride; competitive price; good looks
• Cons: Slow on tarmac; some downgraded parts 

The latest Genesis Fugio has traded steel for aluminium, shedding roughly 500g and proving to be great fun to ride.

It’s not the fastest on tarmac, but with relaxed geometry and clearance for 57mm tyres, it will be perfect for riding over tough terrain and tackling big adventures.

Genesis has downgraded a few components, but the Fugio 30 is still competitively priced at £2,000.

• Read our full Genesis Fugio 30 review

Merida Silex 400

• £1,400 / €1,499 / AU$2,199 as tested
• Pros: Unusual MTB-inspired geometry; quality hydraulic disc groupset; good overall value
• Cons: Sticky freehub; narrow rim width

The Merida Silex comes at gravel from an MTB perspective, which translates to a long reach and a high stack. Along with the short stem, this makes the bike eminently flickable off-road and leads to great handling.

Other features set the bike up for mixed use, with mudguard and rack mounts and fork leg bosses for bikepacking . The 400 spec is equipped with 10-speed Shimano GRX gravel shifting. We'd go wider than the 38mm Maxxis Rambler tyres provided for more off-road grip though.

The bike can fit either 700c or 650b gravel wheels .

We've also reviewed the carbon-framed Merida Silex+ 6000 , if you're looking for a higher spec.

• Read our full Merida Silex 400 review

Nukeproof Digger RS V3

• £3,000 / $2,400 / €3,145 as tested
• Pros : Integrated dropper post; high-spec wheels; excellent fork; rack and mudguard mounts
• Cons : Lacks speed on mellow gravel

The Nukeproof Digger RS V3 is a mountain bike brand's take on a gravel bike.

The superb RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR 30mm-travel fork enhances the Digger's technical performance – you can unleash it on steep, bumpy trails better suited to an enduro mountain bike .

Stability on rough stuff comes from the 50cm-wide handlebar and slack head angle, further boosting your confidence. But the Digger feels a bit sluggish on faster gravel roads and when climbing out of the saddle.

On a £3,000 / $2,400 bike, the DT Swiss GR1600 wheels are a relatively premium option. The SRAM Rival 1 groupset works well, but feels outdated compared to newer Apex 1x, 12-speed mechanical.

• Read our full Nukeproof Digger RS V3 review 

• £2,469 / $2,500 as tested
• Pros: Magnesium alloy frameset with novel trussed chainstays; good vibration absorption; quality spec for the price
• Cons: Creaky seatpost

Okay, the A/1 is not aluminium, but it is alloy (as are steel gravel bikes and titanium gravel bikes) , in this case magnesium alloy. Vaast says it's lighter than steel, aluminium or titanium, but stronger and more corrosion-resistant than everything but titanium.

There's a dropped driveside chainstay with a truss, which provides room for 40mm 700c or 47mm 650b tyres. The wheels are Stan's with Maxxis Rambler tyres and the test bike was equipped with a 1x Shimano GRX RX600 11-speed drivetrain with a carbon Praxis crankset.

The geometry is designed for fast gravel grinding and you can fit a gravel dropper post . There's a sprightly spring to the frame over rougher ground, that doesn't detract from the stiff, responsive pedal feel. The straight-legged carbon fork is a little at odds with the plusher rear, however. The main bugbear was a creaking seatpost.

• Read our full Vaast A/1 review

Buyer’s guide to aluminium gravel bikes

What are the advantages of aluminium gravel bikes.

Aluminium gravel bikes tend to be the entry-level offering in the gravel bike ranges of larger brands, with pricier models swapping to carbon fibre frames. As such, they offer a cheaper alternative if you're just getting into gravel and aren't sure if it's for you or what you want.

That also means they tend to offer lower-priced specs, which is an advantage when it comes time for parts replacement – components wear quickly in off-road conditions.

As with the best aluminium road bikes , you may find you get more for your money from an aluminium gravel bike.

Are aluminium gravel bikes heavy?

Not necessarily, it depends on how they're constructed. Hydroforming changes the shape and wall thickness of aluminium tubing and can dramatically decrease the weight of the bike's frame. You'll see frames referred to as triple-butted when the tubing has been made thinner in its middle than at its ends.

In some cases, aluminium frames can be lighter than similarly priced carbon frames, so don't discount aluminium gravel bikes because of their weight.

A few choice component upgrades, such as a swap to the best gravel wheels , could also dramatically decrease the bike's weight and change its performance.

Aluminium gravel bikes vs carbon gravel bikes

As mentioned above, brands tend to offer their carbon gravel bikes with higher specs. Combined with a lower frame weight that can appreciably decrease the mass of a carbon gravel bike over an aluminium one, particularly if you're prepared to pay more.

You're also more likely to find items such as SRAM's 12-speed wireless AXS groupset on carbon gravel bikes than on aluminium gravel bikes.

As entry-level models, aluminium gravel bikes tend to be generalist machines designed for all-round gravel riding.

However, gravel bikes are becoming more specialist, so if you're looking for a gravel race bike or a gravel bike to tackle steeper, more technical terrain, you're more likely to find such a bike with a carbon frame.

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Bike Test: TWO-BY ALUMINUM Trek VS Cannondale

Trek’s Domane ALR 4 Disc versus Cannondale’s Optimo Disc

Photos: Pat Carrigan

Although aluminum is no longer the frame material of choice in the high-end market, it still provides an impressive value for entry-level bikes. Cannondale and Trek are two of the big brands that have continued to invest in their aluminum bike line, and what we have here are two entries that close in on the $2000 price point.

Cannondale pioneered the use of oversized aluminum tubes back in the early ’80s. In the many years since, Cannondale has maintained its reputation with aluminum fabrication with their popular CAAD line that’s used in a variety of different bikes. The CAAD Optimo is Cannondale’s newest take on what an aluminum bike should feel like while maintaining a friendly price tag.

The Trek Domane ALR 4 Disc is more than another aluminum frame with a flashy paint job. Trek utilized established compliance concepts from their higher-end carbon version to develop a bike that is budget-friendly and still packs a punch on the performance side.

The Optimo uses Cannondale’s own SmartForm C2 aluminum with internal cable routing, a PF30 bottom bracket and, of course, disc brakes. The rear triangle uses Cannondale’s SAVE stays that are used on all of their road bikes and even some of their mountain bikes. The SAVE micro-suspension flattens out parts of the chain and seatstays to dumb down rough sections of pavement.

Adding to the ride quality is a carbon fork up front and a small-diameter seat tube that hosts a 27.2mm seatpost. There are two bikes in the Optimo category; our test bike is the higher-end build retailing for $1460.

The ALR 4 stands unique with the addition of Trek’s proprietary IsoSpeed decoupler, which can be likened to a suspension system that provides unparalleled vertical compliance aimed at long days in the saddle. The IsoSpeed allows the seat tube to flex under stress to relieve some of the harsh vibrations and imperfections on the road.

Trek builds the Domane with their 200 Alpha aluminum with manipulated tube shapes to enhance the ride quality. The rear triangle has clearance for up to 32mm tires and uses a 12mm thru-axle. The frame has complete internal cable routing, an oversized BB86.5 bottom bracket shell and hidden fender mounts.

A nice, modern touch are the flat-mount front and rear disc brakes. Up front is a carbon fiber fork that uses a 12mm thru-axle and clearance for 32mm tires. The price tag is set at $1730.

Our test bike came with the proven 11-speed Shimano 105 drivetrain with an 11-28 cassette. Up front is an FSA Gossamer crankset with compact 50/34 chainrings. The shifters are paired with cable-actuated TRP Spyre brake calipers. The Optimo comes with Maddux wheels mounted with 25mm Schwalbe Lugano tires. Cannondale relied on their own C3 aluminum handlebars, stem and seatpost to round out the spec.

Bikes in this price point are generally value-driven, and the ALR 4 has plenty of bang-for-the-buck components. Trek spec’d the ALR with Shimano RS405 hydraulic brakes and calipers for consistent braking that is unaffected by the internal cable routing. The 10-speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain is made up with a compact 50/34 crankset and 11-32 rear cassette, giving riders a broad range of gears. Our test bike came with 32mm tires and tubeless-ready Bontrager rims that we considered a bonus for this price point.

The geometry of the CAAD leans towards performance with a slightly aggressive reach and head angle but in a compact design. Our test riders felt comfortable with the 100mm stem, but were not impressed with the stock saddle and swapped it out for a Fabric Scoop after the first ride. On longer rides the fit felt comfortable and versatile enough for riders to find a good position for endurance adventures or more aggressive riding.

The CAAD rides like an aluminum bike with stiff, responsive qualities that are pronounced during hard efforts out of the saddle. Our test riders didn’t get any unwanted flex out of the frame when climbing or sprinting and were pleased with the overall responsiveness. When pedaling in the saddle, the CAAD had a smooth ride that was attributed to the SAVE stays. Over rough sections of pavement the CAAD delivered a surprisingly quiet ride.

It took us several hard braking efforts to burn the brakes in, but once we did, the calipers provided capable stopping power. The cable routing for the rear brake is awkward, coming out from under the chainstay, and drastically changed how the lever felt. Instead of a consistent pull, the line felt mushy and changed when we turned the handlebars.

Dialing in the fit, our test riders noticed the relax geometry and dropped the stem into the lowest stack height and were still comfortable enough during long rides. The Shimano brake hoods have a long reach, which felt strange to some riders. During our testing, though, we didn’t have any major complaints with the overall fit and geometry. To say to the Domane is a smooth-riding bike would be an understatement. The IsoSpeed decoupler muted rough sections of the road and delivered a very compliant ride quality.

Out of the saddle the frame was stiff and responded to our test riders’ efforts with ease. On long climbs we had plenty of gears to maintain a healthy cadence, even on steeper pitches of pavement. The Domane felt stable on descents, and the hydraulic calipers offered plenty of modulation. Some of our test riders would have preferred the smaller 140mm rotors opposed to the stock 160s, but overall were pleased with the braking performance.

THE VERDICT

Entry-level road bikes in this price category are usually a pretty solid bet in terms of durability and delivering a consistent ride. The CAAD Optimo delivers on ride quality and carries on the CAAD legacy well. Riders will have a solid platform to dial in this bike the way they want it down the road or simply enjoy it as is.

OPTIMO PUNCH LINES

• Comfortable ride
• Inconsistent rear brake

OPTIMO STATS

• Price: $1460
• Weight: 21.6 pounds
• Sizes: 44, 48, 51, 54 (tested), 56, 58, 60, 63cm

www.cannondale.com

There are plenty of aluminum bikes under $2000 with loud paint jobs and a quality component package, but few have frame designs that are as progressive as the Trek. The Domane ALR 4 Disc has a solid component spec and a frame design that has more technology than some high-end carbon bikes. The price tag on the Domane is near the top of what is considered budget-friendly, but the bike will require few—if any—upgrades to keep riders going.

DOMANE PUNCH LINES

• Proprietary Isospeed system
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Comfortable geometry

DOMANE STATS

• Price: $1730
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56 (tested), 58, 60, 62cm

www.trekbikes.com

THE COMPARO 

There are two schools of thought when shopping for your first bike—settling for the most affordable or opt for a slightly higher price to step up in technology. The Cannondale sits in a comfortable price range with a modern 11-speed drivetrain and mechanical-actuated disc brakes. For about $300 more, the Trek sits at the top of the entry-level price spectrum with a 10-speed drivetrain and hydraulic-actuated disc brakes.

It’s no secret that entry-level bikes are often the dumping ground for older, heavier components and technology as consumer expectations advance along with the new technology that finds itself on more expensive bikes. That argument could point to both the Cannondale’s cable pull brakes and Trek’s 10-speed drivetrain.

While everyone can always use extra gears, for us, there is nothing that beats the feel of consistent and powerful braking, and that’s a big reason why for us the extra $300 for the Trek is small potatoes. In addition to the brakes are the tubeless-ready wheels and 32mm tires, which are a boon in contemporary component spec. What really seals the deal in favor of the Trek is the Isospeed decoupler that simply delivers an unmatched level of ride compliance that’s hard to beat.

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Trek’s New Checkpoint and Checkmate Illustrate the Evolution of Gravel Bikes

One gravel bike for all gravel riders will no longer do, so Trek now makes two. Plus a review of the new Checkmate race bike.

The Takeaway: Trek’s new Checkmate is a gravel race bike through and through. It’s fast, smooth, and perfectly tuned for its intended purpose. The Checkmate is, very intentionally, not everyone’s gravel bike. However, if you want to go as fast on the dirt as you do on the pavement, the Checkmate offers class-leading race-oriented performance.

The Third Generation Checkpoint—Drop Bar Versatility

The all new checkmate—made to race, geometry—pulling back, models, prices, and claimed weights, ride impressions, notes from the field.

As gravel riding continues evolving, Trek’s Checkpoint could no longer serve every gravel rider’s demands. Trek needed to grow its product line from a single all-around gravel bike to one all-arounder—Checkpoint—and one racer—Checkmate.

Both models offer features and refinements that better suit their intended audiences than the previous generation Checkpoint. Details about both bikes are below, as well as a review of Checkmate (Checkpoint review coming soon).

One Family Becomes Two

The SLR was the raciest (owing to higher-grade carbon and parts differences), the SL was an all-arounder, and the ALR was essentially the aluminum version of the SL. But Trek further tweaked the ALR to make it even more versatile and serve as an all-purpose commuting/touring/utility drop-bar bike.

But while the SLR was a somewhat racier Checkpoint, it wasn’t racy enough for today’s gravel racing . So, the Checkpoint SLR is gone. Trek replaced it with an all-new model designed from the tires up for modern gravel racing named Checkmate.

The Checkpoint, meanwhile, received several updates that make it more utilitarian and more suitable for long-distance gravel and adventure riding.

One family becomes two: The Checkmate is built specifically for race; the Checkpoint is made for anything.

Starting with price, the Checkmate is more expensive because it’s built with higher-grade carbon and higher-end (lighter) parts. At launch, there are two Checkmate models priced $8,300 and $12,000. The Checkmate is also one of Trek’s Project One models, which means buyers can customize paint, components, and component dimensions.

Other ways the Checkmate differs from the Checkpoint are a more aggressive fit (lower stack), aerodynamic tube shapes, quicker handling geometry, less tire clearance (max 45mm), and a D-shaped seatpost. Plus, it only fits electronic shifting drivetrains.

The Checkpoint is more affordably priced. Trek is debuting three models priced from $3,200 to $5,700. These are not included in Project One, so the builds are locked, and buyers need to negotiate any changes with the dealer.

Checkpoint’s frame is built with lower grade carbon, has 50mm tire clearance, a more upright fit, longer wheelbase (more stable), more cargo mounts (front and rear racks, manything mounts on the fork), internal frame storage, a round seatpost (dropper compatible), and is geometry corrected and approved for use with a suspension fork.

And what of an updated aluminum Checkpoint? Time will tell. When asked if an aluminum version of the new Checkpoint was on the horizon, Trek would only say, “With the launch [today] we are only launching the two new carbon gravel bikes.”

With the Checkmate going all in on racing, the Checkpoint is now free to become a gravel bike built for adventure. And multiple updates throughout the bike express that.

Comfort is a big theme. A great deal of that comfort is due to the revised geometry that Trek says “puts you in a more relaxed upright riding position” and allows more riders to get a good fit on the bike (more below in the geometry section).

Also, on the comfort front, Trek wisely carries forward with the IsoSpeed decoupler in the seat tube. This system allows the seat tube to flex further and more easily in response to bumps. Based on my experience riding Treks with IsoSpeed for a decade or more, it works.

The IsoSpeed hardware was more prominent on this bike and the Checkmate. Using my powers of marketing speak translation; I believe this change was primarily made to call attention to the feature and help the bikes stand out on the sales floor.

Further comfort may be gained by fitting bigger tires (tire clearance is up to 50mm from 45mm), a suspension fork (the geometry is suspension corrected), and the seat tube fits a standard 27.2mm post, making it dropper compatible.

Trek also added mounts to the Checkpoint to aid with utility. So the bike can be equipped in multiple ways. It has front and rear rack mounts, manything mounts on the fork legs, a top tube bag mount, front triangle bag mounts (Trek’s dropping a new top tube, frame, and triangle bag with the Checkpoint/Checkmate), a bottle/cargo mount under the downtube, and multiple bottle mounts inside the front triangle. Trek also touts an “optimized” front triangle that can fit the massive one liter/34 ounce Voda bottles inside the triangle with bags.

The Checkpoint’s internal frame storage gets a handful of updates as well. The opening is larger to make bag removal and installation easier, and there’s more storage space inside the downtube. The storage door is shared with Trek’s Slash and new Top Fuel mountain bike models, which makes sourcing a replacement easier.

On that topic: the Checkpoint gets the UDH. Additionally, the headset uses “common mountain bike bearing sizes” said to be easier to source.

The Checkpoint has internal routing like most mid to high-end drop bar bikes today, but Trek’s system is, I feel, one of the better ones. That’s because the RCS system—via different headset covers—allows riders an integrated one-piece cockpit , a semi-integrated two-piece system with Trek’s RCS Pro Blendr Stem, or a standard handlebar and stem. Options—They’re good.

I’m also happy Trek uses the same RCS parts and routing design for the Checkpoint, Checkmate, and Madone models. (Trek also hints that future drop bar bikes *cough-new Domane-cough* will share these parts and routing, too.)

Diving into the smaller details: The Checkpoint is compatible with 2x drivetrains (the front derailleur mount is removable), SRAM’s full mount derailleurs ( Red XPLR and Transmission ), mechanical shifting drivetrains, and runs the T47 threaded bottom bracket like Trek’s other drop bar bikes.

While the new Checkpoint is made for anything, the Checkmate is made for one thing: Racing.

Gravel racing is only getting faster. So, unsurprisingly, a big part of Checkmate’s story is aerodynamics.

Trek’s new Madone offered some inspiration, with the Checkmate borrowing from the Full System Foil tube shape library developed for its latest road racing bike. But there’s a significant difference between the Checkmate and Madone’s tube shapes due to…water bottles.

The new Madone’s tube shapes were optimized with Trek’s RSL Aero cage and the matching skinny 20-ounce bottle in mind. But gravel racers don’t have team cars filled with fresh bottles trailing them: They need to carry more and larger bottles. Trek’s gravel racers especially love the brand’s massive 34-ounce Voda bottle. So, Trek designed the Checkmate’s tubes to be as aero as possible with a standard 77-millimeter diameter round bottle.

The result of the Checkmate’s improved aerodynamics save riders 26.6 seconds per hour (at a steady 200 watts) compared to the second-generation Checkpoint SLR.

But we all know the rider is the most significant contributor to aerodynamic drag, so Trek has tuned the Checkmate’s geometry for a more efficient rider position. Like most race bikes, that means a low stack. In my frame size (medium), the Checkmate’s stack is two centimeters lower than a medium Gen 3 Checkpoint’s.

Weight is another unsurprising area of focus for a race bike, so yes, the Checkmate’s frameset is lighter than the Checkpoint’s. The Checkmate, Trek claims, is 360 grams lighter than the Gen 3 Checkpoint and 156 grams lighter than the Gen 2 Checkpoint SLR.

Trek pulled a few levers to decrease the weight. The Checkmate is made of higher-grade carbon than the Gen 2 and Gen 3 Checkpoint to shave grams, the Checkmate’s updated tube shapes trim mass, and it is stripped down, most notably forgoing in-frame storage that is a feature of the Gen 2 and Gen 3 Checkpoint.

An interesting aside about the in-frame storage: Trek’s road product manager, Matt Riley, stated they polled Trek’s gravel athletes about in-frame storage while developing the Checkmate. Almost universally, the racers said that anything that would fit into internal frame storage—tubeless plugs, Co2 cartridges, etc.— they’d instead have externally mounted (or in a bag’s side pocket) so it could be quickly accessed during a race. The racers claim that opening the storage hatch (which sometimes means pulling the bottle out of the cage first), pulling the storage bag out, and rifling through the bag to find the tool needed takes too much time.

Trek also saved weight on the Checkmate by running its 310-gram (or so) one-piece Aero RSL integrated cockpit—developed initially for the new Madone—and other build choices. Trek claims the complete Checkmate is “over one pound lighter” than the second-generation Checkpoint SLR.

Over the Unbound 200 course , and at an average power of 200 watts, Trek says that the Checkmate’s aero and weight advantage leads to a five-minute and 54-second time savings compared to riding the second-generation Checkpoint SLR on the same course at the same power. Which… wow, right?

Diving into the details beyond aero, weight, and geometry, you’ll find 45mm tire clearance, mounts for a top tube and frame bags (Trek’s marketing manager for road, Whitney Beadle, stated its racers like to use the top tube and triangle bag), a UDH, and threaded T47 bottom bracket. The Checkmate is compatible with 2x drivetrain but cannot be fitted with mechanical shifting. The Checkmate is also tuned for faster handling than the Checkpoint, thanks to the former’s shorter chainstays and wheelbase.

Like the Checkpoint, the Checkmate uses Trek’s compliance-enhancing IsoSpeed seat tube. However, in this case, it is designed around an aero-tuned D-shaped post (offered in 5mm and 20mm offsets). Thus, it is not possible to fit a dropper into the Checkmate.

One accommodation I am surprised to see on an otherwise stripped and purposeful race bike is mudguard compatibility. Doug Urbaniak, Trek’s senior mechanical engineer for road products, explained that the weight of adding fender accommodations is “insignificant” and adds versatility for riders who want to use the Checkmate as a training bike in the offseason. Other brand representatives also admitted the mounts were included to keep riders in certain markets like the UK from screaming bloody murder. The Brits love them mudguards.

There is one other thing I want to highlight—Thanks to Trek’s RCS internal routing system, it is possible to run a suspension stem on the Checkmate. That’s not an option with many internally routed gravel bikes. True, you will lose the weight, aero benefits, and clean look of the one-piece cockpit, but the option to add compliance to the front end is a huge benefit for some race courses.

Now that there is a Checkpoint and Checkmate, Trek has two gravel geometries: racing (Checkmate) and all-around (Checkpoint). I’ll start with changes to the latter.

Trek made a large geometry change from the Gen 1 to Gen 2 Checkpoint, adding about two centimeters of reach to the frames. A longer front center offered more stability and less toe overlap, offset by shorter stems to provide the benefits of the longer frame without affecting reach and rider position.

Or so the theory went. Once the bikes got out into the real world, Urbaniak stated that dealers encountered issues getting riders to fit onto them. In some cases, dealers had to resort to ultra-short (35 to 40mm) and high-rise (plus 17 degrees) stems to fit customers onto the second-generation Checkpoint.

For this third-generation Checkpoint, Trek is splitting the difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2. Compared to Gen 2, Gen 3’s reaches are about a centimeter shorter, and most sizes get a stack increase. This model also has suspension-corrected geometry (a fork with a longer axle to crown), so riders can swap in a RockShox Rudy or Fox 32TC without changing the bike’s fit or handling. The Checkpoint is also tested and approved for use with a suspension fork.

As you might expect, the race-oriented Checkmate has a different geometry from the Checkpoint. While reach lengths are similar between the bikes, Trek gave the Checkmate a lower stack to allow a rider to assume a more aerodynamic position, and it has more aggressive handling. In addition, the Checkmate is not suspension-corrected or approved for use with a suspension fork.

Bikes are now in shops and available to buy on Trek’s website.

As the Checkmate falls under Trek’s Project One program, it is sold in two ways.

One is the usual method: Trek ships complete bikes in a handful of stock finishes with all component and cockpit dimensions preselected. Trek now offers the option to have bikes shipped directly to your house, or you can pick one up at your local dealer.

But if you are willing to wait a bit (30 days or less in many cases, Trek claims), you can order the Checkmate through Trek’s Project One customization program . This allows you to customize the paint, component sizes, cockpit dimensions, and some part choices. However, buyers must work through a dealer for a P1 custom build.

Within Checkmate Project One, you can also opt for Trek’s premium Raw Lithos finish, which features pigments from EnvironOxide and Living Ink that utilize organic and reclaimed materials.

In “stock” form, the Checkmate is offered in two builds, each offered in your choice of four finishes.

Checkmate SLR 7 AXS - $8,300, 17.9 pounds

SRAM Force XPLR 1x12 with a power meter, Trek Aero RSL Road integrated bar/stem, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37V wheels, Bontrager Girona tires, Aeolus Pro saddle with carbon rails.

Checkmate SLR 9 AXS - $12,000, 16.6 pounds SRAM Red XPLR 1x13 with a power meter, Trek Aero RSL Road integrated bar/stem, Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V wheels, Bontrager Girona RSL tires, Aeolus RSL saddle with carbon rails.

Checkmate SLR Frameset - $4,000, 1,146 grams (fork - 415 grams)

SL 5 AXS - $3,200, 21 pounds SRAM Apex AXS 1x12, Bontrager Elite Gravel bar, Bontrager Elite Stem, Bontrager Paradigm rims with sealed bearing hubs, Bontrager Girona tires, Trek Verse Short Comp saddle with steel rails.

SL 6 AXS - $4,000, 20.7 pounds SRAM Rival AXS 1x12, Bontrager Elite Gravel bar, Bontrager Pro Stem, Bontrager Paradigm Comp wheels, Bontrager Girona tires, Trek Verse Short Comp saddle with steel rails.

SL 7 AXS - $5,700, 19.9 pounds SRAM Force AXS 1x12, Bontrager Pro Gravel bar, Bontrager Pro Stem, Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35V wheels with carbon rims, Bontrager Girona tires, Trek Verse Short Comp saddle with hollow magnesium rails.

Checkpoint SL frame - $2,400, 1,385 grams (fork - 536 grams)

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Price as tested:  $12,000 (SLR 9) Weight as tested: 16.9 lb. (size M) Sizes offered:  XS, S, M, ML, L, XL Weight limit: 275 lb. / 125 kg. Model price range:  $8,200 to $12,000 Frame only:  Yes; $4,000 Max tire clearance:  45mm Drivetrain:  1x or 2x, electronic only Routing:  Internal. Compatible with integrated cockpits and two-piece bar/stem with appropriate headset cover. Bottom Bracket:  T47  Seatpost:  Frame-specific D-shaped, 5mm, and 20 mm offsets offered Derailleur Hanger:  SRAM UDH Warranty:  The original purchaser receives a lifetime warranty on the frame, fork, and Bontrager carbon rims.  Paint and decals have a two-year warranty.

A few weeks ago, I arrived home to find a Checkmate SLR 9 and a Checkpoint SL 7 on my doorstep. There was not enough time to fully and properly test both bikes before the launch, so I focused my testing on the Checkmate. I will follow up with a separate review of the updated Checkpoint later.

After putting the Checkmate through its paces (no races yet, but I plan to ride The Rad on this Checkmate), I believe Trek made a superb gravel race bike.

The Checkmate is very fast. Even with the stock tires, it zips right along on the pavement. I used it to test out a flat, zone 2 road ride, and my average speed was not markedly slower than when I ride my road bike.

It’s fast and lively enough that if I wanted to simplify and pick only one bike for all my drop bar needs—gravel, road, ‘cross—the Checkmate would be top of the list. The Checkmate’s easy speed leads me to believe that the claimed aerodynamic benefits are real, and it is atop my (informal) rankings of the fastest gravel bike I’ve ridden.

Off the pavement, the Checkmate provides enough compliance—particularly from the rear—that I could stay seated and smoothly apply power on rougher dirt sections.

Without using a matching IsoSpeed system in the front, the Checkmate has (more than most gravel bikes) a notable imbalance in fore/aft compliance—when sitting in the saddle anyway. Even so, the Checkmate offers a relatively smooth ride for a lightweight and stiff gravel race bike. And that’s based on the stock 38mm tires: Bump up the tire size, and the Checkmate will get smoother. And highlighting this again, you can run a suspension stem on this bike if you want more compliance at the handlebars.

I have no complaints about the Checkmate’s handling. It is well-balanced: lively, sharp, and adequately (but not highly) stable. However, I don’t think it is as planted or capable as the old Checkpoint SLR when used for the more extreme gravel riding and singletrack. But then, the Checkmate is made purely for gravel racing, and the handling—which is somewhat road-like—reflects that purpose.

The Checkmate’s overall stiffness/compliance balance felt well-tuned. It’s snappy and efficient when the pedals are pressed, and its handling is quite reactive. However, it doesn’t feel jittery on rough surfaces or ping off larger bumps, and it corners smoothly even when the surface is bumpy or loose.

Although Trek claimed that the complete Checkmate is “over one pound lighter” than the Checkpoint SLR it replaces, on my scale, the medium Checkmate weighed 16.9 pounds, a bit less than a pound lighter than the 17.8-pound medium Checkpoint SLR I tested in September 2021. However, the Checkpoint I tested did not have a power meter, and my Checkmate did.

For a gravel bike, 16.9 pounds is quite light, especially for one with aerodynamic benefits ( Specialized’s Crux is lighter but has no aero tuning). Paired with the efficient feel offered by the frame, the Checkmate whisks its way up hills and responds immediately to changes in pace.

The Checkmate is a race bike. It feels like one through and through. And that’s for better or for worse. In the early days of the category, gravel bikes were practical and comfortable: speed was not their purpose. That made them approachable and usable to a wide range of cyclists.

But as gravel racing has become more popular and much faster, the demand for quicker and more specialized gravel race bikes has squeezed the utility and approachability out of some gravel bikes. If you’re after a utilitarian gravel bike, that is not the Checkmate—the Checkpoint is your jam.

If you want a gravel race bike and are willing to accept all the compromises that come with it, Trek’s Checkmate is a shining example and a brilliant machine.

Random observations and reports from my time testing the bike.

• Although designed initially for the new Madone road race bike, Trek’s Aero RSL cockpit is also pretty sweet for gravel. Unlike many aero cockpits, the tops are smoothly rounded and not extraordinarily wide. This makes the tops usable but a comfortable place to rest for long distances. The tops also sweep rearward, towards the rider, which is far more comfortable than the wrist-torturing abominations that are forward sweeping bars (looking at you FSA/Vision). The bar also has a decent flare, so the drops offer a secure platform for more technical descents, and I found this cockpit offers good bump dissipation—that’s not something I can say about all one-piece systems.

• The Aeolus RSL short-nose saddle looks sleek, and I liked the support and padding. But the nose (45mm wide by my ruler) was too wide for my tastes. And, perhaps, the size of my thighs and preferred cleat position. I’m swapping it for Trek’s new RSL saddle .

• The Checkpoint offered my first opportunity to ride the brand’s revised gavel tires, and I was impressed. The Girona RSL (38mm) is smooth and quick on harder surfaces, with a predictable cornering grip on dirt. The casing seems good, too, with no flats so far *knocks wood*. Generally, I prefer a wider tire—they’re more comfortable and offer better traction and flat resistance in terrain—so I will change to the 42mm Girona shortly.

• Spending more time on the new SRAM Red XPLR group has reinforced the impressions I shared in my review. The comfort, braking performance, shifting performance, and durability (in theory) of the full-mount derailleur are all tops. There are no other parts I’d wish to have on my gravel bike.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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Trek reveals all-new Checkmate gravel race bike, updates the Checkpoint too

New bike sheds one pound in weight over the previous Checkpoint SLR

• Updated Checkpoint SL
• Models & pricing
• New Checkmate SLR

Trek has announced the arrival of an all-new gravel race bike called the Checkmate SLR alongside an update to the existing Checkpoint SL. 

The Checkmate SLR sports a lot of design cues from the brand's aero road bike the Madone with the same Full System Foil approach as well as borrowing the Madone’s aero cockpit . 

Meanwhile, its release as a gravel race bike has allowed the Checkpoint SL to head towards the more adventurous end of the gravel spectrum. It features a new more relaxed geometry along with a host of mounting points and room for 50mm tyres, all of which point to the gravel endurance intentions of the updated model. 

Both the Checkmate SLR and Checkpoint SL enlist Trek’s IsoSpeed technology to help reduce the impact of high-frequency vibrations on a ride. Along with the new bikes, Trek has also released a collection of bikepacking bags that are compatible with both the Checkmate SLR and the Checkpoint SL. The range consists of a top tube bag, frame bag and an aero triangle bag that sits just behind the headtube. 

Updates to the Checkpoint SL

The Checkpoint, now in its third generation, has always been Trek’s do-it-all solution when it comes to gravel riding, but with the Checkmate taking up racing duties, the Checkpoint SL receives a new geometry that Trek says is, “more comfortable and capable for all-day gravel rides.” 

• Read our review of the outgoing Trek Checkpoint SL 6

This has been achieved by reducing the reach and increasing the stack of the front end, putting riders in a more upright position.

The Checkpoint SL series uses the brand's OCLV 500 series carbon fibre, the decision to stick with 500 series carbon rather than using the brand's more premium 600 or 800 series was made to reduce costs and keep the overall pricing of the bike competitive in the gravel market. 

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Trek has also given it new tube profiles to allow taller bottles to be housed inside the front triangle. This again shows the move to an endurance-focused mile-munching bike aimed at adventure rather than flat-out racing. 

It is not just the frameset that is new, Trek has also released a set of bikepacking bags designed specifically for the Checkpoint and Checkmate bikes. This paired with the Checkpoint’s new internal frame storage inside the downtube, similar to that found on the Domane SLR 9 we reviewed last year, allows you to move all of your spares, repairs and snacks onto the bike keeping you free and light to move around on the bike less restricted. 

The Checkpoint sees its maximum tyre width increase from 45mm on the 2nd gen model up to 50mm on this new 3rd generation. This opens up the almost entire spectrum of gravel tyres on the market, allowing riders to run lower pressure, higher volume tyres for rides where comfort is a priority of where the terrain is going to be on the more challenging side. 

In the hunt for increased comfort, Trek has created two new cockpits for the Checkpoint SL. The SL5 and SL6 come fitted with the GR Elite bar while the range-topping SL7 receives a carbon GR pro bar. Both the Elite and Pro bars feature the same profile that has a new shape with an increased flare between the hoods and drops, now sitting at 6cm. This aims to give the rider a more stable riding position when on the drops increasing control as well as comfort. For sizes small and upwards the new Checkpoint SL is compatible with both a dropper post and suspension forks with up to 40mm of travel. 

Checkpoint SL models and pricing

There are three models within the Checkpoint SL range, starting with the SL5 and topping out with the SL7. All the bikes feature the same 500 series OCLV carbon fibre frame with the SL5 and SL6 using an aluminium bar to reduce cost whilst the SL7 receives a carbon bar. 

Checkpoint SL5

• SRAM Apex1 XPLR AXS 1x12 groupset 
• Bontrager Girona RSL 42mm tyres
• Bontrager Elite Gravel bar 40cm width
• £3,700 / €4,059 / $3,199.99
• SRAM road and gravel groupsets explained

Checkpoint SL6

• SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1x12 groupset
• £4,500 / €4,659 / $3,999.99

Checkpoint SL7

• SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x12 
• Bontrager Pro Gravel carbon bar 46cm width
• £6,350 / €6,559 / $5,699

The all-new Checkmate SLR

Earning the brand’s accolade as its lightest gravel bike ever, the gravel race bike intentions of the Checkmate are clear from the off with the Checkmate SLR shedding one pound (445 grams) of weight from the outgoing Checkpoint SLR. This has been in part achieved through the use of the brand's premium OCLV 800 Series carbon fibre. 

It is not just weight that has been a focal point of the Checkmate. Aerodynamics have also been the centre of attention. Upon inspection, it becomes clear just how much the Checkmate has borrowed from its road-going cousin, the Madone SLR . The Checkmate uses Trek’s Full System Foil Technology which we first saw debuted on the Gen 8 Madone that came out ahead of this year's Tour de France . This concept looks at creating an aerodynamic package including the rider and equipment such as bottles rather than looking at the bike in isolation. 

When this new aero-optimised frameset is partnered with the bike's ‘Gravel Race’ geometry that puts the rider in a ‘more aggressive and efficient riding position’, the total system is significantly more aerodynamic than the Checkpoint SLR it replaces. 

Based on Trek’s testing, the Checkmate SLR ridden at 200 watts at Unbound 200 would complete the course five minutes and 54 seconds sooner. Of course, as speed or power increases above this test wattage, the benefit would grow. 

As part of improving the bike's aerodynamics Trek has enlisted the same aero cockpit that is found on the new Gen 8 Madone SLR. These feature a three-centimetre flare from the hoods to the drops to help with control and comfort, and are narrower than the bars found on the Checkpoint SL which targets comfort as its primary aim. 

The tyre clearance of the Checkmate SLR is a little more modest than found on the Checkpoint SL. Coming fitted with 38mm tyres as standard, it can accommodate up to a 45mm tyre.

The Checkmate SLR is also available through the brand's Project One service where the bike's spec and paint scheme can be customised to your exacting requirements.

Checkmate SLR models and pricing

The Checkpoint SLR is currently available in two builds the SLR 7 and SLR 9. As you might expect from an SLR-level bike, the Checkmate comes with a premium price tag starting at £8,500 / €8,990 / $8299.99.

Trek Checkmate SLR 7

• SRAM Force AXS 1x12 Groupset 
• Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheelset with 25mm internal rim width
• Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 40mm tyres 
• 8.10kg (Size: Medium) 
• £8,500 / €8,990 / $8299.99

Trek Checkmate SLR 9 

• SRAM Red XPLR AXS 13-speed groupset  
• Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V with 37mm rim depth
• Bontrager Girona RSL GR 38mm tyres 
• 7.55kg (Size: Medium) 
• £10,000 / €10,999 / $11,999.99

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Most Popular

Hola, estoy por comprarme una bicicleta de montaña, no la quiero para competir en extremo como he visto que lo hacen, es mas por diversión, salir con mis perros, de vez en cuando ir a lugares un poco mas "duros" para rodar.

He visto varios modelos, mis opciones que andan por el mismo precio son:

Alubike XTA PRO

Belfort 100 XC 1

Trek Marlin 6

No sé en que basarme, he leído que los mejores componentes las trae la Alubike, tiene frenos de disco hidraúlicos y es shimano AlIVIO.

La trek tiene shimano ALTUS y la Belfort SRAM, de estos últimos no se mucho ya que no he encontrada como compararlos.

Por cual me inclino?

Alguna recomendación de otra marca que ande por el precio de éstas??

Answers & Comments

Verified answer

Obvio, la ALUBIKE.

Por la TREK solo pagarías por la "fama" de la marca pero con un cuadro tristemente Hecho en China y con componentes Shimano de baja gama, y la BELFORT es una marca mexicana recién lanzada con sede en Guadalajara, los grupos SRAM son en lagunos casos mejores que su equivalente Shiamo tanto en bici de Ruta como en de Montaña. En orden descendente yo dejo al Trek abajo de Alubike y la Belfort debe ser la más económica de las tres pero para nada que es una bici corriente o de baja calidad o fea

no me acuerdo bien

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Suche: gescheite animationsfilme, preguntas recomendadas, report "¿qué bicicleta de montaña es mejor alubike, belfort o trek", helpful links, helpful social.

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Paramount Television Studios Shut Down by Paramount Global Cost Cuts

By Brian Steinberg

Brian Steinberg

Senior TV Editor

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Paramount Television Studios , a production facility originally aimed at getting Paramount Pictures back into the business of making TV series, will shut down, the latest bout of cost cutting by parent corporation Paramount Global as it seeks to eliminate $500 million amid a chaotic shift in the entertainment industry.

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Paramount Television marked the second time Paramount Pictures tried to move into the TV business — separate from the storied shingle that was built on the Desilu production studio founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. That studio, which backed such TV treasures as “I Love Lucy” and “Star Trek,” eventually became the center of Paramount Studios after an acquisition by Gulf + Western, and would be inherited by CBS after its split from the company formerly known as Viacom Inc. in 2005.

The new Paramount Television Studios helped boost the movie studio, which aimed to find ways to make programs tied to its many famous films, including the Jack Ryan spy movies or “The Godfather.” With more newly launched streamers hungry for content, the operating theory was that the new studio could help Paramount strike alliances with a bevy of new broadband players hungry for content.

“I want to thank PTVS President Nicole Clemens and the talented team she built for the many signature hits they produced. Under Nicole’s leadership, this studio consistently punched above its weight in attracting top storytellers and stars to create best-in-class series. I want to thank every PTVS employee for shepherding a slate of shows that helped usher Paramount into the streaming era,” said George Cheeks, the Paramount Global co-CEO, in a statement to employees. He added: “In addition to PTVS, there are members of CBS teams who will be leaving the company. These are valued colleagues we admire and respect, whose talents contributed to the leadership position we enjoy today. I want to express my deepest gratitude for their contributions, hard work and dedication.”

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