Trek has launched its updated gravel bike line-up, with its first dedicated gravel race bike the Checkmate SLR and the Checkpoint SL Gen 3, a more versatile option for adventure riding.The Checkmate SLR gravel race bike has 45mm tyre clearance. It takes cues from the recently revised Trek Madone SLR Gen 8, but with added practicality for gravel riding through the use of an IsoSpeed decoupler for boosted compliance and integrated frame bag mounts.The third-generation Checkpoint SL takes things a step further with integrated down tube storage and more generous 50mm gravel bike tyre clearance.Prices start from a princely 8,500 / $8,299.99 / 8,999 / AU$10,999.99 for the Checkmate SLR 7 AXS and rise to 10,000 / $11,999.99 / 10,999 / AU$17,999.99 for the top-spec Checkmate SLR 9 AXS.The Checkpoint SL starts at a more affordable 3,700/ $3,199.99 / 4,059 / AU$4,999.99 for the Checkpoint SL 5 AXS, rising to 6,350/ $5,699.99 / 6,559 / AU$8,499.99 for the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS.How do the bikes ride? Check out our first-ride reviews of the Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS and the Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS.Trek Checkmate SLR frame detailsThe Checkmate SLR replaces the Checkpoint SLR. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaTrek considers its new Checkmate SLR to be its first dedicated gravel race bike, with the brand saying its designed for gravel riders with the ultimate pursuit of speed.It claims the top-shelf Checkmate SLR 9 AXS model is 5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than the outgoing Checkpoint SLR on the Unbound 200 course, or 38 seconds per hour faster at a 200W rider output.The brand primarily attributes this to the new Full System Foil tube shapes, which are also found on the recently launched Madone. This sees Trek do away with the long-standing Kammtail shapes in favour of broader and squatter tube profiles.The Checkmate SLR shares the same integrated cockpit as the Madone. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe other aerodynamic advantage is said to come via the Checkmates one-piece Aero RSL bar-stem, identical to the one found on the Madone.This sees the hydraulic hoses (and Shimano Di2 wires, if applicable) fully concealed through the front end. The handlebar has 3cm narrower hoods than drops, which Trek claims to be more aerodynamically efficient, translating to a better-controlled riding position.800-series carbon for the Checkmate SLR. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Checkmate SLR is constructed from Treks 800 OCLV-series carbon fibre, which was the brands top-tier carbon before it introduced 900 OCLV for the latest Madone. Trek claims a 1,223g frame weight for a painted size M/L (roughly equivalent to a size 56cm) and 415g for a painted fork.It sports 45mm tyre clearance (width as measured), which is identical to the outgoing Checkpoint SLR. This drops to 38mm with mudguards, for which there are hidden mounting points.The Checkmate relies on Trek's tried-and-tested IsoSpeed decoupler for added compliance. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe bike sports Treks IsoSpeed technology, a decoupler designed to smooth imperfections on the road or trail. This particular variant is fixed on older Trek models, there was scope for adjustment.Trek reverted to the fixed variant on the Domane SLR / SL Gen 4 because it found most consumers didnt make adjustments and it added unnecessary complexity.There are integrated frame bag mounts, optimised specifically for the Bontrager Adventure Top Tube, and Triangle or Frame Bags.Trek says the frame has also been optimised to hold bigger water bottles without bags, all frame sizes from Medium and above can accommodate three 769ml bottles.Like many new gravel releases, the Checkmate SLR has a SRAM UDH dropout. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Checkmate SLR uses a SRAM UDH dropout, opening compatibility with the new SRAM Red XPLR AXS groupset.Trek continues to use a T47 threaded bottom bracket standard with an 85.5mm width. The Checkmate SLR cannot be run with a dropper post. Trek Checkmate SLR geometryA chequered graphic that points at the bike's quest for speed. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Checkmate uses what Trek calls its new Gravel Race geometry, which offers a lower and shorter-reach position than the outgoing Checkpoint SLR.According to Trek, this keeps you tucked out of the wind so you can soar past the competition on race day and stay confident and in control on even the gnarliest gravel sections.On a size M/L, a 399mm reach is paired with a 584mm stack 2mm shorter in reach than an equivalently sized Specialized Crux and 6mm taller in stack.The bikes are available in six sizes XS, S, M, ML, L and XL. XSSMMLLXL Head tube angle (degrees)7171.371.571.77272.4 Head tube length (mm)91106126150174199 Seat tube angle (degrees)73.973.973.773.573.673.7 Seat tube length (mm)373414455500537583 Top tube length (mm)532540555570581592 Chainstay length (mm)426426426426426426 Wheelbase (mm)1,0031,0101,0221,0351,0451,054 Reach (mm)380385392399404409 Stack (mm)525540560584608633 Edit Table Trek Checkmate SLR modelsIn addition to the two models listed below, the Checkmate SLR will be available as a frameset for $3,999.99. UK and international pricing is to be confirmed. The Checkmate SLR is also available through Treks customisation program, Project One.Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXSFrameset: 800 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Red XPLR AXS with power meterWheelset: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37VTyres:Bontrager Girona RSL GR, 700c x 38mmPrice: 10,000 / $11,999.99 / 10,999 / AU$17,999.99Trek Checkmate SLR 7 AXSFrameset: 800 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Force AXS with power meterWheelset: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheelsTyres: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue, 700c x 40mmPrice: 8,500 / $8,299.99 / 8,999 / AU$10,999.99Trek Checkpoint SL frame detailsThe Checkpoint SL is the Checkmate SLR's calmer sibling. - Felix Smith / Our MediaTrek describes the third-generation Checkpoint SL as being built for even more comfort, integrated storage and capability compared to the outgoing Checkpoint SL.Its constructed from Treks OCLV mid-range 500 series carbon fibre, has clearance for up to 50mm tyres (width as measured) and, like the Checkmate, comes equipped with a fixed IsoSpeed decoupler.Trek claims a M/L painted frame weighs 1,385g, with the fork 536g.The down tube storage is now larger than before. - Felix Smith / Our MediaUnlike the Checkmate SLR, the Checkpoint SL features dedicated down tube storage. Theres more internal volume compared to the old one, with a bigger door to ease operation and a new BITS bag.The front end uses a two-piece handlebar and stem, but the cables and hoses are still funnelled through the upper headset bearing and into the frame.The Checkpoint SL is compatible with mechanical groupsets, as well as dropper posts and gravel suspension forks up to 40mm travel, with the exception of the XS size which cannot take a suspension fork.The Checkpoint SL also gets IsoSpeed, but with a standard seat clamp. - Felix Smith / Our MediaThe bike retains all the mounting points of its predecessors (for bags and bottles in the inside triangle, under the down tube bottle cage mounts, top tube bento box mounts and mudguard mounts), with the addition of front rack mounts on this new model.Like the Checkmate SLR, the Checkpoint SL is now optimised to store larger water bottles, when the Bontrager Adventure Half Framebag or Adventure Triangle Bag are mounted on the frame. For example, an M/L frame size is capable of holding two 769ml water bottles while running a 2.6l Adventure Frame bag. Trek specs down-tube protection. - Felix Smith / Our MediaSignalling the bikes more rugged intentions, the Checkpoint SL includes rock-strike fortification on the down tube and driveside chainstay protection.It also employs a SRAM UDH dropout and a T47 85.5mm bottom bracket standard.Trek Checkpoint geometryA more upright position for the Checkpoint SL. - Felix Smith / Our MediaThe Checkpoint SL Gen 3 uses what Trek calls its new Gravel Endurance geometry, which pairs a shorter and higher reach (compared to the old Checkpoint SL) for a more comfortable, accessible and capable all-day ride.Compared to an equivalent M/L Checkmate, the Checkpoints SL reach is 2mm shorter and 17mm higher in stack. XSSMMLLXL Head tube angle (degrees)7171.471.67272.172.4 Head tube length (mm)86106130151171191 Seat tube angle (degrees)747473.373.373.373.3 Seat tube length (mm)445480505530550575 Top tube length (mm)536547566578589601 Chainstay length (mm)430430430430430430 Wheelbase (mm)1,0131,0221,0341,0421,0521,062 Reach (mm)380386391397402408 Stack (mm)535556579601620640 Edit Table Trek Checkpoint SL models In addition to the three models listed below, the Checkpoint SL will be available as a frameset for $2,399.99. UK and international pricing is to be confirmed. Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXSFrameset: 500 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Force XPLR AXSWheelset: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35Tyres: Bontrager Girona RSL, 700c x 42mmPrice: 6,350/ $5,699.99 / 6,559 / AU$8,499.99Trek Checkpoint SL6 AXSFrameset: 500 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXSWheelset: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25Tyres:Bontrager Girona RSL, 700c x 42mmPrice: 4,500/ $3,999.99 / 4,659 / AU$5,999.99Trek Checkpoint SL5 AXSFrameset: 500 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Apex XPLR AXSWheelset: Bontrager Paradigm SLTyres:Bontrager Girona RSL, 700c x 42mmPrice: 3,700/ $3,199.99 / 4,059 / AU$4,999.99