Words: Liam Friary
Images: Jakob Lester

The gravel cycling scene has undergone a monumental shift in recent years, transforming from a niche subset of cycling into a diverse and rapidly growing category. As the popularity of gravel riding has surged, the sport has naturally evolved and expanded, leading to increased segmentation within the market.

This evolution can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rise of gravel-specific events and races has created a demand for specialised equipment. These events range from short, intense races, all-day endurance races to multi-day ultra-endurance challenges, each requiring different bike characteristics.

Secondly, riders themselves have become more discerning, seeking bikes that cater to their specific riding styles and local terrain. Some prefer bikes that lean towards road bike efficiency for smoother gravel and tarmac sections, while others demand more off-road capability for tackling technical singletrack and rougher terrain.

The popularity of gravel races has been a driving force behind this segmentation. These events often feature a mix of surfaces, from sealed, gravel and dirt roads to challenging sections, all ridden at high speeds. This has created a clear demand for gravel race bikes that can maintain a high pace on rough terrain without sacrificing power, comfort, or control.

As a result, manufacturers have responded by developing increasingly large plethora of gravel bikes. We’re now seeing a broad spectrum of designs, from lightweight “gravel race” bikes optimized for speed and efficiency, to more robust “adventure gravel” bikes built for stability and comfort over long distances. And that’s barely touching the surface of the gravel segment.

The Trek Checkmate makes its racing intentions loud and clear. It blends Trek’s top-tier road race bike Madone Gen 8 with their adventure Checkpoint SLR to land in the middle of the two – ‘race-gravel.’ It’s Trek’s lightest gravel bike to date making use of the premium 800 Series OCLV Carbon which uses ‘Full System Foil’ aerodynamic tube shapes, said to deliver a fast and efficient ride. All said and done, Trek claims that the Checkmate SLR is a whopping 5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than the Checkpoint SLR on the 200-mile Unbound gravel course, assuming a constant power output of 200W.

These savings are somewhat down to the geometry which puts the rider in a better aerodynamic and more efficient 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. Helping with the aero position is the new lightweight and aero one-piece bar/stem on the Checkpoint which features the same ultra-light and aero one-piece carbon bar/stem as Madone Gen 8, with hoods that are 3cm narrower than the drops so there’s some flare so you can opt for either an aero or a more controlled position.

The Checkmate is stocked with 38mm Bontrager Girona tyres but can fit up to 45mm tyres for tougher terrain. The tyres are wrapped onto Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V wheels. I was somewhat surprised to see a narrower tyre than we would normally see on most current gravel bikes (40mm +) especially for NZ’s harder gravel roads. However, I would believe the thinking behind the smaller tyre would be getting most efficient, lightweight, and aero tyres for racing.

The frame has mounts for top tube and frame tube bags, a UDH, and threaded T47 bottom bracket. The Checkmate is compatible with 2x drivetrain but cannot be fitted with mechanical shifting. Which is perhaps signalling an end to mechanical shifting within a gravel racing environment? The Checkmate is also tuned for faster handling with shorter chainstays and wheelbase. The Checkmate uses Trek’s compliance-enhancing IsoSpeed seat tube which designed around an aero-tuned D-shaped post (offered in 5mm and 20mm offsets). However, it’s not possible to fit a dropper into the Checkmate.

The recently launched SRAM Red XPLR 1×13 speed, 10-46t cassette and 42t chainring with a power meter groupset is used. This new groupset can be used due to the frame being UDH. I was excited to get aboard the new groupset as hadn’t spent any time on it beforehand.

A week ago, the Trek Checkmate arrived. I have managed three rides to date aboard this race rig with two shorter rides around one-two hours and an all-day ride lasting over six hours. The first thing I noticed when start riding the Checkmate is its efficiency. It feels like your power isn’t wasted. This was evident on bitumen. As most of my local gravel rides start on tarmac. And even larger gravel rides there’s nearly always a sealed section between gravel roads. The Checkmate felt more ‘road like’ than ‘gravel like’. It’s the zippiness on sealed roads that’s a clear standout.

Onto gravel roads and the rear-end compliance with the IsoSpeed system is very good. It meant I could stay seated on loose gravel sectors – allowing for a smooth power transfer. On some of these sections on other bikes I would have stood, dropped more gears, or crept forward in my saddle, but this wasn’t the case on the Checkmate. I think the IsoSpeed matched with better gearing ratios from SRAM’s new Red XPLR groupset makes for this superb efficiency. However, whist the front end is aero and stiff it does make it a little harsh pothole or any divots on gravelled roads. The one-piece handlebar cockpit whilst super aero doesn’t help with up front compliance. However, the aero position and stiffness up front is what makes this a thoroughbred gravel race bike. I think a wider tyre would make for a smoother ride so have some 42mm Bontrager Girona on the way to test this theory.

The long ride in Taranaki’s backcountry consisted of road, gravel, and track. Its winter and that meant for muddy conditions. The Checkmate handled most of what was thrown in front of it well. Considering some of the sections are on the edge of the bikes capabilities but what a rider could expect with an all-day gravel race. It handled well with good balance, snappiness, liveliness, and stability. So, it’s not super planted but this isn’t the bikes intention the shorter wheelbase makes that evident. The handling perhaps swings more towards the road rather than the rowdy off-road, but this is intentional given its race focus.

The overall stiffness and compliance are well balanced. The power is instantly transferred when the pedals are pressed – it’s snappy and efficient. The rowdier sections of this ride the bike did feel a little under gunned with a bit of a jittery feeling. On some of these sections I could have done with more flare on the handlebar just to get into a better position. On that note the more aero position is aggressive and makes for a swift ride, but it does make it a little harder for more technical sections. But like I said earlier this harsher terrain isn’t what the bike was intended for, but I wanted to test the bikes capabilities. It does corner very well and there’s reactive handling. The ride was rather undulating and throughout the Checkmate’s ability to climb well and change pace was welcomed. And after several hours in the saddle, it was relatively comfortable. The ride was over six hours, and my only discomfort was a pinch between the shoulder blades towards the end and sore hands-on longer descents due to the aero position. I could have ridden for longer and was quite happy aboard the Checkmate for multiple hours which is what an all-day gravel race would be.

I have been impressed with the Checkmate over the past week. Make no doubt this bike is made for pure-bred racing. To back up this statement I tested the bike on a shorter ride against my Canyon Grizl – same exact loop with gravel sectors, paths, false flats, and road sections. I rode the same loop 3kmph faster for a similar power output aboard the Checkmate. I should note the tyres are bit narrower on the Checkmate (38mm) vs Grizl (45mm). The Checkmate is flat-out fast and that was clear with this ride.

I should note that the price tag isn’t for the faint-hearted. All-out speed comes at a very high cost, and the Trek Checkmate SLR is no exception. The frame, parts, and components are undoubtedly top-tier and premium grade, which contributes to the hefty price tag. However, the performance justifies the investment for serious racers and enthusiasts. The Checkmate SLR proves itself as an exceptionally fast and versatile road and gravel racing bike, offering remarkable efficiency across various terrains. Its ability to excel in both road and gravel scenarios with minimal compromises sets a new standard in the race-oriented gravel bike category. For those seeking the pinnacle of gravel racing performance and willing to make the financial commitment, the Trek Checkmate SLR delivers a compelling blend of speed, aerodynamics, and versatility.

I will be putting the Checkmate through its paces over the coming months and will report back with an in-depth review in due course. Who knows I even might show up on the start line on a gravel race sometime soon.