Trek Checkmate SLR
97/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Gearing Type
Weight
16.65, 17.64, 17.86 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Trek Checkmate SLR. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
17 reasons to buy
- Trek’s Checkmate SLR gravel racer is available in three SRAM-equipped builds: SLR 7, 8, and 9.
- Trek’s Project One Bike Builder allows online buyers to customize the saddle, wheels, tires, rim tape, bottom bracket, drivetrain (1x or 2x), and paint finish.
- The Checkmate’s agile handling allows quick and precise changes in direction, according to reviewers.
- Testers say the Checkmate’s lively, sharp, and “adequately” stable handling perfectly matches its intended use.
- The low BB gives a low center of gravity that stabilizes the bike and makes it feel planted and under control.
- One reviewer relishes how aggressively they can attack corners, thanks to the Checkmate’s low front end and grippy tires.
- Testers praise the Checkmate SLR's road-like acceleration and speed on gravel and pavement, saying the bike's responsiveness and efficiency make it easy to maintain high speeds.
- Experts love the one-piece cockpit’s ergonomics, saying all hand positions are comfortable and the drop and flare (6 degrees) are appropriate.
- Three testers highlight the stiffness of the maintenance-friendly T47 bottom bracket.
- Most reviewers find the Checkmate’s rear end forgiving. One says the reduced harshness allows the rider to stay seated and smoothly apply power.
- The stock Bontrager Girona RSL GR 38mm tires roll quickly on pavement and gravel while providing predictable grip in loose corners.
- The Checkmate SLR 7 and 8 use SRAM’s UDH, and the SLR 9 has a direct-mount derailleur.
- This bike has mounts for top tube and frame bags and fenders, and Trek sells Checkmate-specific frame bags.
- Two experts say the rear hub engages faster than average.
- Most reviewers like the Bontrager Aeolus saddle.
- Testers like the integrated seatpost clamp and its covering flap.
- Reviewers of the Small frame appreciate the short 165mm cranks.
5 reasons not to buy
- The 45mm tire clearance (38mm with fenders) may be considered low, given gravel races are increasingly being won on wider tires.
- Trek’s proprietary seatpost is only available in two lengths. One tester recommends buyers pay close attention to the max seat height when choosing a frame size.
- One tester of the SLR 7 is disappointed to find a single-sided power meter at this price point.
- The IsoSpeed decoupler prevents the use of a dropper seatpost.
- Two testers, one weighing 158lb, complain Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler offers little benefit and isn’t adjustable, unlike previous versions.
Bottom line
The Checkmate SLR is Trek’s gravel race bike. All three builds run SRAM groupsets. Experts agree on the bike’s racing credentials, saying it's exactly what one should expect from this category and price: blisteringly fast, responsive, agile, confident through corners, and stable enough for its intended purpose. However, opinions are split on comfort. While most find the Checkmate relatively comfortable for a gravel racer, others find the bars unforgiving and the rear end harsh despite the IsoSpeed decoupler. Overall, experts deem the Checkmate SLR hard to fault, calling it a brilliant gravel race machine that leaves “nothing to be desired.”Expert Reviews
92/100 based on 3 rated expert reviewsAll-New Gravel Race Bike: Trek Checkmate Review
Trek’s New Checkpoint and Checkmate Illustrate the Evolution of Gravel Bikes
Trek Checkmate SLR 7 AXS Test [German]
The New Trek Checkmate SLR: A Lighter, Faster Gravel Racing Bike
Racing: 108KM With the Trek Checkmate SLR 9 at Ranxo 2024 [Spanish]
Trek Checkmate SLR 7 AXS Test [Polish]
Trek Checkmate SLR: Checkmate in a Gravel Race [French]
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Test: Trek Checkmate SLR 9 – A Thoroughbred Gravel Bike for Racing [Polish]
Test | Trek Checkmate SLR 7: Gravel Bike With Speed Included as Standard [Dutch]
Test: Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS [Swedish]
Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS – Racing Gravel [Czech]
Rankings
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Bike Comparison
Trek Checkmate SLR in comparison to averages
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