The Checkpoint ALR 5 is an aluminium gravel bike built for venturing anywhere. It pairs modern end...The Checkpoint ALR 5 is an aluminium gravel bike built for venturing anywhere. It pairs modern endurance geometry with a carbon fork for road-smoothing comfort, while 50 mm of tyre clearance gives you room for tons of grip. It comes equipped with SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed shifting, hydraulic disc brakes, Tubeless Ready Bontrager Paradigm wheels and loads of mounts for bags and gear. The Tech you'll get: A 300 Series Alpha Aluminium frame with a full carbon fork, with clearance for up to 50 mm tyres. Upgraded SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed shifting, hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager Paradigm wheels with Bontrager Girona Pro Tubeless Ready tyres, plus mounts for loading up with bags, racks and gear. Key Features The Checkpoint ALR features the same updated endurance geometry as its carbon sibling, giving you comfort and control in the rough stuff You get road-smoothing comfort from a full carbon fork and clearance for up to 50 mm tyres Its spec'd with 12-speed SRAM Apex XPRL shifting that's extra durable and provides plenty of gears for steep climbs and long grinds alike Lots of mounts on the frame and fork give you places to load up for epic bikepacking adventures or commuting around town Specifications Frameset Frame: 300 Series Alpha Aluminium, Internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, T47, UDH, rack and mudguard mounts, integrated frame bag mounts, flat-mount disc, 142x12 mm chamfered thru axle Fork: Trek Checkpoint, full carbon, tapered steerer, rack mounts, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle Wheels Rims: Bontrager Paradigm 23, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 23 mm width, Presta valve Tyres: Bontrager Girona Pro, Tubeless Ready, GR puncture protection, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 700x42 mm Drivetrain Crankset: SRAM Apex 1, 40T, DUB Wide Shifters: SRAM Apex, 12 speed Rear Derailleur: SRAM Apex XPLR, 44T max cog Chain: SRAM Apex, 12-speed Cassette: SRAM XPLR PG-1231, 11-44, 12-speed Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB Wide, T47 threaded, internal bearing Components Handlebar
The Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 is an aluminum gravel bike designed for adventurous riders who want to explore varied terrains. Its key benefit is versatility, offering comfort, ample tire clearance, and numerous mounting points for bikepacking and commuting. A potential caveat is that while the aluminum frame is durable, it may not offer the same vibration dampening as carbon frames in very rough conditions. Key features include a robust 300 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, a full carbon fork for comfort, SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed shifting, hydraulic disc brakes, and generous tire clearance up to 50mm.
All features
Model Part Number
5332812
Brand
Trek
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the maximum tire clearance for the Checkpoint ALR 5?
The frame and fork officially support tires up to 50 mm in width. This provides excellent versatility for different terrains and conditions.
Can I fit fenders and racks to this bike?
Yes, the Checkpoint ALR 5 comes equipped with mounts for both fenders and racks, making it suitable for commuting and bikepacking.
What type of bottom bracket does it use?
The bike features a T47 threaded bottom bracket, which is compatible with SRAM DUB Wide cranksets.
How does the SRAM Apex XPLR drivetrain perform on climbs?
The SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed drivetrain offers a wide gear range, including an 11-44T cassette, which provides ample gears for tackling steep climbs efficiently.
Is this bike suitable for long-distance riding?
Yes, the modern endurance geometry, carbon fork, and comfortable riding position make it well-suited for long-distance gravel rides and bikepacking adventures.
What maintenance is required for the hydraulic disc brakes?
Regularly check brake pad wear. Keep rotors clean. The brake system may require bleeding periodically to maintain optimal performance, especially after extended use or if the brake lever feels soft.
Can I convert the wheels to tubeless?
Yes, the Bontrager Paradigm wheels and Bontrager Girona Pro tyres are Tubeless Ready, allowing for conversion with appropriate sealant and valves.
Troubleshooting
Rear derailleur skipping or not shifting smoothly.
Check derailleur hanger alignment. Ensure the cable is properly tensioned and free from kinks. Clean and lubricate the derailleur pulleys and jockey wheels.
Brakes feel spongy or lack stopping power.
Check for air in the hydraulic brake lines and bleed the system if necessary. Inspect brake pads for wear and ensure rotors are clean and free from contamination.
Tyres won't hold air after tubeless conversion.
Ensure the rim strip is seated correctly. Check that the valve core is tightened. Reapply sealant if it has dried out. Ensure the tire bead is properly seated on the rim.
Chain keeper (3S) is loose or rattling.
Ensure the chain keeper bolt is tightened securely according to specifications. If damaged, it may need replacement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Highly versatile for gravel riding, bikepacking, and commuting.
Comfortable ride thanks to the carbon fork and modern endurance geometry.
Ample tire clearance for varied conditions and terrain.
Reliable SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed drivetrain.
Excellent braking performance with hydraulic disc brakes.
Numerous mounting points for accessories and gear.
Cons
Aluminum frame may be less forgiving on extremely rough terrain compared to carbon.
Stock tires are 700x42mm; for maximum clearance, users might need to swap.
While versatile, it's a dedicated gravel/adventure bike and may not be the fastest on pavement.
12-speed SRAM Apex is functional but a lower-tier groupset compared to higher-end options.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Initial Setup: Before your first ride, ensure tires are properly inflated. For tubeless setup, add sealant according to tire manufacturer recommendations. Check that all bolts, especially stem and seatpost, are torqued to specifications. A professional bike shop can assist with a full tune-up.
Compatibility:
Tyres: Frame and fork officially support up to 50 mm tyres. Check specific tire models for exact fitment.
Drivetrain: The bike uses SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed components. It's compatible with other SRAM 12-speed Eagle or AXS components, but ensure derailleur capacity is respected (44T max cog is specified).
Bottom Bracket: Features a T47 threaded bottom bracket, compatible with SRAM DUB Wide cranksets.
Thru-Axles: Uses standard 12x100 mm front and 12x142 mm rear thru-axles.
Mounts: Compatible with standard pannier racks, fenders, and most frame bags designed for gravel bikes.
Care:
Cleaning: Regularly clean the frame with mild soap and water. Pay attention to the drivetrain, keeping it clean and lubricated. Avoid high-pressure washing, especially around bearings.
Drivetrain Maintenance: Clean and re-lube the chain weekly or after wet rides. Check cassette and chainrings for wear.
Brakes: Inspect brake pads for wear and clean rotors periodically. Hydraulic brake systems may require bleeding over time; consult a mechanic if performance degrades.
Storage: Store the bike in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.