All-new Trek Checkmate SLR: fastest and lightest gravel race bike
You want to get to the front of the pack in a gravel race, set a personal record,
or chase some gravel KOMs? A gravel bike made for racing is the best tool for the job.
Checkmate SLR is a purpose-made gravel race bike made for speed over rough terrain.
It's ultra-lightweight, aerodynamic, has new gravel race geometry,
plus enough on-bike storage options to get you across the finish line.
Speeds at gravel races can be just as fast as road races, so aero matters,
especially when you're battling winds at long-distance gravel events.
Checkmate uses the same full-system foil tube shapes as our Madone Gen 8 road race bike.
These aren't old-school deep foil shapes.
Full-system foil shapes come from a modern understanding of aerodynamics.
They're lightweight and treat the bike and rider as a complete system.
That makes Checkmate 38 seconds an hour faster than Gen 2 Checkpoint SLR.
Weight on rolling terrain is just as important as aerodynamics.
Those light tube shapes are made from premium 800-series OCLV carbon to keep frame weight low,
making Checkmate SLR over a pound lighter than Checkpoint SLR.
Just like the aero shapes, the aero RSL bar stem comes from Madone Gen 8.
It has drops that are 3 centimeters wider than the hoods.
That shape helps you stay more aero in the hoods while giving you
excellent control over rough terrain and descents in the drops.
Checkmate is our first bike with new gravel race geometry,
which puts you in an aggressive race position with nimble and predictable handling.
With shorter reach and lower stack,
this geometry is faster than the comfort-oriented gravel endurance geometry on Checkpoint SL Gen 3,
while still giving you the control you need over gravel courses.
Smooth is fast, especially when you're riding rutted roads with washboard sections.
Checkmate uses the efficient IsoSpeed comfort technology from Domane Gen 4
to smooth out those bumps.
This technology decouples the frame from the seat tube for seated compliance.
You can even fine-tune that compliance with high-volume tires.
Checkmate SLR comes with 38mm tires that you can fit up to a 45mm gravel tire for rough roads,
or go with skinnier, faster tires for hard pack.
The self-supported nature of gravel racing is unique.
To help you stay hydrated and ready for mechanicals,
Checkmate has super clean mounting options for everything you need to race.
Checkmate SLR has room for up to four water bottles
and frame mounts for adventure bags that were designed to fit seamlessly on the frame.
The exact configuration depends on frame size and just how much you need to carry.
You can even get out on foul-weather training rides with Checkmate SLR,
thanks to its fender mounts.
A universal derailleur hanger is about as future-proof as it gets,
and it makes it easy to find spares.
The RCS headset lets you easily run your preferred cockpit,
even if that's a two-piece handlebar and stem with arrow extensions.
You can completely customize Checkmate with Project One.
Pick your wheels, components, custom paint,
and make your Checkmate one-of-a-kind with the exact fit you need to go your fastest.
Checkmate is focused on speed, so it's electronic drivetrain only,
and it's not compatible with a dropper post or suspension fork.
If you're willing to trade speed for comfort and carrying capacity,
Checkpoint SL has a more relaxed geometry with room for 50mm tires and a lot more mounts.
Checkmate SLR is purpose-built for racing.
Its aerodynamics, low weight, gravel race geometry,
and the perfect amount of carrying capacity will help you crush your next gravel event.
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