Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 (2020)

Usage

After some extensive research, I decided I would use a Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 (2020) as my primary bikepacking bike. I opted for the Checkpoint because of its comparably reasonable price point, aluminum (and therefore rather lightweight) frame, decent tire clearance (up to 45mm), and the Shimano 105 drivetrain to ensure reliable shifting quality. The 2021 models come with the Shimano GRX groupset, specifically tailored to gravel riding.

Instead of the stock wheels, I went for Whisky No.9 30W rims for weight considerations and to accommodate wider tires. The front wheel was built with a SONdelux Dynamo Hub to generate electricity while riding and paired with the Sinewave Cycles Revolution.

The versatility of a gravel bike makes it my go-to bike for a wide range of bikepacking trips. Especially if I am expecting a variety of terrain (asphalt mixed with non-technical gravel/dirt roads), this is the bike I will always pick. I used the Checkpoint for the majority of my trips thus far, for example, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, Switzerland, Italy (Tuscany), and Oman.

Key Specs

Frameset

Frame 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, tapered head tube, Control Freak internal routing, 3S chain keeper, rack and fender mounts, flat mount disc, horizontal sliding dropouts, 142x12mm thru axle
Fork Checkpoint carbon, tapered alloy steerer, rack mounts, fender mounts, flat mount disc, 12x100mm thru axle

Wheels

Hub front SONdelux Dynamo Hub
Hub rear Industry Nine
Rims Whisky No.9 30W
Tires Panaracer GravelKing SK Plus, 700×43 (tubeless) but have tried various other tire brands

Drivetrain

Shifter Shimano 105 R7020, 11 speed
Front derailleur Shimano 105 R7000, 31.8mm clamp
Rear derailleur Shimano GRX (check exact type)
Crank Shimano 105 R7000, 50/34 (compact), 170mm length
Bottom bracket Shimano RS500, 86mm, PressFit
Cassette (check on bike)

Components

Saddle Bontrager Montrose Comp, steel rails, 138mm width
Seatpost Bontrager Comp, 6061 alloy, 27.2mm, 8mm offset, 330mm length
Handlebar Salsa Cowchipper Drop Bar 31.8 42cm
Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length
Headset FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom
Brake Shimano 105 hydraulic disc, flat mount
Brake rotor Shimano RT70, centerlock, 160mm

Weight

Complete Bike Weight 23 lbs 2oz (10.5kg) for size 52

Salsa Timberjack 27.5+ GX1 (2019)

Usage

Suited toward gnarlier terrain, where the front suspension, 2.8” tires, relaxed geometry, and gear range can increase the comfort level significantly. I used the Timberjack on the San Francisco Peninsula Traverse, the White Rim Trail, and the Henry Coe Overnighter.

Key Specs

Frameset

Frame Timberjack Aluminum
Fork RockShox Recon RL Solo Air 120mm, BOOST

Wheels

Rims SUNringlĂ© Duroc 45mm 27.5″
Tires WTB Ranger 27.5 x 2.8″, 27 tpi casing

Drivetrain

Rear Der SRAM GX1 Long Cage
Cassette SunRace CSMS7 11-42t
Crankset SRAM NX, XSYNC Boost 30t
Shifter SRAM NX
Brakes & Rotors SRAM DB Level Hydraulic, Centerline 180mm, 160mm

Components

Headset Cane Creek 10
Stem Salsa Guide Trail
Saddle WTB Volt Sport

Weight

Complete Bike Weight 30 lbs 14 oz (14kg) for size S