Many may smirk, but the quest to deliver a fast gravel bike that offers the comfort and control of a mountain bike is ongoing and TREK has reached a sweet spot with the all-new CheckOUT, a full suspension drop-bar gravel bike for epic adventures and ultra-distance gravel races.
Designed to be faster than a mountain bike on tar roads and more capable than a rigid gravel bike on singletrack and rough terrain, the CheckOUT is the ideal rig for road-to-gravel-to-singletrack adventures, ultra-endurance events, extended bikepacking trips, and more.
Only those who have experienced the white-knuckle, wide-eyed fear of a fast, rough descent on a rigid gravel bike will appreciate the value of the stability and poise the CheckOUT. And only those who have felt frustrated by the lack of efficiency of a mountain bike on fast gravel road will understand the value of the snappiness of the CheckOUT.
Here’s a summary of what this Frankenstein-like TREK CheckOUT delivers:
Ride-it-all-suspension
CheckOUT smooths rough gravel roads and singletrack trails with 55mm rear travel and a new 60mm Rudy XL suspension fork designed in collaboration with RockShox.
Proven performance
CheckOUT’s full suspension setup is proven to decrease fatigue and increase comfort and control when compared to its rigid counterparts, leading to a 7.3% reduction in rider ventilation, a 41.5% reduction in fatiguing vibrational energy, and 23% less steering variation.
The ultimate off-road drop bar
An all-new GR CheckOUT drop bar is quick on the hoods and has an extra wide flare and ergonomic back sweep for more comfort and control.
Massive tyre clearance
Room for up to 56mm/2.2-inch tires (as measured) lets riders tackle rougher terrain with control and confidence.
Confidence-inspiring geometry
An all-new Gravel Adventure geometry has a longer reach and higher stack for added comfort and stability on multi-surface, multi-day adventures.
Built for bikepacking
Haul it all with 18 frame mounts (on size ML and up), an all-new integrated rear rack that works with the bike’s suspension and dropper post, and all-new Adjustable Multi-Mounts.
Trail-tested carbon frame
A 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame tested to robust mountain bike standards keeps things light and fast even when fully loaded.
Two models will be available in South Africa:
CheckOUT SL5 – MSRP R115 000
CheckOUT SL7 AXS – MSRP R165 000
More details on the TREK CheckOUT on the TREK website here.
Check out (he he!) the two models coming to South Africa below (two colour options for each):
CheckOUT SL5
CheckOUT SL7 AXS
