Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 is an aluminum gravel bike that offers an incredible amount of capability for the price. It’s built for the rigors of gravel and dirt roads, but it’s also right at home on morning commutes and centuries. This bike knows no boundaries, which makes it the ideal gateway to adventure on any road or path.

Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 Specs

Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 Frameset

Frame : 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, tapered head tube, BB86.5, flat mount disc brakes, horizontal sliding dropouts, 12mm thru axle, Control Freak, internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper

Fork : Checkpoint carbon disc, alloy tapered steerer, flat mount disc brakes, rack mounts, hidden fender mounts, 12mm thru axle

Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 Wheels

Front hub : Bontrager alloy sealed bearing, 12mm alloy axle, centerlock

Rear hub : Bontrager alloy sealed bearing, 12mm alloy axle, centerlock

Rims : Bontrager Tubeless Ready

Tires : Bontrager GR1 Comp, 60tpi, wire bead, 700x40c

Max tire size : 45c Bontrager tires (49 & 52cm: 40c due to toe overlap), with at least 4mm of clearance to frame

Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 Drivetrain

Shifters : Shimano RS405, 10 speed

Front derailleur : Shimano Tiagra

Rear derailleur : Shimano Tiagra

Crank : Shimano Tiagra, 50/34 (compact)

Bottom bracket : Shimano press-fit

Cassette : Shimano Tiagra, 11-34, 10 speed

Chain : KMC X10

Pedals : Not included

Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 Components

Saddle : Bontrager Montrose Comp

Seatpost : Bontrager Approved, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 8mm offset

Handlebar : Bontrager RL IsoZone VR-CF, 31.8mm

Grips : Bontrager tape

Stem : Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, w/computer & light mounts

Headset : Integrated, cartridge bearing, sealed, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom

Brakeset : Shimano RS505 flat mount hydraulic disc  

Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 Weight

Weight : 56cm – 10.12 kg / 22.3 lbs

Weight limit : This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 275 pounds (125 kg).

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 (2019) sizing

Size	Rider Height	Inseam
49	156 – 163 cm5’1″ – 5’4″	74 – 77 cm29″ – 30″
52	163 – 168 cm5’4″ – 5’6″	76 – 79 cm30″ – 31″
54	168 – 174 cm5’6″ – 5’9″	78 – 82 cm31″ – 32″
56	174 – 180 cm5’9″ – 5’11”	81 – 85 cm32″ – 33″
58	180 – 185 cm5’11” – 6’1″	84 – 87 cm33″ – 34″
61	185 – 191 cm6’1″ – 6’3″	86 – 90 cm34″ – 35″

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 (2019) geometry

All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise noted.

Frame size number	Wheel size	A — Seat tube	B — Seat tube angle	C — Head tube length	D — Head angle	E — Effective top tube	G — Bottom bracket drop	H — Chainstay length	I — Offset	J — Trail	K — Wheelbase	L — Standover	M — Frame reach	N — Frame stack
49 cm	700c	49.0	75.0°	9.0	71.4°	51.5	7.8	42.5	4.9	6.6	99.5	74.9	37.3	53.2
52 cm	700c	52.0	74.0°	10.7	71.6°	53.6	7.8	42.5	4.9	6.5	100.5	77.0	37.9	54.9
54 cm	700c	54.0	73.5°	12.6	71.8°	55.1	7.6	42.5	4.9	6.4	101.4	78.9	38.3	56.7
56 cm	700c	56.0	73.0°	14.5	72.2°	56.6	7.6	42.5	4.9	6.1	102.0	80.8	38.7	58.6
58 cm	700c	58.0	73.0°	17.1	72.3°	57.7	7.4	42.5	4.9	6.1	103.2	82.9	39.1	60.9
61 cm	700c	61.0	73.0°	20.0	72.6°	59.2	7.4	42.5	4.9	5.9	104.4	85.8	39.7	63.8

Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 Review

The Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 (2019) is a highly versatile gravel bike designed for riders who want to explore a variety of terrains, from smooth roads to rugged trails. Here are some key points and thoughts about the Checkpoint ALR 4 (2019):

Design and Build

• Frame Material: The Checkpoint ALR 4 features an aluminum frame made from Trek’s Alpha 300 Series Aluminum. This material is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making the bike durable yet relatively lightweight.
• Geometry: The bike’s geometry is tailored for gravel riding, providing a stable and comfortable riding position. It has a slightly more relaxed geometry compared to road bikes, which enhances comfort and control on rougher surfaces.

Components

• Drivetrain: The bike is equipped with a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed groupset. The Tiagra is a reliable and cost-effective option that offers smooth and precise shifting, suitable for both casual rides and more intense gravel adventures.
• Brakes: It features Tektro mechanical disc brakes. These brakes provide reliable stopping power and control in various weather conditions, which is crucial for gravel riding. While not as high-end as hydraulic disc brakes, they are easier to maintain and adjust.
• Wheels and Tires: The Checkpoint ALR 4 2019 comes with Bontrager Affinity Disc wheels paired with wider Bontrager GR1 comp tires. These tires offer excellent grip and stability on loose and uneven surfaces, enhancing the bike’s performance on gravel.

Gravel-Specific Features

• Mounting Points: The bike includes multiple mounting points for racks, fenders, and bottle cages, making it versatile for bikepacking, commuting, and long-distance touring.
• Tire Clearance: It offers generous tire clearance, allowing for the use of tires up to 45c. This provides the flexibility to use wider tires for increased comfort and traction on rough terrain.
• Comfort: The bike features a carbon fork, which helps to absorb road vibrations and reduces rider fatigue, enhancing comfort on long rides.

Performance and Ride Quality

• Versatility: The Checkpoint ALR 4 is built to handle a wide range of surfaces, making it an excellent choice for riders who want to explore different types of terrain. It performs well on both smooth pavement and rugged gravel paths.
• Handling: The bike’s geometry and wide tires provide confident handling and stability, even on challenging surfaces. It strikes a good balance between comfort and performance.
• Comfort: With its relaxed geometry and features like the carbon fork, the Checkpoint ALR 4 offers a comfortable ride, suitable for long-distance rides and all-day adventures.

Considerations

• Weight: While the aluminum frame is sturdy and relatively lightweight, the bike may be heavier compared to higher-end carbon gravel bikes. However, this is typical for bikes in this price range.
• Component Level: The Shimano Tiagra groupset, while reliable, is an entry-to-mid-level component. Riders looking for higher performance and lighter components might consider upgrading parts over time or looking at higher-tier models.

Overall Impression

The Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 (2019) is a versatile and well-rounded gravel bike that offers a balance of durability, comfort, and performance. It’s an excellent choice for riders who are new to gravel riding or those looking for a reliable and affordable bike for mixed-terrain adventures. Its design allows for ample customization and the ability to carry gear, making it a good option for bikepacking, commuting, and touring. If you seek a capable and adaptable bike that can handle a variety of riding conditions, the Checkpoint ALR 4 is a solid choice.