Carbon gravel bike Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS dark green: forest tracks, Rival XPLR AXS 1x13, 9.49 kg in ML

Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Dark Green: carbon for forest tracks

Fitted with the SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1x13 drivetrain and an OCLV 500 Series carbon frame with IsoSpeed, the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS Gen 3 weighs 9.49 kg in size ML. Its stock 42 mm tyres can make way for 50 mm sections on the loosest terrain. The Dark Green/Ivy Smoke Splatter finish flecks a dark green with smoky ivy-green spatters, like a splash of woodland undergrowth.

Technical specifications

Who is it for?

For the explorer who prefers forest tracks, ridge trails and stony paths to smooth greenways. It is aimed at the cyclist already at ease off tarmac who wants a more capable bike, ready to take wide tyres without changing anything else.

The LVR workshop view

OCLV carbon, Trek's signature. OCLV refers to the compaction method Trek has applied to its fibres since 1992: heat and pressure eliminate air pockets between the layers. The series indicates how optimised the lay-up is, and therefore how much material is needed to reach the target stiffness. On the Checkpoint SL 6 AXS, the 500 Series gives a painted frame of 1,385 g in ML, designed to take tracks and luggage in its stride, with a lifetime warranty from Trek.

In short: the SL 6 AXS uses exactly the same frame as the SL 5 and stands out through its drivetrain. Rival XPLR AXS adds a thirteenth sprocket and goes down to 10 teeth, widening the gear range; the weight stays almost identical, 9.49 kg versus 9.50 kg in ML.

On the tracks of the Montagne Noire, where dirt alternates with loose stones, tyre width does more for grip than any other setting. The 50 mm clearance measured by Trek allows you to fit a higher-volume tyre at low pressure, tubeless, which hugs the terrain and reduces the risk of pinch flats on rocky edges.

The 40x46 gives a very low gear for climbing a forest track of more than 10% without standing up and losing rear-wheel grip. The wide, Tubeless Ready Paradigm Comp 25 rims support a high-volume tyre run at low pressure well.

Which Checkpoint should you choose?

Our take: on demanding terrain, the SL 6 AXS shares the lowest gear in the carbon range with the SL 7 AXS. The latter saves 160 g and gains carbon wheels, useful when accelerating but more exposed to impacts.

Your questions

Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we set up your tyres tubeless, adjust the pressure to your playground and service your AXS drivetrain after muddy rides.

Please note that the specifications may be changed without prior notice by the manufacturer, based on the availability of components and other factors.