Carbon gravel bike Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS red: 13-speed RED XPLR, 10-46 cassette, 7.55 kg in ML

Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS red: 13 speeds for every terrain

The Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS relies on the SRAM RED XPLR AXS drivetrain, a 42-tooth single chainring paired with a 13-speed 10-46 cassette, on an OCLV 800 Series carbon frame. With its Aeolus RSL 37V carbon wheels, it weighs 7.55 kg in size ML. The Radioactive Red/Sedona Red livery brings together a bright, almost fluorescent red and a deep brick red, a finish that will not go unnoticed on the start line.

Technical specifications

Who is it for?

For the cyclist who links very varied terrain in a single ride, from the tarmac of the Minervois back roads to the rough tracks of the garrigue, and always wants the right gear underfoot. It will also appeal to those who want a drivetrain without complicated maintenance.

The LVR workshop view

OCLV carbon, Trek's signature. The OCLV process, used by Trek since 1992, presses the fibre sheets under heat and pressure to eliminate micro-voids. On the Checkmate SLR, Trek uses the 800 Series: an optimised lay-up that produces a painted frame of 1,146 g in ML, stiff enough to handle out-of-the-saddle efforts on a broken track. Like all OCLV frames, it benefits from Trek's lifetime warranty.

In short: the SLR 9 AXS frame is the same as on every Checkmate SLR, and it is the spec that makes the difference. The RED XPLR, the RSL wheels and the AirLoom saddle account for most of the 920 g gap with the SLR 7 AXS; as for OCLV 900, Trek keeps it for its road bikes.

The thirteenth sprocket changes how a single chainring works: the gaps between sprockets get tighter, so you no longer hunt for the right cadence on fast sections, a common flaw of older 1x12 drivetrains. The RED E1 chain and the rear derailleur, which accepts a 46-tooth sprocket at most, work without a front derailleur, so there is no chainring adjustment.

The chain guide built into the frame and the derailleur tension limit chain slap and drops on rough descents. In our workshop, we check the UDH hanger, update the AXS firmware and check the bleed of the hydraulic brakes, the key to consistent braking on long, dusty descents.

Which Checkmate should you choose?

Our take: both Checkmate SLR models use a 10-46 1x13: the SLR 9 AXS moves up to the lighter RED XPLR, while the SLR 7 AXS stays with Force XPLR, with a total difference of 920 g.

Your questions

Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we build and set up your Checkmate in our workshop, update the AXS drivetrain, bleed the brakes and monitor chain and cassette wear.

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