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Compared with the Checkpoint, the Trek Checkmate SLR 7 AXS opts for racing: OCLV 800 Series carbon frame, more aggressive geometry, aero profiles and a SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x13 drivetrain. It weighs 8.47 kg in size ML. The Gloss Trek Black/Matte Carbon Smoke finish plays on the contrast between gloss black and a matt smoked carbon grey.
| Frame | OCLV 800 Series carbon, IsoSpeed, Full System aero tubes, hidden mudguard and frame bag mounts, threaded T47 bottom bracket, UDH hanger |
| Fork | Checkmate SLR full carbon, tapered steerer, mudguard mounts, Flat Mount, 12x100 mm thru-axle |
| Drivetrain | Wireless SRAM Force XPLR AXS E1 1x13, 42-tooth chainset with AXS power meter, XG-1371 10-46 cassette |
| Brakes | Flat Mount hydraulic disc brakes, SRAM Paceline X 160 mm Centerlock rotors |
| Wheels / tyres | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon / Bontrager Girona RSL GR 700x42 mm Tubeless Ready, 220 tpi |
| Cockpit | Trek Aero RSL Road one-piece carbon bar-stem, Race Fit profile |
| Seatpost | KVF aero carbon, 5 mm offset, 280 mm length |
| Weight | 8.47 kg in size ML (Trek figure) |
| Frame and fork | 1,146 g (painted frame, ML) + 415 g for the fork |
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At a glance
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For the cyclist torn between Trek's two carbon gravel bikes who already knows their rides will be fast, day-long and without a heavy load. It will suit those who put speed and riding enjoyment ahead of multi-day self-sufficiency.
OCLV carbon, Trek's signature. At Trek, every OCLV frame starts life as fibres compacted under heat and pressure, a method introduced in 1992 to eliminate micro-voids. The Checkmate SLR 7 AXS gets the 800 Series, exactly the same frame as its big brother the SLR 9: 1,146 g painted in ML, a 415 g fork and IsoSpeed at the seat tube. Trek's lifetime warranty covers this frame.
| OCLV 800 (Checkmate SLR) | OCLV 500 (Checkpoint SL) | OCLV 900 (SLR road) | |
| Level | The carbon of the race Checkmates | The entry into gravel carbon | The top of the OCLV range |
| Construction | Refined lay-up, high stiffness | Same process, more material | 3D moulding, reduced overlaps |
| Reference bike | Checkmate SLR 7 AXS: 8.47 kg (ML) | Checkpoint SL 6 AXS: 9.49 kg (ML) | Madone and Domane SLR |
| What it means | 360 g saved on frame and fork | Storage hatch, rack | Not offered on Trek gravel bikes |
In short: the SLR 7 AXS gives you the same chassis as the SLR 9 AXS, with a Force XPLR drivetrain and Aeolus Pro wheels instead of RED and RSL. You keep the race geometry and the power meter; the difference shows on the scales, 8.47 kg versus 7.55 kg.
The Checkpoint SL is Trek's versatile gravel bike: OCLV 500 carbon, a down tube storage hatch, and rack and bag mounts for touring. The Checkmate gives up some of these features to save weight and gain aerodynamics; it nevertheless keeps hidden mudguard mounts and a frame bag mount.
On the Passa Païs greenway or a gravel loop in the hinterland, both bikes will do the job. The difference appears as soon as you accelerate: a lower position, the one-piece Aero RSL cockpit and a lighter frame make the Checkmate sharper, while the Checkpoint favours stability and carrying capacity.
| Model | Carbon | Drivetrain | Wheels | Weight (size) |
| Checkpoint SL 6 AXS | OCLV 500 | SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1x13 | Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 | 9.49 kg (ML) |
| Checkpoint SL 7 AXS | OCLV 500 | SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x13 | Carbon Aeolus Elite 35V | 9.33 kg (ML) |
| Checkmate SLR 7 AXS | OCLV 800 | SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x13 + power meter | Carbon Aeolus Pro 3V | 8.47 kg (ML) |
| Checkmate SLR 9 AXS | OCLV 800 | SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1x13 + power meter | Carbon Aeolus RSL 37V | 7.55 kg (ML) |
Our take: with an equivalent Force XPLR drivetrain, the Checkmate SLR 7 AXS weighs 860 g less than the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS in ML; if you often head off for several days with luggage, though, the Checkpoint remains the better choice.
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LVR sizing advice If you are between two sizes, choose the smaller one if you like a playful bike on twisty tracks, the larger one if you prefer a stretched-out torso on long, fast sections. Cranks and handlebar width follow the size; the one-piece cockpit means the position must be validated before purchase.
Source: Trek size guide. Bike fitting available in our Béziers shop. |
| Checkmate or Checkpoint? | Checkmate for speed and racing, Checkpoint for adventure and loaded touring. |
| Can I go bikepacking? | For light bikepacking with a frame bag, yes; beyond that, the Checkpoint is the obvious choice. |
| Storage hatch? | No, it is reserved for the Checkpoint SL. |
| Is the matt grey delicate? | It needs a gentle wax-free cleaner, no glossy polish. |
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The LVR Cycles verdict The right choice if your gravel rides are fast and day-long, without bulky luggage. The gloss black paired with matt carbon grey gives it an understated, technical look.
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Why buy from LVR Cycles? In Béziers, we help you choose between Checkmate and Checkpoint based on your routes, build the bike in our workshop and set your position.
Please note that the specifications may be changed without prior notice by the manufacturer, based on the availability of components and other factors.
Data sheet
Specific References