Trek’s CheckOUT SL Gravel Bike Has Suspension and Drop Bars?!
A gravel bike built to stir debate
As mountain bikers, we’ll admit our eyebrows went up when Trek unveiled the new Trek CheckOUT SL. A full suspension, drop bar gravel bike isn’t something you see every day, and depending on which side of the bar tape you stand, it could be the next logical step in gravel’s evolution, or a Frankenbike destined to divide opinions.
Suspension for Gravel?
The Trek CheckOUT SL runs 55mm of rear travel and 60mm up front with a RockShox Rudy XL fork. To a mountain biker, that doesn’t sound like much, but in the gravel world, where most bikes are still rigid, it’s a pretty big shake up. Trek reckons this setup smooths out corrugations and singletrack chatter while still climbing and pedalling efficiently on the road.
The Numbers
Trek’s lab testing claims less rider fatigue compared to rigid gravel bikes: a 41.5% cut in vibration, 23% less steering variation, and even a small drop in rider ventilation (aka breathing effort). On paper, that suggests you can ride further, with more control, and burn less energy doing it.
Gravel, But With MTB Attitude
The cockpit tells the story too. Trek’s new GR CheckOUT bar is flared and backswept for leverage when it gets rough and more confidence than your typical road inspired gravel setup. Add in 56mm tyre clearance and a new geometry with a longer reach and higher stack, and the bike is clearly pitched at riders who are looking for something that can venture well off the beaten path.
Bikepacking DNA
Trek haven’t just made the CheckOUT SL a race bike. With 18 mounting points on medium/large sizes, an integrated rear rack that works with both the suspension and a dropper post, and all new multi mounts, the Trek CheckOUT SL is also speaking directly to the bikepacking crowd. Throw in a carbon frame tested to MTB standards, and you’re looking at something that can tackle just about anything.
Our Take
Will mountain bikers buy into it? That’s the big question. Some will dismiss it as overkill for gravel; others will see it as a clever middle ground between roadie speed and increased trail capability. Either way, Trek’s CheckOUT SL isn’t your standard gravel bike, it’s one that challenges what gravel can be, and we’ll be watching closely to see how riders respond.
Available now at selected Trek retailers across Australia and online at trekbikes.com.
