It's right for you if...

Chamois or cut-off shorts, bikepacking trip or brutal day of gravel racing—you're going to ride far, go fast, and have a great time. You'd rather spend your money on a lightweight carbon frame than a top-of-the-line drivetrain, but you still expect your workhorse gravel bike to perform. You want a bike that's both fast and comfortable, and you want endless carry options for gravel races and everyday adventures.

The tech you get

A 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame with Rear IsoSpeed, powerful flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes, a full 2x11 Shimano 105 groupset, and 700x40 Bontrager GR1 Team Issue Tubeless Ready gravel tires. Checkpoint SL 5 also has Control Freak internal cable routing, a Bontrager Elite IsoZone handlebar with foam pads integrated into the tops and drops, 12mm thru axles, fender and rack mounts, and Stranglehold dropouts.

The final word

Light, fast, comfortable. Checkpoint SL 5 is a carbon gravel bike that nails this trifecta. A quality groupset, massive tire clearance, options for carrying gear, an OCLV Carbon frame with IsoSpeed, and a ride quality that can't be matched.