Trek raises eyebrows with the new ChekOUT gravel bike, but it can't be denied that it's a charming bike

The gravel was born as the meeting point between road and mountain, but Trek has just shown that this balance could stretch much further. Their new CheckOUT doesn't just blur the line between disciplines: it erases it in one stroke.

With real dual suspension, a road handlebar, and a geometry that sits between an adventure gravel bike and a Cross Country MTB, this bike invites us to question what we understand by 'riding off the pavement'.

The OCLV 500 carbon frame — robust enough for Mountain Bike standards — comes with a standard dropper post and boasts 18 mounting points.

This is not a simple evolution of the popular Checkpoint nor an eccentric experiment for cycling fairs. The CheckOUT is a project conceived from scratch for those who link asphalt, dirt roads, and trails in the same day and demand the same speed as a road bike, but with the control of a Mountain Bike.

In an increasingly segmented cycling world, Trek dares to break the rules… and to offer a machine that will make purists frown while bringing a smile to those who only think about riding further and with fewer limits.

Gravel without fear of what others will say

Since gravel became popular, debates in forums and riding groups are endless: how far can you 'mountain bike' before the discipline loses its essence? Trek has decided to ignore the discussion and even rewrite it. The CheckOUT is born for those seeking speed on asphalt and absolute control on broken tracks, something that traditional gravel bikes barely touch.

What matters here is not the headline of 'dual suspension gravel', but the fact that Trek has invested in a frame and a component ecosystem designed from scratch for a bike that doesn't fit into any previous category. It's not a Mountain Bike with a curved handlebar: it's a unique concept.

Real suspension, not marketing

Many manufacturers boast about 'vibration absorption' with elastomers or carbon flex. Trek has gone further:

• RockShox Rudy XL fork with 60 mm of travel (also available in 50 mm), 45 mm offset, and Race Day 2 cartridge inherited from XC SID. Additionally, it accepts tires up to 2.25 inches, a detail more typical of an MTB.
• RockShox SIDLuxe rear shock (170x27.5 mm) providing 55 mm of rear travel.

The frame has been designed around this setup, not the other way around. In the lab, Trek measured a 41.5% reduction in vibration energy and 23% less trajectory deviation compared to a rigid gravel bike. For long-distance bikepackers, that means less fatigue and higher average speeds on 10-hour days or more.

Ergonomics designed for pedaling (and enjoying)

The GR CheckOUT handlebar is a key piece: IsoCore carbon, with micro-vibration filtering and a 12 cm flare. Its extreme opening provides stability on technical descents and superior control when the bike is loaded with bags.

Regarding geometry (here you have a guide to know what each term means), this is equally bold:

• Longer reach than a Trek Checkpoint for better stability.
• Taller stack to maintain comfort on marathon stages.
• Lower bottom bracket than XC Supercaliber, lowering the center of gravity without sacrificing agility.

In practice, the position is less aggressive than a competition gravel bike, but more efficient than an MTB on trails.

Trek hasn't forgotten the adventurous side. The OCLV 500 carbon frame — robust enough for Mountain Bike standards — comes with a standard dropper post and boasts 18 mounting points starting from size ML.

The custom-designed bag system fits around the shock, and the specific rack allows carrying luggage without interfering with the suspension. The Multi Mount adds versatility for placing bottles or tools at different heights.

Range and prices

• CheckOUT SL 7 AXS: 11.28 kg and a price of 6,999 euros
• CheckOUT SL 5: 11.97 kg and a price of 4,999 euros
• Frame kit: 2.40 kg and a price of 2,999 euros

The Trek CheckOUT is offered in five sizes (S-XL) and the brand already guarantees immediate availability in the official Trek network.

Fotos: Trek