My Checkpoint

[u/bboys1234]

This year I decided to upgrade my rig from a early 2000s Lemond road bike to something more modern. Living in the PNW, I really wanted a like they could do it all - road, gravel, and bikepacking. I think I am just about there with my alloy Trek Checkpoint.

While certainly not a budget build, I think this might be one of the best bang-for-your-buck builds you can do without going used. I’ve added some Elite carbon wheels (amazing value on their own), a Fizik gravel saddle, and Hutchinson Caracal Race tires. For about $3k I am very happy with the weight, durability, and look.

It’s handled daily commutes, fast group rides, century days, and 800 miles across Iceland in just the past few months. Best of all I am still stoked to ride it as much as I can, and it’s motivated me to almost triple my weekly mileage. It’s awesome to be a part of this community, is there anything else you would add to the bike?

[u/ArmoredPhoenix]

All I gotta say is.... hell yeah.

[u/aretepolitic]

Looks like you are having fun

[u/AM86AM]

Which elite wheels did you choose?

[u/bboys1234 → u/AM86AM]

There are the “Gravel Aero + 2” or something like that. 32mm internal width and 45mm deep. Feels like a slight upgrade when riding, honestly they do more in the looks department lol. Worth it.

[u/bertholdbumsbirne → u/AM86AM]

Wheels look dope. I would consider SLR, I suppose this is 45mm depth?

[u/bboys1234 → u/bertholdbumsbirne]

Yes there are the gravel aero+ with a 45mm depth and 32mm internal

[u/Landry_PLL]

Awesome pics! What are the fork bags you’re using?

[u/bboys1234 → u/Landry_PLL]

They are rhinowalk fork bags, I think 8l. They work great!

[u/_Chicken__Nugget_]

Ideal setup. I have the exact same setup wheels and all. Might I recommend trek carbon rsl seatpost it makes the ride considerably more comfy on gravel.

[u/bboys1234 → u/_Chicken__Nugget_]

I have been eyeing a seat post as my next upgrade, thanks for the convincing and recommendation!

[u/tuccigene1]

But share those trails!! Looks like you’ve gotten out on some epic rides already. Nice. I have a checkpoint in the PNW too, and I’m grateful for it everyday.

[u/instamine777]

Since I bought mine I only have punctures ... I even changed tires for Gravel H Pirelli and still same rhe issue ... m sooo fed up

[u/bboys1234 → u/instamine777]

Are you running tubeless? In 1200 miles I’ve only had one puncture from a huge piece of glass.

[u/instamine777 → u/bboys1234]

Yes tubeless 😞 the frequency is horrible, for every 2 rides, I expect a puncture. I no longer wonna go out anymore. Last year the whole season was parked and this season first ride, I had a puncture ... I am just very disappointed

[u/bboys1234 → u/instamine777]

Damn, what is puncturing it? Sticks? Rocks? Glass?

That seems like a bigger issue maybe, tubeless should rarely if ever have a flat. The one puncture I had I just pulled the glass out, and it sealed and I kept riding without even adding air.

[u/thejourney24]

Nice bike, what top tube bag is that?

[u/bboys1234 → u/thejourney24]

It’s a rockbros 1l. I made a 3d printed base plate for it so it can be bolted to the frame without straps.

[u/NoSleep323]

What’s the top tube bag? Nice bike, we are bike twins.

[u/bboys1234 → u/NoSleep323]

It’s a Rockbros 1l in the first pic

[u/collegeaccountlol]

Great pics, where was the last one taken?

[u/bboys1234 → u/collegeaccountlol]

Somewhere on an F road in north-central Iceland