Not the most brilliant idea, with it being 103°F here in NY. Plenty of hydrating, but it was still pretty tough. First actual substantial ride on the SL6 as well, and learning what I’ll want to be changing. Likely flats to clipless eventually, changing tires to something like GP5000 AS and possibly a slightly shorter stem. All in all, a really fun bike to ride!
Looking into getting my first big boy gravel bike. Checkpoint SL 5/6 are in the running. Also considering the new crux. Going to go ride them each and see how they feel.
I know a lot of people feel strange about proprietary tech. How do you all feel about IsoSpeed? Happy to have it? Wish it didn’t? Any issues with maintenance on it?
After owning your ride for a while, are there other bikes you wish you pursued?
I usually degrease my chain and cassette with Muc-Off Degreaser, but I’m always worried about contaminating my disc rotors or brake pads.
I’m not really comfortable taking the cassette off or removing everything to clean it individually every time.
Is there anything people use to protect the rotors and calipers/pads while spraying degreaser? I’ve seen people mention things like rotor covers, plastic shields, or even just towels/cardboard, but I’m wondering what actually works well.
How do you all clean your drivetrain without risking brake contamination?
Had a great ride, just hoping I can get out and ride more often.
Hi All,
I've been experimenting with Schwalbe G-One r/RS tyres which I've found really good. The only issue I have is setting them up tubeless is really difficult. As a result I'm thinking of running TPU tubes so I can easily swap tyres when it suits me. Has anyone used TPU tubes with gravel tyres? If yes, what brand?
P.S. I'm experienced setting types up tubeless, so not after advice regarding tubeless setup :-)
I’m looking for a compact torque wrench or mini torque set to carry in my saddle bag for my Trek Checkpoint ALR 4.
Mainly for things like:
● stem bolts
● seatpost clamp
● handlebars
● accessory mounts
I don’t need a full workshop set, just something reliable for on-the-go adjustments and peace of mind.
I’ve looked at things like the Topeak Torq Rocket, Topeak Nano TorqBar, and Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive.
What do you use, and what would you recommend?
Picked up a thoughtfully-made, barely used build from a local tinkerer a couple of weeks ago. Have been putting it through the paces, and finally took it on my first "big" gravel ride today in the West Desert in Utah. 47 miles, 3000 feet of vert, and not another soul the entire time. Love this bike, love where it is taking me, excited to keep seeing where it'll go.
Been riding in my new bike but hadn't dared to go off road
Got lost a couple times but then juts crossing a field...
First gravel bike. I fell in love with the SRAM Rival AXS and couldn’t turn down the green colorway.
Just mounted 50mm Dubs on my Trek Checkpoint ALR5 Gen 2 - Size 52. Wheels are ICAN G25. Still decent space left.
Avid mountain biker here. This is my first drop bar bike. This thing is fast! I've been currently using a retired hardtail mountain bike with gravel tires on it as my greenway bike. Looking forward to putting some miles in on this unit.
Well, it will but it doesn’t want to stay there and when it does get to first it falls off.
I tried using the SRAM app and micro adjusting but o must be doing something wrong because I see nothing happening. Any suggestions?
Getting the bottom bracket fit to work was a real pain but completely worth it. Love not having to sit in traffic
Hoping someone can point me in the right direction for a decent budget wheel upgrade. Even though I'm well under the weight limit, I just keep breaking spokes, so I definitely need something a little beefier. I'm fine to stick with aluminum rims, but what's everyone's recommendation for something a bit stronger that isn't so hard on the wallet?
Just picked this bike up, and I want to run a rack. What are people's experiences with using one?
What a ripper, rode a couple of local trails today, giggled the entire time. Excited to upgrade bits when the time comes, now the big question, flats vs clipless? 👀
Took my 2026 ALR4 in for it's 30 day to instigate a creak and it has a factory defect causing the rear axel to be off center. Obviously not fixable and there are no replacement frames left in this color that I love in size small. Props to my LBS for catching this (2nd Ave Sports). Have currently been offered the hiddious bronze ALR5 frame. Asked if they can give me carbon instead and I'll pay the difference in the price of the frames (also asked if the parts will even switch). LBS checking on that. I can update if anyone is interested.