I bought my Checkpoint used and have no regrets. Previous owner had upgraded it from Rival to Force AXS XPLR, replaced stock wheels with a set of Hunt’s, and installed a Kogel bb. Pretty much a dream gravel bike for me. And I did save a fair amount of coin too.
Love your site. Thanks for all your hard work. I got a bike from the red barn site last year and it was straight up brand new, never ridden for several thousand off. Best way to buy a Trek.
Great video, thanks. Another option is old series being discounted. Last year got my gravel bike 30% off (2022 Specialized Diverge Expert). Recently picked up a new, outgoing model, Look 785 at 43% off. Takes some hunting around though, and a bit of luck.
On that particular wheel (if a DT type hub) you could have pulled off the freehub with your hands to remove the spoke protector. Much quicker than removing the cassette. :)
I bought a used Trek Emonda SLR 7 from Trek Travel in 2018. I saved some money, and the bike arrived in excellent condition with only a few minor scratches. It was definitely worth it.
In my eyes, the Gen2 Checkpoint is the most beautiful and well thought out bike trek has built in the last years. It just ticks so many boxes, and it's a gravel bike, that has a super distinct look to it, with one of the most beautiful frames ever. Given the fact that most gravel bikes look alike these days, it's really nice to see a manufacturer as huge as Trek go out and do a design that is really unique. It's a shame that red barn refresh is only available in the states, I would certainly be a customer!
my last two bikes have been used, but looked brand new without a scratch. They were over 30% off the new prices and they had a few custom upgrades as well.
I've built up a similar Di2 two-by Checkpoint using just the frameset (blue and black colourway) and had the brake lines run internal within Pro Discover bars. It also has Garmin Rally power meter pedals and my old Roval Terra C wheelset. Overall absolutely delighted with this bike though - my #dreambuild
Gimme that new hot checkpoint that is just around the corner. I need it to keep all it's mounting options for racks and stuff but have more tire clearance and be faster too. Let's go. 2020 SL5 owner ready to upgrade
Poses an interesting dynamic--go to used markets such as facebook marketplace or ebay and perhaps get a much bigger steal of a bargain or buy used from Trek or Canyon or other entities like The Pro's Closet and still pay hefty money but have more assurances about the condition of the bike.
There's a market for both. I build my own bikes, yet most of my friends don't even know whether their chain has a quick link or not. And men often don't want to admit they don't know, so paying up to avoid being confronted with their ignorance is a thing.
I bought a Madone SL 6 from Red Barn. I was looking for a new one and it wasn’t available anywhere close to me. The bike was marked demo on the box sticker, but looked to be brand new. It was a $1000 off retail.
From what I understand is that big brands like Trek have limited availability of the current new models so the bike shops either hope the customer is willing to wait until they get next years model or seek an older model that didn’t sell. So offering used bikes that perhaps they gain as a trade-in, just makes sense. I think TPC and think they are the way to go for people who want a bargain or maybe are new to cycling and not ready to go latest models and high end.
Good idea for a video. Do you think just maybe the fact bikes are 8k$ or more might be why the bike industry is over invested? I'm all for great technology across a range of price points, but much of the sub 2k product is now low durability junk.
I didn’t buy it from Trek, but after a long process of looking for the right bike, I found a like-new used Trek. I like it, but tbh I don’t think I would have paid full price for the same bike from a store. So if refreshed Treks are cheaper it’s probably an option people should consider.
No irony that the ad that precedes this was from BUYCYCLE? Where all these used Treks coming from? Returns from online buyers after they played with them for awhile? I share your hatred of thru-axles that require tools - so much that I replaced the front one and butchered a lever onto the rear axle of my new gravel bike. Glad you ragged on the "brake connectors" since I didn't know they existed. Being able to split a hose before it vanishes under the tape (or into the bar) would make long-term bike care much less of a PITA! Thanks!
I understand you didn't get paid, but Trek still handpicked this bike for you specifically which makes the test inherently comprimised. Would be better to buy the bike yourself under a different or fake name, but I guess that's easier said than done with these high prices.
looking at the way the handlebars have been packaged it's going to be a different process in the future as all new bikes seem to have integrated stem and bars. It's going to be interesting.😁
Yep! A few brands now have massively wide boxes to ship the bikes with the bars still on. Similar - and in many ways more annoying - challenges exist for bike bags/boxes for traveling. I went to take an Argonaut to Big Sugar last year and realized at, oh, 10pm that neither of my bike bags would work - including one built for bars-on capacity because the wheelbase was too long. First world problems, but problems nonetheless.
I absolutely love the gold colour on this bike. I have the SL 5 in the radioactive red but prefer this colour. One thing of somewhat concern though, does it worry you at all to buy second hand carbon, knowing it could be hiding hidden damage from a bad drop that hasn't shown up in the paint?
Looking through their Redbarn, I have found several instances where the new version, often with better components is cheaper than the used version. For instance you can get the Checkpoint SL6 for $3999 new (direct from their website) and they have several of the same bike (in the same color) used for $5299. Why would anyone buy used when you can get new for significantly less?
It's likely different teams working on new Vs old, so do expect arbitrages of that nature. Trek is a very large animal that never was known for being smart or nimble.
@@pierrex3226 Going through their site it appears they used a percentage off MSRP calculation. The GameStop model of selling the same item twice is great, but with bikes there is an existing secondary market that makes pricing more difficult and yes it appears Trek didn't put a lot of thought into how that would work.
It’s hard for me to imagine spending $7000 to $8000 on a new gravel bike to just have it get scratched and dinged. Used gravel bikes are the way to go. Lots of good options out there from Red Barn, Pro’s Closet, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and more.
If the bike has any flaws, scratches or dings, will that be noted before purchasing? I’m looking at pics and it looks like all the bike look brand new.
Yeah, Trek says they post and note any scratches or other issues. Initially, a lot of the bikes in there were show bikes or media samples, so perhaps they didn't have much use. The sample bike I got had a few scratches, but new wheels and tires.
Seems like thousands off a really inflated MSRP IMHO. $6K for this used bike? For a bit less than that I recently bought a BRAND NEW, delivered to my door carbon framed (made in Italy it says on the frame, but I don't really care if it came out of the same GIANT factory the Treks do) gravel bike with Campagnolo EKAR, 40 mm carbon rims, FSA's insanely expensive gravel handlebar AND a MAHLE X20 e-assist system. I guess ya gotta hand it to the Big-T if they can get the rubes to pony-up this kind of loot for a pretty ordinary, made-in-Asia gravel bike?
Thanks. It's a Blendr, which work on Bontrager stems. If you like the clean, no-clamp look for other bars, check out the Silca Chisela: alnk.to/31raNkp
Nope. It is noticeable when picking it up, and maybe a bit on the first acceleration. But when riding it just feels like a comfortable, stable gravel bike.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney ah yeah, my Diverge weighs 21 lbs and I usually start out in the lower gears until I pick up more speed then I up crank my gears. Of course I can’t do swift turning movements cause my bike is too heavy to move quickly especially up hills. My Cervelo R3 is super light and extremely agile. Sooo are you returning that bike and getting the Giant Revolt, is t it lighter and smooth as butter on the gravel and guarantees you a win?!?!
I'm willing to bet Trek makes more profit off of selling used bikes than they do on new bikes, similar to the automotive industry. Offer the original owner way less than the bike is worth, spend 5 minutes cleaning it, then jack-up the price to sell.
Other brands should do that too. I suspect labour cost is the killer in all this. Relying on dealers to take bike backs, review, dismantle, ship back, for the brand to sign off, prepare, ship again, with fast depreciating parts. It can only make sense on high value items.
Yeah. I think trade-ins are part of the puzzle, too - helping dealers sell new bikes by accepting old ones as trade-ins. And then what do you do with that inventory?
Nice reference to used cars to normalize it. I think there are a lot of people who wouldn't even consider a used bike who can be enticed with these certified programs.
I bought my Checkpoint used and have no regrets. Previous owner had upgraded it from Rival to Force AXS XPLR, replaced stock wheels with a set of Hunt’s, and installed a Kogel bb. Pretty much a dream gravel bike for me. And I did save a fair amount of coin too.
I love that even on a test bike Ben had to remove the plastic spoke protector!! The velominati lives!
Dork disc
Love your site. Thanks for all your hard work.
I got a bike from the red barn site last year and it was straight up brand new, never ridden for several thousand off.
Best way to buy a Trek.
I got a Domane+ via Red Barn Refresh for commuting, really excellent experience. Highly recommended.
Great video, thanks. Another option is old series being discounted. Last year got my gravel bike 30% off (2022 Specialized Diverge Expert). Recently picked up a new, outgoing model, Look 785 at 43% off. Takes some hunting around though, and a bit of luck.
For sure - particularly with the inventory glut that many brands found themselves in.
Finally, someone who rides more than me and isn't a pro. Instant follow (on strava).
On that particular wheel (if a DT type hub) you could have pulled off the freehub with your hands to remove the spoke protector. Much quicker than removing the cassette. :)
Oh, snap! Did not even occur to me. Good shout.
I bought a used Trek Emonda SLR 7 from Trek Travel in 2018. I saved some money, and the bike arrived in excellent condition with only a few minor scratches. It was definitely worth it.
In my eyes, the Gen2 Checkpoint is the most beautiful and well thought out bike trek has built in the last years. It just ticks so many boxes, and it's a gravel bike, that has a super distinct look to it, with one of the most beautiful frames ever. Given the fact that most gravel bikes look alike these days, it's really nice to see a manufacturer as huge as Trek go out and do a design that is really unique.
It's a shame that red barn refresh is only available in the states, I would certainly be a customer!
Great perspective Ben! Looking forward to your thoughts on the Berd wheels compared to a traditional steel spokes!
my last two bikes have been used, but looked brand new without a scratch. They were over 30% off the new prices and they had a few custom upgrades as well.
I've built up a similar Di2 two-by Checkpoint using just the frameset (blue and black colourway) and had the brake lines run internal within Pro Discover bars. It also has Garmin Rally power meter pedals and my old Roval Terra C wheelset. Overall absolutely delighted with this bike though - my #dreambuild
A year ago I got a brand new Checkpoint SLR 7 from The Pros Closet for $3K off MSRP. Bike has been fantastic.
Gimme that new hot checkpoint that is just around the corner. I need it to keep all it's mounting options for racks and stuff but have more tire clearance and be faster too.
Let's go. 2020 SL5 owner ready to upgrade
Poses an interesting dynamic--go to used markets such as facebook marketplace or ebay and perhaps get a much bigger steal of a bargain or buy used from Trek or Canyon or other entities like The Pro's Closet and still pay hefty money but have more assurances about the condition of the bike.
There's a market for both. I build my own bikes, yet most of my friends don't even know whether their chain has a quick link or not. And men often don't want to admit they don't know, so paying up to avoid being confronted with their ignorance is a thing.
I bought a Madone SL 6 from Red Barn. I was looking for a new one and it wasn’t available anywhere close to me. The bike was marked demo on the box sticker, but looked to be brand new. It was a $1000 off retail.
Who knew? This looks like an excellent option for anyone who wants to subvert the new bike crazy. Cheers Ben. Excellent as always.
This is a great idea. I’d love this for buying a race bike, take the sting out of the purchase for something that will be used heavily
It will be interesting to see their sizing availability, I found the pros closet limited in their smaller frame options.
From what I understand is that big brands like Trek have limited availability of the current new models so the bike shops either hope the customer is willing to wait until they get next years model or seek an older model that didn’t sell. So offering used bikes that perhaps they gain as a trade-in, just makes sense. I think TPC and think they are the way to go for people who want a bargain or maybe are new to cycling and not ready to go latest models and high end.
Good idea for a video. Do you think just maybe the fact bikes are 8k$ or more might be why the bike industry is over invested? I'm all for great technology across a range of price points, but much of the sub 2k product is now low durability junk.
I didn’t buy it from Trek, but after a long process of looking for the right bike, I found a like-new used Trek. I like it, but tbh I don’t think I would have paid full price for the same bike from a store. So if refreshed Treks are cheaper it’s probably an option people should consider.
No irony that the ad that precedes this was from BUYCYCLE? Where all these used Treks coming from? Returns from online buyers after they played with them for awhile?
I share your hatred of thru-axles that require tools - so much that I replaced the front one and butchered a lever onto the rear axle of my new gravel bike. Glad you ragged on the "brake connectors" since I didn't know they existed. Being able to split a hose before it vanishes under the tape (or into the bar) would make long-term bike care much less of a PITA! Thanks!
I understand you didn't get paid, but Trek still handpicked this bike for you specifically which makes the test inherently comprimised. Would be better to buy the bike yourself under a different or fake name, but I guess that's easier said than done with these high prices.
I guess that explains the fold down consumer delivery boxes Trek patented a few years ago
Surprised you had the self-control to correctly remove that dork disc, I usually would use side cutters to snip it off.
Great video again! Me too! Used cars and pay cash! Seems like Trek is looking to right with its used bikes. Thanks for sharing your opinions.
I'm going to try this based upon this recommendation.
looking at the way the handlebars have been packaged it's going to be a different process in the future as all new bikes seem to have integrated stem and bars. It's going to be interesting.😁
Yep! A few brands now have massively wide boxes to ship the bikes with the bars still on. Similar - and in many ways more annoying - challenges exist for bike bags/boxes for traveling. I went to take an Argonaut to Big Sugar last year and realized at, oh, 10pm that neither of my bike bags would work - including one built for bars-on capacity because the wheelbase was too long. First world problems, but problems nonetheless.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney maybe time to snap up the current Revolt before Giant introduce the new model😂
I absolutely love the gold colour on this bike. I have the SL 5 in the radioactive red but prefer this colour. One thing of somewhat concern though, does it worry you at all to buy second hand carbon, knowing it could be hiding hidden damage from a bad drop that hasn't shown up in the paint?
Hey I bought a brand new one about a 40 days ago and I didnt get that kit with the Nm tools... wth TREK :(
Looking through their Redbarn, I have found several instances where the new version, often with better components is cheaper than the used version. For instance you can get the Checkpoint SL6 for $3999 new (direct from their website) and they have several of the same bike (in the same color) used for $5299. Why would anyone buy used when you can get new for significantly less?
Weird. 🤔
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney SLR vs SL is the difference in the pricing.
It's likely different teams working on new Vs old, so do expect arbitrages of that nature. Trek is a very large animal that never was known for being smart or nimble.
@@pierrex3226 Going through their site it appears they used a percentage off MSRP calculation. The GameStop model of selling the same item twice is great, but with bikes there is an existing secondary market that makes pricing more difficult and yes it appears Trek didn't put a lot of thought into how that would work.
love your attitude
If prices were lower than clearance sales on new old stock, maybe. If basically the same I’d rather have the warranty coverage
Thats a looker. Not a huge trek fan but that is sharp. Hows the felt treatn ya?
That Felt Breed I only borrowed while at Sea Otter.
It’s hard for me to imagine spending $7000 to $8000 on a new gravel bike to just have it get scratched and dinged. Used gravel bikes are the way to go. Lots of good options out there from Red Barn, Pro’s Closet, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and more.
Ben do u have a Castelli code?
8k for a used Checkpoint in this bike market is 😂...if I'm spending 8k gonna pick all my own stuff and build frame up
Ben, were you able to order this with your choice of handlebar and stem?
Nope. Just what's in the box.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney That’s what I thought you would say. thanks for the reply.
If the bike has any flaws, scratches or dings, will that be noted before purchasing? I’m looking at pics and it looks like all the bike look brand new.
Yeah, Trek says they post and note any scratches or other issues. Initially, a lot of the bikes in there were show bikes or media samples, so perhaps they didn't have much use. The sample bike I got had a few scratches, but new wheels and tires.
Yes it’s very worthily but used bike .
I paid 5000 bucks for my canyon and now I want to sell after a year and I can’t get not even 3000
Is the Alloy checkpoint good to ride?
Seems like thousands off a really inflated MSRP IMHO. $6K for this used bike? For a bit less than that I recently bought a BRAND NEW, delivered to my door carbon framed (made in Italy it says on the frame, but I don't really care if it came out of the same GIANT factory the Treks do) gravel bike with Campagnolo EKAR, 40 mm carbon rims, FSA's insanely expensive gravel handlebar AND a MAHLE X20 e-assist system. I guess ya gotta hand it to the Big-T if they can get the rubes to pony-up this kind of loot for a pretty ordinary, made-in-Asia gravel bike?
You know you're going to have put the spoke protector back on when you ship it back
😂
Nice review, enjoy your videos.
Which computer mount is that?
Thanks. It's a Blendr, which work on Bontrager stems. If you like the clean, no-clamp look for other bars, check out the Silca Chisela: alnk.to/31raNkp
Thanks!
The spoke (disc) doo-hicky needs your respect.
It has its place.... in the recycling bin!
Canyon has a used bike outlet.
No kidding? I didn't know that. In Germany?
Discounts are back on new - incentives to buy used would have to be way more attractive in this market…..
Cool, good vid Bro. Does the weight of this bike bother you?
Nope. It is noticeable when picking it up, and maybe a bit on the first acceleration. But when riding it just feels like a comfortable, stable gravel bike.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney ah yeah, my Diverge weighs 21 lbs and I usually start out in the lower gears until I pick up more speed then I up crank my gears. Of course I can’t do swift turning movements cause my bike is too heavy to move quickly especially up hills. My Cervelo R3 is super light and extremely agile. Sooo are you returning that bike and getting the Giant Revolt, is t it lighter and smooth as butter on the gravel and guarantees you a win?!?!
I'm willing to bet Trek makes more profit off of selling used bikes than they do on new bikes, similar to the automotive industry. Offer the original owner way less than the bike is worth, spend 5 minutes cleaning it, then jack-up the price to sell.
Will depend on the discounts on new bikes.
They are just bikes and checked out by a good company why not buy used. Ive always loved buying refurb anything.
Other brands should do that too. I suspect labour cost is the killer in all this. Relying on dealers to take bike backs, review, dismantle, ship back, for the brand to sign off, prepare, ship again, with fast depreciating parts. It can only make sense on high value items.
Yeah. I think trade-ins are part of the puzzle, too - helping dealers sell new bikes by accepting old ones as trade-ins. And then what do you do with that inventory?
Love your attitude about this bag and not caring about what people will say. kislux You are right keep your head up and no your priorities.
Even used still half a fortune ... phew hahahaha
Nice reference to used cars to normalize it. I think there are a lot of people who wouldn't even consider a used bike who can be enticed with these certified programs.
Absolutely horrible cable job 😭