I test rode one of these last week and fell in love! I never used a drop bar bike before so I was under the same assumption as how to hold the bike like you. The trek guy showed me you’re supposed to ride with your hands on the horns. You can brake and change gears there. The drops are for bringing you lower when trying to ride faster by reducing wind drag. And the middle up top is to give you a change in position to reduce fatigue. After learning that, I fell in love with how comfortable the bike is!
You should get a gravel bike dude. They’re amazing fun. Also, if you put your hands on the brake hoods (the sticky up bits above the levers) you can brake and shift without having to be hunched in the drop bars all the time - that’s where most people ride road or gravel bikes
I'm 5'10" with a 70" wingspand and my gravel is 54" and my road is 53" and it is perfect. Man, I love gravel, I live close to a national forest and ride 50/100 miles on the roads with no problems and I couldn't ride that distance on a trail bike ( mtb ). I don't know about putting a $1500 road wheelset on one when you can buy a 16 pound road bike for $2500. That gravel is fast but when you start riding group road rides you are going to want a very fast bike. I got the revolt but I always wanted the checkpoint. Maybe you can work out a deal like I did, I got them down on a race bike and said it's a deal if they threw in a gravel bike $300 under list and they did it. But this was 2019 and deals were easier to come by. Great video man.
Dude…..U can brake from the hoods! Just put your hands on top of the hood stretch your hand a bit down. You don’t have to ride in the drops. I rarely ride in the drops..That’s only for if u wanna get real aero! Lol! You put a smile on my face bro!
You would be amazed, many people use gravel bikes on trails, some technical MTB trails. You can also hold the handlebar on the hoods to be more upright, which gives you access to the gears and brakes. I plan on buying one as “one” bike for multiple purposes. Awesome video
Oh and I ride my gravel bike mostly on the road but I take it through my city forest gravel trails and some very light XC trails once in a while too. It does amazing on the road because it soaks up all the cracks and potholes we have here in Maine. I can also go over drains/sewer caps if needed without a problem
I just started looking for a gravel bike after being drunk-talked into signing up for a 100 mile gravel race in June (‘23). I am ordering one of these on Monday! Your “review” was the most entertaining of all the reviews I’ve watched. Thanks for making it look fun!
My wife got a gravel bike recently: Specialized Diverge E5 (alloy) It cost $1300 and yea it’s light as a feather. She has a size 54 but it feels too small for me so I don’t really like it but yes, she’s faster than me on the street and rail trail now!
I test rode 10 bikes over the course of my search this month, ranging from Cannondale and Giant to Rondo (Polish company I live near the only US retailer), and I was mostly disappointed, then I went to the Trek store and rode the ALR 5 and bought it on the spot! It really does feel just as fast as an all-road bike, more so if you switch the tires, but I'm super impressed.
If you like riding far, and fast, gravel or road bike is where its at. I only rode MTB until a friend let me ride his road bike, WOW, FAST and with so little effort compared to my MTB. I love riding road bikes, and gravel bikes now, just add a bag or two and you can go for 60-75 miles with no problem. use the top of the hoods for the best of both worlds! Great stuff man!!
With slick tires it's even faster but wheelies are gonna be more difficult. If you are going to commute, and you don't want to spend money on a motorcycle, a bike like that is a choice. But if you use the bike for training, fun, doing wheelies, some light trail... a MTB for me, it get's you sweat more.
I believe the size for you would be a 54. The size on those gravel bikes are some like the sizing on the road bikes. This 56 cm refers to 56cm of top tube from the seat tube to the head tube. I'm 6 foot tall and use a 57cm gravel bike (not trek). It is good but after some falls to the ground and the lack of stability of gravel and general trails (compared to the mountain bike) if I were to buy a 'gravel' bike again, it would be more like a drop-bar mountain bike. A high trail bike, dropper post compatible and steep seat tube angle. My experience so far with my gravel bike is good. And I found where it does a good job. The cardio training on the road or using the smart trainer. Helps me to get fitter to ride more mountain bike trails.
I have a 2020 Checkpoint ALR5 that I ride mostly on gravel roads in rural Kansas, there being very little pavement here. I spend most of my time with my hands on top of the brake hoods to maintain the upright riding position and have access to the brakes and shift levers too. I really enjoyed your video.
Awesome stuff! I definitely prefer mountain biking but got a gravel bike last winter when trails became frozen, wet quagmires lol I use it to keep in shape for mtb, generally stick to paved and gravel paths. Unless roads have a dedicated bike lane, I try to avoid 'em (for safety). Enjoyed the video, I say go for it! Hope to see some adventures on a gravel bike soon :) p.s. - try using the "hoods" next time! way more comfortable.
Nice, I might need to try one out. I have both a full sus and hardtail MTB, but I don't really ride the hardtail except for on the smart trainer for Zwift. If you want to experience fast, you should try out a Madone, that is their arero racing road bike.
my experience was the opposite of you.. i was a road biker for my entire life until i bought an MTB a couple of years ago and realised that its a lot tougher than people make it look on youtube, lol
I rode a couple of fundraisers on my Roscoe. Couple climbs with those plus sized tires and "Roadies" just passing me like it's no big deal haha! The gravel and some straight bar gravel bikes have been looking good to me for these types of rides, I'll have to take one for a spin.
I have a road bike, and since my wife and I are the same height I can also ride her gravel bike. I love them both. I have a MTB on order, but still waiting. The wait is killing me 😐
I was asking about one of these in my local shop last week. I wanted to get fitted first before I take the plunge but I am thinking hard about getting one of these to go with my Marlin 6
Nice! That looks so fun! Thank you for the video. Can I ask how tall you are? I am about 5'9" and I have a medium FX 3 but want to know what size I'd be on a Checkpoint.
I'd say the stock 11-34 cassette's a bit gappy and geared too low for long road riding but I suppose that depends on the terrain and your fitness level. Tighter cassettes can be found.
The geometry is different. The CX will be very rigid for maximum energy transmission frome the body to the bike for short "races", the gravel will be more comfortable. Basically it's and endurance road bike with larger tire clearance and a specific transmission.
@Matty Active Me too. I've got lots of trail riding to do, but I'll definitely want to fly down the gravel on a new speed bike someday. Thanks for posting!
@@MattyActive nah man don't. How are you supposed to know if you've never ridden one. Keep putting out the good content. Really enjoy watching your videos. Reminds me to have fun when I ride. Been riding a road bike but hopefully will be getting my first mtb after the new year. I'll have a limited budget. 7 to 900 range. Whats a good bike to go woth?
I test rode one of these last week and fell in love! I never used a drop bar bike before so I was under the same assumption as how to hold the bike like you. The trek guy showed me you’re supposed to ride with your hands on the horns. You can brake and change gears there. The drops are for bringing you lower when trying to ride faster by reducing wind drag. And the middle up top is to give you a change in position to reduce fatigue. After learning that, I fell in love with how comfortable the bike is!
What a nice way of sharing this information, instead of just insulting the guy for not knowing how to ride a drop bar bike. Good job.
You should get a gravel bike dude. They’re amazing fun.
Also, if you put your hands on the brake hoods (the sticky up bits above the levers) you can brake and shift without having to be hunched in the drop bars all the time - that’s where most people ride road or gravel bikes
I'm 5'10" with a 70" wingspand and my gravel is 54" and my road is 53" and it is perfect. Man, I love gravel, I live close to a national forest and ride 50/100 miles on the roads with no problems and I couldn't ride that distance on a trail bike ( mtb ). I don't know about putting a $1500 road wheelset on one when you can buy a 16 pound road bike for $2500. That gravel is fast but when you start riding group road rides you are going to want a very fast bike. I got the revolt but I always wanted the checkpoint. Maybe you can work out a deal like I did, I got them down on a race bike and said it's a deal if they threw in a gravel bike $300 under list and they did it. But this was 2019 and deals were easier to come by. Great video man.
Dude…..U can brake from the hoods! Just put your hands on top of the hood stretch your hand a bit down. You don’t have to ride in the drops. I rarely ride in the drops..That’s only for if u wanna get real aero! Lol! You put a smile on my face bro!
You would be amazed, many people use gravel bikes on trails, some technical MTB trails. You can also hold the handlebar on the hoods to be more upright, which gives you access to the gears and brakes. I plan on buying one as “one” bike for multiple purposes. Awesome video
Oh and I ride my gravel bike mostly on the road but I take it through my city forest gravel trails and some very light XC trails once in a while too. It does amazing on the road because it soaks up all the cracks and potholes we have here in Maine. I can also go over drains/sewer caps if needed without a problem
Loved your review!! “Feel like I’m flying, but not exerting a lot of energy!” I was on the fence, but you just helped me decide to get a Checkpoint!
I just started looking for a gravel bike after being drunk-talked into signing up for a 100 mile gravel race in June (‘23). I am ordering one of these on Monday! Your “review” was the most entertaining of all the reviews I’ve watched. Thanks for making it look fun!
how did it go and what ride was that?
My wife got a gravel bike recently: Specialized Diverge E5 (alloy) It cost $1300 and yea it’s light as a feather. She has a size 54 but it feels too small for me so I don’t really like it but yes, she’s faster than me on the street and rail trail now!
It's funny hearing you say "ohhhh this is fast!"
I've been test riding gravel bike lately, and I agree - the Checkpoint feels really fast!
I test rode 10 bikes over the course of my search this month, ranging from Cannondale and Giant to Rondo (Polish company I live near the only US retailer), and I was mostly disappointed, then I went to the Trek store and rode the ALR 5 and bought it on the spot! It really does feel just as fast as an all-road bike, more so if you switch the tires, but I'm super impressed.
Gravel bikes are awesome! Great for all-around riding through town and countryside. You def need a smaller frame though.
Way more fun than I thought!
Bikes are fun!
If you like riding far, and fast, gravel or road bike is where its at. I only rode MTB until a friend let me ride his road bike, WOW, FAST and with so little effort compared to my MTB. I love riding road bikes, and gravel bikes now, just add a bag or two and you can go for 60-75 miles with no problem. use the top of the hoods for the best of both worlds! Great stuff man!!
I am confused between checkpoint alr5 vs emonda alr5 i already own xcaliber 9 what's your take on thsi
YESSS, I'm so glad you're trying out a gravel bike haha. You might want to check out some Domane's too if they ever get them in stock.
With slick tires it's even faster but wheelies are gonna be more difficult. If you are going to commute, and you don't want to spend money on a motorcycle, a bike like that is a choice. But if you use the bike for training, fun, doing wheelies, some light trail... a MTB for me, it get's you sweat more.
I believe the size for you would be a 54.
The size on those gravel bikes are some like the sizing on the road bikes. This 56 cm refers to 56cm of top tube from the seat tube to the head tube.
I'm 6 foot tall and use a 57cm gravel bike (not trek). It is good but after some falls to the ground and the lack of stability of gravel and general trails (compared to the mountain bike) if I were to buy a 'gravel' bike again, it would be more like a drop-bar mountain bike. A high trail bike, dropper post compatible and steep seat tube angle.
My experience so far with my gravel bike is good. And I found where it does a good job. The cardio training on the road or using the smart trainer. Helps me to get fitter to ride more mountain bike trails.
I have a 2020 Checkpoint ALR5 that I ride mostly on gravel roads in rural Kansas, there being very little pavement here. I spend most of my time with my hands on top of the brake hoods to maintain the upright riding position and have access to the brakes and shift levers too. I really enjoyed your video.
Awesome stuff! I definitely prefer mountain biking but got a gravel bike last winter when trails became frozen, wet quagmires lol I use it to keep in shape for mtb, generally stick to paved and gravel paths. Unless roads have a dedicated bike lane, I try to avoid 'em (for safety). Enjoyed the video, I say go for it! Hope to see some adventures on a gravel bike soon :) p.s. - try using the "hoods" next time! way more comfortable.
This is why I've ordered a gravel bike, for the winter... They fast as fuck boi!!!
I'm 5' 9" and ride a 54 cm. I could probably get by with a 52, but a 56 would be too big for me.
Happy with the 2021 Checkpoint ALR 5.
Ymmv
Man, you were flying! I'm testing one probably sometime this week, whenever they finish building it. Pretty excited to try it.
Nice, I might need to try one out. I have both a full sus and hardtail MTB, but I don't really ride the hardtail except for on the smart trainer for Zwift. If you want to experience fast, you should try out a Madone, that is their arero racing road bike.
my experience was the opposite of you.. i was a road biker for my entire life until i bought an MTB a couple of years ago and realised that its a lot tougher than people make it look on youtube, lol
I rode a couple of fundraisers on my Roscoe. Couple climbs with those plus sized tires and "Roadies" just passing me like it's no big deal haha! The gravel and some straight bar gravel bikes have been looking good to me for these types of rides, I'll have to take one for a spin.
It's fun watching you try out this bike, surprising you every second of the ride with its capability. I have this exact bike.
I have a road bike, and since my wife and I are the same height I can also ride her gravel bike. I love them both. I have a MTB on order, but still waiting. The wait is killing me 😐
I just ordered mine same model with white colour yesterday. Your review is the entertaining. Thanks for the video.🎉
I was asking about one of these in my local shop last week. I wanted to get fitted first before I take the plunge but I am thinking hard about getting one of these to go with my Marlin 6
Get it. I want one have a road and hardtail mob.
Nice! That looks so fun! Thank you for the video. Can I ask how tall you are? I am about 5'9" and I have a medium FX 3 but want to know what size I'd be on a Checkpoint.
Thinking about getting one of these used... wondering if it is geared well for long rides on the road though?
I think it is. It felt like it when I was going fast
I'd say the stock 11-34 cassette's a bit gappy and geared too low for long road riding but I suppose that depends on the terrain and your fitness level.
Tighter cassettes can be found.
Were you in the highest gear when going that fast?
Can't wait for your reaction when you start riding an aero roadbike😂 I used to use gravel on road until I discovered aero roadbikes😂😂
Matty love your channel dude you seem like good people! Now buy a gravel bike, those handlebars look sick in front of the camera!
Buy it!
Road bikes are even faster and lighter!
What if it had flatbars.
Checkout more road bikes Matty!
Spend the extra and get the SL5 trust
Buy that bad boy
When was the Trek buy out?
About a month ago I think
Err hands on hoods easy to brake lots more comfy lol!!!
Is it checkpoint ALR5 2022?? AWESOME
Yes it is!
what's the difference between that and a cyclocross
The geometry is different. The CX will be very rigid for maximum energy transmission frome the body to the bike for short "races", the gravel will be more comfortable. Basically it's and endurance road bike with larger tire clearance and a specific transmission.
@@christopheb.3402 ok cheers for that
Was waiting for you to do a wheelie on that gravel bike LOL
Haha the handle bars made it tough to wheelie
Did you actually get one?
No I didn’t
isnt a gravel bike just a road bike with large tires?
That’s what I was thinking lol
I want one
But does it wheelie?
Haha I didn’t even try, I should’ve!
How tall are you
5’8
So what happened? Did you leave the store happy? And $6,000 poorer? 😄
Haha no I had to pass. I definitely want one in the future!
@Matty Active Me too. I've got lots of trail riding to do, but I'll definitely want to fly down the gravel on a new speed bike someday. Thanks for posting!
Your most likely a 54 ( medium)
You from the hoods? Hold the hoods brother
i want one so bad....just the insane prices..ugly ugly
Your probably a 54, you can shift and brake from the top of the hoods.
I noticed that afterwards, I felt like an idiot 😂
@@MattyActive nah man don't. How are you supposed to know if you've never ridden one. Keep putting out the good content. Really enjoy watching your videos. Reminds me to have fun when I ride. Been riding a road bike but hopefully will be getting my first mtb after the new year. I'll have a limited budget. 7 to 900 range. Whats a good bike to go woth?
@@juanhuttoe4517 I would go with a trek Marlin in that price range especially if you’re just getting into it. Great bikes for the price