Bike test / Story of my ride - Trek Checkpoint ALR5: gravel bike, city bike, versatile bike (Sydney)
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- Опубліковано 15 лис 2022
- Yes, it's a LONG video with a lot of touristic elements from a ride in Sydney but it's also a chance for me to showcase the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 that I've finally started to ride.
This is the #StoryOfMyRide featuring what is being marketed as a #GravelBike but in my appraisal is also a fantastic package for cycling in a city like Sydney - especially if you are like me and enjoy exploring and going places that are a little obtuse... or, at least, not part of a regular loop.
This Checkpoint is one of the 'budget' offerings from Trek's 'gravel family', with an aluminium frame and Shimano's GRX groupset.
There is a lot of commentary about the things I see on a different kind of morning ride, but you can also get a taste of what the Checkpoint is suited for. It's a case of choose-your-own-adventure - go where you like and if the road turns to a trail, no worries... if the trail can't be ridden (as is the case at my destination) that's okay too.
Click play and take in the sights of Sydney and get my thoughts on a fantastically versatile bicycle. Gravel-specific? Yes.. but it's more than that as you'll find out.
This is the story of my ride (doubling up as a bike review) from Wednesday morning 16 November 2022.
- Rob
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#Trek #Checkpoint #Cycling #BikeTest #ProductReview #Gravel #Sydney
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Previously:
Bike test: Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 (part 1 of a series) - intro, unboxing, first look + workshop • Bike test: Trek Checkp...
Bike test - Trek Checkpoint ALR5: finally, it's time to ride - but first, an intro to set the scene • Bike test - Trek Check...
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For more, see the #StoryOfMyBike playlist:
• Story of my bike
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More info on the Trek Checkpoint ALR5:
• Price (in Australia, as of November 2022): AUD$3,499
• Weight (as you see it in this video - ie. with pedals, no bottle cages, computer mount and Giant Dash cycle computer): 10.01kg
• Made in: Cambodia
www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/road-bikes/gravel-bikes/checkpoint/checkpoint-alr/checkpoint-alr-5/p/35172/?colorCode=white_black
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Music:
Tell Dem by Zaria Junction
GTN6JGQLQOIPSSF5
Desiertas by Cast Of Characters
EOYABEBR9X2UYBAH
Secret Nothings by Reveille
Q2IVFPXNUMH3D8XD
Thanks for taking us along on your ride. I just ordered a 2024 Checkpoint ALR 5 thru my local bike shop.
You are a true lover of cycling. You love the exotics, but totally appreciate, well built, down to earth machines too. You're like me ! Love your vids ! Greetings from Florida.
Nice review. Good job on showing respect in the trails and parks. A good example. Thanks for sharing your part of the world (...from BC, Canada).
❤GRX. Great ergonomics and lovely shifting 👌
I never get tired of the Australian backdrops on your rides...Always nice to see! Pjw
Thanks Paul.
(You’re not in Australia?)
- Rob
@@ride-media
Rob,
I'm a licensed race mech. I've been privileged to work in many counties but not the isle of Australia as yet...I reside in the great concrete jungle of NYC, USA!
I've been enjoying your vids for years. I'm still broken up over the discontinuation of RIDE magazine. I treasure my copies and wish I could get back issues to complete the collection. Continue to enjoy your rides!!
Cheers!
Pjw
Box Crown Mechanical Support Services
Somec Slr - USA Brand Ambassador
Amazing video for the record
Great vid Rob 😍 Balls Head now on the list when visiting Sydney. Super wheelie skills 🤟
What a lovely place to ride your bike, the time I'll get to see Sydney.
NICE bike, mate. really good review. did not realize how dressy some get now for gravel cycling. anyway, such beautiful scenery, Sydney is wonderful - thanks Rob!
Thank you for your very entertaining review😂👍
Simple design. Nice
Awesome video! We can feel you are very passionate about your Sidney! you made me want to come visit. And good to know your thoughts about the bike too lol... Cheers!
Thanks for the vid. Love the coal loader and the balls head area both on the bike and with the family.
I took my Checkpoint (SL6, customised with Ekar and Shamal carbon gravel wheels) out for it's first proper gravel ride on the weekend, and was amazed at what it would handle, and with comfort. 15+% climbs up loose, rutted fire trails that I thought only a MTB would manage. Great bike, I'm a complete advocate. (Disclosure: I work casually and very part-time for a Trek dealer, but this doesn't influence or impact my thoughts on this bike).
Thoughts on alloy vs carbon in the checkpoint range? Guess the iso speed gives comfort
I live in West Texas road are crap, chip seal, which is tar covered gravel. I am thinking of getting this bicycle as my main ride. I do have a Giant Contend AR, but I think this trek will be a better fit.
Nice Trek bike, my brother
Hi Rob. @ride-media Thanks for the review. I'm looking to pickup my first road bike after being on a hybrid trek allant flat bar for 7 yrs. Do you recommend this one or others would be appreciated. I ride uppen north shore AVG 40km rides around bobbin head and upto Cowan etc. Appreciate your advice.
@ride-media
What's ALR stands for?
Nice one. Super stable video Rob... what do you film with? 'For the record', am in the market (see what I did there? ;))
Yeah, I’ll stop making it for the record. (Sorry about that.)
I film with and old super-8… and then get it converted to digital. (Believe me?)
Excuse the first reply Popeye (was being flippant and trying to have a bit of fun).
I use a GoPro Hero10 when I'm on the bike.
Cheers
- Rob
@@ride-media Flippant and fun is good with me mate! Thanks for the info. Been looking at the Insta360 X2 but the stability in your clip has me thinking. Cheers for getting back legend.
Nice review. What size is that bike and what is your height? Thanks !
I saw in the video that it's a size 54
Do you see any Komoto Dragon?
I'm just dispointed my store has these bikes fitted with a mix of GRX and Praxis components... For the money I'll go elsewhere!
Hi Rob, what glasses are those you’re wearing?
Neil, they are the POC Elicit (can't remember the colour of the lenses... but they are fantastic sunglasses and I've referenced them plenty of times since I started riding with them... plenty of highlights but in summary: lightweight, easy to swap lenses - these or clear, with both part of the package, and best of all I rarely get smears of suncream etc because... well, they just sit in place and never need adjusting / touching...!)
- Rob
@@ride-media Thanks Rob. I’ve been noticing them for a while now, and I like them more each time I see them on the channel. Thanks also for all the great content. Cheers
🤭@chrismillercycling there is at least one Trek in Sydney, Australia! 😏
Does anyone know which pair of Bontrager shoes those are in the video?
They are the 'Foray' - this is the (Australian) link: www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bike-clothing/cycling-shoes/mountain-bike-shoes/bontrager-foray-mountain-bike-shoes/p/34130/?colorCode=black
Cheers
Rob
@@ride-media Thanks Rob, new time viewer here. I’m really enjoying the Domane series as well as the Checkpoint series and your coverage of the Tour Down Under!
you are free to ride your bike Rob, unlike to poor souls that made it.
Okay. Thanks.
Great cinematic video! Great views unfortunately this isn’t a review of the bike! I totally love these sort of vids but please don’t title this a review. Some people are actually trying to learn about the bike.
Kent,
Mate, that was the kindest, most apologetic criticism I’ve ever read.
Do you a deal: you tell me what you expected to learn when you clicked play - or hit me with any questions you have about this bike (or any other on your wishlist) - and I’ll give you the best review reply I can conjure.
I’m up for the challenge, let’s go…
Looking forward to understanding what you’d like to discover.
Sincerely
Rob
Are you always that angry???
No. Not really. I'm a pretty happy bloke on the whole.
Can't remember this clip, but I don't recall being too angry. Feel free to have a look around the channel, there's a mix of emotions on display.
I call it "living".
- Rob
@@ride-media Alright. Headed to your playlist section. 🍻