After riding a Trek Marlin hardtail for 3 years I realized that I was doing 90+% of my riding on roads, and not singletrack. I decided I needed a new bike that was right for the job. I went back and forth between the Domane and the Checkpoint, but finally went with the Checkpoint. I have the same 2023 SL5 in the radioactive red. 3500+ miles later I'm still loving it. At the age of 61, and having been out of cycling for 3 decades, it does all the things I need it to do. I do realize that the rolling resistance is there; but I can always buy a second wheel set with tiny road tires if I really need to go faster.
I am currently in the exact same situation. I have a Marlin, but I enjoy going for longer rides also on pavement. The Domane seems perfectly capable for light gravel (unlike the shown Emonda)but I think I will also get the Checkpoint (ALR) because of the additional mounting points for bike packing. Nice to hear that you like your Checkpoint.
@@a.h.534 I like the fact that the Checkpoint geometry lets me ride a bit more upright. My ancient lower back appreciates that every time I go out. I also noticed during test rides that the carbon frame sucks up the bumps quite a bit more. A bit pricier, but once again, my old bones are much happier after a rough stretch of road.
You've also summed up my exact position. Have been tossing up between Domane and Checkpoint, was leaning towards Domane as I thought I'd be doing alot more road riding, but may now go with the Checkpoint.
This is definitely one of the best and straight to the point comparisons between road bikes and gravel bikes. I really appreciate your effort. I just purchased a Trek Checkpoint SL 5 in Radioactive Red as seen in this video! Excited about the adventures I'm planning to have with it!
I've been MTB for about a year now and watched your Cypher vs Cypher RS video before buying the Cypher 120. And, as luck would have it, I am now looking to do some road riding and, hey presto, you have a video that's given me some insights. Been stuck debating the Road vs Gravel bike thing... this helps... A LOT! Thank you!
Great review. Enjoy all your videos I have been an mtb for 2 yrs now and in the market for a roadie, i basically do it for fun, not competitive, all suggestions are welcome please
@@mahennaiker5072 Cheers mate. Suggestions would be to stay within your budget, buy from a store near to you that will help you with things down the line and buy a strong brand that has good representation in the country. Lastly, it doesn't HAVE to be carbon. There are some incredible alloy options available
I've put about 12,000 kilometers on a Ghost Road Rage that I bought after moving to Germany. About 80% of my ride is on roads or bike paths. As someonewho hasn't really ridden anything but mountain bikes as a teen so long ago I absolutely love gravel bikes. I can cut through farm trails that road bikes cant even can't even consider. I can also keep up with my road bike friends when they aren't trying to set time records with ease. I just bought a Trek Checkpoint as an upgrade and a spare, I'll definitely keep riding bikes when I move back to the states.
Great video - fantastic presentation and quality. I’m an average rider and I’m training for a full distance triathlon that bikes through the alps this June. I’m getting stronger and am looking to replace my 20-year-old road racer with a new bike. My basic goal is to finish: is it crazy to think about doing this with a new Gravel frame set with aero wheels and 32mm tires? How much harder do you have to work on the flats (which will be rather limited in my race) with a gravel bike given identical tires and wheels?
Cheers for the kind words. First off, don't sell that 20-year-old road bike - it sounds like it might become a collectors item. To answer your question - it's not crazy - it boils down to aero drag and rolling resistance so if you match the wheels and tyres then just slam the bars and you'll be good to go. You won't work much harder on the flats but should be a lot more comfortable - which is key to finishing.
Great video, thanks. After years of thinking gravel bikes were a waste of time, I have recently bought one and absolutely love it, on and off road. Just one thing, your professor needs to go back to physics class. No bike can be any faster than any other bike at 40 kph.
He said … The aero road bike with narrow tires is 5-7% faster at 40kph than the gravel bike with 40mm tires. So the gravel bike is simply going 5-7% slower than 40kph. We can do that math.
Yes, for most recreational riders who are not focused solely on speed, a gravel bike may be a more comfortable and versatile choice than a classic road bike. Here are the reasons why: 1. Convenience Wider tires: Gravel bikes have wider tires that provide better absorption of bumps and vibrations, which means a more comfortable ride, especially on longer routes and unpaved roads. Ergonomic Position: Gravel bikes tend to have a slightly more relaxed and upright riding position, which reduces stress on the arms, shoulders and back compared to the more aggressive position of a road bike. 2. Versatility Diverse terrain: Gravel bikes are designed for riding in a variety of conditions - from smooth asphalt to gravel, dirt roads or mild terrain. This makes them a very versatile tool for those who like to explore different routes. Possibilities of use: Gravel bikes can be used for long trips, cycling, or even daily commuting, which increases their practicality for a wide range of riders. 3. Stability and control Better stability: Wider tires and a sturdier frame provide more stability and control, especially on unpaved surfaces, which can be important for less experienced riders. Safety: Many gravel bikes are equipped with disc brakes that provide better stopping power in a variety of conditions, contributing to greater safety. 4. The fact that most riders are not speed enthusiasts: For riders who are not looking for extreme speed or do not plan to devote themselves exclusively to road racing, the gravel bike offers the ideal balance between comfort, speed and versatility. Conclusion: A gravel bike may be a better choice for most recreational riders because it provides more comfort, better stability, and the ability to ride in a variety of conditions that a road bike doesn't. If you do not plan to ride exclusively on smooth asphalt and do not emphasize maximum speed, a gravel bike may be ideal for you.
After riding a Trek Marlin hardtail for 3 years I realized that I was doing 90+% of my riding on roads, and not singletrack. I decided I needed a new bike that was right for the job. I went back and forth between the Domane and the Checkpoint, but finally went with the Checkpoint. I have the same 2023 SL5 in the radioactive red. 3500+ miles later I'm still loving it. At the age of 61, and having been out of cycling for 3 decades, it does all the things I need it to do. I do realize that the rolling resistance is there; but I can always buy a second wheel set with tiny road tires if I really need to go faster.
Living your best life at 61. Chapeau to you Sir!
I am currently in the exact same situation. I have a Marlin, but I enjoy going for longer rides also on pavement. The Domane seems perfectly capable for light gravel (unlike the shown Emonda)but I think I will also get the Checkpoint (ALR) because of the additional mounting points for bike packing. Nice to hear that you like your Checkpoint.
@@a.h.534 I like the fact that the Checkpoint geometry lets me ride a bit more upright. My ancient lower back appreciates that every time I go out. I also noticed during test rides that the carbon frame sucks up the bumps quite a bit more. A bit pricier, but once again, my old bones are much happier after a rough stretch of road.
You've also summed up my exact position. Have been tossing up between Domane and Checkpoint, was leaning towards Domane as I thought I'd be doing alot more road riding, but may now go with the Checkpoint.
This is definitely one of the best and straight to the point comparisons between road bikes and gravel bikes. I really appreciate your effort. I just purchased a Trek Checkpoint SL 5 in Radioactive Red as seen in this video! Excited about the adventures I'm planning to have with it!
Nice one! Enjoy! Let us know how you get on with the new bike
My Trek Checkpoint SL5 is an all-terrain dream machine. Love it.
Good choice!
I've been MTB for about a year now and watched your Cypher vs Cypher RS video before buying the Cypher 120. And, as luck would have it, I am now looking to do some road riding and, hey presto, you have a video that's given me some insights. Been stuck debating the Road vs Gravel bike thing... this helps... A LOT! Thank you!
Nice! All the best!
Great review. Enjoy all your videos
I have been an mtb for 2 yrs now and in the market for a roadie, i basically do it for fun, not competitive, all suggestions are welcome please
@@mahennaiker5072 Cheers mate. Suggestions would be to stay within your budget, buy from a store near to you that will help you with things down the line and buy a strong brand that has good representation in the country. Lastly, it doesn't HAVE to be carbon. There are some incredible alloy options available
@bikenetwork_SA Thank you so so much for your advice. will do some research cheers
I've put about 12,000 kilometers on a Ghost Road Rage that I bought after moving to Germany. About 80% of my ride is on roads or bike paths.
As someonewho hasn't really ridden anything but mountain bikes as a teen so long ago I absolutely love gravel bikes. I can cut through farm trails that road bikes cant even can't even consider. I can also keep up with my road bike friends when they aren't trying to set time records with ease.
I just bought a Trek Checkpoint as an upgrade and a spare, I'll definitely keep riding bikes when I move back to the states.
Great video. Very comprehensive. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video - fantastic presentation and quality.
I’m an average rider and I’m training for a full distance triathlon that bikes through the alps this June. I’m getting stronger and am looking to replace my 20-year-old road racer with a new bike. My basic goal is to finish: is it crazy to think about doing this with a new Gravel frame set with aero wheels and 32mm tires? How much harder do you have to work on the flats (which will be rather limited in my race) with a gravel bike given identical tires and wheels?
Cheers for the kind words.
First off, don't sell that 20-year-old road bike - it sounds like it might become a collectors item.
To answer your question - it's not crazy - it boils down to aero drag and rolling resistance so if you match the wheels and tyres then just slam the bars and you'll be good to go. You won't work much harder on the flats but should be a lot more comfortable - which is key to finishing.
Great video, thanks. After years of thinking gravel bikes were a waste of time, I have recently bought one and absolutely love it, on and off road.
Just one thing, your professor needs to go back to physics class. No bike can be any faster than any other bike at 40 kph.
He said … The aero road bike with narrow tires is 5-7% faster at 40kph than the gravel bike with 40mm tires. So the gravel bike is simply going 5-7% slower than 40kph. We can do that math.
In cycling lingo being faster at any given speed means that it takes less power to get to and stay at this speed.
In cycling lingo being faster at any given speed means it takes less power to maintain that speed.
What size road tyres could the supplied Checkpoint take ? Could I put 28mm GP5000 TR tyres on these rims ?
That model Checkpoint (the Gen 2) takes up to 45mm if we recall correctly. Test bike had 40mm tyres on.
Very useful
Glad to hear that
For most riders, is a gravel bike more comfortable and usable than a road bike?
Most riders are not speed freaks ?
Yes, for most recreational riders who are not focused solely on speed, a gravel bike may be a more comfortable and versatile choice than a classic road bike. Here are the reasons why:
1. Convenience
Wider tires: Gravel bikes have wider tires that provide better absorption of bumps and vibrations, which means a more comfortable ride, especially on longer routes and unpaved roads.
Ergonomic Position: Gravel bikes tend to have a slightly more relaxed and upright riding position, which reduces stress on the arms, shoulders and back compared to the more aggressive position of a road bike.
2. Versatility
Diverse terrain: Gravel bikes are designed for riding in a variety of conditions - from smooth asphalt to gravel, dirt roads or mild terrain. This makes them a very versatile tool for those who like to explore different routes.
Possibilities of use: Gravel bikes can be used for long trips, cycling, or even daily commuting, which increases their practicality for a wide range of riders.
3. Stability and control
Better stability: Wider tires and a sturdier frame provide more stability and control, especially on unpaved surfaces, which can be important for less experienced riders.
Safety: Many gravel bikes are equipped with disc brakes that provide better stopping power in a variety of conditions, contributing to greater safety.
4. The fact that most riders are not speed enthusiasts:
For riders who are not looking for extreme speed or do not plan to devote themselves exclusively to road racing, the gravel bike offers the ideal balance between comfort, speed and versatility.
Conclusion:
A gravel bike may be a better choice for most recreational riders because it provides more comfort, better stability, and the ability to ride in a variety of conditions that a road bike doesn't. If you do not plan to ride exclusively on smooth asphalt and do not emphasize maximum speed, a gravel bike may be ideal for you.
Yes