FAQ's
Please visit the Service Manual. This document covers frequently asked questions not already covered in the Service Manual or on bike product pages.
See the Service ManualYes, Checkmate is a dedicated gravel race bike, while Checkpoint is best suited for gravel riding and adventures. Both bikes are fully capable on gravel surfaces but do have different features and intended use cases.
Checkmate’s new Gravel Race geometry is more aggressive than our other gravel bike geometries to help put riders in a better position for power and aerodynamics on race day and training rides.
Yes, Checkmate shares Trek’s latest and greatest Full System Foil aero tube shapes that were rolled out on the Madone Gen 8 to help make it our fastest gravel bike ever.
Yes, it is compatible with the new aero bottles and cages and they are available for purchase, however, the bike does not come with them. Click here to see the RSL Aero Water Bottles and Cages.
RSL Aero Water Bottles and CagesSharing race DNA with Madone, Checkmate comes with the same aerodynamic, lightweight and ergonomic RSL Aero Bar/stem as Madone Gen 8. However, Checkmate does come with a wider bar/stem size for each bike size than Madone to allow for better control on gravel surfaces, while keeping the rider tucked in an aero position.
The bar/stem drops weight while improving ergonomics thanks to new blunted aero shaping. It maintains the same reach, drop, and flare measurements as the Madone Gen 7 bar/stem. It also uses an updated Blendr mount. Note that this new blunted shaping has made the top of bar/stem 4mm higher than before.
A new, non-adjustable Blendr base/mount combo cuts grams and – on complete bikes - includes pucks for mounting either a Garmin or Wahoo computer. Also included is an all-new, easily removable front light mount. Need to ditch your front light for race day? Quickly and easily unscrew the light mount for maximum aero; no more swapping between mono and duo bases. Find more details in the service manual.
It uses lightweight, high-end 800 OCLV Carbon to help shave weight while offering an amazing ride quality. New aero tube shapes also allow us to focus on aerodynamics where it matters most, while optimizing the frame to reduce weight where weight matters most – resulting in an ultra-lightweight gravel bike.
To save weight, it does not include downtube storage. However, it does include mounts for the Adventure Top Tube Bag and Adventure Triangle Bag so riders can easily carry and access all the nutrition and gear needed for one-day gravel races.
It includes mounts for: fenders, 2 frame water bottles, 1 bottle on the underside of the downtube, Adventure Top Tube Bag, and the Adventure Triangle Bag.
Yes, Checkmate uses the new RCS Headset System which simplifies and standardizes the parts needed to cover cockpit setups across models and between platforms:
Yes! Trek’s Project One custom program is the best way to build a Checkmate with the exact paint, components, and fit that you’re looking for.
Yes, it does use UDH. The Universal Derailleur Hanger consolidates thousands of hanger options across the industry. It protects your derailleur against chain jams by pivoting back and out of the way and slips slightly when encountering impacts. It improves shifting performance, guarantees better alignment, and works with all drivetrains. Plus, if you ever need a replacement, it will be available everywhere.
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Check the Checkmate SLR Service Manual. Still searching? Our Customer Care Team is always happy to talk through!