Trek is finally electrifying its gravel lineup – quite literally. The company has just launched the Checkpoint+, its first-ever electric gravel bike, and it’s more than just a motor bolted onto an existing frame. With a new high-performance powertrain, serious adventure credentials, and that unmistakable Trek polish, the Checkpoint+ looks ready to stir up the e-gravel world.
At the heart of the new Checkpoint+ is German motor maker TQ’s latest HPR60 motor, offering 350W of peak power and 60Nm of torque, which is a noticeable bump over the HPR50 motor found on Trek’s Domane+ SLR. The HPR60 is not only lighter and quieter, but also manages to stay slim enough to maintain the sleek and minimalist lines that gravel riders seem to love.
It’s paired with a 360Wh internal battery for a claimed 50-mile range in Eco mode, and riders can extend that by 44% with an optional 160Wh range extender that mounts in a bottle cage. The battery isn’t designed for convenient daily removal, though it can be accessed with tools for occasional servicing or replacement.
That assist brings the bike up to 28 mph (45 km/h) in the US, keeping the bike in Class 3 territory. For riders outside the US, unfortunately, assistance still caps at 25 km/h thanks to regional regulations. As is common with European e-bike drivetrains, there is no throttle option as the bike comes in pedal assist only. For most gravel biking veterans though, that’s already to be expected.
The frame uses Trek’s 500 Series OCLV carbon, with geometry carried over from the non-electric Checkpoint, including the rear IsoSpeed decoupler for added comfort. Tire clearance is a healthy 50mm, now becoming standard for top-tier gravel bikes to provide a wide range of tire options. There are also tons of mounting points for racks, bags, fenders, and bottle cages, helping make this a legit bikepacking rig.
There are three builds in the lineup. The top-spec Checkpoint+ SL 7 AXS brings the fancier components with SRAM XO Eagle Transmission, carbon wheels, and a 40mm RockShox Rudy suspension fork. The SL 6 AXS and SL 5 versions stick with rigid carbon forks and dial back the drivetrain slightly, using SRAM GX AXS and Shimano GRX mechanical, respectively. All three are tubeless-ready, with valves and sealant conveniently included with the bike.
A discreet LED display is embedded in the top tube. Higher dollar riders will see color on the SL 7’s screen, while it’s a monochrome affair on the lower trims. For control, there are tiny remote buttons under the brake hoods that let riders change assist modes without ever taking their hands off the bars.
US pricing starts at $5,999.99 for the SL 5, with the SL 6 AXS at $6,599.99, and the fully-loaded SL 7 AXS ringing in at $7,999.99.
Electrek’s Take
It’s about time Trek gave us an electric gravel bike, and it looks like the wait might’ve been worth it. The Checkpoint+ looks great and seems to nail the details. The new TQ HPR60 motor is a smart upgrade, the clean integration looks fantastic, and the build options offer something for both performance-focused riders and long-haul adventurers.
That said, nearly $8K is a lot of cheddar for the top-end build, even if it comes with a wireless SRAM Transmission and a suspension fork. And there’s no removable battery, which is a bummer for anyone hoping to lighten the bike for lifts, carry a spare with them, or just have the option to swap out a battery themself if something goes wrong down the road.
Still, the Checkpoint+ has all the hallmarks of a premium Trek: refined, reliable, and ready for whatever dusty detour you throw at it. For gravel riders looking to go farther, faster, especially without sacrificing the soul of the sport by keeping the power pointed but modest, this could be your new best friend on the trails.
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