Trek, the popular bike maker from Wisconsin, has just unveiled something fresh for adventure seekers: the Checkpoint Plus. This marks the company’s very first electric bike built specifically for gravel riding—those bumpy, off-road paths that mix dirt, gravel, and a bit of pavement. It’s designed to make long explorations easier and more fun, giving riders a gentle push when hills or headwinds get tough, all without feeling like a heavy machine.
At the heart of the Checkpoint Plus is a sleek new motor called the TQ HPR60. This lightweight helper sits right at the bottom of the bike, where your pedals connect, and it’s slimmer and quieter than the one in Trek’s earlier electric road bikes. It delivers smooth boosts up to 28 miles per hour (about 45 km/h) in places like the US, or 25 km/h elsewhere, with enough pull to handle steep climbs without straining.
Paired with it is a compact 360 watt-hour battery tucked neatly inside the frame, promising up to 80 kilometers (or 50 miles) on a single charge. That range can stretch even further with an optional extra battery that fits in your water bottle spot, adding nearly half more distance for those epic day trips.
The bike keeps the spirit of the regular Checkpoint alive, with a tough carbon frame that’s light and zippy. It can fit tires up to 50mm wide, perfect for soaking up rough terrain without rattling your bones. Higher-end models even add a front suspension fork for extra smoothness over rocks and roots.
You’ll find room for multiple water bottles, bags for gear, and mounts for lights or fenders, making it a true do-it-all companion for bikepacking or casual gravel cruises. The electric assist feels natural, like you’re pedaling harder yourself, thanks to smart sensors that adjust to your effort.
Prices kick off at around $4,500 for the base SL 5 model, with three builds to pick from—going up to more premium setups with electronic shifting and carbon wheels. It’s aimed at folks who love the freedom of gravel but want that extra nudge to keep the adventure going longer.
John Burke, Trek’s big boss, couldn’t hold back his excitement in the launch announcement: “The Checkpoint has always been about saying yes to every ride, no matter the path. With the Checkpoint Plus, we’re opening up even more possibilities—longer days, tougher trails, all with that pure bike feel.” Early testers are raving about how it doesn’t scream “electric”—it’s subtle, reliable, and just makes everything a bit easier, like having a tailwind on demand.
As electric bikes pop up everywhere from city streets to mountain trails, the Checkpoint Plus slots right into the growing crowd of e-gravel options. It’ll stand tall against rivals like the Specialized Turbo Creo SL or Cannondale’s Topstone Neo, but with Trek’s knack for blending comfort and speed.
If you’re itching to tackle that next dirt road without running out of steam, this could be the bike that turns “maybe” into “let’s go.” Hit up a Trek shop soon—these are set to roll out fast for the fall riding season!
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