Hi, I’m a 28-year-old woman. My boyfriend and I are getting into cycling. He has already bought a Trek Checkpoint ALR5 gravel bike, and I’d like to get a gravel bike too, but I have a limited budget.
Our plan is to start riding in nearby areas and gradually increase the distance, and eventually, we’d love to try bikepacking. We’ve already booked our vacation in the Dolomites and would love to use our new bikes there.
I’m not an expert, so I’d really appreciate any advice and opinions on the two models I’m considering: the Trek Checkpoint ALR3 and the Scott Speedster Gravel 50. I’m attaching photos with specifications and prices.
Thank you!
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Ciao, 28 y donna, insieme al
Mio ragazzo stiamo approcciando alla bici, lui ha già comprato una gravel trek checkpoint ALR5, io vorrei comprare una gravel ma ho un budget limitato. La nostra idea è quella di iniziare ad andare nelle zone limitrofe e poi piano piano allungare i km e poi tra un po’ di tempo magari provare a fare iibikepacking. Abbiamo già prenotato anche le vacanze sulle Dolomiti e vorremmo poter utilizzare le nostre nuove bici. Premetto che non sono un’ esperta per cui vi chiedo di darmi consigli e pareri utili sui due modelli che sto valutando: trek Checkpoint ALR3 e Scott Speedster gravel 50 – allego foto con specifiche e prezzi – grazie.
by carola23
5 Comments
Que tienda de bicicletas te gusta más?
What bike shop do you like more?
Both are solid bikes – I’d get the one that you feel most comfortable on.
For future bikepacking I think the Trek has more mounting points (such as along the fork) – but it’s tough to tell from the photos. This may not be an issue depending how you bikepack. So, if both bike fit you well, the Trek may be more versatile.
Have fun riding!
I have the Scott speedster gravel and can’t say enough good things about it. It’s tough as nails and will handle anything you throw at it (single track included with the right tires) and still can keep up with most roadies. Great value for the money
Sora (trek) is preferable to Claris (scott).
Otherwise, I would consider:
-which bike is the better fit? Is your size available for both bikes? Is the geometry of one better for you. If you’re new to riding, I’d err on the side of picking a bike with more stack and less reach.
-if you’re buying from a shop, which is more convenient? And which offers better perks? New bikes sometimes need lots of attention as cables stretch and they wear in, so don’t pick a shop that’s 2 hours away if you want to be able to get quick help. Also, shops typically, but not always, throw perks your way if you buy a bike from them.
-does either have bullsh*t proprietary parts? Scott has a rep in the USA for having some irritating customer service issues and fiddly parts that can’t be replaced except with their own materials (this may not apply to this bike).
-which has better tire clearance?
I just picked up my trek checkpoint this week and I’m loving it so far. It’s my first bike as I’m a new gravel rider myself. I plan to adventure and bike pack with it and do some racing with it too. I also like that there are trek stores everywhere and one nearby where I live so I can take it in whenever it needs repairing or a tune up.