I'm deciding between the Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 Gen 3 in size M and the Norco Search A CUES in size 3, and would love everyone's opinion.
I went to the bike shop and tried both today, the Norco felt like it had a bit less rolling resistance, but it could likely be the tires that come stock with the bike. Otherwise, both bikes rode fine for the ~5min I was on them.
I've combed through the specs and cost for comparison:
Geometry- Norco has a lower seat post and longer reach; they claim this is the more modern gravel geometry, I'm not sure if I buy that yet. I honestly prefer the Trek with the shorter reach and I think it'll work better with my bike fit measurements.
Groupset- Trek is 1×11 CUES (40T, 11-50) while Norco is 2×10 CUES (46/32, 11-39). I like the idea of 1x but the 2x gives me more range on the top end for speed.
Cranks- Trek has 165mm cranks, Norco is 170mm. I don't have experience with shorter cranks so I'm not sure which is better here.
Wheels- Norco includes WTB ST i25 which has an internal width of 25mm. Trek includes Bontrager Paradigm 23, which has 23mm of ID. I think Norco wins this one.
Tires- Norco has Schwalbe G-One Comp 40mm, Trek has Bontrager Girona Pro 42mm.
Suspension fork and dropper post compatibility- Trek is compatible with both, Norco is only suspension fork compatible. I honestly don't think I'll end up getting either.
Price- Norco is a fair bit cheaper at $1665 CAD, Trek is $2080. This $415 difference in cost could mean a new set of Chinese carbon wheels.
Other specs that are the same- both have UDH, 50mm tire clearance, alu frame, carbon fork, hydro brakes, threaded BB
From the above, which bike would you choose?
by mojo11jojo