Since there is nothing available local to me right now I am in full blown research/analysis paralysis mode. I was stuck on needing (wanting) a 2x but this is where having too much time and the analysis paralysis kicks in.
If you had to choose one which would you pick:
Trek Checkpoint ALR5 – $2,099.99
Specialized Comp E5 – $1,999.99
This week I was ready to jump up to Specialized Sport Carbon to get 2x. But I am not really sure I want to go the Carbon path. And I can’t decide between 1x vs 2x.
It would certainly be easier if stuff was in stock then I would have already pulled the trigger and be second guessing myself instead. But at least I would be riding…
by icepop77
18 Comments
To be honest I like the 1x better than my 2x. The gear shifting is simpler and with the 2x I feel like I’m always in the middle of cross chaining. I went with the trek alr5 myself.
One thing to note is the checkpoints have a bit long of a frame compared to the diverge.
I would get the one I preferred the colour of.
We’re talking about spending two grand on a gravel bike from two out of the three biggest bike manufactures in the world, the differences are going to be negligible at worst and subjective at best. Both bikes are well known, well researched and hardly at the bleeding edge in terms of geometry.
Though logically at a glance I’d take the Trek because it doesn’t have future shock and has rack mounts.
Whichever one has the threaded bottom bracket
What kinds of grades are you planning on riding? My 40t chainring with a 42t cassette has me getting up 17% grades without the cadence being an issue (more my fitness being the issue!) and then on the fast end I’m pretty happy with the 10t cog (sram system). I have another wheelset with an 11t cog as the smallest and it does top out for me at like 30mph which is slightly annoying.
Point is, unless you’re going super extra fast or going up super insane hills I bet a well-configured 1x is all you need!
I think if you do a lot of gravel only riding a 1x will do just fine. If you mix in a bunch of road riding, I personally prefer having two chainrings up front. The smaller gaps between gears are just more comfortable. I do have the spec. sport carbon with a 2x drive train. I’m not sure what the reluctance is with carbon but at the same time, I don’t know that it really gives you anything significant in a modest gravel bike. No amount of perceived frame harshess from Aluminum will be noticeable on gravel tires, and the weight isn’t that different either.
Pick one you think is cool. I spent months scouring websites, looking at used, hitting F5 and bought the first one that was available in my size. 🙂 (bikes were scarce in 2021)
I agree I think no future shock and rack mounts are definitely selling points for sure. A lot of stuff out there online about future shock issues but maybe that’s sorted out.
To your first point, the bronze does not suck at all. Could be a big factor.
Trek because i love the color. Both are great bikes
It’s personal but I find future shock to be incredibly helpful off-road, it makes large bumps a lot less jarring and doesn’t negatively effect handling imo, With that being said I ride my diverge like a xc mtb so it’s not as important if you mostly do road.
Durability hasn’t been an issue and you can just get a future shock delete kit if you really don’t like it.
People I know say 2x better for less technical, especially racing, they are from road riding. I’m from MTB and love my 1x with dropper on both my bikes. Don’t know anyone with both to compare.
I would personally get the Trek because I keep bikes forever and I know in a few years those Future Shock parts aren’t going to be available.
I personally like having 2x, but know it’s mostly preference. I am not strong on the hills and appreciate the range for climbing.
I have that model diverge and I can confidently say it’s one of my favorite bikes of all time.
I can’t get over the really exposed break lines
I have owned both a comp carbon Diverge and a SLR checkpoint. I just got the checkpoint recently, but my heart tells me it is more comfortable and it feels so much better pedaling. The diverge was nice for the future shock but it required a lot of service and I have to work on almost every Diverge headset that comes into my shop. The checkpoint just fucking rips, it is so fast I feel like they really didn’t need the Checkmate in the lineup, where as the Crux and Diverge have enough difference between them
You will have a wonderful bike either way. Don’t be scared of carbon, it’s incredible and if it’s in the budget, do it. Lifetime warranties from either company on the frame.
personally, I like the ALR. 1x is good for gravel riding, and the simplicity is welcome.
I am of the thinking that a high end Aluminum frameset rivals a lower end carbon frameset. They are close enough in weight usually. The carbon fork already takes the edge off. I also like the durability. If you bang the frame on something, you won’t be questioning it and wondering. It will be dented or not and even then it’s still likely sound unless bent.
I have a Trek with a 400 series carbon, and I feel that the ALR framesets hold their own.
I wouldn’t buy a bike with that future shock, or headset cable routing.
I’d buy neither of these.
what will your main use case be? if you’re riding mainly on roads, long distance, adventure riding, 2x or a bigger chainring makes sense.
if it’s a gravel rig, even a long distance one, 1x is great but always the chance you might want a bigger ring up front eventually.
they’re both good bikes, I’m partial to the specialized but that’s me
If I couldn’t buy one of these *There’s At Least One Dealer In Every Town* brand bikes for some reason, I’d be looking at a Crust or Rivendell.