Test rode this today, priced at $1599. Looking to purchase my first gravel bike for road/lite terrain and lite elevation.
Coming from full suspension 29” mtn bike, this feels VERY different. First thing I noticed was toe overlap, although I know this happens and take some getting used to.
Otherwise, felt very good on test ride. Brakes weren’t great, but i don’t think it’s a dealbreaker.
Anything else to look out for? Thanks for reading.
by princeakeeem
4 Comments
omg i switched from a mountain bike to the checkpoint last summer and the toe overlap was so weird at first! you’ll get used to it tho and the checkpoint is actually pretty solid for mixed terrain riding.
Checkpoint is sweet. I’m a mountain biker at heart but I just picked up a Santa Cruz Skitch! Although I’m doing flat bar and 40mm suspension because I don’t want to do drop bars and rigid. Hope your journey to gravel is a success!
That looks like an ALR 4 GEN 2 to me. I’m not a big fan of this exact model, the value just wasn’t good enough, especially with those brakes.
What’s the reason you’re checking out an old bike at roughly stock price?
We’re currently at GEN 3, and pricing should be very similar, around 1500 for the ALR 4, maybe a bit more depending on region. Much better value IMO. But the geometry is not the same, more relaxed. So DO try it to see how it feels for you.
I bought Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3 just 1 month ago.
This bike has mechanical disc brakes and Apex 1x system. I assume this is used Checkpoint ALR 4 Gen 2. But not too familiar with all the various models.
Are you in USA? To me, $1599 is too much for this. In comparison:
* new ALR 3 Gen 3 is $1599, mechanical disc brakes with Shimano CUES 1×10.
* new ALR 4 Gen 3 is $1899, hydraulic disc brakes with Shimano CUES 1×11.