Hey gravel community. Seeking insight! I realized last year that I'm a frequent dirt/gravel rider and it's time to finally set aside my FS MTB for the lighter trails and get with the times. I love to bikepack but spend only a handful of days per year doing that. I have a tailfin rear rack that made my (very) non-bikepacking oriented MTB serviceable for bikepacking. The Checkpoint is appealing b/c I have ridden Treks, their sizing works for me, and even the latest models are available used in the Denver area making the value just fine – honestly probably a touch better than a new Seigla – so long as I buy one used. The Checkpoint's adventure features are a plus. Then again – I have read and watched so many good reviews on the Seigla. Value is impressive even ordering new and my overall takeway is it is the speedier, more responsive, maybe smoother(?), and more fun of the two. And if spending time on the road my impression is the Seigla – with right tires – is going to be a bit more efficient for road riding. Ultimately I believe I want the bike that is more enjoyable and "fun" for the riding I'm probably doing 90%+ of the time. I think that is the Seigla? If I go that route I would be at peace struggling a bit more with bikepacking setup and the less endurance geo. Thoughts from the wise here? 🚴🏼
by eslice15
15 Comments
The Seigla has more tire clearance going for it and if you get the version with the suspension fork, suspension.
I haven’t ridden the Checkpoint, but the Seigla fucks. It’s a very comfortable and fast bike. The True Grit fork is great.
I don’t get how those bikes can be on one line. Seigla is in another league and Checkpoint is no match to Seigla.
I currently ride a Checkpoint SL7 and am considering the Seigla as my next bike. For me, the extra tire clearance and geometry are appealing and the Grit fork seems rad. That being said, the Checkpoint is a VERY capable bike and has a ton of mounts.
Seigla owner here, just get one. They’re great gravel bikes with a shit ton of clearance and the suspension fork is so great on your wrists and helps with traction.
It also handles itself decently on the road. I spend far more time riding my seigla with my road wheels than I thought I would (though gravel is where it excels).
I keep going back and forth between the same bikes as well! I keep leaning towards the Seigla given the value and a front suspension whilst still being lighter than a Checkpoint.
On a side note, what is the best way to find good used bikes in Denver? Facebook marketplace?
I have a Checkpoint SL5, spouse has a True Grit (basically a Seigla).
Basically it comes down to: do you feel like you need more traction up front, or in the back? Up front, go with the Seigla. In the back, go with the Checkpoint.
That said, the Seigla is definitely a cooler bike.
Everybody loves their Seiglas, so do not listen to an Internet stranger who thinks that suspension stuff ist really ugly.
Would folks recommend the Seigla for light gravel and road? My route is crushed limestone and pavement. Always wanted a Seigla but wondered if it was too much bike for the light stuff. Currently riding a Roubaix specced with 40s.
You can fit MTB tires on the Checkpoint, so it is a solid choice. The Seigla is just such a good value tho. And it is a surprisingly agile, responsive and fun bike to ride. Even with 2.25 tires.
Both are probably great bikes, but where do you get the idea that the Seigla is going to be more responsive and speedier?
Comparing the two geometries for similar size, the wheelbase on the Checkpoint is shorter. And the head tube angle is steeper. So the Checkpoint is going to be more responsive / agile.
[https://geometrygeeks.bike/compare/trek-checkpoint-sl-2025-m,lauf-seigla-2024-medium/](https://geometrygeeks.bike/compare/trek-checkpoint-sl-2025-m,lauf-seigla-2024-medium/)
The Checkpoint also has quite signigicantly taller stack for the same reach. So I guess that makes the Seigla ‘faster’ i.e. more aero?
The question is always, which one fits you better. FWIW, I own a Siegla.
I don’t know why it bothers me so much but I wish the Seigla had more internal cable routing. It would make the bike look so much for complete.
Seigla all day. Room for wide tires, pretty aggressive fit, true grit fork is awesome. What’s not too love.
Be aware that the checkpoint is sized and fits very differently than the other trek bikes. You should expect to go one size down and then tweak from there. Geometry is very much in flux over the last 3 years as well with various versions still in store. Overall, newer versions are stackier and overall bigger. All to say that you want to ride the one you’re going to buy and be 100% sure you can fit it. Trek AL checkpoint is good, but I’d stay away from their carbon. It’s a nice riding bike, similar to the Cannondale topstone and more surefooted on gravel than the Domane. Not sure either of these bike are fabulous for bikepacking, but both seem servicable.