Checkpoint SL 5

This road-speed measure focuses on efficient pace on asphalt, where drag and rolling resistance matter most. Relative to performance-oriented builds, this build is shaped by a fairly average weight, a lighter-feeling mass profile that helps on accelerations and tempo climbs, wider mixed-surface tires that add some drag, and a solid drivetrain that supports efficient riding.

Uphill performance score: 8.9/10. Within Road bikes, it ranks near the top. On climbs, the lowest gear feels very easy. Your easiest gear lands around 22.5 gear inches. On the ‘easier low gear’ scale, it sits around ~93% versus similar bikes. We use “gear inches” as a shortcut for climbing gearing. Lower numbers mean you can spin more easily when it gets steep. With roughly 9.7 kg to move uphill, you’ll feel it more as climbs get longer. You’ll be able to keep a steady spin even when it gets steep. Different builds can shift the feel a bit, and some manufacturer specs aren’t always publicly listed, so consider this a helpful direction.

For a gravel build, coming in at 4.9/10 on aero, running tyres around 40mm, it keeps decent wind efficiency without becoming a specialist so it works well across lots of riding. The short version is: it’s a balanced middle ground: some streamlining, but not an extreme aero setup. The gravel category also hints at the intent behind the design. The fit looks fairly neutral, so aerodynamics depends more on the overall design and components than on an extreme position. That tyre width leans toward grip and stability first, with a small aero penalty at speed. Not every brand publishes the same detail, so this leans on the clearest available specs. In practice, it’s a balanced setup: decent in the wind without demanding big compromises elsewhere.

Balanced fit - a middle ground between comfort and speed. Because the cockpit sits 70 mm below the saddle (a moderate drop), and the cockpit stretches you forward by ~560 mm (long). Estimated lean is about 34 degrees. Gravel geometry often balances comfort and control over rough surfaces.

In Road / Gravel, This rating is mainly driven by the parts that affect adjustability: The cockpit is modular (separate stem and handlebar), so it is easier to adjust or swap fit parts, Hidden cables usually add a little friction when you swap bars or stems, A standard round seatpost size gives you many options for fit and replacements. Also, A dropper makes it easier to shift between climbing and descending positions. So we classify it as Adjustable. This mainly reflects how easy it is to adjust or swap key fit parts over time.

Comfort comes out to 5.9/10, which usually translates to a fairly neutral ride. That’s why it’s labeled Balanced. It’s running about 40 mm tires on 700c wheels, and wider tires let you drop pressure a touch, which smooths out rough pavement on rough lanes and gravel patches. The posture is neutral (posture 6/10, torso ~34°), which keeps things neutral and easy to live with.

Overall, this feels reasonably priced. Value is scored 1–10: higher is better value, lower means you’re paying more than similar bikes. Uses MSRP as a baseline; real-world prices can be lower (discounts can change the value). On the spec estimate, the price is close to what we’d expect for a comparable build. Among comparable bikes, it sits around the middle on price (cheaper than about 62% of listings). To anchor it: price €3.884 versus an estimated €3.819 for a similar build. Bottom line: it’s a normal deal — not amazing, not terrible.

This setup is built for mixed rides where gravel is a normal part of the route. Tires around 40 mm are well suited for gravel roads and unpaved connectors. The wheel setup (700c) supports that direction.