Review: 2022 Trek Checkpoint SL 5 Converted to Touring Bike

In the summer of 2022, I bicycled 3669 miles (5905 km) from from Central Park in New York City to the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, California. When I planned my adventure, I wanted to purchase a bike that would serve me well both on… and after the adventure… on rail trails, as well as for bike packing. So, I purchased and converted a 2022 Trek Checkpoint SL5 gravel bike to a touring bike.

This video gives you a feel for the durability of the Checkpoint, especially, if you are a "heavier" cyclist. Stay tuned to the end to find out if I felt my decision to ride the Checkpoint coast to coast was a good one and whether I would buy this bike over again.

Be sure to hit the "like" button if this video has helped you out.

Modifications Made to the Checkpoint:
1. Fenders added - SKS Commuter 2 (Bluemel)
2. Rear Cassette changed to a mountain bike cassette - Shimano SLX CS-M7000-11
3. Saddle changed to Brooks Imperial B17
4. Bontrager GR1 Tubeless tires changed out for Schwalbe Marathon tube tire. The Bontrager GR1 lasted exactly 0.7m before getting a puncture so large that the fluid could not fill. Later in the ride, I added Stans fluid to the tubes to prevent goat head thorn punctures through the nearly bullet proof Schwalbe Marathon tires.

Great Adventure Cycling Videos:
‪@duzer‬
‪@FlyscoutRyder‬

0:00 Intro to the Ride
0:32 Purpose of the Video
1:00 How Convert Gravel Bike to Touring?
3:06 Why Convert Gravel Bike to Touring?
4:20 Would I Do It Again (The Conversion)?
8:30 Alternatives