Trek Checkpoint SL 7 gravel bike review: Too specific or just right?

Trek’s third generation Checkpoint represents a bifurcation of Trek’s gravel line: the Checkmate is the race bike, and the Checkpoint is now the adventure/all-around gravel bike. Is that too fine of a divide? After months of testing, I tell you what I appreciate, what’s not a great fit for me, and how it compares to other gravel bikes out there. Gear Calculator: https://www.gear-calculator.com/ Favero Assioma pedals on BikeTiresDirect: https://tinyurl.com/3kshkn94 Want to see what I'm testing now? Follow me on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/ben-delaney or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_delaney - Gear I use for shooting (not sponsored!): Hover X1 Self-Flying Drone: https://amzn.to/3V7MUn5 DJI Mini 3 Drone: https://amzn.to/3wK4eVY GoPro Hero Black 11: https://amzn.to/3wK4eVY DJI Action Cam 4: https://amzn.to/3wK4eVY DJI Pocket Osmo 3: https://amzn.to/3wK4eVY Sony Alpha ZV-E10: https://amzn.to/3QUSqHf Sony Alpha a6300: https://amzn.to/3K7jFKK Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS lens: https://amzn.to/3QNGh6L -- The Ride is supported in 2025 by: Castelli clothing: http://tinyurl.com/43k6pftp Perc coffee: https://tinyurl.com/fjr7nurr (save 15% with code 'ride15') Saris racks: https://saris.com/collections/racks# Silca maintenance: https://bit.ly/47xxvzj (save 10% with code 'theridewithben10') Shimano shoes & glasses: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r