Merida Silex 200 vs Trek Checkpoint ALR 3 Gen 3
Both are gravel bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Trek Checkpoint ALR 3 Gen 3 comes out ahead (75% against 66%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Weight
- The Trek Checkpoint ALR 3 Gen 3 is 1.6kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Trek Checkpoint ALR 3 Gen 3 sits you more upright (1.54 stack-to-reach against 1.47). The Merida Silex 200 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Trek Checkpoint ALR 3 Gen 3 takes 50mm tyres against 45mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Side by side
| Spec | Silex 200 | Checkpoint ALR 3 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,200 | £1,200 |
| Weight | 12.0 kg | 10.4 kg |
| Frame | alloy | alloy |
| Groupset | Shimano Essa 1x8 mechanical | Shimano CUES U6000 1x10 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.47 | 1.54 |
| Tyre clearance | 45 mm | 50 mm |
| Lowest gear | 24 in | 23 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | 65 | 77 |
| Speed | 17 | 16 |
| Climbing | 41 | 52 |
| Value | 38 | 48 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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