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Trek Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 vs Canyon Grail CF 8 1by

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 SL 5 AXS Gen 3 comes out ahead (77% against 63%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Trek

Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3

77% for a typical rider

£2,750 at Brand website
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Canyon

Grail CF 8 1by

63% for a typical rider

£2,799 at Brand website
✓ Checked

What actually separates them

Price
The Trek Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 is £49 cheaper — £2,750 against £2,799.
Weight
The Canyon Grail CF 8 1by is 0.6kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
Riding position
The Trek Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 sits you more upright (1.51 stack-to-reach against 1.44). The Canyon Grail CF 8 1by is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
Tyre clearance
The Trek Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 takes 50mm tyres against 42mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Shifting
Only the Trek Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 has electronic shifting. Crisper and lower maintenance, but it needs charging and costs more to replace.
Mudguards
Only the Trek Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.

Side by side

Spec Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 Grail CF 8 1by
Price £2,750 £2,799
Weight 9.5 kg 8.9 kg
Frame carbon carbon
Groupset SRAM Apex XPLR AXS 1x12 electronic Shimano GRX RX820 1x12 mechanical
Stack / reach 1.51 1.44
Tyre clearance 50 mm 42 mm
Lowest gear 25 in 24 in
Mudguard mounts Yes No
Comfort 76 63
Speed 30 46
Climbing 59 68
Value 35 21

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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