Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 vs Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 w/ RIFT
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 7 AXS Gen 3 comes out ahead (73% against 57%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 is £199 cheaper — £4,750 against £4,949.
- Riding position
- The Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 sits you more upright (1.51 stack-to-reach against 1.44). The Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 w/ RIFT is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 takes 50mm tyres against 42mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
- Mudguards
- Only the Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.
Side by side
| Spec | Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 | Grail CF SLX 8 w/ RIFT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,750 | £4,949 |
| Weight | 9.3 kg | 9.4 kg |
| Frame | carbon | carbon |
| Groupset | SRAM Force XPLR AXS E1 1x13 electronic | SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x13 |
| Stack / reach | 1.51 | 1.44 |
| Tyre clearance | 50 mm | 42 mm |
| Lowest gear | 23 in | 23 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | No |
| Comfort | 76 | 63 |
| Speed | 32 | 40 |
| Climbing | 64 | 63 |
| Value | 0 | 0 |
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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