Domane AL2 or Checkpoint ALR 5 2023
I've had a couple of issues trying the Domane AL2 ($1200) and Checkpoint ALR 5 ($2100), I don't know what would be better, currently, I'm more focused towards road, not gravel, but since I live in an area with more gravel and bad roads, Gravel is the more ideal bike. I like the Domane for how basic and cheap it is for a beginner bike, Checkpoint rides different and feels stiff on the handling, bumps are also pretty noticeable unlike the Domane. Two things I will acknowledge, the Checkpoint color is amazing and the Domane is Claris. Therefore, I need an opinion on what should I get (Also if I should get 52 or 49)
Posted Jul 29, 2023, 10:59 PM UTC
112
Not really a fair comparison since the checkpoint ALR5 is in a whole different price range and level of components. Better comparison would be Domane AL5 vs Checkpoint ALR5
That's what I'm thinking so far, thanks
If you plan on riding far more road than gravel, get a Domane since you can still throw 38mm tires on it. Conversely you can throw skinnier tires on a checkpoint and ride it on the road as well, just with a smaller crank of 46/30 as opposed to the 50/34 on the Domane.
So I'm guessing 38mm is the max, that's a pretty good amount for a gravel. What about the idea of the Claris being added on?
Buy what you can afford. If you can afford a Checkpoint ALR5, you can afford a Domane AL5 with full 105 groupset.
Checkpoint ALR5 has a 50/34 crank, not 46/30
https://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en_CA/bikes/road-bikes/gravel-bikes/checkpoint/checkpoint-alr/checkpoint-alr-5/p/35172/?colorCode=white_black
Cranks are listed as 46/30. Not sure what you're looking at.