Cycling

August 16, 2024

With the knowledge I gained from the Dual Sport 3, I decided it was time to get serious and finally hunt for the bike I really wanted. I’d been eyeing the Specialized Roubaix for months, so I headed to a local shop that, yes, specializes in Specialized. No pun intended. (Okay, maybe a little.)

I test rode both the Roubaix and the Diverge. Both bikes were incredible and unlike anything I had ridden before. Everything felt like an upgrade: smoother shifting, drop bars, a more aggressive riding position. I instantly knew I had entered a higher tier of cycling.

But honestly, I think I was already sold on gravel bikes before I walked into the shop. A few days earlier, I had a moment that stuck with me (more on that in a future post). I was taking a rest at Delaware Canal State Park when I spotted another rider on a goldenrod-colored Specialized Diverge. I lingered near the info board, pretending to read it, until I worked up the nerve to strike up a conversation.

I told him I’d been wanting to upgrade to something similar to his bike, but I was nervous about how a gravel bike would feel, especially given my size and the forward posture.

Then he asked, “Wanna take it for a spin?”

I declined at first, anxious that I’d break something on his bike. But he asked again with encouragement, as he pushed the bike toward me. I obliged. Although I only rode it for a few minutes, something clicked. It was my first time riding a gravel bike, and I absolutely loved it. All of my worries evaporated, and for the first time, a gravel bike was like a legitimate option. We talked for about twenty minutes after that, sharing riding stories, including my journey and his recovery after being run off the road by a car.

To that kind rider, thank you, wherever you are. You not only inspired me, you directly led to me buying my Checkpoint just five days later. On my birthday, no less. So technically, you’re an accomplice.

While I was at the shop, the owner suggested I try one more bike: a Trek Checkpoint ALR5 AXS that they had customized.  I wasn’t planning on another Trek, but I figured I’d give it a shot. I’ve grown to love the flashiness of exotic marques like BMC, Cinelli, Cervélo, Pinarello, and Orbea, so I wasn’t as enthused about the possibility of another Trek. However, from a value perspective, the Checkpoint was hard to ignore. For just a few hundred dollars more than the Specialized options, it came equipped with a SRAM Apex AXS electronic gearset, upgraded Panaracer GravelKing tires, and a dropper post seat. The performance upgrades were clear. It had everything I liked about the Specialized bikes, plus features I didn’t even know I needed.

My only hesitation was the color. The bike is crystal white with gold, silver, and black accents. I’ve owned a white car before, so I know how much of a challenge it can be to keep clean. But that wasn’t a deal breaker. After a few miles of test riding, I pulled the trigger and came home with my new bike.

There was one other concern, no matter which bike I chose: the wheels. I was barely under the weight limit, and most of these bikes came with narrow, 24-spoke wheels. I’ve snapped spokes before, and I didn’t want to spend every ride worrying about it. Since I plan to keep this bike long-term, I invested in high-spoke-count Velocity Aileron wheels. The peace of mind was immediate. No more flinching when I hit a crack, a branch, or a bump I didn’t see.

From the very first ride, I fell in love with the Checkpoint. It was like the clouds opened up and the cycling gods smiled upon me. This bike rips. Compared to every other bike I’ve ridden, the Checkpoint feels like my own personal rocketship. I’m averaging two to three mph faster than before, and the acceleration is ridiculous. I had to adjust to the more aggressive posture at first. Early on, I had to stop more often to stretch my back and keep aches at bay. But after a few weeks, that all faded away. Now, the position feels natural.

This bike was the reward. It wasn’t an impulse buy, it was a milestone. A reflection of how far I’ve come. Every ride feels smoother, stronger, faster. It’s the bike I earned.

Until I get that titanium bike, of course.