Gravel riding has taken the cycling world by storm. The appeal is simple: quiet backroads, rolling farm tracks, vineyard trails, white gravel climbs, and the freedom to ride where pavement ends. At Trek Travel, we’ve embraced gravel from the very beginning, curating trips in some of the most breathtaking gravel destinations in the world.
And now, we’re thrilled to announce the biggest upgrade yet. In 2026, guests on our gravel trips will ride the brand-new Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 or the all-new Trek Checkpoint+ SL e-gravel bike. These bikes are the most advanced gravel machines Trek has ever built—and we can’t wait for you to experience them on your next cycling vacation of a lifetime.
Why Gravel with Trek Travel?
At its heart, gravel riding is about freedom. It’s about choosing the road less traveled, finding quiet trails where cars are rare, and pedaling into landscapes that take your breath away. Tuscany’s strade bianche, Girona’s rolling dirt roads, Croatia’s vineyard tracks, and Vermont’s covered bridges all offer a unique connection to place that paved roads can’t match.
When you travel with Trek Travel, gravel goes beyond adventure. You’ll ride supported by expert guides, world-class hospitality, and the best bikes in the industry. It’s not just about tackling rugged terrain—it’s about knowing that your equipment, your support, and your experience are second to none.
And now, in 2026, Trek Travel gravel trips are elevated even higher with the newest fleet of Trek Checkpoint gravel bikes—carbon, powerful, and precision-built for any ride.
Explore the New Bikes for 2026
The Trek Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS
New for 2026, the Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS joins our fleet as Trek’s first electric-assist gravel bike available on Trek Travel trips. This e-gravel bike is designed to make every ride more enjoyable, whether you’re looking for the extra push to crest steep climbs, extend your mileage for the day, or simply savor a bit more comfort on unpaved routes.
The Checkpoint+ is built around a lightweight OCLV carbon frame with IsoSpeed comfort technology, which reduces the vibrations of rough terrain and keeps you fresh on long days. Its 45 mm tubeless tires grip confidently over gravel and dirt, while the carbon wheels keep the ride fast and responsive. The quiet TQ motor and 360Wh battery (with optional extender) provide a natural-feeling boost that helps you take on climbs with ease and explore farther than ever before. Paired with SRAM AXS electronic shifting and powerful disc brakes, this bike puts control and precision right at your fingertips.
For guests new to gravel or those who want to feel more confident on demanding routes, this e-gravel bike makes every adventure feel possible. Even seasoned riders will appreciate the way it smooths out the toughest days, turning challenging rides into pure joy. Available as an optional upgrade, the Checkpoint+ will be offered on select trips beginning in 2026.
The Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3
If there’s one bike that defines gravel performance in 2026, it’s the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3. Included in the price of your trip, this machine is the gold standard for riders ready to take on adventurous miles across a variety of terrain.
The SL 7 Gen 3 features Trek’s OCLV 500 carbon frame, engineered for stiffness and responsiveness without sacrificing comfort. Its IsoSpeed decoupler absorbs chatter and bumps, so you can ride longer and stronger with less fatigue. The geometry is tuned for endurance, offering stability and confidence while still keeping the ride lively. With 45 mm tubeless tires, carbon wheels, and a gravel-specific SRAM Force XPLR AXS wireless drivetrain, the bike balances power, speed, and control perfectly. Disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power in any condition, from muddy tracks to steep descents.
Whether you’re spinning through the vineyard roads of Istria, climbing Tuscany’s iconic white gravel, or exploring the rugged trails of the Black Hills, the Trek Checkpoint Gen 3 transforms every route into an extraordinary ride. It’s the ultimate gravel bike for guests who want a smooth, responsive, and performance-driven companion for their Trek Travel vacation.
Gravel Gear, Leveled Up with SRAM
To match the world’s best gravel bikes, Trek Travel has partnered with SRAM, one of the most innovative brands in cycling. Every bike in our gravel fleet is equipped with SRAM’s cutting-edge AXS wireless shifting, giving you smooth, effortless gear changes with the tap of a finger. Their gravel-specific 1x drivetrains are built to handle steep climbs and rugged terrain, while powerful disc brakes provide confidence and control in all conditions.
The partnership between Trek and SRAM means that every detail of your ride—from shifting to braking—is supported by world-class engineering. It’s one more way Trek Travel ensures that your gravel vacation is elevated to the highest level of performance.
Where You’ll Ride in 2026
The best gravel bikes in the world deserve the best destinations. In 2026, Trek Travel guests will ride the new fleet on legendary gravel routes across Europe, North America and beyond.
Imagine pedaling along Croatia’s vineyard-lined trails and unwinding at a boutique wine hotel. Or tracing Tuscany’s strade bianche, where every curve brings sweeping views of the Italian countryside. In Girona, you’ll follow the same gravel routes that pro cyclists call their training ground. Closer to home, Vermont’s covered bridges and rolling dirt roads create a picture-perfect gravel playground, while South Dakota’s Black Hills and Bentonville’s thriving gravel scene offer rugged adventure and cultural charm.
No matter the destination, these new bikes ensure that every climb, descent, and long stretch of gravel is smoother, faster, and more fun than ever before.
