trek checkpoint alr 5 upgrades

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2020 Trek Checkpoint ALR5 – 1000 Mile Review/Upgrades

As I used this forum heavily during my research into gravel biking, I decided to give a quick review of my Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 in the hopes that someone will find it useful. For background, I have been a mountain biker all my life and only recently discovered “gravel grinding” while living in Geneva, Switzerland for work.  Geneva essentially sits in a bowl surrounded by mountains on all sides.  During normal times a quick car/train ride can bring you to some of the best downhill/XC single track in the world.  However, COVID-19 limited access to those locations so I was stuck with fire roads, gravel farm trails, and the occasional mud trail which led to my discovery of gravel riding.  I now live in Belgium and have loved every minute of the biking culture here (lots of gravel/mud). I purchased the ALR5 after a bit of research as Trek retailers are typically found everywhere in Europe and I have never had an issue with their bikes/service in over 30 years of riding.  Although I looked at Niner, Specialized, Salsa, Mason, and Pivot (love the Vault), I went with the ALR5 as I found it on sale, it came with common/quality components, and was aluminum.  We can debate all day over carbon vs steel vs Ti vs aluminum but for what I needed and was willing to pay, the ALR5 was a good fit. ACTUAL REVIEW:

2020 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5; Size 61; Grey/Black/Red

Total miles: 1,223 I purchased the bike for USD 1000 as it was a store demo and considered "used". The bike had no scratches and was basically in new condition but without the "new" price tag.  Time of purchase was everything as it was early in the COVID era and bike stores will still attempting push last years models out before the new ones came it.  Crazy to think how a few weeks later stores were essentially out of stock due to restrictions and a huge rush of new buyers wanting to "ride-out" the quarantine.  The first 350 miles were flawless and I can’t say enough good things about the Shimano 105 group set.  It’s a workhorse, is easy to work on, and the 2x system worked well for the flat roads in and around Geneva.  Also, chain slap from the rear derailleur was minimal for the type of riding I was doing.  During this period, I stripped the bike down to a bare frame and discovered a few things.  The shop I purchased the bike from had used M5 bolts to hold the cables in place just underneath the bottom bracket.  The bolts they used were so long they drove into the bearings, essentially destroying the BB.  I highlight this as I can see how someone could make this mistake and wouldn’t want anyone else to do the same. No other issues worth noting.  As I am also a welder in a past life, I can attest to the quality of the aluminum frame.  My only complaint is that Trek is a bit sloppy in their welds.  Solid welds, but they need some finishing.  I will also add that the BB was within tolerances but by no means exact.  I think Pressfit becomes an issue when the manufacturer allows tolerances outside of what the Pressfit BB can handle.  At least that is what Hambini tells me! Around the 500 mile mark, a close friend received the Shimano GRX 600 1x for demo and was allowed to keep it.  When he was done he gave it to me (free) so I threw it on the bike.  I immediately knew the type of riding I was doing was not a good fit for 1x.  I put back on the 105 crank/cassette/front derailleur, changed to a med cage GRX rear derailleur w/ clutch, and kept the GRX 600 shifters.  This combined the benefits of both groupsets into a durable 2x system.  I also swapped out the seat to a Selle Italia Gravel SLR which works well and was given a set of Mason Hunt 4 Season wheels which I ran WTB ByWays (700 x 40) and GravelKing SK Plus (700 x 43).  I had previously read that ALR5 topped out with a max tire clearance of 700x40 but this has not been my experience.  I have run 700-45 with a 2x drivetrain with no issue but admit this is likely do to the bikes large frame size and that I have the dropouts slide all the way back. With regards to the dropouts, I would have preferred not to have them for no other reason than it’s a point of failure in my opinion and I don’t notice a huge difference in ride style/quality when they are shifted forward/backwards.  This is just my opinion, I understand their purpose, and will be the first to admit that I am not a good enough rider to appreciate their true value. Two months ago I was provided (same friend) the GRX800 DI2 (FD, RD, and Shifters) free of charge.  I had debated the value of swapping out my mechanical to DI2 and ultimately decided I needed to try it as it only cost me time and a few (expensive) parts (battery, cables, wireless unit).  After a few YouTube videos, I found installation pretty straight forward and took about 4 hours out of my day for the install.  Due to the frame/components, I ended up with the junction box/battery in the seat tube as I did not want to drill any of the aluminum out of the frame near the BB to fit the junction box.  Additionally, I drilled two small holes in my drop bars to in order to hide the cables (thanks “Rides of Japan”).   After setup, I made a near fatal mistake as I attempted to update the firmware via the Etube application on my iPhone which bricked the system. I have since learned that this is a common issue.  I made several attempts to fix this (battery disconnect; all components disconnect) but nothing worked.  The internet recommendation was to reinstall all the firmware via the laptop version of etube.  As I run a MacBook and since Etube only runs on windows, I downloaded virtual windows machine and was eventually able to reboot the whole system.  Although Di2 is not something I would likely pay for in the future I can say that it is an amazing product.  The shifts are flawless, precise, and can be accomplished under load without issue.  I’ve put about 700 miles on the groupset and have not experienced any issues and the battery still has a full charge despite my aggressive shifting.  Although I was initially reserved in my off-road riding in an effort to avoid damage to the components, that has since changed and the can say everything has held up nicely despite a few crashes.  With regards to cleaning, I have always used warm water, muc-off, and cleaner without issue and this setup is no different.  Bottom line is this:  The bike fit my style, had/has quality components off the shelf, has stood up to some pretty rough riding, and fit my budget.  Most importantly it puts a smile on my face which for me makes the bike worth its weight in gold.      

Trek still does not make an actual Gravel Bike.  

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Trek Checkpoint ALR5 – The ultimate do-everything drop-bar bicycle?

July 4, 2020 by James Pratt Leave a Comment

I recently sold my 2018 Giant TCX cyclocross/gravel bike and replaced it with a 2021 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5. The Giant was a light-weight carbon fiber bike with great tire clearance, disc brakes, an excellent SRAM drive train, and reliable tubeless tires. However, it had one major problem. The frame was too big for me. So I sold it and replaced it with an aluminum-framed bike.

I liked my Giant TCX. Enough to ride it over 2,500 miles in three years. I primarily used my Giant for road and gravel rides with friends, long organized rides such as the Duncan Dehydrator and Tour of Payne, and as my indoor trainer during the winter.

What I didn’t like about my Giant TCX

I really enjoyed my Giant TCX but over time and after lots of miles, I found a few things I didn’t like.

• Frame too big – Ultimately this was the reason I sold the bike. I could have worked around the other items or changed components to my liking, but I couldn’t change the frame size. I shortened the stem as much as I couldn’t, moved the seat forward as far as I dared, yet I still found myself stretched out on the bike. If I rode with my hands on the hoods, I would invariably end up riding on the nose of my seat. I could get by with my hands on the flat of the bars, but then I didn’t have braking control. Ultimately I decided to get a frame that better fit me.
• Lack of mounting points for accessories – I liked the nice carbon frame, but since the TCX was designed as a cyclocross bike, it didn’t have mounting points for a rear rack or front rack or extra water bottle mounts. I could have ridden it with a bike-packing rig, but that doesn’t allow me to easily carry a laptop when I travel. I like to ride my bicycle to the coffee shop and work, which means I had to carry my laptop in a backpack on my back. I would arrive at the coffee shot with a sweaty back – not fun.
• SRAM 1x drivetrain – I really liked the shifting and ease-of-use of the SRAM 1x drivetrain, but it just didn’t have a low enough gear for when climbing long hills. I could have put on a smaller front chainring, but then I would lose top speed when riding down long hills. The gearing spread just didn’t work that well for me. It was great for riding the flats of western Oklahoma, but after my open-heart surgery in 2018, I couldn’t maintain my pace up long hills without struggling. And I could have changed out for a 2x drivetrain, but that wouldn’t fix the primary problem of the frame size.

What I love about the Checkpoint ALR5

I ended up selling my Giant TCX to my son and purchasing a 2021 Trek Checkpoint ALR5 with the Shimano GRX groupset. And I now love it. Here is why.

• Frame Size fits me – This is the reason I sold the Giant TCX and switched to the Trek Checkpoint. The frame on my TCX was just too big. Despite changing out several components, I just couldn’t get the TCX to fit. the TCX was a medium/large frame, which equated to around 56cm. The Checkpoint is a size 54cm frame. Now the bike fits me perfectly. My hands easily rest on the moods without feeling stretched or constantly riding on the nose of my seat.
• Shimano GRX 2×11 drivetrain – My TCX had a 1x drivetrain and when loaded or climbing steep hills, I wasn’t able to find a low enough gear. The Shimano GRX groupset gives me a lower gear without sacrificing any top-end speed.
• Mount points everywhere – I really like that the Checkpoint has a LOT of mounting lugs. I can easily attach a rear rack, front rack, multiple water bottles inside the frame, a front frame mount if I choose, and even a top mount for a “gas tank” style bag. Lots of options that cost very little weight.
• Wide tires and disc brakes – Both my Checkpoint and TCX had 40mm tires and disc brakes. The wide tires are great for almost any type of surface from smooth pavement to gravel and anything in between. The lower tire pressures soak up bumps a lot better on the bigger tires, and I think there is very little loss in speed, at least for me. And of course, disc brakes always work. Every time. I don’t have to worry about wet rims, mud, or dust. They just always work and are very powerful.
• Versatilty – The versatility of the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 is probably my favorite feature of the bike. I can strip it down and ride fast on the pavement, add water bottle cages and a frame bag and ride long dusty gravel rides and races, or attach a rear rack and some bicycle luggage and go on a multi-day cycling trip, either on the pavement, on dirt roads, or a mixture in between. The gearing allows me to load up the bike and still climb long hills, or keep up with a pack of riders on a weekend ride.

My other bike – Fuji Nevada 1.7 MTB

My other bike is a Fuji Nevada 1.7 hard-tail mountain bike. It was, and still is, my daily run around town bike, ride to the YMCA each morning (I would rather lock a $500 Fuji to a rack in front of the YMCA than a $2,000 Giant), and as my mountain bike when I wanted to ride some singletrack.

So is the Checkpoint the most versatile drop-bar bike?

It depends on who you ask. For my fitness level and experience, I think the 2021 Trek Checkpoint ALR5 with the Shimano GRX groupset is one of the most versatile bikes I have seen. I am by no means a bike tester and don’t get to play on all the cool toys, so I can’t speak for other brands or models of bikes. But I did extensive research before making this choice and spending my hard-earned money on this bike. I wanted something that I could ride in a group ride with friends and not get dropped, easily ride gravel when I wanted, a bike I could attach racks and go for a trip, or even just carry my laptop in a pannier to the local coffee shop each morning. The Checkpoint checks all those boxes for me. It is affordable, reliable, comfortable, and plenty fast. While there are lighter bikes, faster bikes, more aero bikes, better long-travel bikes, I feel this is one bike that comes close to a good all-around do-everything bike.

If I could have only one bicycle, it would probably be a hard-tail mountain bike. But since I can have two bikes, the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 with the Shimano GRX groupset is my second choice, and probably the one I will ride the most, at least during the summer months. Although I am still not sure I want to chain it up in front of the local YMCA and risk losing a $2,100 bicycle. I think that will continue to be the job of my $500 Fuji Nevada. The Checkpoint will be my everything else bike.

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About James Pratt

I am an Oklahoma based writer, commercial photographer, editorial photographer and adventurer based in Oklahoma City. I love telling stories about people. A motorcycle is my preferred means of travel, and I have over 5,000 hours piloting small airplanes. My editorial photography has been published in hundreds of magazines and my commercial photography has been used by dozens of companies worldwide.

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2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review

• by Riding With Ryan (Official)

The fastest growing discipline in cycling is gravel biking. The problem is, your road bike doesn’t make a good gravel bike. With the Checkpoint you get the best of both worlds. In this 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review I’ll explain why the Trek Checkpoint is the do-it-all bike of the year.

The 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 is the perfect bike for road cyclists making the switch to gravel biking, as well as a great beginner bike for the new to cycling rider that wants to keep their options open.

A price tag of $2,499 scares away a large percentage of beginner cyclists, but it shouldn’t. With the Checkpoint ALR 5 you no longer need a road bike and a gravel bike.

The ‘A’ in ALR means this bike comes with an Aluminum frame. The ‘R’ indicates it is Trek’s Race aluminum, or lightest weight aluminum. On other Trek Bikes the SL and SLR mean carbon fiber and race carbon fiber, respectively.

Both the Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Checkpoint models have plenty of mounts for bags, racks, and storage. The Checkpoint ALR 5 also has clearance for 45mm tires, but it comes with Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 700x40mm tires.

The 2022 Checkpoint ALR 5 comes with a 2×11 Shimano GRX drivetrain. Crank arm length varies by frame size shown below, and all sizes have a 46/30T.

• Size: 49 – 165mm Crank Arm Length
• Size: 52 – 170mm Crank Arm Length
• Sizes: 54, 56 – 172.5mm Crank Arm Length
• Sizes: 58, 61 – 175mm Crank Arm Length

For cyclists looking to upgrade the crank, maximum chainring size is 1 x 44T from SRAM and 50T or 50/34 from Shimano.

The cassette is Shimano 105, 11-34. That means 11 teeth on the smallest sprocket and 34 teeth on the largest sprocket. Because this is an 11 speed cassette we know there are 9 additional sprockets in-between with the number of teeth on the sprocket increasing as they go up in size.

Shimano GRX is the gravel specific groupset. When comparing to road bike groupsets it is the equivalent of Shimano 105. In fact, there are some parts that still keep the 105 label on a gravel bike, like the cassette on this ALR 5.

Due to GRX being a gravel specific groupset, the engineers at Shimano were able to customize features to benefit gravel riders. The ergonomics of the shifters, and optimized gearing options are two key features from GRX.

Shimano GRX derailleurs feature a built in clutch. It keeps tension on your chain even when. the trail gets rough. A tight chain is less likely to slip or change gears unexpectedly.

Most importantly, the GRX groupset was built with durability in mind. The bumpy gravel trails and rocks getting kicked up can do serious damage to your bike. The beefy GRX groupset is able to handle the rocks and vibrations better than the Shimano 105 equivalent from the road side.

Key Features

The list of features included with this bike is long, but there are three key features I cannot go without mentioning. First is the number of integrated frame mounts. The Checkpoint ALR 5 is capable of being your bikepacking or touring mode of transportation.

The second key feature worth mentioning is the frame geometry changes Trek made for 2022. They call it a progressive geometry, but that simply means there is more slack in the fork. This provides stability and control on choppy trails, while also being quick and responsive.

Finally, the tire clearance on this road or gravel bike is insane. You can fit 45mm tires, which are perfect for gravel and winter riding. Switch to 35mm tires for the summer pavement rides. With two sets of tires you can eliminate the need for two separate bikes. The wheels are tubeless ready, and changing tires is an easy 15 minute task that gets completed at home.

Checkpoint ALR 5 Problems

If you do a lot of climbing the Checkpoint is not a great bike due to its weight. The 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 weighs 21.5 lbs. Bike weight isn’t a big issue if you ride the flats, but when climbing a couple extra pounds will adversely impact your ride. Cyclists living in the mountains may prefer one of the lighter carbon fiber models.

Another common complaint about this bike is the saddle (seat) being uncomfortable. The best upgrade you can make to improve comfort on the bike is riding with cycling shorts. They have a built in pad called a chamois that will keep you comfortable. Pearl iZUMi Escape Quest shorts are great because they are comfortable, durable and the price is usually $50 or less. ( Check Current Price on Amazon Here ).

For the cyclist looking for a do-it-all bike, you won’t find a better value than the Checkpoint ALR 5. The price is great considering the GRX groupset and the lightweight race aluminum frame. Durability will not be an issue for gravel riders, and the lifetime warranty on the frame from Trek cannot be beat.

If you enjoyed this 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review, consider reading:

• Types of Road Bikes
• 10 Ways To Make Your Road Bike Lighter

2 thoughts on “2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review”

I don’t get the weight complaint. Unless the bike owner has less than 10% body fat and is maybe a Cat 1/2/3 and is seriously focused on racing, the fact that the ALR 5 weighs 21.5 lbs is, to me, a non-issue. And even if the owner wanted to try a gravel race, they would do well to focus on tire and inflation pressure choice and not get worked up over bike weight. I raced a 22 lb alloy gravel bike in the 2022 Truckee Tahoe Gravel Race and finished mid-pack in my age class and that’s with a flat repair. So, weight, smeight! My $.02.

I got this bike and it is great. Re: carbon vs aluminum. I had an alu madone ( 2012 6 series- lightest at that time and made in USA) and an ALR. I stripped both frames and weighed them. 4 ounce difference. My alr road bike was just as comfortable as the 3x cost carbon one. And I have broken 3 carbon frames (have had 4), 1 out of 3 steel frames, and 0 of 3 aluminum frames.

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Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review – a confident, capable gravel bike

Trek's updated aluminum checkpoint is a surefooted, confidence-inspiring ride that's perfect for ruined back lanes, byways and well-laden travels.

BikePerfect Verdict

The reshaped Checkpoint frame neatly combines confidence-inspiring stability with a fun, engaging feel which goes well at all speeds on all sorts of surfaces. This might not be the lightest or fanciest build, but the key bits are great and the rest just quietly works.

Stable and predictable

Comfortable

Great shifting and brakes

Gearing a bit tall for the weight

Could use a dropper post

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

The aluminium-framed ALR models sit at the bottom of Trek's Checkpoint range, with the lighter carbon SL and race-focused SLR bikes above, but in truth that's not a bad place to be. The ALR 5 gets a full set of excellent Shimano GRX components for the drivetrain and brakes, decent tires on tubeless-ready rims and lots of rack and fender mounts. 

The result is a surefooted, confident bike that's ready for exactly what Trek says it's for – gravel riding for fun, commuting or just general adventures. Which is pretty much what most people are after when looking for the best gravel bikes or best cheap gravel bikes .

Design and geometry

For 2023, the Checkpoint frame has seen some changes – basically it's got longer both in the front centre and the chainstays, and the stem is shorter to compensate. I tested a 58cm, and compared to the 2021 model it has 10mm longer chainstays, 20mm more reach and is 26mm longer overall. The 90mm stem and 60.9cm/41.1cm stack and reach figures keep the overall riding position fairly relaxed, with a usefully tall front end and slightly head-down, but certainly not front heavy, bias.

The head angle is the same as before at 72.3 degrees, presumably to keep the steering decently snappy, as is the bottom bracket drop at 7.4cm. 

This might be the 'poor man's' model with its humble alloy frame, but that doesn't mean it's unsophisticated. The various touring-friendly mounts are complimented by internally-routed cables that help a lot when strapping on frame bags or cages, as well as keeping them generally out of harm's way. I did find several of the bungs protecting the mounting/cable holes disappeared overboard on rough trails though, so if you want to keep filth out of your threads/frame you might want to stock up – or wind in some actual bolts where you can.

Components and build

Trek has spent the budget wisely here, speccing the excellent Shimano GRX shifters, levers and hydraulic brakes. The flat-fronted levers are particularly good for grip when it's rough, the shifts are always positive and the two-piston calipers are powerful and easy to modulate on the 160mm discs. Basically, the whole stop and go thing is covered perfectly.

Well, almost perfectly. The 2x11 drivetrain gives a very useable spread of ratios, but for the most serious off-road climbing it's a little high. At the top end it's good for 35mph before you spin out, which is great for the road and fireroad descents, but leaves the lowest gear (30/34t) slightly high for the steepest, techiest climbs. That's especially true if the bike's loaded up.

That's the lowest combination of ratios that will fit, though, so your options there are either to keep the bike as light as possible, fit a 1x crank and lose a fair bit of top speed, or get stronger...

The finishing kit is all in-house Bontrager stuff, and while it's all perfectly good they're pretty easy targets for weight loss upgrades. The Bontrager Elite Gravel bar is 44cm wide on this frame size with a good flare to the drops for extra leverage, and the comfy GRX hoods tilt inwards just enough to encourage a slightly elbows-out stance that's good for control.

The wheels – Switch hubs, 21mm wide Paradigm rims (the SL version on one end, presumably the front) and 24 spokes on each – are similarly utilitarian, being strong, middling for weight and entirely decent for the job. Wearing Aeolus XXX rim strips they're tubeless ready, and so are the Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tires, which is nice – in fact, Trek lists 6oz of its TLR sealant as a 'tire part,' so presumably consumer bikes are supplied already set, just as our test bike was.

The tires are predictable and confidence inspiring on the unusually dry terrain of our test period, as well as on tarmac both damp or dry, but are clearly not designed for mud. There's room in the frame for up to 45mm rubber should you want to go wider.

Oh, and while the front axle looks like you'll need to carry a hex key to get it out, the lever on the rear thru-axle actually pulls out to fit in either one. 

Performance

The Checkpoint has a confident feel – its length and reasonable heft keep it planted, while the steering is stable without being sluggish. It's the same whether you're on gravel or tarmac, and predictable in a friendly but not boring way. The chunky headtube and sizeable welded junctions do a great job of keeping it tracking where it's pointed in the rough.

Despite the chunky, almost box-section seatstays and generally rigid-feeling frame, it's comfortable for long rides, thanks to the high volume tyres, well-cushioned bar tape and a supportive, hammocky P3 Verse Comp saddle you really sit 'in'.

Get up some speed on gravel though and there's no disguising the aluminum build. By 30mph on a fireroad, your hands and feet are taking some serious vibes, and the chatter from sustained speed does reduce comfort. 

Switching to carbon at the bar (and at the Bontrager seatpost) would both increase comfort and reduce weight, and though I found the saddle supportive and comfy both for long rides and hard pedaling efforts, it does have steel rails – it's another easy and relatively cheap target for weight loss and vibe reduction.

Alternatively, if you want more speed whatever the trails do, fit the best dropper post that will suit the 27.2mm seat tube and reap the rewards.

Personally, I would have quite liked the shorter cranks of the smaller sizes instead of the 175mm GRX RX600s fitted here, which would allow an even lower BB for descending confidence, but that's really just preference. The 7.4cm BB drop is pretty low in the scheme of things, cornering feel is predictable, and ground clearance is good.

This is an extremely usable yet still very enjoyable bike. It nails that '2/3rds road bike, 1/3rd XC bike' feel that makes gravel bikes so good for so many things – commuting while avoiding the worst traffic, touring, exploring dilapidated rural lanes, getting in hard climbing efforts away from ANY traffic, or just generally getting out there and enjoying the view. 

It's comfortable and reassuring from the off whatever the surface, and the money's been spent in the right places – this is a really solid base for years of riding fun.

Test conditions

• Temperature: Rarely less than 20 degrees C and up to 35
• Conditions: Dry, hard and dusty with almost zero rain
• Trails: Mountain singletrack, bridleways, forest gravel and crumbling rural lanes

Tech specs: Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

• Price: $2,500 / £2,400
• Discipline: Gravel
• Frame size tested: 58cm
• Seat tube angle: 72.5°
• Head angle: 72.3°
• Effective top tube: 59.7cm
• Bottom bracket drop: 7.4cm
• Wheelbase: 105.8cm
• Reach: 41.1cm
• Frame: 300 Series Alpha Aluminium
• Tires: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 40mm, Tubeless Ready 
• Drivetrain: Shimano GRX
• Sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 (tested), 61cm
• Claimed weight: 9.75 kg / 21.5 lb (56cm)

Steve is a highly experienced journalist and rider who's been involved with bikes of all kinds for more years than he would care to remember. Based in South Wales, he has mile upon mile of swooping singletrack, an array of plummet and winch descents and everything in between right on his doorstep.

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2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review

Garret seacat, c.s.c.s..

Reviewing the all-new 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

The 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 is a welcomed update to an already successful line of gravel bikes from Trek. As a long-time cycling coach and native of the Flint Hills of Kansas, we didn’t hold back on our Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 review. 

2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

• Lighter frame than the previous version
• Nicely equipped components.
• Feels quick and nimble even with the long-wheelbase
• Updated geometry
• Lifetime Warranty
• We don’t mind but the removal of sliding dropouts
• Not as relaxed geometry as Trek Domane making it more of a race bike than a relax gravel bike

First Impressions

The Checkpoint needs almost no introduction to most riders familiar with the gravel scene but this year brought along an update to the already popular bike. While you could spend big money and go for the incredibly well-equipped and lightweight SLR model, we decided to stay more modest and review a more humble ALR 5 that will likely find its way into your garage.

Before we get too far, I want to mention I am VERY familiar with the Checkpoint, and this is the 4th different one I’ve owned. And well before that, I was part of a bike shop that helped contribute and give input on the “new gravel” bike from Trek, or what we would later learn was the first version of the Checkpoint. I sold my 2020 SL after just deciding it wasn’t the right fit for me, but here I am again with another Checkpoint added to the stable of bikes.

Straight out of the box, I was impressed with how light it was, even with all the stock components at the time. Also, the updated paint schemes on all the models are gorgeous in person! However, I quickly realized while assembling the bike my taste for carbon would likely result in some upgrades reasonably quickly to help lighten the bike even more and improve the feel. More on that later.

Riding the Checkpoint

It wouldn’t be a Checkpoint ALR 5 review without putting it on the gravel in Kansas, and luckily that’s exactly where we are located. While you miss out on the Iso-Speed of higher-end carbon Checkpoints, you won’t notice it much. Having ridden a variety of carbon Trek bikes with Iso-Speed, I was pleasantly surprised at the ride quality of the ALR. To help take the edge off, I added an RSL seatpost, and then the bike came to match the ride quality of much more expensive bikes.

On the same idea of changing things, take the stock tires ASAP. They aren’t that good! They roll fast, but you will flat in no time and ruin that new bike experience.

After a quick 20-mile break-in ride with stock parts, I changed the wheels to a pair of Bontrager RSL 37V and changed the seatpost and stem to Bontrager RSL carbon bits. I also put a wider 44cm width bar on. Is this necessary? Absolutely not, but the bike really comes alive!

One note on the geometry, it feels great but is noticeably different than the previous model. While the effective top tube says it is longer it felt shorter! The wheelbase also got shortened this year but has more front toe clearance and a similar chainstay length to previous years.

Since putting this bike together, I have almost shelved my carbon bikes completely. I even went to a couple of gravel races and left the carbon race bike at home because I enjoy the new Checkpoint ALR 5 that much! The best part is having riders come over and pick it up and their shock when I tell them how much I have invested in it compared to what they have spent.

Final Thoughts

At $2500 retail, you cannot go wrong with the Checkpoint ALR 5. It is just a all around fun bike to ride. The stock Shimano GRX R600 and R800 components and tubeless-ready wheels will have you ready for whatever you want. If you can swing it, grab a carbon seat post, I recommend the Bontrager RSL for the “flex” to help take a little more out of the gravel.

If you can find a shop with an ALR 5 in stock then give it a ride and don’t think twice about taking it home if it fits!

Coach Seacat has carved a space for himself as an expert coach in the discipline of cycling. With 15+ years of coaching and prestigious certifications from USA Cycling and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Coach Seacat brings a comprehensive approach to coaching that combines advanced training techniques with fundamental cycling strategies.

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2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

An aluminum frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes.

Checkpoint ALR 5

In Stock: 56, 58, & 61cm

Biloxi Bicycle Works

In Stock: 58cm

Checkpoint ALR 5 - 2023, 49cm

In Stock: 49cm

Checkpoint ALR 5 - 2023, 52cm

In Stock: 52cm

Checkpoint ALR 5 - 2023, 54cm

In Stock: 54cm

Checkpoint ALR 5 - 2023, 56cm

In Stock: 56cm

Checkpoint ALR 5 - 2023, 58cm

Checkpoint ALR 5 2023, 54cm

Checkpoint ALR 5 2023, 56cm

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• 5'7", size 54, Fits large
• 5'10", size LG, Just right
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Nov 2023 · Oscar Huckle

How does the Checkpoint platform translate into aluminium?

Well mannered on tamer terrain

Lots of eyelets

Eschews integration

Clean dropper post actuation

Not the most exciting ride

Harsh through the front end when unloaded

Read Review

Jun 2023 · Calvin Zajac

A comfortable all-purpose weapon, and a premium price –which boxes can the Trek Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap tick? We putit through the wringer to find out!

IsoSpeed system is inconspicuous and functional, providing added comfort at the rear

Storage compartment in the down tube

Round, less ergonomic handlebars

Bontrager GR1 Team Issue TR tires lack grip in damp conditions and tend to bounce

Unbalanced level of compliance between the front and rear

Oct 2022 · Mat Brett

Get all the details of this fiery red gravel/adventure bike with Trek’s gravel-smoothing IsoSpeed

Sep 2022 · Josh Ross

The Trek Checkpoint is the only bike you need to take you on every adventure

SRAM Rival AXS is the perfect groupset for an all-arounder

Mud-guard mounts

Mounting points for every bag you can think of

Non-proprietary seat-post provides options

Internal storage is convenient

Downtube protection eases worry

Threaded bottom bracket

Ideal all-around gearing

Short stem for added stability means handlebar/knee interference

Lacks included protection for the chain stay

Detail behind the fork steerer collects water and is difficult to clean

Sep 2022 · Steve Williams

Trek's updated aluminum Checkpoint is a surefooted, confidence-inspiring ride that's perfect for ruined back lanes, byways and well-laden travels

Stable and predictable

Comfortable

Great shifting and brakes

Gearing a bit tall for the weight

Could use a dropper post

Aug 2022 · Sam Challis

Neat tricks combined with smart design equals good fun. The Checkpoint SL is the sweetspot in Trek's gravel range

Effective geometry

Sensible spec

Neat extra frame features

Non-removable front derailleur mount

Headset cable integration design isn’t watertight

Updated geometry and differentiated models for speed, adventure, and all purpose riding

Sep 2021 · Matthew Pioro

Also, a tour of the revamped Trek Checkpoint lineup of bikes and Adventure bags for mixed-surface adventures

Last updated April 18

2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review

Are you looking for an affordable, yet powerful mountain bike? Enter the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. 

This mid-range road and gravel bike is perfect for exploring paved roads, gravel paths and mild backcountry trails.

Trek is one of the biggest producers of bicycles in the world and they’ve managed to cater to cyclists of all levels by providing an impressive range of options. 

One such option is the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 – a light weight, well equipped endurance road bike that can tackle any terrain with ease.

If you’re searching for a reliable and comfortable ride for your next adventure, then look no further than the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. 

In this review, I’ll discuss what makes this bike so great, including its lightweight frame, impressive components, reasonable price point and agile maneuverability.

Trek’s Checkpoint ALR 5 has become a top pick among cyclists looking for adventure riding. 

The bike is designed to deliver a dynamic, efficient experience over a variety of terrain and surfaces, allowing riders to embark on longer adventures while pedaling further and faster. 

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features of the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 and examine how it holds up for long rides in tough conditions.

Frame Construction & Design

The Checkpoint ALR 5 is constructed with 300 Series Alpha Aluminum from Trek’s exclusive technology, making it one of the lightest gravel bikes you can find on the market. 

Its frame design is based on Trek’s endurance road geometry for a more comfortable ride when using wider tires than what most road bikes are used to handling. 

The frame also features integrated mudguard and fender mounts, as well as larger headtube clearance spaces that allow you to use tires up to 45mm wide.

The Checkpoint ALR 5 comes stock with Shimano GRX components, including brakes and drivetrain components like shifters, derailleurs and crankset. 

It also includes Bontrager adjustable stem and handlebar that accommodate multiple hand positions while allowing you easily make custom adjustments that fit your body dimensions perfectly. 

Additionally, it offers internal cable routing for seamless shifting performance across all varieties of terrain conditions you may find yourself riding in on your adventures.

Wheels & Tires

This fantastic bike rolls on aluminum Bontrager Paradigm wheels paired with 40mm Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tubeless tires ready for any type of surface or terrain you might be taking it through. 

It also provides optimal traction with its plus-sized tire construction which helps increase grip levels when cornering or climbing technical trails – something many other gravel bikes don’t do as effectively as this one does. 

Plus, its tubeless design means you can take advantage of lower air pressures without fear of flats during long days spent exploring off roads trails or cruising the asphalt avenues back home after another amazing day out on your trusty steed!

Performance

Test rides support what we expected—the Checkpoint ALR 5 delivers an efficient ride with confidence inspiring handling over rough roads thanks to its sturdy carbon construction, plus size wheels and tires combo as well as responsive yet controlled Shimano GRX components package.

Riding this bike across paved surfaces offers smooth stability similar to a road bike but is forgiving enough over dirt paths or rocky terrains without feeling sluggish due to its wider footprint combined with just enough suspension provided by the bigger tires themselves – helping keep your momentum going with minimal effort no matter how rough things get out there!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

Weight / 56 - 9.75 kg / 21.5 lbs

At a glance

Where to buy.

"An excellent gravel race bike"

"Trek's new Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap is an excellent gravel race bike, built with features and geometry that calm rough surfaces without the handling feeling vague or sluggish. After two months on it, I can say that the bike we named the 2021 VeloNews Bike of the Year has only gotten better."

"One of the best gravel bikes I’ve been on"

"Overall, the new Checkpoint is a wonderful gravel bike. It’s faster, better handling, and more suited to the needs of the today’s gravel rider."

Specifications

• Frame 300 Series Alpha Aluminum, tapered head tube, Internal cable routing, 3S chain keeper, T47 BB, rack and fender mounts, integrated frame bag mounts, flat mount disc, 142x12mm thru axle
• Wheels Size: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 Bontrager Paradigm, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, presta valve Size: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 Bontrager Paradigm SL, Tubeless Ready, 24-hole, 21mm width, presta valve
• Tires Bontrager TLR sealant, 6oz
• Chain Shimano HG601
• Crank Size: 49 Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 165mm length Size: 52 Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30, 170mm length
• Front Derailleur Shimano GRX RX810, braze-on
• Rear Derailleur Shimano GRX RX810, long cage, 34T max cog
• Shifters Shimano GRX RX600, 11 speed
• Brakeset Shimano SM-RT70, centerlock, 160mm
• Handlebar Size: 49 Size: 52
• Saddle Size: 49, 52 Size: 54, 56, 58, 61
• Seatpost Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length
• Stem Size: 49 Size: 52, 54
• Headset FSA Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: Where to buy a 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5?

The 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 weigh?

A 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 weights 56 - 9.75 kg / 21.5 lbs.

Q: What size 2022 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 should I get?

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• Checkpoint ALR 5

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5

Checkpoint ALR 5 is the best value gravel bike in the lineup. It's a high-quality build that will hold up for long, rugged miles on pavement, dirt, and even the most treacherous gravel roads. A wealth of features like nimble-yet-stable progressive geometry, loads of mounts, plus a GRX drivetrain make it easy to customize for your kind of adventure. It's right for you if... Unlike the pure roadie who measures watts and weighs out meals, you favor epic off-road adventures that probably end with a beer and a burrito. But that doesn't mean you'll compromise on performance. You expect to get a lot for your hard-earned dollar, including quality, versatility, durability, and a ridiculous amount of fun. The tech you get A stout aluminum frame with a progressive geometry that's stable at speed and efficient when you're grinding up a climb, hidden cables that won't interfere with bags, rack and fender mounts and integrated frame bag mounts, a 2x11 Shimano GRX drivetrain with lower gears for grinding up hills or through rough gravel, hydraulic disc brakes for all-condition stopping power, tubeless ready rims, and wide 700x40c gravel tires for added stability and traction. The final word If the amount of adventure you can get per dollar spent is a priority for you, you won't do better than Checkpoint ALR 5. Quality parts, a durable alloy frame, and a wealth of features like extra tire clearance and customization options so you can confidently take on bigger, better adventures. Why you'll love it - All-new progressive geometry is quick and nimble yet keeps you stable and in control on fast, choppy descents - This bike is exceedingly versatile and suited to a wide variety of ride styles, including gravel rides, bikepacking, and daily commutes - Massive tire clearance means you can use tires up to 45c for extra traction and stability in any conditions - Integrated frame bag mounts and rack and fender mounts make it easy to carry gear and water

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition

• However if you find any inaccuracy or typos, let me know in the comment section. This was a massive project and it has flaws for sure.

Originally posted by Wiki : Moral Points form a hidden system in the Metro video game series that follows Artyom's progress and affects the ending of each game. This system is never explained to the player and its mechanics can only be speculated about. As Metro is about Artyom's journey and him seeking to understand the world around him, the game rewards the player by guiding Artyom through experiences that help him better understand the metro and its strange phenomena. It is commonly understood that every time Artyom gets a moral point, the screen flashes light blue and whispers or the sound of water dripping can be heard. When Artyom loses a moral point, the screen darkens and an ominous sound can be heard. There are more opportunities to gain moral points than to lose them, and moral points that are gained and lost are speculated to vary in severity. Moral points can be gained through making morally correct decisions, being stealthy in certain levels, but can also be awarded for exploring every part of the map to get weapons and supplies. The best way to gain moral points is to knock out enemies and spare lives when possible - doing so will almost always activate the good endings. There is no telling how many moral points are required to get the good ending since the statistics are hidden; however, making wrong choices or going loud in the levels that require stealth will likely cause the player to not gain enough moral points to trigger the good ending. As with the previous games, In Metro Exodus, Artyom is awarded points for doing good deeds or doing certain deeds. Unlike its predecessors, listening in on conversations does not affect moral points, and instead can be used to gain locations to stashes. Moral points are also present in the Sam's Story DLC, but instead of indicating good deeds, they reflect actions taken by Sam to gain the Captain's trust. Completing all actions will gain the A Man of Principle achievement .

• Use stealth and avoid combat whenever possible.
• If needed, use knockout without killing.
• When an enemy surrenders, always spare them
• The Fish is on Volga, where you get the Fisherman achievement. It's i the middle of the boat standing upright against a wall Alt. location : in a shack made out of old train parts below the train tracks east of Duke and on your way to the Gas Station.
• The Sun is on Caspian. It's in the Hermit's ship on a shelf filled with cardboard boxes. Alt. location : at the start of the water trunk with Damir and before you slide down the old village, go left and jump to the area below. I the middle there's a pole with the Sun on it.
• The Bear is on Taiga, in the first schoolhouse at the beginning of the level before the bridge hanging from a window frame. Alt. location : The bear can be also found hanging from a big wall map behind the Admiral, when you to meet him.

• Don't Kill any Fanatics, aka Silantius-mind-washed-followers when visiting their church, or near the end of the chapter when a barge is involved.
• Same goes to friendly ones you encounter in 3 fixed places; the paladins with their ritual, the father and the idiot of his soon, and some prisoners in a camp.
• While being friendly, mind saving the one held captive next to the radio tower, where there's something musical you should take.
• Complete two side quests involving one spartan fond of music and a certain cute girl and her teddy.
• In the last section of the game, go stealthy undetected and confront who you have to confront without alerting the guards.

• 1. Postcard #1 MISSABLE - Church, Children's cove
• 2. Suit Upgrade #7 - Compass - Crashed plane
• 3. Diary #2 - Mouldy Log - Plane crew camp

• 1. Diary #3 - Faded Note - Basement, Building
• 2. Postcard #2 - Krest's place
• 3. Diary #2 - Water-Logged Note - Sealed bunker, storage room

• 1. Suit Upgrade #1 – Battery Charge Controller - small island, torture chamber, south of the tracks
• 2. Diary #13 - Patient Ledger - Half flooded clinic, south.
• 3. Suit Upgrade #2 – Reinforced Helmet - Bandit camp, close to Duke

• 1. Suit Upgrade #6 – Extended Filter - Same Safehouse, box far end of the room
• 2. Diary #11 - Dusty Workbook - Hazardous Safehouse
• 3. Suit Upgrade #4 - Ammo Pouches - Same Camp, by the door entrance
• 4. Diary #4 - Bandit Camp - Table on the ground floor (Don't forget the key given by the prisoners)
• 5. Postcard #3 - Safe house, Inside transport truck, shelve to the right
• 6. Diary #9 - Torn Page - Same as previous, transport truck
• 7. Diary #5 - Sturdy Envelope - Half buried Van
• 8. Suit Upgrade #5 – Throwing Weapons Harness - Gas Station, padlocked room
• 9. Diary #6 - Weathered Notice - Gas Station, green shelve inside
• 10. Diary #8 - Bandit Note MISSABLE - among the corpses.

• 1. Suit Upgrade #8 – Night Vision Goggles - Using the prisoner's key, sealed space in the terminal.
• 2. Diary #10 - Thick Ledger - Last room you visit for the Fisherman trophy
• 3. Postcard #4 - Safe-house , soon you leave the terminal
• 4. Diary #7 - Faded Note - Ruined Structure, wooden shed on top of it
• 5. Diary #12 - Blood-Stained Diary - Same shack, wooden shelf
• 6. Suit Upgrade #3 – Metal Detector - Shore shack right to the Silos
• Postcard #5 MISSABLE - After the gathering of fanatics listening to Silantious, in the next room next to the fire barrel

• Don’t kill any slaves!
• At the start of the Chapter, while checking the radio tower, don’t kill the soldier that ambushes you on the rooftop.
• Complete it the side-quest he gives you LATER (I mean that safe house you need to sleep in order to trigger the interaction in the chapter)
• Use non-lethal take-downs on all the guards at the Mine/Cave even to the ones attacking Giul. You'll gain the point as soon you start the elevator up to the Lighthouse
• Apply the same behavior visiting Shipwreck Slave Camp, only that way you save the slaves.
• Liberate the Prison (another Shipwreck) and release the prisoners. Recover the family photo for Giul in the Coms facility under the lighthouse where her mom used to work.
• Recover the water bowser undetected and with no kills, there's extra points to be gained if you release a couple prisoners guarded by a hound on the ground next to the truck with the water, but may not compensate for the risk of being detected.
• When infiltrating the fortress on the last mission you'll gain a point reaching the surface without killing or being detected. Saving a slave from his punisher midsection will grant you another point but then again, it'll turn, most likely, everyone hostil towards you.

• Don't kill the thug who ambushes you in the top of first building you visit.
• Reach the lighthouse without killing since you enter the caves.
• Recover Giul's family photo from the underground bunker.
• Free the slaves in the prison ship without being detected till you pull the lever.
• Still the water bowser in the oasis, without being detected
• Reaching the Baron's fortress through the sewers, guess what?... don't hget detected till you open the door to outside

• Save the guy tied to a pole, in the beginning.
• Don’t kill the forest tribe members. Sneak past them!
• Don’t attack the unarmed forest tribals or the hermit.
• Don’t kill wounded forest tribe members.
• You'll gain one bright point of moral superiority every time you make past a camp with pristine behavior, sneaky Dalai Lama; no kills and no detection (also useful for the Forest Child achievement)

• Pioneers and pirates camps... are mostly skipable from outside or close to it's walls.
• a couple items are just impossible to pick without a knockout or two, however you can save first, do the thing, pick the item, load back, the item remains, and your achievement remains immaculate.
• From experience, don't use nothing except the bow with regular arrows, and some Molotov's for the bear.
• Some scripted encounters doesn't count, like the guys warning you in the beginning, the alchemist, the trap guys, Olga and the Admiral.
• Looking/being suspicious of you doesn't matter, but if they start shooting, load back.
• Tbh only the boat gate section might take some more tries. Although in my list, only 0,8% of the players have it.

• In the first Chapter save your game after every corner and load every time the the bug or the worms spit on you. Keep your quick-save clean of damage and you'll get to the end of it without much fuss, only a few loads.
• On the station's second chapter, the enemies are humans, but the trick remains the same, save frequently while full health, load if you get hit.
• Last chapter on the bunker has the Blind-one plus lots of mutant rats, make use of your save/load strategy and install all flamethrower upgrades along the way, they are easy to find. When facing the Gorilla make sure you run around him, close but not too close (you prevent his throw attack, also for the next achievement). And drop everything on the canister on him soon you have the chance, It's a two fase battle with some rats in the middle but a good spray or two can defeat him without too many hits

• MAJOR When you first meet the Captain. Put your gun down when he tells you to.
• Help him move the wooden beam
• Spare the sniper (choose punch).
• MAJOR After you and the Captain speak to Tom over the radio. Give him food when he mentions that drinking would be better with something to eat.
• MAJOR. Set all five Molotov traps in the Captain’s hideout after getting drunk with him. This is also required for the Trapper Achievement.
• MAJOR. After stealing the boat from the bandit camp and sailing through the toxic bog, proceed through the left side of the swamp until you find a "question mark on your map". You'll find a tape and some bodies. Follow the path and find two more tapes while speaking to the captain via radio. At the top of a tower you'll uncover what happened to the Captain's crew and you add points to his trust towards you
• MAJOR At the very end of the DLC. You'll need to make a difficult choice, you must choose NOT the flag.

• The first encounter occur after you met the Captain on the ruins of the sky-elevator. you'll fall mid track on a boxcar. Don't rush it or he will push you to a fatal fall, if that happens hit F9 for a quick load before before the dead screen appears. Land a shot or two as soon he appears, hide behind the car on the opposite side from where the shaking trees are, shooting every time he goes up. Repeat 3-5 times till the cut scene where he'll jump on you from the pillar below yours. Don't hit load; it won't kill you
• The second encounter occurs after meeting Tom's scouts while heading to the Firehouse. He will ambush you on a narrow car scrapyard. Don't run or you'll be crushed by falling cars. Make sure you have plenty medkits and ammo. Hide when he's attacking or run in the opposite direction if he's sending his bats, try to prevent being below the higher piles of cars cause he will push them to crush you 3 times, but you'll hear some metal sound before the push, so make sure you identify witch pile he's gonna trash.If you are crushed tho, hit F9 fast before the black screen. It'll save the achievement. Land land some shots in between healing every time it's needed till the next cutscene where he'll fall behind the cars and when you approach it, some of them will fall on you. Don hit load this time tho, it won't kill you.
• The third and final encounter will take place shortly after leaving the fire department with the radiation suit. This one works the same as the other battles. He will fly toward you and you just need to shoot it a few times until it falls and retreats. Keep your eyes on the trees. You’ll be able to see where the attack is going to come from. The trees will move and there will be a dust cloud. Just follow that until it attacks. The bat swarms can be dodged by sprinting away in a different direction. There will be rain and it'll be harder do e'identify the last couple attacks, but even if you get hit, heal your self and keep looking around till you land a few more shots Eventually, it’ll fall on you and a scene will play as you finally defeat this thing. Don't despair if the achievement don't pop up when you kill it. It will ,but only in the end of the chapter after the million dollar choice and the final cutscene rolls up. I know. it sucks.

• Balanced Grip Handle
• Short Barrel and Suppressor
• Reflex Sight
• Long Barrel with Full Auto
• Closed Reflex Sight
• Extended Magazine
• Green Laser
• High-Capacity Magazine
• Burst Fire Barrel
• Standard Magazine
• Semi-Automatic Barrel
• Heavy Stock
• High Capacity Magazine
• Sniper Stock

• 1. Diary Page #1: Note to Korzh Get the boat, drive/sail to the first building, go upstairs, turn left, check the corpse ahead
• 2. Night Hunter Stash #1:Throwing Weapons Harness and Night Vision Goggles(NVG) Same Building, first floor, follow yellow ink on the walls for the NVG. Jump to the planks on the water and follow the path up again to find the suit upgrade. Only the suit upgrade unlocks this stash count on the achievement, however in my modest opinion and regarding the ink on the wall, the NVG should have been the real stash.
• 3. Melody 01 Back to the boat, second rectangular building on the left. Ground floor. Classroom with a Piano
• 4. Diary Page #2: Absence note Same room as previous, on a desk with an old computer
• 5. Melody 02 Big Building on land to the right with the theater, second floor, use planks to reach room. It's pinned on a board. Don't forget to get the tape from the room on the right side of the window with the planks for the Cinephile achievement.
• 6. Night Hunter Stash #2: Rifle Scope Residencial Building with the checkpoint, ground floor, side entry.
• 7. Night Hunter Stash #3: Battery Charge Controller : Same building, 2nd floor, room with a workbench, exit via the porch behind on the opposite side, kick the last door. Shoot the jelly jars.
• 8. Diary Page #3: Survivor's note : Also, same building, top floor on the window to the left BEFORE climbing down the pole to meet the captain.
• 9. Night Hunter Stash #4: Reflex Sights and Magazine mods : While hunting the sniper, first building. Use NVG to find the ink sign. Climb close to the elevator shaft, crawl to the secret room.
• 10. Diary Page #4: A note from Korzh : Same building, second floor
• 11. Melody 03 : Returning to the Captain. Check blue side-door to the left before entering the boat

• 1. Melody 04 : After the drinking night with the Cap, climb down looking for traps to set. Inked wall with a hole. Pillar in the piano room ahead.
• 2. Night Hunter Stash #5: Reinforced Helmet Head forward after the last item. Room with a skull on a wall. Kick wooden plank on the right
• 3. Melody #5 Safe house close in the left border of the central landmass of the map, close to the scouts on the tower
• 4. Ammo Pouch suit upgrade : It's not a Stash Climb the stairs in the building next to the previous safe house.
• 5. Night Hunter Stash #6: Upgraded NVG Goggles and Stallion weapon mods Down the hall from the locked door, find a crawlspace you can use to enter.
• 6. Melody #6 Car dealership, in the office. Access trough a green door behind the cars in the garage
• 7. Diary Page #5: Company Charter : Same building, if you have the two codes from the brothers, open a small room behind the office
• 8. Diary Page #6: Engineer’s Note : Bandit hideout, climb the ladder to enter, first room in the corner
• 9. Melody #7 Same floor, a bit further, after 2 Molotov traps, open door at your right to a room with a piano
• 10. Night Hunter Stash #7: Consumables Suit Upgrade and Stallion weapon parts : Same bandit facility, next building, second floor. Locked door with a 3 switches combination. 3-1-2 is the correct order.

• 1. Diary Page #7: A Note from the Boss : After getting the boat through the area with mandatory mask use. First stop, on the dock where you leave the boat.
• 2. Diary Page #8: Tail’s Diary : Head forward towards the checkpoint. Check a boat on the left with a Clinic sign. The diary is small compartment above its roof
• 3. Melody #8 Access bridge from the previous room. The music sheet is pinned on a unique toilet facility in the end of it.
• 4. Melody #9 After the clinic, head to the dock on the left side from the path to the fire station. The music sheet is pinned on the green car. Congratulations, you're officially a Music Lover
• 5. Diary Page #9: A Guard’s Journal : The journal is on the opposite side to the right inside the car with a workbench.
• 6. Night Hunter Stash #8: Extra-Bright Flashlight and more Stallion weapon mods : Refuel the generator to lift the crane and grant access to the stash. You'll probably unlock the Lord of War achievement here, if you followed this guide.
• 7. Extended Filter mask upgrade - it's no stash After the Protection Suit, climb the stairs and pick the upgrade on a table to the left. look ahead to a small office box for the next diary.
• 8. Diary Page #10: Boss’ Notice : On the desk inside the aforementioned office box
• 9. Diary Page #11: Seryi’s note : After dropping from the Fire-Station zipline. Ruined building ahead. Watch out for mines. This is the last of the last items in the WhoLe GaMe. Congratulations .

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Moscow’s urban planning: rebuilding a part of the city

Russia’s capital city is undertaking one of the largest urban renewals in history, the new yankee stadium: the last prayer in new york’s “cathedral of baseball”, panama canal: a global gateway that changed maritime trade, the bay bridge: ready for the next challenge, the last flight from pan am’s historic terminal 3, jpmorgan chase: a historic demolition.

It is one of the most  ambitious  residential  building   programmes  ever undertaken: Over  4,000 Soviet-era prefabricated buildings  from the  1950s  and  1960s  will be  demolished  and  rebuilt  in Moscow. It covers 30 million square meters and involves two million people, or  10%  of the  city’s   population . This “ renovation   programme ”, as it is called, was  approved  by the  Duma , Russia’s parliament, in June 2017. It will redesign entire sections of Moscow, which has been at the centre of a massive renewal for years.

The programme does not involve public housing, but rather  privately  owned  residences . Under the law, all it takes is the approval of  two   thirds  of the  inhabitants  to be in  favour  of  demolition  for the wrecking crews to move in. Even though the majority of them have accepted demolition, there have been  protests  by some against it.

The programme foresees the  demolition  and  reconstruction  of  90%  of the  buildings  in the areas identified for renewal.  Residents  who have approved demolition  have   been   given   90  days  to   leave  their respective apartments. They are to settle in  temporary   housing  until their new homes are built.

To win support for the programme, which has the enthusiastic support of Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, city officials  promise  the  new   apartments  will be of  better   quality ,  larger  and more  modern  and  comfortable .  

Although the timetable for the next steps to be taken after evacuation has not been officially decided, the first cases show how quickly it can all happen. Some of the first apartment blocks to be emptied in the northern area of Butirsky were demolished in a single day.  

Despite the protests by some  residents , most  defend  the  programme  in the  hopes  of obtaining  better   living   conditions . City officials support it, convinced that it will be the most effective way to modernise Moscow.

In an interview published on the city’s website, Marat Khusnullin, the deputy mayor in charge of urban planning, explained how the  programme  will not only bring better housing but also  enhance  u r ban  development .

“The concrete jungles, as Moscow’s bedroom communities were rightly dubbed, were erected over decades,” he said. “Now they must become a thing of the past.”

According to the city’s plans, the new residential buildings will not simply be replicas of what they replace. Instead, the entire neighbourhood where they are located will get a re-think. The number of parking spaces, for example, will double, while public spaces will be reinterpreted in a more modern way.

“For example, when they go into their courtyards, residents will find peace and comfort where there will be a minimum number of cars,” said Khusnullin. “We will provide pedestrian walkways from residential buildings to subway stations and bus stops.”

All of this is intertwined with an equally ambitious plan to  upgrade   Moscow’s  most  important   transport   arteries . The city has dubbed it “My Street” and, according to news reports from the likes of “The Moscow Times”, it will be completed by 2020. It calls for  repaving   180   streets , most of which are in the center. The  city  has already  spent  $ 1.6 billion  between 2015 and 2017, not including an additional  $1.6 billion  earmarked for the  remaining   years , according to the newspaper.  Once completed, the  city’s   livability  will be significantly  improved , bringing  Moscow  nearer to the  top   ranks  of the most  beautiful  and  modern   cities  in the  world . 

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