Trek’s New Checkpoint+ E-Gravel Bike, First Look at Rivian’s ALSO E-Bike, and Safer RLS Helmet Tech | TWR Ep 50

The latest electric gravel bike from Trek comes in three spec tiers: the Checkpoint+ SL 5, the SL 6 AXS, and the SL 7 AXS. All three versions of the bike feature ultra-light carbon frames, the TQ HPR60 mid-drive (recently upgraded to 350W peak and 60 Nm of torque), and internal 360 watt-hour (Wh) batteries with an estimated 50 miles of range.

The bikes also come equipped with Bontrager Girona Pro 700x42c tires but have the capacity for tires up to 50mm wide. Weights vary by size and spec tier, but tubeless versions of the ML size span 30.34 lbs (13.76 kg) to 30.98 lbs (14.05 kg)

According to Trek’s website, the Checkpoint+ SL 5 features a 12-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain, alloy wheels, and a carbon fork. This version of the bike is capable of Class 3 speeds up to 28 mph and is priced right around $6,000.

The SL 6 AXS model, which is priced at $6,600, is equipped with a 12-speed SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS drivetrain. It has alloy wheels, a carbon fork, and, like the SL 5, is capable of Class 3 speeds.

The top-tier Checkpoint+ SL 7 AXS comes with a 13-speed SRAM Force AXS drivetrain, carbon wheels, and a RockShox Rudy XPLR fork w/ 40mm travel. This version of the bike is limited to 20 mph and bears a price tag of $8,000.

Our Take: All three models of the Checkpoint+ (we’ve taken to referring to it internally as the Trekpoint) are impressively lightweight, well-equipped, and visually appealing. The TQ motor, which we’ve tested previously, should be a highlight both because of its quiet nature and smooth power delivery, but also due to its recent upgrade in peak power and torque.

The SL 7 AXS model, in particular, grabbed our attention with its stunning Chameleon Green paint job. This version of the bike also reflects the gravel community’s growing acceptance of suspension via the RockShox fork.

We say this often, but we hope to get our hands on the Checkpoint in the near future!

The Rivian offshoot ALSO, which was announced in March of this year, has been developing an e-bike set to release before 2026. The company recently published a video teasing its upcoming product, though the bike was blurred out throughout the production—at least, it appeared so.

Micah Toll, from Electrek, scrubbed through the video and found a few frames that hadn’t been blurred. The images appear to show a utility-style step-thru e-bike with small wheels, a possible rear hub motor, and an inverted suspension fork. We can clearly see that the bike also has a head-tube-integrated headlight and a child-passenger-capable cargo rack.

An interesting rectangular block makes up the middle of the frame above the bottom bracket, which likely houses the battery. It is possible that the bike’s rear wheel is attached via a swingarm connected to a rear suspension; these elements would also likely be housed internally within the frame.

Our Take: Considering Rivian’s position as a manufacturer of luxury EVs, Micah rightly pointed out that much of the bike looks custom and potentially high end. This may mean its price could be out of the affordable range for most consumers. For now, details are sparse, but we will have more information to share following ALSO’s formal announcement on October 22nd.

Regardless, we’ve been hoping to see a well-crafted e-bike from an EV manufacturer, and we have hope that ALSO can pull it off. With any luck, we’ll have the opportunity to personally evaluate the bike and, once details are released, determine if its price and specs are fairly matched.

Helmets with the new Release Layer System (RLS) technology have earned the current highest ratings from the authoritative Virginia Tech testing lab. In contrast with MIPS technology, which uses a low-friction internal layer that can shift 10-15mm to reduce rotational motion, the RLS system employs a system of external plates that break free and roll away on impact.

RLS consists of three layers: the helmet shell, an intermediate layer of polycarbonate bearings attached to the shell, and an external layer of patented release panels fastened to the bearings.
If enough impact force is applied in an impact, the adhesive between layers allows the release panels to roll on the bearings, taking away rotational force as they move and separate.

Rotational force is a cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, resulting from crashes. With the new RLS release panels on the outside of a helmet, the system can react milliseconds faster than the internal MIPS system, allowing it to more effectively reduce the risk of TBIs.

According to the RLS website, Folksam Insurance tested 68 different helmets between 2019 and 2023. In the study, “RLS was shown to reduce the relative risk of concussion by 76% compared to conventional helmets tested in this set. RLS was also shown to reduce the relative risk of concussion by 63% when compared to helmets equipped with Mips in this data set.”

Two new helmets are set to use the new RLS technology. The Canyon Deflectr RLS, which received a score of 6.82 from Virginia Tech, is a mountain bike half-shell with a retail price of $160. Its release date is unclear, but should be later this year.

The Miden RLS from HEXR (co-founded by Jamie Cook, who also founded RLS), is a commuter-style helmet set to release in October. It earned a 6.93 rating from Virginia Tech, and its price will be $150.

HEXR’s website also lists a seemingly as-yet-untested aero road helmet called the Sifer. This helmet is anticipated to be released next spring with a price of $250.

Our Take: It wasn’t long ago that the Fox Speedframe RS, which uses MIPS technology, took Virginia Tech’s top spot with a score of 7.23. Considering that the Speedframe and other top-scoring helmets come with price tags in the range of $250-300 and above, we’re excited to see newer, even safer RLS helmets priced more affordably.

With such high ratings—and more companies partnering with RLS to be announced—we expect the technology to become the new standard for safety. Whether MIPS helmets are phased out entirely or simply become more affordable remains to be seen.

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• Is a fat tire electric tricycle suitable for riding on paved/cobbled streets? What model would we recommend for a 75-year-old female rider who is 5’1”?
• Why does the Scott Silence eRIDE EVO Speed weigh 62 lbs? What similar but lighter e-bikes are comparable?
• What gear do we typically use when conducting our Hill Test?
• What small, powerful, full-suspension e-bikes would we recommend for a rider who prioritizes range?
• Do the high-step and step-thru models of the Lectric XP4 feel different when riding?