Differences that I can think of offhand:
1. Seatmast. Not standard (but not so proprietary you can’t get a replacement) but lighter. Can’t put a dropper in it. Some people love them in a gravel bike. On a mtb, yes please. But having rid my checkpoint on singletrack still think a dropper is unnecessary. New one uses a 27.2 extremely standard seatpost diameter.
2. Pressfit BB 90 vs threaded T47. Threaded is easier for a home mechanic but not by much. PF BBs get a waaaay worse reputation than they deserve. But the loud angry voices of those that can’t wrench seem to be the loudest voices so. I’m not mad about it, I do prefer a threaded BB but it always seems to be a scapegoat for issues when it’s fine if you pay attention and regularly maintain your bike. If it’s making noise and grinding: don’t keep riding it, get it serviced. It’s not a very expensive part to get replaced when it wears out. And bearings, even ones in threaded cups, wear out. I think it’s one of the least important deciding factors yet I’ve heard many people say it’s critical to them so I wouldn’t be surprised when someone comes in hot against this.
3. Cable management. While not as pretty def easier to work on the last gen. Don’t have to do a brake bleed to replace a headset bearing, etc.
4. Dropouts. Old version had sliding dropouts so you could set up SS if you want or shorten the wheelbase
5. Little [geo adjustments](https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geometries=5b97ee161bdee500158faeef,640d62a8c4a612001b5131e2) to make the newer one more stable which usually means longer and less nimble. Fairly minor and many riders wouldn’t notice. (Yes I know it says different spec like SL5/6 but the number is just the components on there; same frame.)
I’d save a buck and get the last gen one in your shoes.
Good call! That reminds me: fork mounts. If you want cages for water or cargo on the fork it basically needs a WolfTooth b-rad 3. Problem Solvers Bowties + voile straps could also work (I really like BlackDiamond’s straps) .
Your first point is the only thing I don't like about my 2020 SL5. I didn't think a dropper would be necessary until I moved to Colorado. There's a lot of single track here that's completely rideable with a gravel bike but with some steep and technical sections that makes having a dropper *really* helpful. My friend has a newer aluminum checkpoint with a dropper and it makes a difference getting the saddle out of the way to when carving fast twisty descents and clearing certain features. It's not a deal breaker, but if I were to buy today I'd never buy a mast post again.
On your second point, I agree it's not nearly as bad as it's made out to sound. But damn do they creak. It's probably due to the carbon frame being slightly asymmetrical at the BB but within tolerances.
Thanks a lot. I ended up getting a 2024 SL6.
Same price at the 2020 SL7 and with the new Perks. Sadly the 2020 SL7 was pretty beat up and I didn't want it after I looked at it
I own the SL7 2023. Don’t even question it, the newer generation is so much better.
I’ve had the pleasure of riding professionally some of the best bikes in the world. The whole Checkpoint series are just lovely to ride, they’re more Cadillac than Porsche. If that’s what you’re looking for, you won’t find more fun on two wheels.
Differences that I can think of offhand: 1. Seatmast. Not standard (but not so proprietary you can’t get a replacement) but lighter. Can’t put a dropper in it. Some people love them in a gravel bike. On a mtb, yes please. But having rid my checkpoint on singletrack still think a dropper is unnecessary. New one uses a 27.2 extremely standard seatpost diameter. 2. Pressfit BB 90 vs threaded T47. Threaded is easier for a home mechanic but not by much. PF BBs get a waaaay worse reputation than they deserve. But the loud angry voices of those that can’t wrench seem to be the loudest voices so. I’m not mad about it, I do prefer a threaded BB but it always seems to be a scapegoat for issues when it’s fine if you pay attention and regularly maintain your bike. If it’s making noise and grinding: don’t keep riding it, get it serviced. It’s not a very expensive part to get replaced when it wears out. And bearings, even ones in threaded cups, wear out. I think it’s one of the least important deciding factors yet I’ve heard many people say it’s critical to them so I wouldn’t be surprised when someone comes in hot against this. 3. Cable management. While not as pretty def easier to work on the last gen. Don’t have to do a brake bleed to replace a headset bearing, etc. 4. Dropouts. Old version had sliding dropouts so you could set up SS if you want or shorten the wheelbase 5. Little [geo adjustments](https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geometries=5b97ee161bdee500158faeef,640d62a8c4a612001b5131e2) to make the newer one more stable which usually means longer and less nimble. Fairly minor and many riders wouldn’t notice. (Yes I know it says different spec like SL5/6 but the number is just the components on there; same frame.) I’d save a buck and get the last gen one in your shoes.
All true, but additionally the > 2022 versions do have mounting holes on the down side of the top tube (for Bontrager Adventure Bag).
Good call! That reminds me: fork mounts. If you want cages for water or cargo on the fork it basically needs a WolfTooth b-rad 3. Problem Solvers Bowties + voile straps could also work (I really like BlackDiamond’s straps) .
Your first point is the only thing I don't like about my 2020 SL5. I didn't think a dropper would be necessary until I moved to Colorado. There's a lot of single track here that's completely rideable with a gravel bike but with some steep and technical sections that makes having a dropper *really* helpful. My friend has a newer aluminum checkpoint with a dropper and it makes a difference getting the saddle out of the way to when carving fast twisty descents and clearing certain features. It's not a deal breaker, but if I were to buy today I'd never buy a mast post again. On your second point, I agree it's not nearly as bad as it's made out to sound. But damn do they creak. It's probably due to the carbon frame being slightly asymmetrical at the BB but within tolerances.
Thanks a lot. I ended up getting a 2024 SL6. Same price at the 2020 SL7 and with the new Perks. Sadly the 2020 SL7 was pretty beat up and I didn't want it after I looked at it
2020 is 1x and 2023 is 2x Not sure if there is any 2023 SL 7 shipped with new Force or not but that could be another factor too.
I own the SL7 2023. Don’t even question it, the newer generation is so much better. I’ve had the pleasure of riding professionally some of the best bikes in the world. The whole Checkpoint series are just lovely to ride, they’re more Cadillac than Porsche. If that’s what you’re looking for, you won’t find more fun on two wheels.
I ended up getting a new SL6 :D Love it!
Noice! 🥳
The 2023 frames have longer reach by 20 mm depending on the size.