Hello, I’m new to cycling but looking to upgrade from ‘20 FX3 to either Domane or Checkpoint. I was looking at the Domane and thinking I would get a gravel wheel set but the Domane max tire size is 38c without fenders. Given this I’m looking at maybe Checkpoint would be better and get a wheelset for road.
The drive sets between the Domane SL5 and Checkpoint SL5 are different but as a novice I don’t actually understand what those differences mean.
On my FX3 I never shift my front gear – it is always in “2”. While I aim to do more road cycling and endurance riding my long rides tend to consist of a lot of forest preserve crushed limestone trails. My 32c tires on my FX3 handle them fine but I’m certainly no speed demon yet. Additionally they don’t handle too well out there after heavy rain makes the limestone paths loose. I live in Northern IL so while I have some hills the grade is certainly more flat.
My hope is to find one bike that can have two different wheel sets to cover all of my riding.
I know Checkpoint vs Domane is a personal preference but could someone please explain the drive train differences so I can better understand what’s best for me?
TIA
by nuwildcatfan34
2 Comments
I’m largely new to cycling as well but I think the GRX is pretty similar to the Shimano 105 but it features a clutch for off road riding to prevent chain drops.. I have a gravel bike with the same group set and I’ve ridden plenty times with road. So I may be biased towards the checkpoint just for the versatility.
105 is a road groupset while GRX is gravel. The main differences is GRX has a clutch for chain slap and then also smaller front chainrings to account for what is needed during gravel being slower speeds and maybe the bike being heavier with gear. I think the 105 and GRX 600 series are considered the same “tier.” I’d say ride both bikes are they are a little different with the checkpoint having the flared bars and the longer reach (it’s semi offset by a shorter stem).