New 2026 Trek Full-Suspension Gravel Bike: What We Know
New 2026 Trek Full-Suspension Gravel Bike: What We Know
Trek appears to be field-testing a new full-suspension gravel bike. A prototype was observed being ridden by ultra-racer Justinas Leveika during this year's Trans Balkans Race.
This unreleased bike features a gravel-specific suspension fork and a linkage-driven rear shock. The frame also seems to accommodate larger tire clearances, aligning with current trends in the gravel sector.
Model Analysis
Trek's current gravel bike lineup includes the Checkmate and Checkpoint models. The Checkmate, designed for gravel racing, draws inspiration from the Madone and offers tire clearance up to 45mm. The Checkpoint SL is geared towards adventure riding, featuring integrated downtube storage and tire compatibility up to 50mm.
Given that both the Checkmate and the latest Checkpoint were introduced in August 2024, it's unlikely the spotted bike is a mere update. Instead, it's hypothesized to be a new model engineered for more demanding terrain, where a full-suspension gravel bike could offer advantages over a traditional mountain bike.
Tire and Suspension Specifications
The bicycle in question is equipped with a RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork, available with either 30mm or 40mm travel options. This fork is a current production model and is compatible with 700c x 50mm gravel tires.
It runs Continental RaceKing tires, which are offered in 29x2.0 (50mm) or 29x2.2 inch (56mm) sizes. While the exact width used by Leveika isn't confirmed, his use of Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels with a 25mm internal rim width suggests that even the 50mm tire might inflate slightly wider than its stated measurement. It's presumed the rear triangle of the frame has increased clearance, potentially accommodating tires of 57mm or wider, consistent with recent releases from other manufacturers.
The rear shock is a short-travel RockShox SIDLuxe, positioned under the top tube near the seat tube junction. It's actuated by a linkage connected to a one-piece rear triangle featuring flex stays. Flex stays, which rely on the controlled flex of the chainstays or seatstays to allow suspension movement, are a common characteristic in modern lightweight full-suspension cross-country bikes.
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