# Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 vs Santa Cruz Stigmata Apex: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 (Trek) and Santa Cruz Stigmata Apex (Santa Cruz) among gravel bikes. Santa Cruz Stigmata Apex is the cheaper of the two at $4149.

## Side by side

| Spec | Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 | Santa Cruz Stigmata Apex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $5700 | $4149 |
| Brand | Trek | Santa Cruz |
| Released | 2024 | 2026 |
| Frame material | 500 Series OCLV Carbon | Carbon CC |
| Groupset | SRAM Force AXS | SRAM Apex |
| Drivetrain speeds | 12 | 12 |
| Max tire clearance (mm) | 50 | 50 |
| Wheel size | 700c | 700c |
| Weight (lb) | 19.56 | — |
| Axle type | — | — |
| Gearing range | 40t x 10-44t | — |
| Accessory mounts count | — | 3 |

## Key differences

- Frame material: Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 500 Series OCLV Carbon vs Santa Cruz Stigmata Apex Carbon CC
- Groupset: Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 SRAM Force AXS vs Santa Cruz Stigmata Apex SRAM Apex

## Sources

- Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3: https://gearjunkie.com/biking/gravel/trek-checkpoint-sl-7-axs-gen-3-review (gearjunkie.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- Santa Cruz Stigmata Apex: https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/products/stigmata-apex-2026 (santacruzbicycles.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/gravel-bikes/trek-checkpoint-sl-7-axs-gen-3-vs-santa-cruz-stigmata-apex/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 ($5700) vs Santa Cruz Stigmata Apex ($4149) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/gravel-bikes/trek-checkpoint-sl-7-axs-gen-3-vs-santa-cruz-stigmata-apex/
License: CC BY 4.0.