REVIEWS

Russ Blake  Unofficial "Head Tester"  Monstr Healthcare Cycling Team

Full Carbon Fiber Road Frameset: CORSA TK9827MQ Quite possibly the best frameset I've ever ridden. I had previously been riding the TK9825MQ model frameset, which albeit a good frame, was not earth shattering. The moment our team received the new CORSA's, mouths began to water and I simply had to have one. Its striking white/carbon airbrush scheme turned heads, but what really made riders take notice was the seamless flow of the carbon tubes and for a racer, the large diameter head tube. Most frames don't address the need to have the front of the bike remaining as stiff as the rear, but the CORSA does. When I jump hard in an acceleration or a full on sprint, the bike doesn't sway, all of my energy both in the front and the rear of the machine goes to the pavement. I simply love this bike, I've now ridden three full carbon frames in my years of riding and the TK9827 blows the other two out of the water! Thank you Token for making a the nicest two wheeled machine I've ever had the pleasure to use. Carbon Fiber Matrix Stem: TK939AC Many carbon stems in today's market offer the lure of lightweight while promising to remain stiff. Most stems do not follow through with this promise, but the TK939AC stem does. It is not as light as some of the industry leaders, but unlike them, it maintains solid performance without costing more than my first bike. Its another item that is supposed be simple, to serve its function. This stem does just that, enough said. Carbon Fiber Seatpost: TK915 Lightweight, simple, comfortable, all things attributed to this seatpost. The large diameter makes sure that its stiff where it needs to be, while giving enough flex to keep the rider comfortable. I have some major back issues and together with the TK9827MQ frameset, this seatpost has kept me comfortable in some very long rides and races. The single key adjustment, at least for me is the best thing with a seatpost. Many seatposts are very complicated in the way that they adjust, but the 915, once you get your spot, you just lock it in there. Simple, yet it serves its proper purpose quite well. Carbon Fiber Crankset: TK907EX-Ti There are only a handful of top line carbon fibre external bearing style cranksets in the market today, led by such reputable names as Campagnolo and FSA, but if these cranks are anything to judge by, the name Token should be up there with them. The spindle is titanium, the bearings are smooth (can be upgraded to ceramic as well), and the crankset is just STIFF. The item has been, all but maintenance free during the time I've owned it and has done its job. Its stiff, spins smoothly, and just looks downright gorgeous. Another quality product from Token. Full Carbon Fiber Bottle Cage: TK949 Many carbon cages offer for appearance than function. The TK949 is an exception. Some of the other product models offered through Token are lighter, but none of them offer the combination of lightweight and proper function as well as the TK949 does. It holds the bottle tight when bouncing over dirt roads in fast paced racing situations, but its lack of weight only adds to the appeal of the Token TK9827MQ that I possess. The TK949 is a great cage for a good price, giving the proper balance of a what a lightweight, yet functional carbon bottle cage should be. Full Carbon Fiber Tubular Road Wheelset: T50 The T50's were my first all carbon race wheels and I've now used them for almost two years. The wheels are deep enough that they are aero, without being extremely heavy. Add to this, that the Token's are very economical when compared to other 50mm carbon wheels, especially the Shimano Dura Ace 50mm carbon wheels which are about the same weight as the Token's, spin the same, etc., yet cost double the price of the Tokens. The wheels roll fast, climb well, and accelerate efficiently, they are truly a great wheel, great "bang for the buck”. The new 2008 model promises ceramic bearings, lighter weight, etc., things that will make the T50 an even better wheelset, competitors beware! Full Carbon Fiber Tubular Road Wheelset: T85 The latest trend amongst carbon wheel builders have been to build taller and taller carbon rims, some reaching over 100mm . Token's version of these tall carbon wheels are the T85, coming in at 85mm . I must say that these wheels are FAST!, to use one word. The rims themselves are very unique, some of Token's competitors provide rims that have dimples which are said to improve aerodynamics, the Token rims have these unique arching scoops, which I believe are to improve aerodynamics as well. The ceramic bearings that came with my T85's help to make these wheels even faster. I look forward to using these wheels for time trials as well as even in some road events. Full Carbon Fiber Time Trial Frameset: GLORIA TK9201TT Prior to the GLORIA, I had possessed one time trial frame before this. That particular model had a 78 degree seat tube, which was just entirely too aggressive and made riding the time trial bike and then the road bike a very difficult transition. That made the GLORIA a very welcome addition to my bicycle collection, the seat tube is much closer to the road frames and has made riding it very easy to do. The frameset itself is very fast, aero, yet not entirely too heavy. Matched with the proper aero bars, the bike gets you in the right direction and lets you blast away. With the stiffness of the frame, once you accelerate to speed, you'll stay there on the GLORIA until your legs give out, the frame certainly won't! Carbon Fiber Aero Bars: TK973CTT These are quite possibly the most comfortable aero bars that I've ever used. In the limited time that I've ridden on these bars, I've found that the riser pads feel the best of any I've ever ridden. They curve around your arms, keeping you tucking into the most aero position. The s bend bars, curving perfectly to hold your hands and offer you multiple positions while still maintaining your aero tuck. The carbon bars are also very light, adjustable, just a perfect combination and balance of what one needs in a slick looking aero bar set up. Having the TK973CTT bars is just one less excuse a rider will have if he/she doesn't post a great time in their time trial/triathlon event.