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EB17: Token builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Zenith takes to the road, Roubx to the gravel

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This year at Eurobike, Token was very excited about their new rims. Lumped into the Zenith family, Token claims that they were able to create a stronger rim by limiting the number of carbon plies in the layup. It’s not that they’re using any less carbon, it’s that they’re using fewer pieces thanks to a new method of manufacturing they developed which uses a single piece of carbon from bead to bead to create the aero profile of the rim (think one horseshoe shaped piece of carbon, rather than multiple rectangles overlapped). By doing this, the brand claims that there are fewer points of overlap compared to traditional layups which form the weak point of the system.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

In development for more than 3 years, the brand is finally ready to bring what they call Conti-Fiber to market with three different rim profiles.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

The deepest option, the Konax Tri, is a 76mm deep rim with a 20mm wide internal (27.4mm external). Like all of the Zenith rims, the Konax Tri is tubeless ready using a 3M rim tape that carries a 150psi rating.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

The wheels also feature their Z1 hubset which has been designed with wider flanges and bearing spacing for a better performing wheel. The hubs feature tool free end caps on the disc brake compatible version so you can run multiple thru axle or QR options.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

Available in rim brake only, the Konax Tri will sell for $1,699 a set.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, moreEB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, moreEB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

Dropping down to the Konax Pro, this rim measures 52mm deep with the same 20/27.4mm width and OAD (Optimized Aerodynamic Design) profile. The last wheel in the series is the Ventous with a 36mm deep profile, and 20/27.4mm width. Both of these wheels are available in rim brake versions with the high end Z1 hubs with Token TFT Hybrid Ceramic bearings for $1499 (Ventous) and $1599 (Konax Pro), but they’re also available in a disc brake version without the TFT bearings.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

The disc brake versions will come with a more common straight pull, Centerlock disc hub that fits 12mm thru axles but includes a QR adapter. Since the hubs are less expensive, the wheels drop a bit in price to $1299 for the Ventous, and $1399 for the Konax Pro.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

A new wheel that’s not a part of the Zenith line but still features Conti-Fiber construction, the Roubx takes aim at the growing gravel market. Pretty wild in its design, the two photos above are actually of the same wheel, just different sides.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

If the green is a bit much, there’s also a more subdued grey option.

EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, moreEB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more EB17: Token Zenith builds a better wheel with fewer pieces, Roubx tames the gravel, more

Running a 33mm deep, 25.3 internal/31.2mm external hookless carbon rim, the Roubx also includes an asymmetric spoke bed and is tubeless ready. Offered in a number of hub configurations with their D1 hubs, the wheels ship with tubeless tape and valves for $1299.

Finally, Token had this little Push’n-Turn carbon steerer expander which is quite light at just 19g. Yes, there are others that are lighter, but at just $25, the Token model will be hard to beat in terms of price. Safe for any steerer from 22-25mm, aluminum, steel, or carbon.

tokenproducts.com

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Frank
Frank
6 years ago

They named their gravel wheels “Roubx”, huh? Have they been sued by Speclized yet?

Flatbiller
Flatbiller
6 years ago
Reply to  Frank

You win the FIRST WITH THE TIRED ANC CLICHÉD SPECIALIZED LAWSUIT JOKE IN A FORUM Contest!

Greg
Greg
6 years ago
Reply to  Flatbiller

Say what you will, but with a name like that, it’s like Token are asking for it.

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
6 years ago
Reply to  Greg

They have nothing to worry about. They’ll benefit from publicity if Specialized is dumb enough to do this again.

tyler
6 years ago
Reply to  Flatbiller

specialized jokes never get old dwight schrute

Bern
6 years ago

Roubx
Cubed

VeloKitty
VeloKitty
6 years ago

Those are very nice looking rims.

satanas
satanas
6 years ago

I wonder what the max psi is for those Roubx wheels? Most hookless rims are only about 40psi…

The Stache
6 years ago
Reply to  satanas

The max psi for Roubx is 80psi for 700x30c tyre which is the smallest size recommended for the wheel. For wider tyres, it should be OK as long as the psi doesn’t go beyond the tyre manufacturer’s max inflation pressure.

Jeff Servaas
Jeff Servaas
6 years ago

The ROUBX look like a great road disc option for 28mm tyres, the 31mm width should provide a nice aero transition from tyre to wheel. I’ve been waiting for someone to release a more affordable option to the ENVE 4.5 AR’s.

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