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EB14: Token Introduces World’s Lightest Headset, New Carbon Wheels & Lots More!

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Token Featherweight worlds lightest full bearing bicycle headset

Token’s new Featherweight headsets claim to be the lightest headsets “with balls”, so we threw them on the scale to see. The “balls” reference refers to the sealed cartridge bearings used in lieu of bushings, which is what Cane Creek uses in their Aer headset.

Not only are they light, but they come with various options to fit both straight and tapered steerers and include their new ultralight top cap/star nut. Shown above are the 44mm headtube version in the foreground and a standard tapered set up in the back. The large sleeve in the middle is purely for display, keeping everything stacked nicely in the retail packaging.

All of the parts are machined from 7075 alloy and Token says they’ve tested it exhaustively with 45kg of back and forth tugging while weighted with 116kg of load for 110,000 cycles with zero failures. How light are they?

Token Featherweight worlds lightest full bearing bicycle headset

The model for the 44mm headtube comes in at just 66g, and the tapered model is 89g. That’s including the top cap and bolt. The tapered version comes with two crown races, one for tapered forks and one for straight forks that adapts them to a tapered headset.

Token-arsenal-lightweight-steerer-tube-starnut-and-compression-nut

If you’re not ready to swap the entire headset, you can get their new alloy Arsenal headset caps. They’re made from 6061 alloy, with the top caps being machined then sand blasted then polished. The standard star nut model weighs in at just 12g for everything, and the expansion plug version for use with carbon steerer tubes hits the scales at a claimed 31.5g.

Token-pressfit-bottom-bracket-adapters

New pressfit bottom bracket adapters convert your BB30/PF30 or BB386 setup to accommodate Shimano and SRAM GXP cranksets.

Token-triple-8-compact-lightweight-shimano-bottom-bracket

If your bike’s set up with a standard threaded BB, their new Triple 8 Compact bottom bracket has low profile cups and fits Shimano cranksets as is but includes a GXP adapter. Weight is 68g, rated for road and cyclocross only.

Token-Hero-C45-Carbon-clincher-aero-road-bike-wheels

Token introduced their trident-profile Hero aero wheels last year with an alloy brake track above its carbon fairing. Now, they’ve got a full carbon model that shaves 109g off the set to come in at a claimed 1,630g (747g front, 883g rear – without rim tape).

Token-Hero-C45-Carbon-clincher-aero-road-bike-wheels

The rim shape is 45mm deep and 25mm wide (18 internal) with hidden nipples. The shape flares to a rounded ridge before angling sharply inward to a point. Token says this pushes the air out a bit, sending it away from the spokes.

Token-Hero-C45-Carbon-clincher-aero-road-bike-wheels

They roll on their Hero hubset laced 20/24. Bearing options include their TBT (Tiramic Bearing Technology = titanium coated race with ceramic balls) or standard bearings.

Token-universal-cassette-freehub-body-shimano-sram-campagnolo

Their Duplex freehub body works for both Shimano/SRAM and Campagnolo simultaneously and comes with your choice of standard or TBT bearings.

Token-sealed-bearing-derailleur-pulley-wheels

The pulley wheels get new bearing covers that say Campy, SRAM or Shimano on them for that little detail to tie it all together. Choice of standard sealed cartridge bearings or TBT here, too.

Token-Vigilante-locking-thru-axle-skewer

Their Vigilante thru axle skewers are now available with the parts to fit any axle system. The standard model threads into Rockshox’s Maxle ends and includes a Shimano e-thru end cap. Or, swap the threaded bit via the small bolt on the end and use the smaller gray end cap and it works with Syntace systems.

Token-lightweight-tubeless-alloy-valve-stems01

Lastly, they’ve got new alloy tubeless valve stems with removable valve core and alloy caps.

TokenCycling.com

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19 Comments
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Nash
Nash
9 years ago

Just what I needed a really light headset, wonder if they can produce some lightweight brake blocks or some light weight stickers as well.

jason
jason
9 years ago

those alloy valve stems are SWEET!

Ole Blokhus
Ole Blokhus
9 years ago

Extralite headsets of the same sizes weigh 48g and 56g. How can Token be “world’s lightest” then?

http://www.extralite.com/Products/UltraTop-Bottom.htm

pmurf
pmurf
9 years ago

While I applaud Token’s development, their claims are a little inflated, if not inaccurate. I believe KCNC’s moderately-priced Radiant series bests Token size-for-size, 8g for the 44mm and a whopping 20g for the Tapered. And that’s not even including the Morion series, which beats Token across the board by a long shot (although they’re insanely expensive). Also, Loaded Precision’s XLite series matches the 66g weight of the 44mm, although conceding 10g to the Tapered model. All of these headsets are also “with balls.”

jooo
jooo
9 years ago

Looks like Token haven’t done a fact check. Extralite’s UltraTop + UltraBottom is lighter.

john be
john be
9 years ago

@jooo: Not sure what is scary-er, the fact that your comment is true or the fact that you would actually know that. WTF buys this crap ?

Al Boneta
Al Boneta
9 years ago

“How heavy is my headset?” Another thing that doesn’t keep me up at night. I am far more concerned with reliability.

andrea
9 years ago

lighter than Extralite ?

tom
tom
9 years ago

I’d be more thrilled with a 1.5″ lower bearing that doesn’t take a dump after 1 year of use w/ the occasional wet ride.

Kark
Kark
9 years ago

Tom. 2+yrs and counting on my cheap-and-cheerful Cane Creek 40 and still silky. And it sees lots of mud, shite weather and neglect.

Two more bonuses; 1) I have no idea how much it cost, so it couldn’t have been very much. 2) It has a proven track record and the weight gain over ultralight offerings is about the same as a pack of tic-tacs.

Antipodean_G
9 years ago

My own experience with Token stuff is that it’ll look great, be light and last about two months before it packs up. They me do light but it seems to be at the cost of anything resembling durability.

Antipodean_G
9 years ago

“They me d…”??? -> “They *might* do…” (sorry, it’s early here)

onespeed
onespeed
9 years ago

their products look kinda chintzy to me.

Bog
Bog
9 years ago

They sure had me fooled with their weight claim. Why? Because I don’t pay any attention to these unreliable weight weenie parts and will gladly throw a Chris King headset in for a bit more weight and years of trouble free service.

anonymous
anonymous
9 years ago

You mean a cane creek headset.

hellsheadbanger
hellsheadbanger
9 years ago

@Bog. It is amazing how you don’t pay any attention to weight weenie parts yet you know so much about how reliable they are.

John M.
John M.
9 years ago

Extralite >> Token ; I’ve used both and continually go back to Extralite for all of my lightweight needs. Extralite is somewhat expensive, but it works on every part I’ve ever bought from them.

Shaun (TOKEN Cycling)
9 years ago

Hi everyone,

This is Shaun from Token Cycling. Thanks for your comments and feedback. I shall pass this along to the product development team.

Our latest headset was “to the best of our knowledge” the lightest in the world (including balls) but it seems that we may have overlooked this one from Extralite.

If anyone here or anyone your know has any of our products and is experiencing any issues whatsoever, then please get in touch with me directly at shaun@tokenproducts.com or you can contact one of our local distributors in your region. More info at http://www.tokencycling.com

Big thanks to Tyler for coming to visit us!

Shaun

Shaun (TOKEN Cycling)
9 years ago

@ John M.

Would you be interested to try out the new headset we have built? I’d like to send you one free of charge. Use it, tell us what you think and we’d be happy to use your feedback on how to make it better.

Contact me at shaun@tokenproducts.com and I can get one sent out to you.

Cheers

Shaun

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