The Thok TK02s, the enduro e-MTB launched last fall, is already getting a makeover. The TK02 is here, the enduro bike that makes value its strong point.
It's certainly a technical bike: just looking at it, even with a less experienced eye, is enough to understand what kind of machine you're dealing with. Downhill is its forte, but thanks to its well-balanced geometry and Bosch motor, it's also great uphill . And it's great on snow, too! This bike was in fact one of those under embargo and kept secret during our adventure in Cervinia a few weeks ago.
Enduro in the DNA
The first thing you notice in this The Thok TK02 features a differentiated wheel diameter, known as a mullet configuration. The front wheel features a classic 29" rim, while the rear features a 27,5" one.This makes the TK02 ready to tackle obstacles, but also quick on climbs and agile in tight spaces.
We must consider that we are talking about a bike of considerable size and, if there are tricks to make it a little slimmer, these must absolutely be exploited and enhanced.
The geometry was developed by Thok's research and development team, and in this case, the key word is balance. Not an easy thing to achieve when working with aluminum. Incidentally, the Piedmontese brand chose 6061 aluminum.
The cable routing is integrated, as is the battery: two essential elements for a high-end bike, which the TK02 aims to be. Not to mention that it's not just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional : fewer cables means cleaner exterior, better visibility, and less chance of getting tangled in obstacles like twigs or brambles.
The head angle is 64,5°, so quite slack, but absolutely normal for an enduro MTB, while the seat tube is quite “straight”. Here the angle is 77,5°, which greatly benefits pedalling and when going downhill you lower the dropper and throw yourself backwards on your butt.
170mm travel
The suspension setup is decidedly “made in Thok” . The shock absorber, the RockShox Deluxe Select (230x65 mm), is in a “horizontal” position, meaning it follows the frame’s top tube. It creates a direct line with the seat stays, thus meeting the criteria of the Thok Progressive System (TPS) , a very progressive yet responsive shock absorber, with the low pivot working just behind the engine.
In fact, the damping is completely independent of traction, which is an advantage when pushing hard. Clearly, good power delivery is needed, but that's another matter and in any case, it's not a problem with the Bosch motor.
Up front, we relied on the RockShox Domain Gold R fork: 170mm of travel and 38mm stanchions. A robust fork, therefore, ready for big impacts and heavy loads.
Engine and price
Finally, there's the engine part : the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 . This is the German manufacturer's top model and, in our opinion, ideal for the Thok TK02. A quality and appealing engine was needed.
The Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 is paired with an integrated 800 Wh battery, which guarantees a long range. It is also compatible with the smaller 600 Wh battery and the 250 Wh PowerMore extender. The motor management is handled by the Bosch Purion 200 controller, with a 1,6" color display.
The TK02 debuts in two new liveries: White Heat and Neon Pulse, a fluorescent yellow that immediately recalls the Thok DNA on the trails.
The TK02 is available in four sizes (S, M, L, and XL), covering heights from 157 centimeters up to 2 meters and over. And, thanks to the new build, the price starts at €5.490 . This build uses the Sram SX Eagle groupset (with 11-50 rear cassette), X-Fusion Manic LC dropper post, and Magura Louise Elite brakes. Established brands that make reliability and performance their strong points. It's worth noting that the crankset features 165 mm cranks and a 34-tooth chainring. And that the Maxxis tires, despite their two different diameters, have the same width: 2,6".
