Raleigh Tokul 2 Review | Killer Hardtail Bike at Affordable Budget
Finding the perfect bicycle as a riding enthusiast is certainly one of the most challenging tasks. Especially now that there is a myriad of bicycle models in the market present, going through the individual features before settling on one can be baffling. It goes without saying that Raleigh bikes take a huge proportion of the common bicycle models presently. Well, the company is yet out with another model, the Raleigh Tokul 2 hardtail bike.
Click on the image to check the bike out on Amazon
Overview of Raleigh Bikes Tokul 2 Mountain Bike 2018
| Frame Size | 15″ – SM / 17″ – MD / 19″ – LG / 21″ – XL / |
| Frame Material | Aluminium frame |
| Bike Type | Hardtail |
| Speed | 1×9-speed drivetrain |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brake |
| Wheel Size | 27.5 inch in size |
| Rating | 8.6/10 |
| Brand | Raleigh |
| Pros | Trail geometry, 120mm suspension fork, Shimano drivetrain, |
| Cons | Need to replace the pedals |
| Summary | Best entry level hardtail for technical trail riding |
| Where to Buy | Check On Amazon |
| ALTERNATIVE BIKES | DB Overdrive Sport Hardtail / Diamondback Hook Hardtail / DB Overdrive ST |
Who is it designed for?
- Thsi is one of the best bicycle for technical trail riding. It is good for entry level but can do more than that.
- Anybody seeking to cruise the rough and rocky terrain with stability and ease will find this bike useful.
- Both male and female bikers will find it efficient, as the saddle and handles can accommodate them all.
- It comes in four sizes, with the small (15”) and medium (17”) sizes suiting people of heights 5’3”-5’6” and 5’6”-5’9” respectively.
- The large (19”) size model is best for 5’9”-6’ height cyclers whereas those of height 6’-6’4” will find the extra-large (21”) comfortable.
What Raleigh Tokul 2 Bike offers to the Riders
Powerful Hydraulic Brakes
For any bicycle, a powerful braking system shouldn’t be something to negotiate about. Especially for trail bikes where emergency braking is anticipated, ensure that you always go for a bike with a powerful braking system. This is perhaps why most, if not all Raleigh models are fitted with hydraulic disc brakes.
As mentioned before, the bike is fitted with Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes, which provide unbeatable braking power in all weather conditions. The Tektro Auriga 2-finger brakes levers for enhanced braking power complement the brakes. For ease of use, the brakes are perfectly situated on the handlebars giving you a secure grip from your saddle. With such positioning, you can always reach the brakes in all emergencies.
Effective Drivetrain
A bicycle’s drivetrain is among the primary componentry that determines the quality of your riding experience. This is why a bicycle’s drivetrain should be among the key features to consider when searching for one. That said, the Raleigh Tokul’s drivetrain comprises of a Shimano Alivio 1×9 model, which complements its aggressive geometry.
Just to mention, a bicycle’s drivetrain comprises of the shifters, chain, gear system and front and rear derailleurs. Having said this, the bike features Shimano shifters, which make it easy to shift from one gear to another. The bike’s chain and overall system also won’t let you down.
Wide Tires and Rims
Bicycle models meant for rough and tough trails must have a complementing wheel set. This includes the tires, rims and spokes. For a bicycle of such model, the wheel set should be not only wide but also strong to handle any abuse. This is perhaps why this model features 27.5” Weinmann U28 rims.
With such diameter wide rims, conquering the rough terrains, high roots, rocky or muddy terrains will be quite easy. Moreover, the alloy components used in constructing the rims are lightweight, thus improving convenience. On the other hand, they feature the 27.2 x 2.2” Kenda Honey Badger tires for great traction and ride stability.
Superior Shock Absorption
The suspension fork of the bike is just as awesome as to allow you smooth out a lot of bumps right away. Smoothening out the rough sections of the road requires a combination of various componentry, more than just the shocks. Breaks and wheel set are also involved.
To begin with the suspension system, it features the SR Suntour XCM fork with 120mm of travel to smoother out the bumps. As already mentioned the disc brakes on this bike are just great. You’ll get through any weather condition if you harness the power of these string hydraulic brakes in the right way.
The bike’s drivetrain is also an important aspect as it allows the bike to take you through the ups, around and downs smoothly. The large wheels and wide tires are the other vital addition. As large as 27.5” and 2.2” tires easily roll over roots and rocks for an additionally smoother ride through the rough trails.
You can check more reviews on other models of Raleigh Tokul series that we’ve reviewed recently. This bikes are also great performer on hilly terrain. So if you would like to get a bike from popular Tokul series then you can see this bikes reviews below.
Aluminum Frame
Most bikers prefer aluminium frame primarily because of its strength and lightweight nature. The Raleigh Bikes Tokul 2 isn’t an exception. It features the AL-6061 SL custom-butted aluminium frame. Just to mention, unlike other frames, aluminium frames such the model used in this bike are not prone to rust, thus lowering the overall maintenance cost for the cyclist.
The strong frame keeps the rider in an upright position, protecting both the neck and back from possible injuries. Note that a bike’s geometry hugely depends on the frame. With a properly built frame comes a good geometry. Riding in such an upright position is also beneficial as it provides a perfect vantage to see forthcoming obstacles.
Different Sizes
Riding a bicycle of an incompatible size isn’t exactly the experience to anticipate when searching for a bicycle. You ought to ascertain the bicycle you purchase perfectly fits your body height and other body parameters. Otherwise, you may end up struggling to ride or find yourself too heavy for the bicycle.
This is why Raleigh came up with different size variations. Depending on your budget and options, you can choose from the small size, medium, large or extra-large bicycle models. Always put your height and other considerations before selecting your size.
Building Information
As mentioned, the bikes arrive partially assembled. Say, 85% assembled. This makes your work easy since you will not have to start from scratch putting it together. It will take a pro 30 minutes to fix it. A beginner can try for at most two hours.
There is also a guidebook on how to fix it. You will use it so that you can do it correctly. Do not worry too much if you cannot do it. The structure is simplified enough to be put together by your capable bike shop around.
Pros & Cons of the Raleigh Tokul Bike
Pros
- SR Suntour XCM 120mm travel provide comfy ride
- Hydraulic disc brakes by Tektro that are so powerful
- Shimano Atlus shifter to change 9-speed gear smoothly
- Comes 85% assembled this makes easy assemble the rest.
- 27.5” Kenda Honey Badger tires that withstand rough trails
- weinmann U28 wide rims to ride fearlessly on rough terrain
- Its aggressive trail geometry enables you to go uphill comfortably
- It is a reliable bike made of aluminum frames, rendering it durable
Cons
- The pedals are flat.
Raleigh Bikes Tokul 2 Specs at a glance
- Frame: Custom butted aluminum frame
- Suspension Fork: 120mm SR Suntour XCM travel fork with lockout
- Number of Speed: 1×9 speed drivetrain for faster ride
- Shifter: Shimano Atlus shifter to change gear smoothly
- Drivetrain: Shimano 9 speed Alivio shadow drivetrain
- Brakes & Rotors: Hydraulic disc brake by Tektro with 160mm rotors
- Brake Levers: Tektro Auriga hydraulic brake levers
- Chain: KMC chain to cover 9 speed
- Crankset: Aluminum crankset
- Wheels: 27.5″ Alloy wheels
- Tires: 2.25″ Schwalbe Kenda Honey badger Tires
- Rims: Tubeless compatible Weinmann U28, 27.5″ rims
- Saddle: Mountain Saddle by Raleigh
- Seatpost: 30.9 mm adjustable Seatpost
- Bike weight: 29.7 pounds
- Extras: Toolkit, Mud Guard, Manual & Guide
- Note: Specifications Subject to Change
FAQs and Answers
| Question: Does it have brake fluid? |
| Answer: It does. The pre-assembled bike has hydraulic brake fluid already put, to ensure optimal stopping power. |
| Question: What are the available sizes? |
| Answer: The bike comes in for sizes: small (15”), medium (17”), large (19”) and extra-large (21”) sizes. |
| Question: How long is the assembling process? |
| Answer: Since it is delivered 85% assembled, an expert will take half an hour to complete the rest of it. As for a rookie, two hours will be enough. |
| Question: What is the bike weight? |
| Answer: This bike weight approx 30 pounds. |
| Question: Are the bicycles delivered with its pedals? |
| Answer: Yes, it is. They are flat pedals mostly for test rides. You would love it better if you installed your customized ones, suiting your preference. |
Final verdict
If you are seeking to jaunt on a rough road, wet or dry, you have the best bike in mind. This hardtail bike by Raleigh is one of the best bikes under 1000 bucks for all rough and rough riding ideas. The bike is lightweight, sturdy and easy to control.
The tires are wide enough for steadiness. Its geometry is suitable for rocky paths. Don’t forget the powerful Tektro hydraulic brakes with supporting brake levers for effective all-weather stopping power. The bike brings out the best of a mountain bike. It has all you need to conquer rough and tough hilly as well as steep terrains. The size variation makes it easy to find your perfect fit.
Choosing the wrong cycle will discourage you from using it often, as you will not be relaxed. So went through this Raleigh Tokul 2 review you might be understand that how perfect this bicycle for the mountain biking trip.
Last updated : 04.07.2018
Raleigh Bikes Tokul 2 Mountain Bike
$$$
8.6
About the Author Timothy E. Wilson
Hi I'm Tim I proud to be a bike adviser and bike rider at BikesGuider. I'm most helpful for new bike rider who want to join bike community. I take it personally when someone want to buy a new bike with my consult and experience. That's why I'm here to help new rider widely.
