CHAPTER2 KOKO Road Frame

Chapter 2 KOKO: The Perfect Balance of Aero Performance and Comfort

For a long time, it was acceptable to make a super stiff, super uncomfortable aero bike and people would still buy it. Manufacturers now realize that their customers don’t want to make the choice between aero performance and long-distance comfort. And a bike like the Chapter 2 KOKO is a perfect example for why now you don’t have to face that decision when buying an aerodynamic racing bike.

If you have tried Chapter 2’s RERE, you’ll be wondering probably where they could have possibly improved that bike. The RERE was already very aero and pretty comfortable. Well, times and technologies have moved on a touch, and the designers at Chapter 2 have taken full advantage of the advancements. Starting on the ground floor, they revisited the monocoque carbon fiber layup to see where improvements could be made. They have used a Latex Mandrel for all sizes when laying-up the carbon because that allows even more pressure to be exerted on the front triangle when it is being pressed. It allows for extremely tight control over the wall thickness as well as forces out all excess resin to avoid both unwanted weight and voids in the carbon layup.

Keeping material and weight to a minimum is one improvement, but tube shapes have also been tweaked with the KOKO making liberal use of the Kammtail tube profile that enables the frame to offer a very aero face to the wind while shaving grams thanks to the cut off back of the aerodynamically shaped tubing. The tubing shape has the added advantage of adding stiffness to the parts of the frame that really benefit from it, like the connecting areas around the head tube and bottom bracket.

Speaking of the bottom bracket, the KOKO uses the super friendly T47BB standard, which is quietly gaining supporters thanks to its wide footprint which enhances rigidity and its serviceability. Similarly, the stiffness of the head tube and fork junction has been addressed and improved to ensure super crisp handling without compromising on weight. The shape of the head tube and the fork legs has also been developed specifically to provide a very aero leading edge. The totally integrated front end, thanks to the use of their Mana cockpit – which is not included but really is the best handlebar solution – the super sleek appearance matches the wind tunnel performance.

Revolutionary Comfort Solution in the KOKO

Where’s the added comfort, we hear you ask. Chapter 2 have actually been fairly revolutionary in their simple solution. They have devised a seat clamp design that can be adjusted to tweak the ride quality according to your personal needs. It’s kinda like a flip chip on mountain bike suspension designs: in one orientation you’ll experience a touch less seatpost deflection while in the opposite orientation you’ll enjoy a touch more bounce. So it gives you the choice to have a much more intimate relationship with the road chatter, or to have some of that vibration diminished before it reaches your backside.

Since the KOKO can fit up to 32mm tires, you could potentially be looking at the most comfortable aero bike on the market. And in any case, it certainly must be one of the best looking. Available in Gloss Black and Cobalt/Green, the Chapter 2 also comes in six sizes from XXS-XL. If you are a smaller rider, you will be pleased to see the addition of the XXS, which is new for this frame. And no matter at which side of the size spectrum you find yourself, you will be continually impressed with the Chapter 2 KOKO.

Also check Cinelli road bikes.