2014 Argon 18 Gallium Pro (Frameset)

2014 Argon 18 Gallium Pro

Why not? Two words and a few rough sketches on a scrap of paper. From there into an idea, a mandate given the R&D engineers and designers at Argon 18: step outside the box, re-think the bike, overcome previous limitations, defy convention and take everything a few steps forward. Why not indeed? Make it lighter, more efficient, more comfortable, with better handling. Turn it into the ultimate flagship, a proud symbol for a company that has always been allergic to inertia, to resting on its laurels, to the status quo. A spontaneous vision became a challenge, then a project and now we have the 2014 Gallium Pro. Those few steps forward have been taken and then some: with a 15% increase in head tube stiffness thanks to the exceptional strength-weight ratio afforded by the new 7050 HM carbon laminate, response is even more immediate and handling is razor-sharp on any terrain.

The new Gallium Pro also sets a precedent for its exceptional positioning versatility. With proven, intelligently conceived AFS geometry in its six frame sizes, the new bike furthers this versatility with the new ASP-6500 two-way seat post, offering an extremely wide range of adjustment. Customization is taken another step with the 3D Headtube, expanding the possibilities for pinpoint-perfect handlebar positioning, all without losing any of the frame and fork's desirable performance characteristics. When all of these positive attributes are taken this far, that spells “race winner”... or Gallium Pro.

AFS Road Geometry

AFS road geometry ensures that in every frame size, the dimensions remain proportional and well balanced, offering riders of various physical types equal ease in finding the optimal position. Furthermore, handling and stability are enhanced by proper weight distribution and frame/fork geometry, ensuring the optimal balance between quick, nimble steering and the necessary stability in fast descents and on rough roads. Regardless of size, the Gallium Pro performs consistently, offering:

- An efficient, comfortable position

- Agile, sure-footed handling, in all frame sizes.

- Add a bottom bracket set 75 mm below the wheel axles. This lower bottom bracket lowers the cyclist's center of gravity and reduces head tube length, thereby improving rider control while increasing the frame's lateral rigidity. The end result is more accurate trajectories in turns, and more stability at speed.

HDS: Horizontal Dual System

The new Gallium Pro frame design was guided by our HDS principle, with structural properties that vary according to the stresses the frame undergoes. The tubes that make up a frame all have a different role to play in the bike’s performance. The required rigidity must be correctly apportioned in the most highly stressed parts, primarily along the lower areas, while a measure of absorbency is needed in the upper region to ensure comfort, while reducing weight throughout.

Power Zone:

- We’ve maximized stiffness with massive, asymmetrical chainstays as well as an oversized bottom bracket shell and head tube.

Comfort Zone:

- The frame’s upper areas feature smaller, thinner tubes that absorb and dissipate vibration from the road.

Whether training or racing, HDS construction lessens fatigue thanks to the enhanced comfort while the lateral rigidity maintains maximum efficiency, transferring every last watt down to the ground.

7050 HM Carbon Composite

Formulated to maximize the benefits of HDS, 7050 Nano-Tech Carbon composite excels in terms of its strength-to-weight ratio, making for a stiff but light frame. 7050 HM and HDS combine for a perfect blend of rigidity and comfort, sparing the athlete excessive fatigue on less-than-ideal roads.

7050 HM is a very-high-performance carbon composite, capable of amazing stiffness in very light structures, perfect for the spare-no-expense approach we've taken with the Gallium Pro. While the efficiency and stellar ride are partly down to the geometry and tube shapes, the light weight of the Gallium Pro is largely the result of this carbon recipe.

Integrated Design

Argon 18 has designed the Gallium Pro to function as an integrated whole, molded in the company's proprietary molds. The new mold gives the monocoque frame superior rigidity overall, with massive asymmetrical chainstays, a very large bottom bracket and a beefy head tube.

Apart from the frame, the Gallium Pro includes:

BB86 Bottom Bracket

The Gallium Pro features a BB86-type bottom bracket shell. This non-threaded type of bottom bracket uses cartridge bearings press-fitted directly into the BB shell, eliminating traditional threaded and external-type BB cups. This improves bottom bracket stiffness and reduces needless weight.

Di2/EPS compatible

The Gallium Pro is compatible with Di2 or mechanical components; assembly with these groups requires no additional parts.

UCI Certified

In 2011, the UCI established a certification system for all new frames and forks whereby manufacturers submit new designs for approval. Framesets compliant with UCI technical regulations display a logo certifying that these bikes may be used in UCI-sanctioned road races everywhere. The Argon 18 E-118, E-116 and the Gallium Pro proudly bear the UCI's seal of approval... eliminating an extra source of stress before an important race.

Weight:

-Frame: 790 g (includes medium frame, paint and clear coat. Hardware (75 g) is not included).

-Fork: 350 g, cut to fit medium size frame.

-Seatpost: 226 g, Argon 18 ASP-6500 carbon seat post, included.

-Seatpost collar diameter: 36.6 mm.

-Bottom bracket: BB86

-Headset: FSA model 62 + 3D ( 1’’-1/4 (top, 36*) and 1’’-1/2 (bottom, 36*/45*) bearings, FSA TH-883 preload expander included.

-Replaceable braze-on type front derailleur tab, compatible with compact cranksets.

-Replaceable forged rear derailleur hanger.