2014 Argon 18 E-118 (Frameset)

2014 Argon 18 E-118

Its design speaks for itself. As they say: it looks fast just standing still. Sleek, sculpted expressly to bring out the most thrilling emotions. You wanted the best possible triathlon or time-trial machine and we at Argon 18 heard you, so we present the E-118, a true monster of efficiency and power, ridden by Terenzo Bozzone, Leon Griffin, Ivan Rana, Magali Tisseyre and Clemente Alonso, champions all. These serious contenders have called on the Brand with the Molecule for a serious ride, a bike that can carry them to the winners' circle... the E-118. This bike's development parallels the development of Argon 18 the company, a history of never-ending research, experimentation and prototypes, all based on a deep knowledge of cycling tradition and time-proven principles. The E-118 is the result of the company's design progress in terms of total integration, uniting the frame, fork and handlebar/stem as first seen in 2008 with the E-114, netting Argon 18 the Eurobike Design Award that year. Here, the concept is advanced further in the form of ONEness 2.0, a refinement that improves aerodynamics, bolsters stiffness yet again and gives the E-118 greater agility, all while offering a wider range of positioning options. The E-118 channels raw power and refined efficiency combined with a clever and inventive design for ultimate positioning customization. Every detail has been considered in integrating bike and rider for reduced aero drag. Computer Fluid Dynamics technology has been used along with a digital sampling process that reproduces in the computer model the effects generated by a rider pedaling the bike, leading to a set of shapes optimizing the aero efficiency and getting the most out of the 7105 HM carbon's characteristics, resulting in a bike unmatched for its low drag, light weight, stiffness and comfort, all optimally balanced... of course. AFS geometry ensures proper weight distribution and offers a wide range of positioning options for riders of all physical types, whether it's for a triathlon or a time-trial application. Di-2 and EPS compatibility means you can build the bike with an electronic or a mechanical drivetrain without need for any extra or substitute parts... and you can change your mind later, if you wish. Now there's no need to choose between performance and position, or efficiency and comfort; you can have it all in one package with the E-118.

CFD virtual and actual wind tunnel testing

A winning bike can only come about through relentless research and development; this is certainly the case with the E-118, with its aero frameset developed with wind tunnel work as well as CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) aero modeling, a process usually associated with aeronautics and F1 racing. These tests gave the designers an extremely accurate understanding of airflow around every part of the bike, leading to maximum aero efficiency in every aspect. Using an identical protocol, the E-118 showed aero improvements over the E-114 ranging from 5 to 20%, depending on yaw angle.

Since the rider rather than the bike generates approximately 70% of total drag, we took a digital 3D "sampling" of a triathlon champion pedaling the bike and included this moving shape in the computer model, to further refine the shapes required for the cleanest possible airflow. These data and the resulting assumptions were then tested and confirmed in an actual wind tunnel, netting us an end result that you'll be able to fully appreciate at the finish line of your next Ironman!

If we had to describe our mission statement with the E-118, it could be said that we wanted to offer the athlete the best possible position, combined with most efficient aerodynamics, along with unmatched comfort. Well, mission accomplished, totally. Bearing in mind that the rider creates most of the drag, we defined a geometry that allows for optimal positioning for riders of different physical types, preferences and racing styles.

Very fine and accurate adjustments can be dialed in quickly and simply for the kind of comfort and biomechanics that let you stay in an aero tuck longer, the key to faster times. Every frame dimension has been designed for maximum control in an aero tuck, even in difficult conditions. Two of these stand out for their important contribution to a stable, solid ride:

- Longer chainstays: 39.5 cm stays are longer than the stays on competing models.

- Increasing stability at speed and creating a longer chain line, for crisper shifting.

- Lower (75 mm) bottom bracket: most bikes have a bottom bracket positioned 70 mm or even 60 mm lower than the wheel axles. Ours is set at 75 mm for a lower center of gravity, improving lateral rigidity and steering accuracy, particularly in a tucked position.

The E-118 is a unique frameset designed according to our HDS principle. HDS is a central element in our OPTIMAL BALANCE design and construction philosophy. The HDS idea divides a frame in two halves, drawing a conceptual diagonal line that runs from the head tube to the rear dropouts. The tubes below this line function primarily in transferring the cyclist's power to the rear wheel, so these tubes have to be very rigid, to resist lateral deformation under the pedaling action. Above the line, the tubes have to be more supple or compliant, because they are subject to fewer lateral forces but contribute much to the ride quality by absorbing and dissipating road vibration.

The result is full power transfer and reduced rider fatigue. On the E-118, the "power zone" consists of a very large head and down tube, massive, asymmetrical chainstays and a very stout bottom bracket, all contributing to maximum power transfer.

The upper "comfort zone" features smaller, more compliant tubes that dissipate road buzz effectively, minimizing rider fatigue, whether in a racing or training situation, and that's good, because a fresher rider is a faster rider!

As with every Argon 18 model, the E-118's carbon composite has been formulated for the specific performance characteristics sought after by the designers for that specific model. An ideal blend of low weight, high rigidity and long-course comfort is the result not only of the frame shapes but also of fiber and resin choices as well as lamination procedure. This fiber layup scheme is also determined by the Optimal Balance philosophy as well as the HDS principle, with the laminate enhancing the desired properties in both the "power" and "comfort" zones.

These design elements come together to make the E-118 a powerful racing weapon waiting to be unleashed on the field, contributing as they do to an ideal mix of full power transfer and a stable, predictable ride in top-class comfort, in an exceptionally light bike.

The E-118 features a BB86-type bottom bracket shell. This non-threaded 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. The E-118 is compatible with Di2 and EPS drivetrains; assembly with these groups requires no additional parts.

Out of the box, the E-118 is equally compatible with Di2 / EPS or mechanical components. Regardless of the group you choose, all cables and wiring are internally routed for enhanced aerodynamics.

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: 1235 g (includes medium frame, paint and clear coat; hardware (80 g) is not included).

-Fork & ONEness: 635 g, (cut to fit medium size frame - system integrated).

-Seatpost: 275 g, Argon 18 ASP 7500 carbon seat post, included.

-Bottom bracket: BB86. -Headset: FSA EE079 , 1''-1/8 bearings, (36o/45o) + ONEness 2.0 specific compressor included.

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

-Replaceable forged rear derailleur hanger.