2014 Argon 18 Krypton (Frameset)

2014 Argon 18 Krypton

Think of the spirit behind a brand, a company and the designs that rouse the sensations and emotions around the beauty of cycling. The Argon 18 Krypton is a manifestation of that spirit. It's an invitation into another dimension in riding, a different way of feeling the roads, the hills, the air, the sweat... and the speed. The 2014 Krypton channels something of the Gallium Pro, because some of the features developed for our trophy bike have trickled down to the Krypton, turning an already exceptional bike into a potent expression of everything Argon 18 stands for. It is a leader in its class.

The 2014 Krypton takes a much-lauded design and pushes the envelope further, with newly optimized handling that can readily be felt. This bike's cushy comfort was developed through substantial experimentation with carbon layup and tube shapes. Every detail has been refined, to give the Krypton a benchmark ride that will let you discover handling skills you suspected you had but had never fully tapped into. Now built with our exclusive 5700 HM carbon composite, the Krypton is the embodiment of Optimal Balance.

Riders of all physical types will find it easy to set the perfect position thanks to our AFS geometry, with the 3D Headtube adding positioning versatility while retaining all of the bike's rigidity for comfort and accurate steering. Versatility of another kind is now newly featured as well, since the Krypton can now be equipped with Di2 or mechanical components with no extra parts required. The reversible ASP-1500 carbon seat post combines easy and exact adjustments and vise-like tenacity. The spirit of Argon 18 is yours with the Krypton. Get into the spirit!

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 Krypton 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 Krypton 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.

3D System

The Krypton features the revolutionary 3D Headtube system, an Argon 18 exclusive. Easy to install and adjust, 3D replaces conventional spacers with a structural mechanism that allows for handlebar height adjustment without compromising front-end stiffness. In conjunction with AFS, the 3D system extends positioning flexibility by offering three head tube lengths (heights) for every frame size:

A rider can fine-tune bar height without piling up an excessive number of conventional spacers, leaving the frame’s rigidity intact. Thanks to 3D, a handlebar set at a 15 mm height preserves 5% more stiffness over a similar conventional set-up, and this figure reaches 11% with a bar set at a 25 mm height. Since the 3D Headtube system offers three effective head tube lengths, a rider can set the right position initially, but can later revise this position as fitness, taste or riding style evolve over time.

5700 HM Nano-tech Carbon Composite

Formulated to maximize the benefits of HDS, 5700 HM Nano-Tech Carbon composite excels in its strength-to-weight ratio, making for a stiff but light frame. 5700 HM and HDS combine for a perfect blend of rigidity and comfort, sparing the rider excessive fatigue on less-than-ideal roads.

The new 5700 HM Krypton exemplifies the advantages of Optimal Balance, with consistent power transfer and uncompromised comfort without excess weight anywhere. Dropping the hammer never felt so good.

Integrated Design

Argon 18 has designed the Krypton frame and fork as an integrated unit, fabricated in the company's proprietary molds. The mold shapes give the monocoque frame superior rigidity overall, with massive, asymmetrical chainstays, a very large bottom bracket and beefy head tube.

Apart from the frame, the Gallium Pro includes:

Weight:

-Frame: 965 g (includes medium frame, paint and clear coat. Hardware (85 g) is not included).

-Fork: 410 g (cut to fit Medium size frame).

-Seatpost: 245 g, Argon 18 ASP-6000 carbon seat post, included.

-Seatpost collar diameter: 36.6mm.

-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.