*Photos: Argon 18
Argon 18 has been making bikes for over 35 years. Over those decades they've continued pushing innovative technology that's created memorable rides for cyclists getting out for lunch spins, long weekend rides, or world class athletes pursuing top podium spots. Argon 18 is a company motivated by a shared passion for riding bikes that's felt in every design they make.
Argon 18 - History
*Courtesy of Argon 18
1989 – Argon 18 bicycle brand founded.
2001 – Argon 18 opened their first corporate office opened in Montreal; Argon 18 begins producing carbon fibre frames.
2005 – The Gallium, Argon 18’s first monocoque carbon frame, is launched.
2006 – Three of Argon 18's triathletes become World Champions:
- Samantha McGlone (Ironman 70.3)
- Torbjørn Sindballe (ITU long distance world championships)
- Bella Comerford (ITU long distance world championships)
2008 – The E-114 is launched with the first integrated cockpit on the market, and wins the Eurobike Design Award and The Montreal Institute of Design Award. The ONEness concept is born.
2008 – Two of Argon 18's triathletes are on the podium at the Ironman World Championship in Kona:
- Samantha McGlone – 2nd
- Torbjørn Sindballe – 3rd
2009 – They introduce the 3D System, now a key design feature on most of their bikes.
2012 – The UCI-Certified E-118 is launched and quickly adopted by the world’s top triathletes and TT specialists.
2015 – Argon 18 makes its first appearance at the Tour De France with Team Bora–Argon 18.
2016 – Argon 18 co-develops, with the Danish Cycling Federation, the Danish National Track Cycling Team’s bike for the Summer Olympics in Rio. The new Electron Pro is born, and it powers the Danish riders to two bronze medals and a new Olympic Record in the Individual Pursuit for Lasse Norman Hansen.
2017 – In their first season with Argon 18, Astana Pro Team riders win big on the new Gallium Pro:
- Criterium du Dauphiné: GC + 2 stages (Jakob Fuglsang)
- Tour de France: Stage 12 win + Yellow Jersey for 2 days (Fabio Aru)
- Vuelta: 3 stage wins (Miguel Angel Lopez [2] + Alexey Lutsenko)
2018 – Their first gravel racer, the Dark Matter, is launched.
2018 – An incredible season for their athletes:
- Terenzo Bozzone: 2 Ironman wins (course record in New Zealand – 7:59:57) + 3 Ironman 70.3 wins
- Heather Jackson: 2 Ironman wins + American record holder from IM Lake Placid 2018
- Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Spring Classic victory by Michael Valgren of Astana Pro Team
- Amstel Gold Race: Spring Classic victory by Michael Valgren of Astana Pro Team
- Giro d’Italia: Miguel Angel Lopez of Astana Pro Team brings home the White Jersey for Best Young Rider and finishes 3rd overall
- Vuelta Spain: Miguel Angel Lopez of Astana Pro the takes 3rd position on final podium on his Gallium Pro
2019 – Argon 18’s sponsorship of Astana Pro Team comes to an end on a high note as the team finishes the season with 15 World Tour level victories. Over the course of its 3-year partnership with Astana Pro Team, Argon 18 bikes were raced to 85 victories (including Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2019, Critérium du Dauphiné 2017 & 2019, Amstel Gold Race 2018, Itzulia Basque Country 2019, Volta a Catalunya 2019 and 11 Grand Tour stages) and 141 podium finishes in the most prestigious races around the world (including the Giro d’Italia 2018 and the Vuelta a Espana 2018).
2020 – Argon 18 launches their integrated triathlon superbike, the E-119 Tri+ Disc. They also launch our first eBike, the Subito, in both road and gravel versions.
2021 – Three riders smash records on the Electron Pro: Ashton Lambie set a new world record for the 4km individual pursuit, Joss Lowden breaks the women’s World Hour Record, and Dan Bigham breaks the British Hour Record.
2022 – They expand their family of top athletes and become the official sponsor of Team Novo Nordisk, as well as triathletes Joe Skipper, Ruth Astle and Jannik Schaufler.
[button]Shop Argon 18 Bikes[/button]
Argon 18 - The Lineup
Breaking things down by category, in no particular order:
Argon 18 - Road & Triathlon Bikes
SUM, Equation, Krypton, Gallium, E119, E117
Argon 18 SUM / SUM Pro:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Race Road / Aero Road
The Argon 18 Sum combines the aerodynamic advantages of the Nitrogen with the pure road performance of the Gallium Pro to solve the age old question: "Do I want a lightweight climbing bike or a slippery fast aero bike?" Combine the sum of both into one high performance package. Argon 18 dropped the seat stays and strategically designed the seat tube to deliver welcomed rider comfort to a category often known for a rigid ride. From chasing KOMS, crushing crits, or riding centuries, the Argon 18 Sum is ready for action.
2025 Argon 18 Sum / Sum Pro Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 SUM Road Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Trek Madone, Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Ultimate, Giant TCR, Cannondale SuperSix, BMC Teammachine, Cervelo R5
Argon 18 Equation:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Endurance Road
Max out those summer rides with ultimate comfort, reliable components, intuitive handling, and maximum value for a performance-minded carbon frame. Meet the Equation: Argon 18's formula for fun. The Argon 18 Equation gives you value-packed performance, with Argon 18's trusted technologies to enhance your ride. Current models have an increased 32mm tire clearance for added control and comfort.
2025 Argon 18 Equation Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 Road Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Trek Domane, Specialized Roubaix, Giant Defy, Canyon Endurace, Cannondale Synapse, BMC RoadMachine, Cervelo Caledonia
Argon 18 Krypton / Krypton Pro:
Category: Road // Subcategory: All Road
High performance, feature packed, ready for more roads and even more miles. The Krypton Pro is designed for speed and comfort over all surfaces. The current Argon 18 Krypton Pro offers increased tire clearance for versatility, a downtube storage compartment to carry tools and gear, and shorter chainstays for a more responsive ride.
To save a few dollars and get all the same features as the Pro, but in a slightly heavier frame, the standard Argon 18 Krypton packs incredible tech at an incredible value.
2025 Argon 18 Krypton / Krypton Pro Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 Krypton All Road Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Trek Domane, Allied Allroad, Canyon Endurace Allroad, Cannondale Synapse, Cervelo Caledonia
Argon 18 E119:
Category: Triathlon / Time Trial
Argon 18 launched their first triathlon bike in 2008, the E 114, and it was immediately ridden to podium finishes at World Championship events. Fast forward to the current E 119 and in an industry first, Argon 18 has integrated the brake calipers into the frame, for an aero advantage. Integration throughout the design also means a hidden toolkit in the BB, an integrated bento box and a fully re-designed cockpit. This bike is aero, that goes without saying, but Argon 18's focus was on full-system aero integration: bike and rider, plus all carry-ons.
The current E-119 Tri+ Disc offers up to a 10W advantage over the previous-generation E-119, considering frame optimization, system integration, and compatibility with advanced aero components, such as wheelsets. When optimal rider position is factored in, using new fit range capabilities, it can add an additional advantage.
2025 Argon 18 E119 Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 Triathlon Road Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Specialized Shiv, Cervelo P5, Trek Speed Concept, BMC SpeedMachine, Canyon Speedmax, Cannondale Slice, Giant Trinity, Felt IA, Quintana Roo PRSix
Argon 18 E117:
Category: Triathlon / Time Trial
The Argon 18 E117 triathlon bike is developed for serious triathletes and TT competitors determined to shatter their personal bests. The E117 is a race-ready, fully-equipped and value-packed performance machine, delivering unmatched innovation drawn directly from our pro-level bikes.
2025 Argon 18 E117 Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 Triathlon Road Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Cervelo P-Series, Specialized Shiv, Trek Speed Concept, BMC SpeedMachine, Canyon Speedmax, Cannondale Slice, Giant Trinity, Felt IA, Quintana Roo PRSix
Argon 18 Gravel Bikes
Dark Matter, Gray Matter
Dark Matter:
Category: Gravel
Argon 18 launched the Dark Matter in 2018 as their debut into the gravel world. From rough race days to the unknown, the Argon 18 Dark Matter is your ultimate gravel machine. With massive tire clearance (700x57!), smart storage, and rugged geometry, it powers through any terrain. The latest 2025 Argon 18 Dark Matter is considered one of the best and most innovative gravel bikes of the year.
2025 Argon 18 Dark Matter Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 Gravel Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Specialized Crux & Diverge, Trek Checkpoint & Checkmate, Canyon Grail, Cervelo Aspero, 3T Exploro RaceMax, Giant Revolt, BMC Kaius, Ventum GS-1, Pinarello Grevil, Santa Cruz Stigmata, Allied ABLE
Gray Matter:
Category: Gravel
The Argon 18 Gray Matter blends gravel performance with adventurous spirit by combining features and technology from the beloved Dark Matter with a durable and affordable aluminum frame, fender mounts, and rack mounts.
2025 Argon 18 Gray Matter Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 Gravel Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Specialized Crux DSW & Diverge E5, Trek Crockett & Checkpoint ALR, Kona Libre, Canyon Grail AL
Argon 18 E-Bikes
Subito ERoad, Subito EGravel
Subito ERoad:
Category: Electric Road Bike
The Argon 18 Subito ERoad is an incredibly lightweight performance e-road bike. From a side profile, it's hard to identify the Subito ERoad as an electric bike, kudos to the slim MAHLE X35+ rear hub motor. A fully built Subito ERoad in size Medium with Shimano Ultegra Di2 weighs an impressive 26.5lbs with room to shed more weight, if you choose. Extend the ride, with an Argon 18 Subito ERoad.
2025 Argon 18 Subito ERoad Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 Electric Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Specialized Creo, Trek Domane+, Orbea Gain
Subito EGravel:
Category: Electric Gravel Bike
The Argon 18 Subito EGravel leans into the saying "explore the road less traveled" and lets your explore more of it. The bike is spec'd with nimble 650x47mm wheels & tires to help make chunky, rocky gravel feel like buttery pavement. Want a little faster of a ride? The Subito EGravel wheels can be swapped out for 700x40mm to give a versatile ride for road and gravel. An upright confident geometry keeps long rides feeling good and an integrated light system keeps you safe for when the rides get really long (or perfect for winter commutes). The Subito EGravel is powered by an efficient and lightweight MAHLE X35 motor system that keeps the frame slim and discrete.
2025 Argon 18 Subito EGravel Geometry Chart (from Argon 18):
[button]Shop Argon 18 Electric Bikes[/button]
Often compared with: Specialized Creo, Trek Domane+, Orbea Gain
