Argon 18

For the element, see Argon.

Argon 18 Inc.

Company type	Private
Industry	Bicycles
Founded	1989
Headquarters	Montreal, Quebec Canada
Products	Bicycle and Related Components
Website	www.argon18.com

Argon 18 is a Canadian cycle manufacturer founded in 1989 in Montreal, Quebec by Gervais Rioux. The name is derived from the element Argon, which is number 18 on the periodic table of elements. Argon 18 bikes are distributed in more than 70 countries. Argon 18 also sponsors professional cycling teams and professional triathletes.

In June 2017, they became the official supplier to Canada's national road, track and para-cycling cycling teams, through the 2020 Olympic Games.^[1]

Cycle technology

3D Headtube

ONEness Concept

The ONEness concept consists of an integrated aero and stemless fork/aerobar combination that is designed to be aerodynamic and ergonomic. The design extends to the frame, fork, headset, base bar and aero bars, brakes and levers as well as a reversible carbon seatpost which can be 76 or 78°.^[2]

3D Headtube

This consists of interchangeable structural spacers that extend the headtube's height.^[3]

Integrated Disc Brakes

Argon 18 introduced the world’s first integrated disc brakes on the E-119 Tri+ Disc, completely hiding the calipers as well as the hydraulic cables and reservoirs, for a clear aero advantage. Their unique solution is a design that includes an air duct to allow for airflow over the brake pads, ensuring proper heat dissipation and maximum braking power. Using CFD analysis on the front caliper in a comparison of the aero performance of the integrated disc brake against a standard disc brake, they found that the aero improvement of integrated disc brakes offered a 1W advantage on a flat road for a 300W riding power, or a savings of 10 seconds over 100 km on a flat road for a 300W riding power. They also found a 25% decrease of CdA, when looking at the caliper, disc and surrounding fork surface.^[4]

Professional cycling teams

• Maloja Pushbikers^[5] (UCI Continental Team)
• Project Echelon Racing (UCI Continental Team)
• Global 6 Cycling (UCI Continental Team)
• Beltrami TSA Tre Colli (UCI Continental Team)
• Team Novo Nordisk (UCI Pro Team)
• Team NPV Carl Ras Roskilde Junior (Club Team)

Professional triathletes

• Craig Alexander^[6]
• Heather Jackson^[7]
• Michelle Vesterby^[8]
• Eric Lagerstrom^[9]
• Stephanie Roy^[10]

References

1. Beacon, Bill (15 June 2017). "National cycling team to use Canadian-made Argon 18 bikes in multi-year deal". Montreal Gazette. The Canadian Press. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
2. "ONEness Concept | Argon 18". Argon18bike.com. 2020-04-22.
3. "3D Headtube | Argon 18". Argon18.com. 2020-04-22.
4. "Integrated Disc Brakes | Argon 18". Argon18.com. 2020-04-22.
5. "Maloja Pushbikers | Argon 18". Argon18bike.com.
6. "Craig Alexander; Argon 18". Argon18bike.com.
7. "Heather Jackson; Argon 18". Argon18bike.com.
8. "Michelle Vesterby; Argon 18". Argon18bike.com.
9. "Eric Lagerstrom; Argon 18". Argon18bike.com.
10. "Stéphanie Roy; Argon 18". Argon18bike.com.