High-end bike manufacturer Argon 18 has revealed its new line-up of triathlon bikes, including four new frames: the E-119 Tri and the E-117 Tri, as well as their enriched counterparts the E-119 Tri+ and the E-117 Tri+.
These bikes are billed as the culmination of Argon 18’s passion, dedication and know-how. Thanks to input from IRONMAN triathlon champions, the Canadian manufacturer notes that it has ‘once again pushed the boundaries of performance, aerodynamics and technology to create these powerful winning machines.’
“We created this new line of triathlon bikes with the entire cycling equation in mind: the cyclist and his or her bike during the race,” explained Martin Faubert, Argon 18’s Director of R&D. “These bikes have been first and foremost designed to renew and enrich the racer’s experience by supplying him with simple and clever solutions for hydration and nutrition, while transcending expectations in terms of performance, comfort, and aerodynamics.”
E-119 Tri – ‘for the serious, performance-driven and competitive triathlete’
With ‘a significant improvement in aerodynamics’, the E-119 Tri is the successor to the company’s flagship E-118 Next, a bike that has made its mark on the international IRONMAN circuit. Argon 18’s newest powerhouse is positioned as a ‘blend of exceptional aerodynamics, light weight and flawless integration, with proprietary brakes concealed on both fork and seat stays to minimize frontal area while improving ease of access for maintenance.’
Wind tunnel tests have reportedly demonstrated the aerodynamic advantage of the E-119 Tri compared to many competitors’ models that have been historically cited as references.
E-117 Tri – ‘a tri bike for the devoted, self-empowered triathlete’
This bike is designed to meet the needs of all triathletes – young or old, experienced or novice. With aerodynamics and triathlon-specific geometry, Argon 18 notes that ‘the E-117 Tri will help you rise to your every challenge and overcome any and every obstacle in your path.’
The Tri+ concept from Argon 18 is a holistic approach that provides a complete racing solution for the most demanding of athletes. Tri+ bikes are equipped with integrated storage solutions for hydration, nutrition and survivability. What’s more, these accessories are aerodynamic and customizable to meet every racer’s unique needs and preferences.
E-119 Tri+ – ‘for triathletes whose will to win knows no bounds’
Billed as ‘the ultimate triathlon bike’, the E-119 Tri+ aims to yield the absolute maximum aerodynamic advantage, like its E-119 Tri counterpart, while boasting an even lighter carbon lay-up. The shape of the frame was fine-tuned; and the development of the E-119 Tri+ frame’s form was driven by complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Argon 18 added that the CFD results were validated by wind tunnel tests and ‘true-wind conditions’ (yaw angles from 5° to 20°). Both cockpit and triathlon-specific geometry aim to allow perfect aero positioning, while the proprietary and concealed brakes, identical to those of the E-119 Tri, are synonymous with state-of-the-art integration.
E-117 Tri+ – ‘the definitive triathlon beast for your inner warrior’
Featuring a symbiosis of aerodynamics, handling, light weight, stiffness and comfort, the brand-new E-117 Tri+ was designed to ‘help you give the best of yourself’. This machine belongs to the next generation of Argon 18 bikes. All tried-and-tested features and characteristics have been reworked and refined. Furthermore, its aerodynamics, taken from the E-117 Tri, and its comprehensive integration, identical to that of the E-119 Tri+, aim to ensure that the rider is in full control when on the bike course.
Gervais Rioux, Argon 18’s founder, emphasized that the development of a full line of triathlon products was the obvious next step. “Winning a prestigious Eurobike Award for the innovative E-114 proclaimed loud and clear to the triathlon world our firm commitment to the sport.”
He continued, “With the simultaneous launch of these four new models we are hoping to reaffirm and reinforce our status as a world leader in bicycle manufacturing for both amateur and professional athletes. In this sport, every second counts and nothing can be left to chance.”
Argon 18 has been an innovator in triathlon racing for over a decade. Driven by a commitment to continually push the envelope, the company introduced the ONEness concept in 2008. This concept, which fully and symbiotically integrates the fork, stem and handle bars, is positioned as a truly versatile solution to optimizing aerodynamics.
Argon 18 adds that the ONEness revolution has had a huge impact on the industry and its main players. The company goes on to cite that ‘over 30% of all triathlon bikes used in the Kona IRONMAN World Championship have integrated Argon 18’s innovative concept.’
