Hi everyone, I’m considering purchasing a TT bike soon. I really like the Argon 18 (price, reviews, looks, etc.) but am having a difficult time figuring out whether I should suck it up and pay the extra money to get the 116 over the 112. Has anyone struggled with the same dilemma and if so, what did you decide on and why.
Any other advice would also be welcomed.
Cheers
Like I tell everyone. Buy the most bike you can afford after you find out what bike/bikes will best fit you.
I recently bought an E-114. Don’t regret it, but be aware that an E112 will limit your wheel choices (rear at least) as you don’t have the width for a firecrest profile. No prob if you’re going to run SRAM S80s, but for a wider choice of wheels long term the E-116 will be the better choice.
Thank you for the advice Duncan, I really appreciate it.
I heard the same thing. That some tires will not fit. I have just bought an e112. I run a 23 mm rear sew up in races and vittoria pro clincher in training. Both not the skinniest tires. No problem. You just have to be carefull with the set screw adjustments. As for the frame. It’s fast. Much faster than the D2 bianchi crono I had. Stiff and comfy.
Its not the tyres, it’s the ‘bulge’ on the firecrests. Possibly more of an issue on the E-114 where the fork is different and very tight clearance wise, but still an iossue on the rear which is common. At least when I tried sticking a 404 firecrest in it wasn’t happening for me.
personally I would go for the E116 if it fits me right Ive had the E114 and its the same shape as the e112 but i think the shape of the new E116 looks better.
heres my E116 and E114 before. hope this helps
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/orioner00/1329460955.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/orioner00/1313463160.jpg
For what its worth i have an E112 that i use with a 1080 / sub9 disc combo our 808 firecrests depending on the race / conditions and i have no problems with clearance for either wheel, but you do need to line it up carefully and i have had rub on the sub9 when i was lazy & didn’t check alignment.
My wife has an e118. Maybe its just what I’m familiar with but i actually prefer riding my e112, but her e118 looks cooler. They are both very stiff and i find them both comfortable, fast bikes. we’ve used them for everything from sprint to im races. Recommended.
dtv
I already have an E112 and lamented hearing that the wider wheels wouldn’t fit. I talked to Argon who confirmed what I was reading online. All this said, my LBS had a set of 404’s and I tried them in the frame and they appeared to fit. Zipp said that I needed 3mm on either side to be safe and it looked like it had just enough clearance. Needless to say, I decided to take a gamble and ordered a set of 808’s carbon clinchers. I figured if they didn’t fit that I would go for an E116 next season.
I had my first ride on them this past weekend without issue! I was carful at first and checked for any signs of rub but could see nothing. As the ride progressed, I tried sprinting and climbing a bit and still no rub. For some background, I am 6’3" and about 175lbs.
Orioner00, This is a little off topic for the forum but I noticed you switched from a size S to XS Argon 18. I am thinking of doing the exact same thing as I too am between sizes. What was your deciding factor or motivation to down size? Thanks for the reply.
I also have an e112 and I race on a set of 808 firecrest carbon clinchers with no problems at all. As others said as long as you have the set screws on the rear drop out centered the rear wheel fits fine. The clearance is less then ideal, but it has never rubbed for me.
I’m very pleased with the e112, but if I were looking for a bike right now I would go for the 116 instead as the e112 is at least a 3-4 year.
If you notice the seat on the e114 was set too low after my bike fit it was comfortable but they told me (retul) I’d be better in an xs rode the e114 for 1 season then switched to a small shorter top tube and higher seat now I felt the change after retul more efficient pedaling on more compact bike.
Thanks for sharing…I too have a very similar setup on my E-112 and will likely move down a size when I buy the 116 this year. I appreciate you taking the time to write.
I went with a 116 and very happy with it.
Personally I had to get what I would be happy with and what was within budget (and what fits of course)
If I went with a 112 or 114 it would of played in the back of my mind that I could of stretched for a 116 that I liked the look of more.
Wheels/PM/spec etc you can update later.
You buy the type of frame that fits you 1st, but for me I had to be happy with what it looks like also to blow that amount of cash on it (a hell of alot to me anyhow)
Very nice bike. And a well-hydrated one.
Fyi, we’re gonna have a new Speedpack very soon that will fit your argon’s top tube that’ll be a lot sleeker that big ol’ box …
Very nice bike. And a well-hydrated one.
Fyi, we’re gonna have a new Speedpack very soon that will fit your argon’s top tube that’ll be a lot sleeker that big ol’ box …
To be fair one of the pair contains tools and Co2. Gonna ditch the box on race days but training rides I take extra gels and phone etc
That said, could still be interested in a Speedpack to fit.
Thanks for the comment though
Thanks a lot for the replies everyone, I think I’ve been convinced to go with the 116.
Our local bike shop is having an Argon 18 demo day on May 1st. Assuming the test ride goes well, I should have a new one pretty soon.
Now all I need to do is figure out what kink of wheels to pair it up with.