I am going to test Argon18 E112 in the very near future. I have a little concern over it’s weight. I know the conventional wisdom is aero over weight most of the time. Can someone educate me on how much the actual bike weight should influence my choice, assuming that the bike is a perfect fit. I am a relatively descent cyclist, no power meter, usual training and racing avg speeds are 23-24mph on rolling hill courses, currently riding 54cm 2007 aluminum Trek Equinox 9, no racing wheels. I am 5’9", 153lbs. I will focus on 70.3 racing as well as some olympic distance races. “A” race is Ironman 70.3 Kansas. Training and racing will mostly take place on rolling hills, heat, humidity and wind.
I did pick up by hand both Argon18 bikes and they are significantly heavier than my Trek. E112 being slightly lighter and this is all purely be my subjective feel. My concern is that weight on rolling hills. How much of a concern should this be.
Now, before you guys start pointing me to Cervelo, yes that is in consideration, however I am not impressed with the shop’s fitter. In fact no triathlon fitting tech is available if buying Cervelo in my town, the guy has no certification, no knowledge of FIST or any other fit school. That almost puts Cervelo out of the picture for me.
Argon18 shop has a FIST knowledgeable tech, knows what he is talking about and good equipmnet for fitting.
Thanks for your input.
Why are you moving away from your current ride (TreK)? Are you having fit issues or just hoping the Argon will be a little faster aerodynamically? Does the bike shop that has the Argon deal with any other tri bikes that may be a possibility for you?
You can always get a fit somewhere other than where you buy the bike.
My E112 XS frame : 1810grms, Fork (uncut) 551grms, seatpost (uncut) 294 grms.
Total build was 19pds (dura, 808’s, Specialized tri tip saddle). Heavy but very very good overall ride.
Thank you very much for responses. I was at a shop yesterday. I took the e112 for a test ride. I liked it. We weighed both bikes, mine and e112. Mine came out 2oz heavier. I guess weight should not be an issue. Curious, how is climbing rolling hills with it.
Nothing wrong with my Trek, but was looking for a carbon frame ride due to switching to mostly 70.3 distance next year. From what I understand comfort becomes an issue. I don’t know any better than my Trek as I have never riden a road bike before. In terms of speed and performance it does a good job. I started a year ago avg speed about 19-20mph( no power meter) to be now usualy racing at 23-24mph over sprint or olympic distance. I did have to shorten the cockpit quite a bit from stock, 70mm stem (stock 110mm), seat all the way forward. It was sold to me by a Trek store where the fit was done too. This leads me to belive after learning a lot on this site that this 54cm frame maybe a little too big for me, particularly in the frame reach deprtment. I was looking to buy race wheels only, Zipp 404 front/808 rear, but found e112 with dura/ultegra mix+404s beeing advertised at $5374. I am waiting to get a proposal from the shop before making the call.
Yes I know I could get a fit somewhere else, but for sure not in Kansas City. It would involve a drive somewhere else or flying but than might as well buy the bike at the shop that will do the fit. We just got a LBS named Elite Cycling, where the owner is very skilled and knowledgeable with tri fitting, also is an Argon18 dealer. For now that is all he stocks. So that is why Argon18 is in the game.
So, did you ever pull the trigger on the Argon e112? I posted a somewhat similar question later on this same bike and am inclined toward buying it. (See “**Argon18 E112 Pros and Cons " under chicagoman) **However, there are few bikes that seem to trigger such controversy and passion as the Argons! If you did go ahead how do you like the bike and how does it compare with your Trek you referenced (I have a similar bike)? Also, so much is talked about regarding its stiffness and steadiness I would like your view on that as well. If you did not go ahead why not and what might have purchased instead? (I know this guy sure does ask a lot of questions…sorry about that.) I ride/race similar to the profile you provided though perhaps a bit slower (21.5-23) and am a bit shorter and lighter (5’8”, 140 lbs) but generally in same neck of the woods as you describe. The 70.3s are my focus as well so I would think the stiffer, steadier ride would be a big benefit for both the ride itself but also for the efficiency it should provide and therefore help on the run as well. Thanks for your input!
Yes, I did buy it and it has been under me for now 2 years. In summary, I love everything about it.
Yes, it is plenty stiff but also very ride compliant, very comfortable. I have been fitted on it and it is now dialed in. I took size small, I did change the cockpit from stock to Vision, I have D/A components and FSA Team Issue with Quarq Cinqo.
Is it the best bike out there, no for sure. I am not the best rider either. It is on a not so light side, but it really does not mater to me. It is not holding me back. It is my stagnant FTP that is causing me grief.
I ride with no spacers and 15.5cm drop. I am just about to brake 1hr for 40k TT. Raced Sprint last week and recorded 24.0mph at 95% FTP on a not so flat course.
I am run limited by my ability, not my bike. I am sure you would be happy on it. Nothing can replace a good fit and this bike is a good fit for me. Give it a test and see. Good luck.
My buddy onetimepad summed it better than I did for you. Truly, go and check it for yourself, you will not be disappointed, guaranteed.
ditto…
I loves me some Argon18 e-112. I am always amazed since it sooo heavy and and aero as a upturned umbrella how a fat slow dude like me can pass some many light and aero bikes on it. The bike is like a pissed off horse, it just wants to go fast no matter who is on it. It loves Miller Lite and Buffalo Wings too. I feel like one of those Avatar people when I’m connected to it.
thats how bikes feel, bikes are fun.
and you can’t claim to be slow AND be on a slow bike AND pass everybody.
either the bike must be fast (we know it isn’t, argon’s own wind tunnel data suggests that) so sorry to say you must be pretty fast.
sorry bro
ditto…
I loves me some Argon18 e-112. I am always amazed since it sooo heavy and and aero as a upturned umbrella how a fat slow dude like me can pass some many light and aero bikes on it. The bike is like a pissed off horse, it just wants to go fast no matter who is on it. It loves Miller Lite and Buffalo Wings too. I feel like one of those Avatar people when I’m connected to it.
Got a 2010 E112. All I’m gonna say is it’s fast, handles great, and is the best feeling bike I’ve been on. LOVE IT! Plus it looks great, easy to find in transition… if I had it to do all over again I’d buy the same bike… if money were no object? Maybe an E114?
Man…
I can’t slide anything by you. I’m guessing you have a device that alerts you anytime somebody uses the words aero or watts.
I don’t claim that my bike is slow. All of Cervelo Rookie Test Team…I mean Slowtwitch does. I’m claiming the bike is so crazy fast that even a fat beer drinking wing eater can out split a few lean body mass types on slippery little aero rigs. I know I’m by far the fastest rider in my house. Although, my 7 year old girl has a wicked FTP.
lean body mass ain’t got much to do with flat time trialing =)
.
It’s hilly and windy here. Usually both directions.
I am going to test Argon18 E112 in the very near future. I have a little concern over it’s weight. I know the conventional wisdom is aero over weight most of the time. Can someone educate me on how much the actual bike weight should influence my choice, assuming that the bike is a perfect fit. I am a relatively descent cyclist, no power meter, usual training and racing avg speeds are 23-24mph on rolling hill courses, currently riding 54cm 2007 aluminum Trek Equinox 9, no racing wheels. I am 5’9", 153lbs. I will focus on 70.3 racing as well as some olympic distance races. “A” race is Ironman 70.3 Kansas. Training and racing will mostly take place on rolling hills, heat, humidity and wind.
I did pick up by hand both Argon18 bikes and they are significantly heavier than my Trek. E112 being slightly lighter and this is all purely be my subjective feel. My concern is that weight on rolling hills. How much of a concern should this be.
Now, before you guys start pointing me to Cervelo, yes that is in consideration, however I am not impressed with the shop’s fitter. In fact no triathlon fitting tech is available if buying Cervelo in my town, the guy has no certification, no knowledge of FIST or any other fit school. That almost puts Cervelo out of the picture for me.
Argon18 shop has a FIST knowledgeable tech, knows what he is talking about and good equipmnet for fitting.
Thanks for your input.
You should consider going pro… that’s a fast avg. speed range for training rides.
I am no pro material.
ditto…
I loves me some Argon18 e-112. I am always amazed since it sooo heavy and and aero as a upturned umbrella how a fat slow dude like me can pass some many light and aero bikes on it. The bike is like a pissed off horse, it just wants to go fast no matter who is on it. It loves Miller Lite and Buffalo Wings too. I feel like one of those Avatar people when I’m connected to it.
You get the poetry prize for the day. Upturned umbrellas, cantankerous horses, beer and wings and topped off with Avatar connections in two sentences has to be worthy of a prize. I get your point though…the E112 is a fabulously powerful, fun and cool ride! thanks much!