Road Cycling - Argon 18 - Plutonium.

As an entry level road bike, whats your opinion on the Argon, Plutonium? It's within my budget of about $1500 CND.

Also up for consideration is the Giant ORC 1 and Cannondale CAAD 8. Any other recommendations?

Thanks for the comments.

Jaret.

The Argon 18 and CAAD8 are completely different bikes from the OCR series. The OCR is more relaxed with a more slack seat tube, taller head tube and longer wheelbase. The CAAD8 (and the Argon 18, I think) are more racing oriented.

As an entry level road bike, whats your opinion on the Argon, Plutonium? It's within my budget of about $1500 CND.

Also up for consideration is the Giant ORC 1 and Cannondale CAAD 8. Any other recommendations?

Thanks for the comments.

Jaret.

Jaret, stop in at Cycle Therapy (1114 Queen Street East) and I'll show you the Radon. We can negotiate the price if budget's a big concern (as it is for more normal people). I'm a big fan of the Argon's - my partner ended up with a Krypton and I'll be building up an Electron later on in the year for racing at the Forest City Velodrome. Even if you don't get a bike from us you should really take a look at the Argons in person. Their attention to detail is better than so many other bikes out there. You can also swing by Wheels on Bloor and Cycle Motive to check out some Argon 18 bikes.

- Mike (mike *at* cycletherapy *dot* ca)

Mike, thanks for the heads up...I sent you a PM.

btw: I say eyelets on the Plutonium...can you use it for light touring?

Argon's are beautiful bikes- a shining example that something can be designed in North America and built in Taiwan, but still have quality oozing from every weld... fantastic stuff.

Fyi, after visiting many LBS in the area I ended up buying the Krypton, (thanks again Mike)...fantastic bike. I looked at a Devinci CX, Giant OCR1 and Cannondale CAAD8. The Argon 18 Krypton was the best fit for me.

I want to sleep beside it tonight.

for $1500 I'd want to keep it close too. :D