2012 Argon 18 Gallium unpackaging (image heavy)
 

Well it took a lot longer than I had hoped, but it finally arrived and I'm thrilled. This is a replacement frame for my 2010 Gallium that was trashed in a car/bike mishap where the bike lost.

I'm going to migrate the DA Di2 Group from the dead gallium to this bike and a new set of zipp 404's with PT to replace to the cosmic carbone's that were also damaged in the accident.

It has internal cable routing for both mechanical and Di2 groups and includes all necessary plugs and or cable guides. Even the mechanical cable guild for the rear derailleur can be removed when using Di2 for a clean look.

The shop made an error so I have to wait a day or two the Di2 internal routing harness. The old gallium was external with the battery just under the bottle cage.

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4777/frame2e.jpg

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/2672/frame3m.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/2...essoriesga.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1201/headsetg.jpg

http://imageshack.us/f/109/headsetg.jpg/

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9393/frontui.jpg

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/9495/seatstay.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3140/di2zy.jpg

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/1373/60902545.jpg

http://imageshack.us/f/109/headsetg.jpg/

Couple more pics of the cover on the bottom of the bb

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/5748/toptube.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3314/pluggp.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9933/bb2di.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2701/bb3ib.jpg

Beautiful! Im really starting to dig those Argon 18's. If I ever upgrade the Krypton is on my short list.

Very nice pics and of course frame.

Dig the Canadian designed sweetness. Reminds me of maple syrup. Mmm.....

Very nice! Can't wait to see it finished up.

noice. why do they put alu dropouts on the rear?

also is that a di2 battery mount on the NDS chainstay?

As a chemistry major, you have no idea how much I want one of those. Beautiful.

Very nice. I'm having to resist the temptation to get the E116 a roadie sibling....

I have a 2011. Do you prefer the more muted graphics of the 2012. Was the previous the black or the white/red

I have a 2011. Do you prefer the more muted graphics of the 2012. Was the previous the black or the white/red.

the dropouts on the forks are aluminum as well. I'm not sure of the reasoning, perhaps durability. The dropouts on my 2010 gallium were aluminum as well.

Yes the Di2 battery will be on the NDS. Looking at the clearance, I'm concerned that there is going to be some interference issues with my garmin speed/cadence sensor.

Mike you can get the 2012 Krypton in the gloss white or matte black as well. I wasn't too thrilled with the matte finish when I saw it in person and minor cosmetic scratches are really visible.

redv I love where Argon has taken their painjobs over previous generations. Much classier looking IMHO.

http://www.straightupcycles.ca/image...lliumsmall.jpg

I consult at an assembly factory where I had a chance to work with those frames.

The 3D headtube is a brilliant idea. If you are looking for serious drop you can also do the build without it but it offers a great deal of adjustability so you don't ever have to exceed the 30mm spacer limit on the steerer.

it comes with a 20mm and 10mm head tube insert. I used the 20mm... the 0mm option is just too low.

#!

at least it came is options for that insert

Nice bubble wrap.

Much more than brilliant in my opinion. The adjustability it offers, without exceeding the 30mm spacer limit is pure "functional designing". Anybody even doing anything remotely close?

How do their frames ride? If not harsh/too stiff, then I should definitely look at their frames for my next build.

did they ship the frame with the derailleur hanger installed?

the chainstays and bottom bracket are massive and provide a lot of stiffness. My previous gallium was pretty stiff and unforgiving. Anything over 4 hours in the saddle and I'd opt for riding my felt AR. All their documentation says they've improved the ride quality for this generation, but I honestly couldn't tell from a 30 minute test ride.

It came with the hanger installed as pictured, I had the shop install the bb because I don't have the tools to install a press fit bb.

Hey gadabout007, nice frame!

Let us know how it rides when you are done building, will ya?

Thanks.

The head tube thing is a great idea, I really like this frame.

I can only speak to my E116--one of their new tri bikes for 2012--and I can say that the ride is even more comfortable than the Cervelo P2 I was on. Argon also has a bit more BB drop, so you actually ride a little lower to the ground--the bike just FEELS fast. I've also taken on some twisty descents in the aerobars that would've had me on the bullhorns on my old Cervelo, so stability and handling are at least equal but IMHO a little better.

I also agree that the 3D head tube is a great, great design. As someone with long legs and a short-ish torso, it's a challenge to find a frame that has relatively high stack and less reach (to quote the FIST people), and still have a semi-normal standover height.

They're a little hard to find, but I'm very impressed with mine so far. Again, it's a different model, but I can't help but think that if the super-aero tri/TT frame is comfortable that the road versions would be quite comfy as well.

I have a 2011 Gallium and a steel Marinoni - the Gallium has big chain stays and BB so very little flex when climbing (6'4 245) but remains very comfortable over chip seal and crappy pavement. I do not pine for the steel for longer rides

I have the 2011 Gallium Pro, with DT Swiss Tricon wheels. The bike is very stiff and a great climber. I agree with redvespablur though, that while you can feel the rough pavement, it's still a reasonably comfortable ride considering the stiffness and design purpose of the frame.

I just received the internal wiring harness and have discovered I have a major problem.

There's no way for me to install the damn thing with the bottom bracket already in the shell. Looks like I'm taking it to the shop tomorrow to have them remove the bb, install the harness, then install the bb again.

Can press fit bb's be reused or am I buying a new one? I'm starting to miss external baring bb's.