Argon 18 launches brand new Krypton Pro road bike at Eurobike

Canadian bike brand has used Eurobike, the world’s biggest bike show which opened its doors today, to launch it’s new Krypton Pro road bike, aimed at endurance cyclists wanting as a comfortable ride and capable of tackling Paris-Roubaix cobbles in the hands of the Astana Pro Team it currently sponsors.

The Krypton used to be a race bike but has since morphed into an endurance bike. With this new model, Argon 18 has focused on optimising the carbon fibre layup, moving towards increased integration and adding more aerodynamics.

The Krypton Pro frame weighs a claimed 870g for a size medium, painted. This is a weight it achieves through careful analysis of the carbon fibre layup, this is how all the individual plies of carbon are laid into the mould before being baked.

“By studying endurance-specific load cases, we oriented material where needed to maximize vibration dampening, without losing efficiency in power transmission. This let us eliminate excess weight where not required,” says Martin Faubert, VP Product at Argon 18. “We can now offer a lighter frame than the Krypton GF, but with all the same endurance characteristics which we’ve been hearing about from our riders.”

Integration is a key buzzword with new road bikes. Argon 18 has developed a fully integrated cable system using a proprietary stem and steerer tube to get rid of external cables completely. There’s full compatibility with all current groupsets, using a down tube port to accommodate mechanical and electronic cabling.

The system still provides a range of fit adjustment. Six stem lengths from 70 to 120mm are available and the company’s clever 3D+ system lets you adjust the stack by swapping out integrated head tube extensions, with a choice of three stack heights. This approach provides more rigidity than using a stack of spacers.

Argon 18 says the integrated stem still permits easy bike dismantling for travelling. The entire handlebar and stem can be removed as one piece.

Aerodynamics has been improved as a result of this integration.  Argon 18 claims that removing all the external cables results in a 2.5 watt saving at 300 watts. Further aero savings come from the truncated airfoil profile used for the down tube, fork blades and seat stays.

There’s comfort consideration as well, vital for endurance bikes. It has developed the Topological Compliance System which comprises specially shaped seatstays, seat tube and seatpost, and top tube. They work in harmony to provide vertical deflection for absorbing impacts.

It has space for up to 32mm tyres or 28mm with mudguards. It’s disc brakes only with 12mm thru-axles and flat mount calliper interface.

More info on this new bike soon...