Argon-18 E117 Tri (2017)

I'm a bike lover, but I'm also a family man...who is responsible to his family.  I can easily talk myself into getting any bike for even the smallest amount of justification (or excuse), but when I consider my family I need a lot more of reason to shell out several grand than "It'll make me faster."  But sadly, that is almost exactly how the industry attempts to sell and market tri bikes.  They say 'faster,' and then go into technical jargon with data graphs.  It looks and sounds impressive, but it's not good enough for me...or most of our significant others.

The road bike industry has been making incredibly fast and aero road bikes for the past couple of years, and they're not cheap, but they are versatile: climbing, racing, group rides, and even bragging to friends.  And with a few simple modifications like adding some clip-on TT bars and a short-nose seat, you can make a fast road bike very competitive in triathlon competition. So, why buy a tri specific bike other than to fulfill "N+1?"  Because, for the right person with the right understanding, owning a tri bike is essential.

Who Should Own A Tri Bike
Tri bikes are for triathletes and committed time trial-ists.  I do not think casual riders, roadies, or those who participate in the occasional local tri or Ironman need a tri bike.  Again, with the right modifications, a solid and versatile road bike will be competitive and sufficient for such needs.  However, if you are a committed and dedicated triathlete who does multiple races a year and trains specifically for such, then a tri specific bike should definitely be on your 'gear list.'

Tri bikes are fast, but they are so much more than this.  Tri bikes are built for gaining speed with a certain level of comfort. They are designed to accommodate a rider in a very aggressive position for a very long period of time, so that he/she will not only produce good power and speed, but also survive the event with a certain level of sustainability so as to continue performing immediately afterwards (in a triathlon or stage race).  They have both a unique geometry and, often, a unique means for riders to store food and hydration on the bike for this very reason.

With this knowledge in mind, I turned to my own situation and needs.  I had raced several months on my road bike in a few local triathlons with solid results for a beginner.  I was learning about the importance of a training program, and had proven to myself...and my wife...that I was not only dedicated to this new hobby, but all the training and sacrifice that came with it.  She still didn't see a need for a new bike, but I did, especially because in the coming year my goal was to compete in several 70.3 events.  Anticipating the challenge of these longer races, I knew that I would be spending at least 5-6hrs a week riding my bike in a very aero position, which would certainly put stress on my body and effect the other parts of my training.  For more than an aero and speed advantage, I decided that I needed a tri bike for the physical benefits it could afford to my body.

Test Driving a Tri Bike
Visiting my local Tri shop, I was able to try a variety of tri bikes by several manufacturers and at several price points.  I also had the privilege of trying out several different wheel sets; and, believe me, the wheels are just as important as the frame geometry (IMO).  I rode a couple of Felt, Cervelo, a used Specialized, and Argon18s out of the roads and stretched out on the TT bars.  Each one felt absolutely different, but mostly in terms of manufacturer. The ride quality between Argon18's E117 and E119, was negligent, even thought the price difference was $2k+.  This was also true for Cervelo, but definitely not for Felt.  Felt's entry tri bike (S and B series) are nothing like their IA bike.  After riding all these bikes, most felt unnatural and foreign to my needs and preferences, until I got on the Argon18.  Both the E117 and E119 felt fun, snappy, and a LOT like my road bike (a slammed Trek Emonda).  The power transfer I felt from my legs to my feet to the road was seamless.  They were fun to ride and I just wanted to ride faster and faster on the bike.  I also tried on a couple of wheelsets with the bike: factory issued Shimano RS, Vision 50mm, and Mavic 40mm(ish).  Adding carbon wheelset certainly did 'up' the fun factor, but I also had a price cap.

With my budget in mind I looked over the differences between the Argon18 E117 and E119.  The price difference, again, was $2k+, but the difference did not translate into a different feel or performance (at least not at my level).  The biggest differences I could tell between the two was largely cosmetic (wider fork, integrated stem and brakes, wider down tubes and slightly lower seat stays).  Yes, the wind tunnel could argue and, perhaps, prove an aero/speed advantage to such, but at my level, I couldn't justify the price difference just to (maybe) bump up 1 spot in my AG.  And even with the factory equipped Shimano RS wheelset, the bike was still noticeably fun and more comfortable to ride at a consistent power output than my road bike.

Agron18 also makes a "+" model of both the E117 and E119, which includes a better wheelset, a saddle box big enough to pack a footlong meal from Subway, a bento/nutrition box for the top tube.  But the cost far outweighed any benefit I could see from this option.  After a couple of days of mulling it over, I was convinced, at least enough at the time, to make my purchase: the Argon 18 E117 (2017).

Specs:
Ultegra F/R Derailleurs
105 Crank
Prologo Nago Evo Tri 40 saddle
Vision Team Ally Bar / Vision TT Bars

Initial Thoughts
After purchasing the bike and getting it home, I was immediately filled with doubt.  What I had I done spending that much money on a bike when my road bike was a proven competitor!?!?  The wheelbase was almost identical and so was the BB clearance. How much of a performance edge had I really purchased?  Oh, the regret!  But, knowing that the LBS offered a short return window, I decided to give the bike a try during a solid week of training.  Wow.

After one 60min TrainerRoad session, I knew that the difference between this tri bike and my road bike was significant.  Dropping into the TT bars and laying out a consistent power goal felt worlds different...and almost fun. This bike 'fit' into what my body was trying to do in order to produce both power and comfort, which translated into more preparedness for my other disciplines (swim, run) during that week.  This bike is specifically designed for what I need this bike to do as a triathlete (TT).

Making it Mine
After 12-weeks, I fell out of love with the issued saddle, the Prologo Nago Evo Tri 40.  There is a reason why all the pros use short nosed saddles when competing in Tri or TT.  The Prologo's long nose put pressure in all the wrong places, so I switched it out for a Fabric Tri saddle.  All the benefit of Specialized's famous Sitero saddle, but at a fraction of the cost.  And, the Fabric saddle included a bottle cage mount for me to add extra storage or hydration at no extra cost.

Before my first 70.3, I tried to contact Argon18 to purchase their (+) model's top tube storage.  After weeks of trying directly, through my LBS and various online outlets, I could never get Argon18 to actually commit to selling me (or anyone else) a storage unit.  Ridiculousness, but whatever.  Specialized makes a great piece called, the Remora, and it fits perfectly with the bike's top tube and mounting setup.  Plus, it only costs $20 and was readily available at several LBShops.

Additionally, I finally picked up a set of aero wheels from HED.  The Shimano RS set rolled just fine in some of my shorter races, but the solid frame coupled with this stiff alloy wheelset was just too much abuse on my body.  Going with a carbon wheelset not only took some of the edge off the ride,  but the upgrade in hubs and aero definitely brought with it some speed.  Plus, a deep carbon wheelset looks cool!

Long Term Review
After 12months of ownership, I still love the bike.  Yes, I still covet integrated stems and wireless shifting, but the ride that this bike offers is still unparalleled, especially at this price point.  I have competed in 8 different triathlons this year, including two IM 70.3s, traveled with this bike, and abused the he$$ out of this bike on the turbo trainer.  The frame remains in mint condition and working flawlessly.  I still ride aggressively on my road bike and love that frame for what it is, but it is not a Tri/TT bike, with or without clip-on TT bars. Standard bike maintenance is easy on this bike, and having the brakes in traditional locations (as opposed to under the BB) makes adjusting them fairly easy as well.  This is a bike you can buy and never have to worry about.  And, boy, is it fun to ride!