2019 Argon 18 Gallium CS Road Frameset

We really like bike brands that tell it like it is and don’t hide behind marketing speak. A great example of that is the Argon 18 Gallium CS, which they are brave and honest enough to call their entry level carbon Gallium. In our book, that is a great thing because it becomes a challenge to sell an entry level bike without the manufacturer being willing to call a spade a spade. This is a great bike for anyone just starting out in the sport or perhaps without the ready funds to splash out on a top of the line carbon frame, but wants a high quality and well-priced bike that will be perfect for racing and training.

Just the fact that Argon 18 number this among their Gallium frames should be indication enough that it has had quite a lot of attention paid to it in the design process. They use a lightweight monocoque process to layup the carbon frame, using a slightly less exalted carbon than is used on the top of the line Galliums. That modification sacrifices a little weight perhaps, but you can count on having the same great rigidity mixed with comfortable compliance as well as the durability you will expect from a brand like Argon 18.

The Gallium CS has a size-specific geometry so that the smaller frames can expect to offer the same level of snappiness mixed with stability that the medium and larger frames have. They also have slightly smaller sizes than you’ll find with most brands, starting at an XXS or 41.8cm bike, indicating that this will be a great bike for youths who perhaps have not finished growing, but are ready for their first carbon racer. But don’t worry, this isn’t just for smaller people since the frame sizes go all the way up to an XL or 59.5. It also has the 3D System at the headtube which makes it possible to have three different stack options without having to resort to unsightly and ineffective spacers. It helps you to adjust the handlebar height using these specially designed head tube internals. It’s a huge improvement over the use of spacers because it will look cleaner and increases front end rigidity up to 11% compared to a 25mm worth of spacers.