Argon 18 continues to update its competition-ready portfolio and presents an old acquaintance in the form of the Nitrogen. The aerodynamically optimised race model was once used by the pros of Bora-Argon 18, one of the predecessor teams of the German racing team Red Bull - Bora - hansgroheas a workhorse. Recently, the Nitrogen has taken a back seat, but now the new model is set to take its place alongside the race all-rounder Sum as the fastest racing bike in the company's history.
Argon 18 Nitrogen: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: from approx. 6.9 kilograms (size M)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 555/392 millimetres/1.42 (size M)
- Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
- Prices: 5595 to 13995 Euro
On request, the Canadian bike manufacturer states that the Nitrogen is 24 watts faster than the previous top-of-the-range Sum Pro model. An absolute figure in watts is not available. The Sum, which required 223 watts to overcome its own air resistance at 45 km/h in our test, provides an indication. However, as Argon 18 tested the Nitrogen in the wind tunnel including the rider, it is difficult to draw conclusions about the aero performance according to TOUR standards. In the interests of high measurement quality, we only use a leg dummy.
As with the Sum, Argon 18 also offers the new aero machine in two quality levels. The Nitrogen Pro therefore comes with a higher quality layup than the Nitrogen. Individual weights for the frame and fork of the two platforms are not known. For the top model with SRAM Red AXS as well as power meter, bottle and computer mounts, Argon 18 states a total weight of less than 6.9 kilograms. Visually, the aerodynamically optimised frameset stands out due to the long head tube, the low seat stays and the relatively large distance between the fork blades.
According to the manufacturer, the new handlebars from its own Atten brand play a central role in the aero development. On the one hand, the cockpit offers less surface area for the wind to attack, on the other hand, the rider is to be brought into a position that favours the flow. Another highlight are the carbon wheels, which were developed in cooperation with the Dutch specialists Scope have been optimised.
Argon 18 Nitrogen: Equipment and prices
There are three equipment variants of both the Nitrogen and Nitrogen Pro. All models are equipped with electronic groupsets from Shimano (105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace) or SRAM (Force, Red), while the optimised wheels from Scope are only used on the Pro. There is no real basic model in the range. The "cheapest" version with 105 Di2 costs just under €6,000, while the high-end version with Red AXS costs almost €14,000.
Nitrogen 105 Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/140 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa N.EXT (30 mm)
- Impellers: Atten L42 (Carbon)
- Price: 5595 Euro
Nitrogen Ultegra Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/140 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa N.EXT (30 mm)
- Impellers: Scope R6.A (Carbon)
- Price: 7795 Euro
Nitrogen Force AXS
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Force (160/140 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa N.EXT (30 mm)
- Impellers: Scope R6.A (Carbon)
- Price: 8595 Euro
Nitrogen Pro Ultegra Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/140 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro (30 mm)
- Impellers: Atten x Scope Artech 6.A+ (Carbon)
- Price: 10,995 Euro
Nitrogen Pro Dura-Ace Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro (30 mm)
- Impellers: Atten x Scope Artech 6.A+ (Carbon)
- Price: 13,495 Euro
Nitrogen Pro Red AXS
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.; Powermeter)
- Brakes: SRAM Red (160/140 mm)
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro (30 mm)
- Impellers: Atten x Scope 6.A+ (Carbon)
- Price: 13,995 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
