The new Argon 18 Nitrogen Pro is claimed to be the Canadian brand’s fastest road bike to date, but it wasn’t designed as just a frame with components bolted on as an afterthought. Instead, Argon 18 worked with Dutch wheel specialists Scope Cycling to create a “fully integrated bike system”. The claimed weight is under 7kg for a complete bike, with prices ranging from £5,200 to £13,000.
Traditionally, bike frames are designed first and then paired with existing wheelsets, while wheels are built to work across a broad range of frames. With the new Nitrogen Pro aero bike, Argon 18 and Scope took a different approach, creating a fully integrated system where frame and wheels were developed together with the aim of optimising one specific bike.
With the goal of creating the world’s fastest road bike (of course), Argon 18 engineers built solutions from the ground up. Rather than designing a frame and pairing it with standard components, the Nitrogen Pro was developed as a fully integrated aerodynamic system, using CFD simulations that considered specific component combinations for optimal real-world performance, not just in a wind tunnel, says Argon 18.
“We realised that making the fastest bike on the market isn’t possible using status-quo design approaches and readily available components. We engineered a complete ecosystem that includes the rider, the frame geometry, component design, collaborations, integration, and real-world performance”, says Vincent Lemay, Vice-President of Research & Development at Argon 18.
The brand says it has achieved aerodynamic gains beyond the wind tunnel, thanks in large part to Scope’s proprietary Algorithm Enhanced Aerodynamics (AEA) tech.
Central to the system are the Atten x Scope Artech 6.A+ wheels, built on Scope’s Artech series, the brand’s “fastest and lightest wheelsets”. Traditionally, wheels are designed to perform across a variety of frames, but for the Nitrogen Pro, Scope fine-tuned the rim profiles in CFD simulations specifically around this frame creating what the brand describes as a single, fully integrated aerodynamic unit.
The 65mm deep rims feature a 25mm internal width optimised for 30mm tyres, while “ultra-lightweight” 3D-printed hubs are said to deliver exceptional stiffness and reduced mass without compromising durability.
Beyond the wheels, every element of the Nitrogen Pro has been designed as part of a system with custom Atten CHB-01 aero handlebars and bespoke bottle cages shaped for airflow. Geometry and fit are also said to have been refined, ensuring the bike is as rideable as it is fast. The result is “one of the most advanced rolling chassis available today”, boasts Argon 18.
Specs, prices and availability
Argon 18 will offer the Nitrogen platform in two carbon fibre layup options: the standard Nitrogen, and the Nitrogen Pro. They are available in three colourways and across six different builds. Prices range from £5,200 to a lofty £13,000.
- Nitrogen Pro SRAM Red AXS £13,000
- Nitrogen Pro Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 £12,500
- Nitrogen Pro Shimano Ultegra Di2 £9,500
- Nitrogen SRAM Force AXS £7,300
- Nitrogen Shimano Ultegra Di2 £6,750
- Nitrogen Shimano 105 Di2 £5,200
Pre-orders are open now, with delivery to Argon 18 dealers expected to start in November. For more details you can visit Argon18’s website. We’ll be asking for a bike to review soon, of course.
6 thoughts on “Argon 18 creates its fastest bike yet by optimising the frame and wheels as a single system”
I smell the whiff of
I smell the whiff of marketing bollocks in the air. Its a bike and some wheels. Not the frikken space shuttle.
If we’re really meant to believe this is a game changer then its also a wholly irrevlant one the second you fit a different tyre.
I just knew there was
I just knew there was something wrong with my bikes. First wheels THEN frame. It all makes sense now.
Or sit on it.
Or sit on it.
I’m about as aero-optimised as a toolshed.
Argon 18 engineers would have kittens if they saw me trying to be part of their ‘system’.
Speak for yourself. I train
Speak for yourself. I train in a Corby trouser-press so that I’m more aero and heat conditioned.
To be fair though, my old rim-brake Argon18 Nitrogen is a lovely bike, I really enjoy riding it.
thax1 wrote:
Love the way it looks.
Love the way it looks.