INTERBIKE 2009 – Argon 18 only had minor updates to their E114 time trial / triathlon bike to show us this year, but they are some very solid updates that will make the bike much more adaptable to a wider range of riders.
For background, you can check out our video coverage of this bike from Interbike 2008, this post only covers the changes to the bike.
All of the changes come at the front end, with a new fork with redesigned dropouts and a new stem with optional sizes and a new machined design that drops weight.  Hit ‘more’ for close up photos and details…
The E114 fork keeps the wide side profile legs, but the dropouts get machined out for a very Terminator, tech look.
The stems get several changes.  First, they’re machined out to save weight and improve cable routing by allowing them to run through the stem.  Those holes you see directly behind the steerer tube are for the internal cable routing…but they go unused when you blow the budget on Shimano’s electonic Di2 Dura-Ace.
Shown above and below from both sides, the integrated external-type steerer stiffens the steering response and adds a little aerodynamic benefit.  Argon’s unique spacer design allows for 7cm of vertical adjustments to accommodate different size riders.  They’ve also added a new 95mm stem length option to the original 65mm.
The Argon E114 frameset (frame, fork, base handlebar, 2 aero bars, brakes and pads) retails for $4,000.  All you really need to add are wheels and drivetrain.
