Argon 18 Dark Matter Guide And Spec

The Argon 18 Dark Matter represents a thrilling combination of speed, versatility, and enjoyable riding on both pavement and off road surfaces. This post will give you an introduction into Argon 18’s Dark Matter Gravel Bike, introducing you to its features, design, and performance, making it clear why it's a fantastic choice for those in the market for a ultra premium gravel bike.

Argon 18 Dark Matter

Argon 18's foray into the gravel bike market brings us the Dark Matter, a bike that promises an impressive blend of aerodynamics, comfort, and durability. Designed for cyclists who demand performance both on smooth tarmac and rough gravel trails, the Dark Matter stands out as a testament to Argon 18’s commitment to innovation, technology and quality.

Frame and Geometry

The heart of the Dark Matter is its brilliantly engineered carbon frame. The geometry is crafted to offer a balance between comfort for long rides and aggressive positioning for when speed is key. The frame is both lightweight and robust, capable of taking a beating on gravel roads without compromising on performance.

Versatility

A key selling point of the Dark Matter is its versatility. It features clearance for up to 40mm tires, offering riders the freedom to tackle a wide range of surfaces from smooth tarmac to challenging gravel and everything in between. This makes it an ideal choice for cyclists looking to explore without boundaries. More seasoned gravel riders will be able to push the limits of the Argon 18 to encompass some singletrack riding too.

Aerodynamics

Despite being a gravel bike, the Dark Matter doesn't shy away from incorporating aerodynamic features commonly found in road racing bikes. The tube shapes are optimized to cut through the air efficiently, and when paired with the right components that this bike comes with as standard, alongside its lightweight wheels, this bike can rival the speed of a dedicated road bike. It’s a bike which, as you can tell from looking at it, has been wind tunnel tested.

Comfort

Argon 18 has integrated their 3D System technology into the Dark Matter, which allows for three different headtube heights without affecting stiffness or handling. This, along with the innovative seat tube and carbon layup, maximizes vibration dampening, significantly enhancing comfort during long and rough ride, meaning you can stay in the saddle for longer.

Useful

The Dark Matter is not just about performance; it's also about real world useability. It offers multiple mounting points for water bottles, bags, and racks, making it easy for riders to customize their setup for bikepacking adventures, long-distance touring, or a quick ride on local trails.

What we think

On the road, the Dark Matter feels quick and responsive, with the carbon frame providing excellent power transfer. When transitioning onto gravel, the bike's true character shines through. It handles challenging terrain with ease, offering stability and confidence through rough patches and during high-speed descent.

It’s fast becoming one of our favourite gravel bikes. You can order the Dark Matter Online - and if you have any questions abotu the range, get in touch and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.