Argon 18: History

In the world of competitive cycling and high-performance bicycles, Argon 18 stands out amongst the world’s leading bike brands. Argon 18 is known for its innovation, quality, and passion towards the sport of cycling.

In this post, we look at the history of Argon 18 in greater detail, from its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized name in the cycling world.

Founding Vision

Argon 18 was founded in 1989 in Montreal, Quebec, by Gervais Rioux, one of Canada’s most famous cyclists. Rioux had numerous victories and national titles under his belt, Rioux transitioned from a celebrated athlete to a highly regarded bike manufacturer. His aim was simple yet profound – to create road bikes and gravel bikes that blend cutting-edge technology with the artistry of bike design, this approach was further improved by the trump card Rioux had over his competition, his own cycling career.

Growth and Innovation

The early years of Argon 18 were marked by meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality. Each bike was a reflection of Rioux’s profound understanding of a cyclist's needs and the science of bike performance. This athlete centred approach helped Argon 18 carve a market for itself amongst the giants, appealing to both competitive cyclists and enthusiasts alike.

In the late 90s and early 2000s, Argon 18 began to expand its operations beyond the Canadian market, using technological advancements and innovative designs to make inroads into the international market. One of the key milestones during this period was the introduction of the Gallium model in 2005, a bike that set new standards for versatility and performance in road racing.

On the World Stage

The brand gained further recognition when it became the bike of choice for various professional cycling teams and athletes, marking its entry onto the world competitive stage. The company’s dedication to research and development, coupled with its focus on aerodynamics and ergonomics, led to the creation of models that performed exceptionally well in international competitions.

Technological Advancements

The brand has consistently integrated cutting-edge features into its bikes, such as the AFS-Argon Fit System, designed to ensure riders achieve the optimal fit, and the 3D Headtube system, which provides unparalleled adjustability and stiffness. These innovations are a testament to Argon 18’s commitment to enhancing cyclist performance and comfort.

The Present and Future

Today, Argon 18 continues to push the boundaries of bicycle design and technology. From road to track and triathlon, the company offers a comprehensive range of bikes that cater to various disciplines and levels of cycling. Their ongoing collaboration with athletes and professionals in the field ensures that Argon 18 remains at the edge of innovation, constantly evolving to meet the demands of the changing landscape of competitive cycling.

One of the bikes that we are personally most excited about is the Argon 18 Dark Matter, Argon 18’s first foray into the world of Gravel Bikes.

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply the complete range of Argon 18 Bikes, including Argon 18 Gravel Bikes and Road Bikes. All are available to buy online, and if you have any questions about the range - please get in touch and we will be more than happy to help.