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Argon 18 is better known for aerodynamic racing and time trial bikes, but the "foray" into comfortable aluminium frames has been a great success. The really short Grey Matter was considered the ideal beginner's bike in the test, not because of the equipment, which is perfectly okay with the complete Sram Apex groupset, but because the bike is very easy to handle. The thick frame tubes can withstand the occasional crash and are less bumpy on bumps than lightweight carbon frames. However, the massive, forward-curved carbon fork plays a decisive role, sacrificing a little manoeuvrability, but the directional stability is virtually unrivalled, even on rough paths or through sand.
And even if we don't like the look of it, the wide drop bar often gives less experienced riders a sense of security, so it fits the bill. The bike is perfectly prepared for everyday use and touring with many, many eyelets and threads, including along the fork, which is well suited for this; be careful not to overload with a maximum weight of 110 kg! Even a beginner can ride the Argon 18 Grey Matter for hours on end, and even with a few panniers on it, the bike rides straight and true. However, the weight, tyres and geometry are not so much fun on road bike laps. For pure gravel use, choose one size larger than recommended and remove the spacers on the head tube. The dark green metallic colour perfectly matches the unagitated bike.
Conclusion on the Argon 18 Grey Matter
Extremely easy to control, touring-orientated and rather comfortable gravel away from any mainstream and with harmonious equipment right down to the gear ratio.
The most important information about the gravel bike
- Price: 2350 Eur0 >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 10.9 kg
- Frameset: Weight n.a. / max. system weight 110 kg
- Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
- Seat tube / top tube: 485 mm / 538 mm
- Stack / Reach / SR quotient: 589 mm / 370 mm / 1,592
- Wheelbase: 1021 mm
- Drive: SRAM SRAM Apex groupset, 1x11 gears, singlespeed crank 40 teeth, SRAM 1130 cassette 11 - 42 teeth
- Brakes: SRAM Apex 1, hydraulic disc brakes, 160 / 140 mm
- Wheels / tyres: Vision Team aero Gravel i23, aluminium rims with 28 spokes 1.8 mm / Vittoria Terreno Dry 622 x 40 mm
- Guarantee: 2 years (extendable to 5 by registration)
