Argon 18 E-117 Tri Disc Triathlon Bike Frame

Triathlon on a Budget: The Affordable Performance of the Argon 18 E-117 Tri Disc

There’s no doubt about it: racing triathlons can get pretty pricey. For one thing, you are buying equipment for three different sports. And while a bathing suit might not require that much of a cash outlay, a bike almost certainly does. If you have caught the tri bug and really want to feel the benefit of a tri-specific racing bike, then the Argon 18 E-117 Tri Disc will be an ideal, reasonably priced option.

Entry-level triathlon bikes seldom come with disc brakes, even though it is likely the newbies to TT positions who will benefit most from the confidence that disc brakes will inspire in a race. That Argon 18 has recognized this and developed the improvements to this iteration of the E-117 Tri is not only commendable but sensible. Though to call the E-117 Tri Disc an entry-level bike should not paint the wrong picture. This is a top quality, top performing tri bike for all situations. Its handling, low weight, and aero acumen will make it equally attractive to a seasoned triathlete, especially one who is on a budget.

Adding disc brakes to the set up introduces several advantages beyond the obvious one of how well they will help the rider slow down even in wet conditions. For one thing, it makes it possible to run 28C wide tires which will help with the comfort levels on the road and will increase the aero profile of the wider rimmed wheels that are all the rage these days. The through axles will also enhance the feeling of robust stiffness of the frame, which will also help the rider feel increasingly confident in taking corners just that much faster. Disc brakes paradoxically also make swapping wheels much easier. If you have a pair of training aluminum wheels that you need to swap race day for some fancy carbon wheels, you won’t have to worry about changing brake pads and fiddling with brake adjustments. The whole process will be much less complicated and more intuitive.

Adjustable Cockpit and 3D System of the E-117 Tri Disc

The most important thing, and perhaps one of the hardest things to get right for anyone new to the sport, is the fit. A TT position is far from a normal way to sit and feel comfortable on a bike. The E-117 Tri Disc accommodates a wide variety of riders with its versatile and adjustable fit. The cockpit can be tweaked with a choice of aerobar while the head tube’s 3D System extends fit options by offering three different head tube heights for every frame size. And since the carbon aero seatpost also offers adjustable offset, athletes can easily dial in their perfect position, and even adjust it as a new tri rider becomes more adept and comfortable in aggressive tuck positions.

Since many triathletes are forced to travel frequently to hit all the races, the designers at Argon 18 wanted to make the E-117 Tri Disc as easy as possible to pack for travel. So there is no proprietary integration in the cockpit or anyplace else that would naturally complicate things like packing and even basic maintenance. And for race day, it has all storage option needs that will keep your race nutrition and small tool kit accessible and secure. So you can attach your storage and hydration solutions to the top tube, down tube, and the rear hydration mount.

The Argon 18 E-117 Tri Disc tries to think of everything you’ll need for your race so that on the day, all you need to think about is pushing out the watts. Whether for the beginner or expert on a budget, the E-117 Tri Disc will get you from T1 to T2 with a minimum of fuss and maximum of speed.

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