Argon 18 E-119 Tri + Disc Triathlon Bike Frame

Redefining Disc Brake Frames with the Argon 18 E-119 Tri + Disc

If the engineers at Argon 18 were going to add discs to the generally amazing E-119 Tri frame, they wanted to make sure they were doing more than just following the trend. They wanted to make it an advancement in the quality and performance of the frame and not a reaction to expectations. With the Argon 18 E-119 Tri + Disc, they have certainly managed to raise the bar of what disc brake frames can offer. They’ve essentially redefined expectations from here on out.

That may sound like quite a statement, but it is warranted thanks to the E-119 Tri + Disc’s innovative integrated disc brake calipers. Both the fork and the rear chainstay have been totally redesigned to be able to accommodate the disc brake calipers. That means that the caliper mounts have actually been included in the layup of the frame. It’s a great idea, but they had to solve multiple important engineering problems in order to make it feasible. The design had to withstand the resulting heat from braking, had to be able to be adjustable, couldn’t add too much weight, and had to be manufacturable in the first place! Argon 18 is candid in the amount of trial and error they went through to get the design right. What the success of the design means is that not only are the disc brakes not an aero disadvantage, it is actually an aerodynamic improvement over their rim brake design, which is amazing when you consider the old design was rim brakes hidden in the frame!

The redesign didn’t stop there. They have also focused on making the cockpit even more adjustable so that you can get not only aero but do it comfortably. No point in having a TT bike that you can’t stand riding on the aerobars for extended periods. Argon 18’s new bar for the E-119 Tri + Disc can be set up with a +5cm increase to make your position more upright if you need it to be. But the basebar can also be flipped to offer a super-aggressive position. The ergonomics of the aerobars have also been addressed to assure a hand-in-glove fit. In addition to the fit, the bar has been designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble when traveling to your important races.

Custom Storage Space in the E-119 Tri + Disc

Recognizing that the people who will want this bike will likely be looking to excel at triathlons of all lengths, Argon 18’s designers have also been very clever when developing storage options for the frame. They’ve integrated a storage space, with custom-designed sleek zippered pouch with elastic cords to hold tools securely in place while riding, into the bottom bracket region. Accessible via a little door on the non-drivetrain side of the BB, this storage space means that you can take tools that could save your race without having to worry about any handling or drag penalty like you would have if you simply strapped a toolkit onto your top tube.

Other nice aero touches include hiding the electronic shifting cables for Di2 and AXS drivetrains and integrating the brake fluid reservoir into the basebar. They’ve also eschewed bar tape by designing custom grips that fit tightly onto the bar and that allow for the integration of the Di2 or AXS Blips for electronic shifting.

Overall, the Argon 18 E-119 Tri + Disc is a pro level high performance triathlon bike that is intended to cater to the special needs a traveling triathlete needs on race day. The aerodynamic performance of the carbon frame paired with the ability to dial in your comfortable position will ensure you can optimally pump out the watts.

Also check Pinarello triathlon bikes.