Argonaut frames are now available in the UK for the first time through G!RO. They feature the custom geometry you'd expect for £4,950, but there's much more to the small US company's fabrication process than chopping tubes to fit.
Each tube is laid up around a solid bladder, which Argonaut says makes for consistent, controlled wall thickness, eliminating stress risers (areas that create undue stress in the frame by stemming the natural flow of stress while riding) as well as the rough interiors of regular mould-baked carbon frames. This minimises weight and Argonaut says it also ensures consistent ride and handling characteristics. But it's the moulding process that's really unique.
Rather than cutting and bonding carbon tubes after fabrication to achieve the desired size and geometry, the small company's moulds are completely adjustable. This means all frame angles and tube lengths are taken into account from the start of the process, not modified afterwards.
Each fame section has custom geometry – including the junctions
The frames come out of the moulds in seven pieces, each with a layup pattern specific to the rider whose frame the company is birthing. This means every part of the frame is custom engineered, with no waste material and total control over wall thickness.
Argonaut calls this the “ Holy Grail of custom carbon fabrication” – and the result is truly custom frames that are also cutting-edge technologically.
Highlighting the high-end nature of the frames, their weight is between 750 and 950g depending on size and lay-up. This svelte but stiff platform is complemented by a tapered ENVE 2.0 road fork and Chris King I8 headset.
The frames are also available with an integrated seat mast with a proprietary carbon seat clamp, or a traditional seatpost – rider's choice naturally. BB86 is Argonaut's bottom bracket standard of choice for a stiff, wide BB area with minimal weight.
This example build features ENVE Smart 6.7 clinchers on silky Chris King R45 hubs along with Shimano's Dura-Ace 9000 mechanical group and ENVE finishing kit. All told, it would cost £8,750.
Check out the gallery above for all the pics.