Since its introduction, the Helium has stood alone in the market as a specialty frameset having no directly comparable competition. It’s a comfort bike that combines two often mutually exclusive characteristics: first, the efficiency and nimble road manners of a top-end road bike and second, outstanding stability and a rare capacity for soaking up bumps and road buzz.
The frame and matching He2 fork are designed to work as a unit. They are made in our exclusive CNC-machined molds using complementary materials. The He2 fork is extremely effective in filtering out vibrations resulting from bad road surfaces, offering a very substantial improvement in comfort. The He2 fork’s monocoque construction makes it very reliable, yet it weights only 350 grams, an undeniable advantage. The rear triangle follows the design objectives of the fork; our tests indicate that the Helium rear end offers up to 10% more shock absorption than found in other comfort bikes.
100% carbon. 4005 HT’s final formulation was determined by exhaustive testing for vertical compliance in order to optimize shock and vibration absorption. This improves comfort and reduces fatigue, particularly on longer rides.
Lugged construction is very reliable and presents an inherent quality: it naturally absorbs vibration and is therefore well-suited for building a comfortable bike. Argon 18 uses only its exclusive carbon lugs. These are lighter and present better mechanical qualities than aluminum lugs. Staying with a single material gives the frame a better feel, because it makes for a more unified structure, compared to a frame of dissimilar materials.
For ten years now, the Horizontal Dual System has ensured that the top part of our frames absorb vibration while the lower section fully delivers power to the rear wheel. Dividing the frame into two horizontally segmented parts reduces frame weight significantly. Compared to a frame built with conventional tubes, weight can be reduced by as much as 20% while retaining all the stiffness and stability of a heavier frame. Of all the Argon 18 models, the Helium is where the HDS concept is used to greatest effect. Despite the vertical compliance emphasized in this design, static loading tests show that the bottom bracket area remains surprisingly resistant to deformation.
The Argon Fit System is an optimized cycle geometry that facilitates rider positioning. AFS ensures: Easy positioning and ideal ergonomics for riders of all sizes. Optimal handling characteristics in all frame sizes.
