Argon 18 Dark Matter in Review

The Argon 18 Dark Matter gravel bike equipped with a 1×13 Rotor groupset is the Canadian brand’s candidate for the group test. Does its concept work and how does the hydraulic drivetrain perform? Read on to find out more.

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**Argon 18** Dark Matter | 8.39 kg (size S) | € 2,600 (frameset) | € 6,000 (complete build)

Argon is a noble gas and makes up just 1% of the atmosphere. Exotic then, but a situation the Canadian brand hopes to change, at least in the gravel world, with the Dark Matter. But exotic is also a good description for the hydraulic Rotor 1×13 groupset fitted to this bike. The unconventional drivetrain consists of an oval 42 t Q-Ring chainring, a 2inPower crankset and a 10-46 t cassette. That’s combined with MAGURA disc calipers and Rotor’s own shifter. The frameset itself offers numerous unique and detailed solutions. The 3D PLUS system lets the effective head tube length be changed to adjust the cockpit height (0, 15 or 30 mm), making spacers obsolete. Along with the cleaner look, the resulting increase in spacing between top and bottom headset bearings is claimed to improve handling. In addition, the modular cable routing system in the down tube is designed to facilitate optimal cable management. It is compatible with a Shimano Di2 junction box and any current drivetrain options. Overall, it’s clear that the designers have put a lot of thought into the details. For example, the front derailleur mount can be removed easily, there’s an optional direct mount hanger for Shimano drivetrains and the asymmetrical chainstays offer tire clearances for up to 700 x 45C tires. Our test bike weighs 8.39 kg and in this configuration costs € 6,000. The frameset only option will set you back € 2,600.

**Helmet** SCOTT Centric Plus | **Glasses** POC Aspire | **Jersey** GRAN FONDO-T-Shirt | **Bib shorts** Rapha Core Cargo | **Socks** The Wonderful Socks #6 | **Shoes** Dromarti Sportivo Touring Terra

The Argon 18 Dark Matter in detail

Drivetrain Rotor 1×13 with 2InPower power meter
Gearing 42 t Q-Ring und 10-46 t, 1×13
Brakes Rotor/MAGURA 160/160 mm
Handlebar Profile Design, 400 mm
Stem Profile Design Zeroseven, 70 mm
Seatpost TDS C, 15 mm offset
Wheels ENVE SES Disc 35/45
Tires WTB Nano 700 x 40C

**Modular**
The modular routing system is compatible with any shifting configuration and can also integrate a Shimano Di2 junction box.

**Obsolete**
The 3D PLUS system makes spacers a thing of the past. The nicely integrated look and the increased spacing between the headset bearings make it a no-brainer solution.

**Multi-talent**
The down tube protector works effectively, allows a third bottle cage to be mounted and also covers a port that makes routing internal cables a lot easier.

**We just didn’t click**
The Rotor 1×13 groupset has good gear steps and the oval Q-Ring chainring works well. Unfortunately, shifting gears is imprecise, undefined and without enough feedback.

Size	XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	420 mm	450 mm	485 mm	520 mm	555 mm	590 mm
Top tube	492 mm	513 mm	534 mm	556 mm	579 mm	603 mm
Head tube	120 mm	135 mm	154 mm	171 mm	192 mm	216 mm
Head angle	69.5°	71.0°	71.4°	72.0°	72.0°	72.5°
Seat angle	75.5°	74.9°	74.3°	73.7°	73.1°	72.5°
Chainstays	428 mm	428 mm	428 mm	428 mm	428 mm	428 mm
Wheelbase	1,008 mm	1,011 mm	1,024 mm	1,030 mm	1,046 mm	1,059 mm
Reach	356 mm	367 mm	377 mm	387 mm	397 mm	407 mm
Stack	530 mm	550 mm	570 mm	590 mm	610 mm	635 mm

The Argon 18 Dark Matter in review

The sporty and progressive design of the Argon 18 matches its agile character well. It willingly translates your input into acceleration and quickly generates a lot of speed. Thanks to the short 70 mm stem the riding position is comparatively compact, while your weight is pushed forward due to the 74.3° seat tube angle. That results in a lot of pressure on the front wheel which in turn offers direct but not at all nervous steering. This playful character up front harmonises well with the agility of the rear end, resulting in a balanced and enjoyable ride! At high speeds the frameset is smooth, stable and confidence inspiring. In terms of comfort, the Dark Matter is similarly well-rounded and damps vibrations effectively even on rough terrain.

**Tuning tip**
Change the groupset in the Argon 18 online configurator for better shifting performance

The Dark Matter is a guarantee for fun on any gravel outing!>

The MAGURA brakes provide plenty of stopping power while offering just as much modulation as the Shimano and SRAM competition. Unfortunately we didn’t have the same positive experience with Rotor’s hydraulic drivetrain. The biggest weakness of the 1×13 groupset is its imprecise and undefined shifting. The shifter requires a lot of input and we missed the tactile feedback to tell us that we’d changed gears. In practice this means inevitable misshifts at the end of longer tours where you’re already tired or in hectic situations where you have to react quickly.

Conclusion

The Argon 18 Dark Matter scores well in terms of its balanced comfort and harmonious handling. During our testing, it happily generated lots of speed and revealed itself to be a fun all-rounder on any terrain. If you’re looking for a gravel bike but aren’t quite sure what terrain you’ll be spending most time on, this platform is a well-conceived and coherent option. Unfortunately, we can’t recommend the Rotor 1×13 groupset due to its shifting performance.

Tops

eager acceleration
playful and harmonious handling
clever features and solutions in the frameset

Flops

undefined and imprecise shifting
brake hose rubs on the head tube

Riding Characteristics

Agility

cumbersome
playful

Stability

nervous
confident

Handling

demanding
balanced

Fun factor

boring
lively

Value for money

terrible
very good

Technical Data

Argon 18
Dark Matter

Size: XXS XS S M L XL
Weight: 8.39 kg
Price: € 6,000

Indended Use

Smooth tarmac 1

Allroad/Gravel 2

Everyday/Commuting 3

For more info: argon18bike.com