Coming 15 years after the release of the original model in the series, the Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc 15th Anniversary Edition marks the sixth edition of the Canadian brand’s popular road bike. Can the Gallium Pro Disc continue to impress in 2020 and help keep you on the podium?
The Gallium Pro Disc recently distinguished itself as the prettiest bike of 2020 in the Design & Innovation Award. But now, it has had to face the next challenge, because good looks alone aren’t worth much if a bike can’t deliver the goods on the road. We first spotted this bike during Eurobike 2019, while we also spent some time aboard Argon 18’s gravel bike (click for review) in Issue #013. Just like its elemental namesake, the Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc 15th Anniversary Edition shines with a sleek lustre and the limited edition bike is clearly inspired by the optics of the original models from 2005. The Gallium Pro Disc was developed with the aim of putting its riders squarely on the podium. According to Argon 18, the frameset has lost 150 g without compromising on the necessary stiffness for sprints or comfort for longer rides. The Argon Fit System (AFS) tailors tube profiles and wall thicknesses to match different frame sizes and rider weight, tuning performance and power transfer throughout the range.
The Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc in detail
Drivetrain Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Gearing 52/36T und 11–28T
Brakes Shimnao Dura Ace 140/140 mm
Stem PRO Vibe
Handlebar PRO Vibe
Wheels HED Vanquish 4
Tires Vittoria Corsa Control Graphene 2.0
In addition, the 3D System developed by Argon 18 is present to help optimise handling and riding position. Instead of spacers, two different-sized inserts can be used to raise the stem while also increasing the spacing between the headset bearings. That allows for three different bar heights, while the threaded inserts are claimed to result in significantly increased stiffness in the cockpit over conventional spacers. Along with the change to a direct mount derailleur for smoother shifting, the fork has been equipped with a DT Swiss thru axle for quicker wheel or tire changes.
Don’t have € 7,800 going spare? Thanks to individual configuration options, that’s no problem!
The Gallium Pro Disc 15th Anniversary Edition can be customised according to both your wishes and budget and is available through the European distributor United Cycling. The configuration options give you the choice of everything from a low-budget Shimano 105 build (€ 5,380), to the standard DURA-ACE Di2 build (€ 7,899, 7.21 kg in size L) right up to extras like Vision Metron 81 SL carbon wheels or Ceramic Speed bearings. The sizing of cranks, stems and bars can also be freely chosen just like the size of the cassette and chainrings. In terms of geometry, the 15th Anniversary Edition hasn’t undergone any changes and is identical to the existing Gallium Pro Disc bikes.
| Size | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 420 mm | 455 mm | 493 mm | 530 mm | 565 mm | 595 mm |
| Top tube | 499 mm | 519 mm | 539 mm | 559 mm | 577 mm | 596 mm |
| Head angle | 71.0° | 72.0° | 72.7° | 72.7° | 72.7° | 73.0° |
| Seat angle | 75.5° | 74.5° | 74.0° | 73.5° | 73.0° | 72.5 |
| Chainstay | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm |
| BB Drop | 65 mm | 70 mm | 75 mm | 75 mm | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Wheelbase | 970 mm | 973 mm | 981 mm | 997 mm | 1,010 mm | 1,021 mm |
| Reach | 374 mm | 382 mm | 389 mm | 395 mm | 401 mm | 408 mm |
| Stack | 474 mm | 492 mm | 529 mm | 552 mm | 575 mm | 596 mm |
Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc 15th Anniversary Edition review
The frameset of the newest model in the Gallium Pro Disc range continues the classic diamond frame lines of previous incarnations. In times of aerodynamic tubing and dropped seat stays, that’s a refreshing change! With its homage to traditional construction, Argon 18 shows that clever technical details can be integrated even on a 130-year-old design. The anniversary edition makes a striking impression with the grey-black paint sparkling subtly in the sunlight. None of our testers could withstand the urge to give the top tube a gentle stroke each time before setting off for a ride.
United Cycling also offers a handy online configurator for the Gallium Pro Disc 15th Anniversary Edition. That makes it possible for customers to change and adjust components according to their personal preference. Instead of the standard wheelset (HED Ardennes GP Disc), the bike we tested came with HED Vanquish 4GP Carbon wheels. Everything together, that results in light-footed acceleration and the Gallium Pro Disc gets up to speed quickly, with your power input transferred directly, with little losses, into forward momentum. Once the bike is moving, it rides efficiently on flat terrain, though there are quicker (read aero) bikes out there. It’s especially at high speeds where the classic design of the frame, lacking any concessions to aerodynamics, becomes noticeable. Compared to an aero bike, you’ll expend more watts to the wind on this bike, that will sadly be missing for your next attack.
Leave the flats and move onto more challenging terrain and the Gallium Pro Disc will feel more at home, playing to its strengths. It climbs quickly and willingly, making short work of the steepest ascents and letting you set personal bests as you hunt down mountain passes. On the downhills, the Gallium happily rides at speed and offers experienced riders enough braking power despite the small (140/140) disc rotors. However, if you spend more time on the brakes or let them drag, you should put a 160 mm rotor up front for an additional margin of safety.
Our testers found the handling to be precise and honestly direct, without being unforgiving. Inexperienced riders will also feel safe and in control aboard the Gallium Pro Disc and it reacts predictably to steering inputs. Whether it’s at high speeds or uphill, out of the saddle, the bike tracks accurately and always remains easy to control. Stability and agility are cleverly balanced, resulting in a lot of fun through corners or technical sections. The Argon 18 team clearly did its homework with the 2016 models when the well-balanced Gallium Pro was conceived – and the concept still works well today.
The riding position is sporty and slightly stretched, though that can be tempered by raising the bars with the 3D System. Instead of spacers, Argon 18 use inserts that let the stem be raised by 15 or 30 mm. The solution is as simple as it is genius, promising a stiffer cockpit as well as a neater overall look. That means the stack-to-reach ratio can be adjusted from an aggressive 1.39 to a more relaxed 1.48.
The Gallium Pro Disc isn’t the smoothest ride out there: vibration damping is mid-range, while smaller bumps are transmitted to the rider and can get tiring. Thankfully, the Vittoria Corsa Control tires fitted contribute significantly to the level of comfort. However, both the frame and fork, as well as the wheelset and components are tuned for performance, with comfort taking second place.
Conclusion
The Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc 15th Anniversary Edition can take you all the way to the podium, with 15 years of heritage behind it. Your power gets transferred directly to the road and the bike always wants to attack and conquer the hills. On more demanding terrain it feels completely at home, but it’s not the best for relaxed cruising due to its lack of comfort.
Tops
- classic diamond frame
- individual configurations available
- climbing and descending capabilities
- optimal balance between stability and agility
Flops
- lacking vibration damping
- 140 mm front rotor is too small for heavier or inexperienced riders
For more information head to argon18bike.com
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Words: Philipp Schwab Photos: Valentin Rühl
