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Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc Review

Riding Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc on the trail
Written by thebicycles_

Argon 18 is known for producing well-engineered bikes that combine minimal weight with good ride quality and creative aesthetic elements.

The Gallium Pro Disc was designed to place its riders on the podium.

This post will provide details and insights about the Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc. Check out below what this bike has to offer.

Specifications and Components

The Gallium Pro Disc 15th Anniversary Edition is offered through the European distributor United Cycling and can be customized to suit your bike needs and budget.

You may choose various configurations and add-ons. Here are the specs and components of the Gallium Pro I tested for six months.

Available Sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Seat Tube (cm) 50
Shifters Shimano R8070
Stem FSA OS99
Trail 5.3
Weight (kg) 7.45
Wheelset Token Ventous carbon
Chainstays (cm) 42
Top Tube (cm) 56
Seat Angle 73.5
Wheelbase (cm) 100.5
Frame size tested M
Head Tube (cm) 14
Stack (cm) 55.2
Reach (cm) 39.5
All measurements for frame size tested M
Seatpost Argon 18, carbon
Saddle Prologo Zero II Nack
Bottom Bracket Shimano press-fit
Frame Material Carbon
Brakes Shimano Ultegra BR-R8070
Cassette Shimano Ultegra 11-28
Chain Shimano Ultegra HG700
Cranks Shimano Ultegra Di2 52/36
Fork Carbon
Fork Offset 4.25
Front Tyre Continental Grand Sport Race, 25mm
Rear Wheel Weight 1640
Front Wheel Weight 1230
Handlebar FSA K-Force carbon
Head Angle 72.7
Headset Type FSA
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra Di2
Rear Tyre Continental Grand Sport Race, 25mm
Bottom-bracket drop (cm) 7.5

Argon 18 Gallium Specs and Performance

Shifter Specs and Performance

The Shimano shifters that came with my Gallium provide smooth climbs and descents. It is efficient and enables me to shift gears with ease.

The bike tracks precisely and is always simple to handle, whether moving quickly or uphill when out of the saddle. A clever blend between stability and agility makes it quite enjoyable to maneuver around corners or challenging areas.

Rear Derailleur Specs and Performance

The Gallium is excellent for quickly covering ground since it has a delightfully smooth level of compliance. The Argon 18 3D System is incorporated to aid handling and riding posture optimization.

In my experience, the switch to a direct mount derailleur provides more effortless shifting. 

Cassette Chain Specs and Performance

Gallium Pro's cassette and chain

Gallium Pro’s cassette and chainring sizes, as well as the size of the cranks, stems, and bars, can all be freely chosen.

My Gallium has a rigid chassis through the head tube, bottom bracket, and chainstays, making it a beautifully smooth-handling bicycle. It has a pleasant level of compliance above this sturdy undertray, making it excellent for quickly traversing distances.

Tires

The Gallium Pro Disc isn’t the smoothest ride; minor bumps can be demanding for the rider. Vibration dampening is mid-range. Luckily, the Vittoria Corsa Control tires installed significantly increase comfort.

Installation and Setup

United Cycling has done a fine job setting up my Gallium Pro. Assembling the parts can be tricky if you are new to cycling, but seasoned riders can quickly build the bike.

Design

The 15th Anniversary Edition of Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc stands out with a sleek luster and optics influenced by the original models from 2005.

The Gallium still has a simple, understated look. Its minimalist design in a fantastic race bike is only a little expensive for the level of equipment.

Argon 18 Gallium Price & Value for Money

Gallium’s price varies on the customization you choose. It is still worth the purchase if you are looking for an efficient race bike.

You may choose from different Gallium configurations, ranging from an affordable Shimano 105 build (€ 5,380) to a standard DURA-ACE Di2 construction (€ 7,899, 7.21 kg in size L).

The size of the cassette and chainrings and the size of the cranks, stems, and bars are also customizable.

Argon 18 Gallium Pros & Cons

PROS

  • classic diamond frame
  • available in many configurations
  • Gallium was praised for being more rigid than a flagpole.
  • ability to ascend and fall
  • AN excellent ratio of mobility and stability
  • On sharp turns, the Gallium made precise maneuvers.
  • The monocoque Carbon frame weighs a featherweight of 790g.
  • The Gallium Pro was ferociously quick in sprints.

CONS

  • A few reviewers perceived the Gallium as less potent than some of its rivals.
  • The level of vibration damping was low. The Gallium could become worn out from transmission judder.
  • Compared to the 140mm specified, some reviewers would have preferred 160mm rotor/s.
  • The Gallium required more significant rider input at high speeds due to its non-aero design.

FAQs

Is Gallium Pro Disc Heavy?

The body frame weighs 790g. This racer bike is not too light and not too heavy either.

Overall, how did the bike feel? Did it perform specific tasks well or poorly?

I was able to handle the bike quickly and confidently, just like all good race bikes. good at both low and high speeds.

Did the bike feel rigid where it should have? Any parts of the bike that felt excessively rigid or pliable?

Yes, the bike feels rigid, particularly when sprinting and exerting yourself.

The Final Verdict

I think the handling was clear-cut, sincere, and direct without being aggressive. On the Gallium Pro Disc, novice riders feel secure and in control, and the bike responds reliably to steering inputs. 

The Gallium Pro Disc tracks precisely and is always simple to handle, whether moving quickly or uphill when out of the saddle. A clever blend between stability and agility makes it quite enjoyable to maneuver around corners or challenging areas.

I 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.

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