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Today’s Deals2022 Argon 18
Dark Matter Frameset
A carbon frame gravel frameset with hydraulic disc brakes.
| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Fork | Carbon |
| Wheels | 650b |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Summary
The Argon 18 Dark Matter gravel bike is praised for its confident handling, adjustable geometry, and versatility with plenty of mounting points for bikepacking. However, it receives mixed reviews regarding its comfort, responsiveness, and the value of its spec at its price point. While it excels in stability and is well-suited for longer excursions, it lacks the dynamic performance and 'wow' factor of some competitors.
Confident handling
Adjustable geometry
Plenty of mounting points for bikepacking
Stable on rough trails
Comfortable riding position for longer excursions
Lacks responsiveness for sprinting
Not as dynamic through corners
Spec may not justify the price
Uncomfortable handlebar and bar tape
Lacks the 'wow' factor of some rivals
The Dark Matter was very easy to get comfortable on and I didn’t feel like it was holding me back throughout the day of riding.
Bike PerfectThe 2023 Argon 18 Dark Matter can do a lot, but it can’t do it all.
Gran Fondo MagazineFrom my first rides, I felt like the bike had a bit of an identity crisis and lacked the 'wow' factor of some of its rivals.
off.road.ccFeedback?
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Sep 2023
The Argon Dark Matter could be dubbed as a bit of a do-it-all gravel bike with a generous number of cargo mounts, yet it's also a bit of a race machine, too. Throughout my time with this bike, I felt it had a bit of an identity crisis and failed to really impress me in most riding scenarios, despite tackling everything that came its way adequately. The Dark Matter does, however, offer adjustable geometry which is valuable on smaller frame sizes.
Jun 2023 · Graham Cottingham
It was straight to racing and a rapid first ride of Argon 18's Dark Matter gravel bike
Confident handling
A clean solution to adjusting stack
Plenty of mounting points for bikepacking
High stack height even in the low position
Only one 1X build
Jun 2023 · Martin Staffa
The 2023 Argon 18 Dark Matter doesn’t just look burly, it is the heavyweight champion on test. Can it keep up with the competition with its 8.56 kg heft?
Customisable thanks to the online configurator
Enough mounting points for every bag and all situations
Smart details
Very stable and composed handling
Lack of comfort at the rear
Uncomfortable handlebar and bar tape
No race genes
Build doesn’t offer the promised versatility
| Frame | Dark Matter BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Tire Clearance: 40c Colors: Hyper-Silver Coal Black; Dawn Blue Dark Red |
|---|---|
| Fork | Dark Matter specific |
| Bottom Bracket | BB86 |
| Headset | FSA NO.30/Kit + 3D+ w/ TH881-1 |
| Seatpost | Argon 18 TDS-C Carbon, 27.2mm (included with frameset) Type: Rigid |
| Brakes | Flat Mount Disc Brakes (140/160 Rotors) Type: Hydraulic Disc |
|---|
| Tires | 45c (for both 700C and 650B) |
|---|
First added February 28
Last updated February 10
Not listed for 842 days