2021 Argon 18 Krypton GF SRAM Force AXS Bike
Except for those lucky enough to visit the Italian cycling scene, most of us probably had never heard of a Gran Fondo until nine or ten years ago. Now they are all over the place, and for good reason. They are amazing fun combining the atmo of a timed race with the pleasure of cycling big distances for pure pleasure. And that is the core message of the Argon 18 Krypton GF.
In Italy, Gran Fondos have long been where retired pro Italian riders go to flex their muscles one more time and where amateurs get the chance to test themselves equally against their idols and the elements. It’s actually not too dissimilar here in the states where lots of Gran Fondos are started by ex-pros as a way of fostering a community while making use of their top-end power while they still have it. That may be one reason why the Krypton GF has been designed since it will give you a great mix of the comfort of an endurance bike as well as the performance emphasis that you would get with a pure racing bike. This is a bike designed to balance the compliance required by uncertain road surface quality as well as the need for the lightweight that will help it climb effortlessly and stability to rail those unknown descents. And it has been designed around flat mount disc brakes so that you will always have the stopping power you want, even in rainy conditions. With the ability to fit both 140 and 160mm rotors, there can be little doubt that they are a huge help especially when weather and road conditions deteriorate.
Then mixing a sporty endurance geometry with the ability to adjust the stack height enhances the Krypton GF’s credentials as a versatile endurance oriented bike with a racing pedigree. They have incorporated their 3D Plus System into the Krypton GF. It allows you to adjust the front end stack according to your needs – 0mm if you rather like a steeper drop to the bars, 15mm if you like to stay fairly low, but want to give your back a break, and a whopping 30mm if you really do like the added comfort a higher stack can offer you, especially if your goal is to heap on the miles you accumulate over a summer. But this system does not just raise the stack; it raises the stack without compromising the stiffness of the front end, which enhances the handling. And it also looks quick slick, merging with the shape of the top tube seamlessly. The frame has been aero-optimized to make sure that you are able to cut through the wind as effectively as possible.
In addition to being able to set your stack height according to your comfort needs, the Krypton GF has been given a carbon layup designed to keep it comfy and absorbing the road vibrations before they reach your hands and bum. That is made possible through their Topological Compliance System. Focusing on the fork as well as the frame, it is a concept that incorporates a level of springiness where it will do the most good, like the fork legs and the seatstays, without compromising how well the frame responds to your pedaling power. The TDS-C Monocoque seatpost has also been designed to help keep the compliance level comfy at your backend, while remaining firm and supportive. But perhaps the best design feature to guarantee your comfort is the fact that this frame can support up to 32mm road tires, keeping the ride supple without losing the snappiness of your accelerations.
With clever touches like the clean cable routing that keeps the Krypton GF compatible with mechanical and electronic groupsets, while it hides the Di2 junction box in the frame, as well as the inlaid chain suck guard and chain catcher to prevent a dropped chain from ruining this carbon beauty, the Argon 18 Krypton GF will go a long way towards being the ideal bike for anyone looking for the challenge offered by the empty road.
Features:
Frame: Krypton GF carbon
Fork: Krypton GF carbon disc
Headset: FSA 30+3DPlus
Brakes: SRAM Force HRD, Centerline XR 160/140mm rotors
Shifters: SRAM Force AXS HRD
Crank: SRAM Force 48/35T
Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB
Front Derailleur: SRAM Force AXS
Cassette: SRAM XG-1270 10-33T
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force AXS
Chain: KMC X12
Wheelset: Hunt 4 Season
Tires: Challenge Paris Roubaix Race 27c
Handlebar: FSA Energy SCR Compact
Stem: Argon 18 IST Carbon
Seatpost: Argon 18 TDS-C Race 27.2
Saddle: Prologo Akero T2.0
Sizes: 42cm XXS | 45cm XS | 48.5cm SM | 52cm MD | 55.5cm LG | 59cm XL |
Colors: Imperial Blue Black gradient
*Specs and pricing are subject to change. Please contact sales@wrenchscience.com for more info.
WARRANTY:
3yrs