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E-114
The ultimate merger of man and machine
Here is the E-114, brainchild of Gervais Rioux and the Argon 18 team. The end result of Project Element 114, this new time trial frameset has already won the Institut Design Montréal’s award for best industrial design. Designed for world-class athletes, this monocoque carbon frameset stands out for its ONEness concept front end, a completely integrated aero and stemless fork/aerobar combination that allows an unprecedented merger of rider and machine from both an aerodynamic and an ergonomic standpoint.
The E-114: more than just an outstanding frame
A fully unified design, the E-114 frameset includes the frame, fork, headset, bullhorn bars and aerobar extensions as well as the brakes and brake levers. These components were designed to work together; using the complete setup maximizes the aerodynamic and ergonomic advantages inherent in the design.
ONEness Concept
ONEness is a new time-trial cockpit/front end developed by Argon 18. ONEness means an unprecedented merger between rider and machine resulting from a complete rethinking of the bike’s front end and control interfaces.
• The E-114 fork
While a conventional fork remains essentially an articulated structural component that steers the bike, the E-114 fork also acts as a forward fairing, masking the conventional headset completely and smoothing the airflow around this part of the bike.
• The upper fairing and spacers are made of CNC-machined aluminum alloy.
• Completely faired front brake
The front brake, in its usual exposed position, disrupts airflow around the front of the bike. Here, the brake is mounted behind the fork and fork shape is designed to completely hide the brake from the wind and let the air flow past it, eliminating turbulence and drag.
• A new interface between athlete and machine
The new AHB5000 aerobar/bullhorn bar combination is completely integrated with the fork. The entire unit is made of HM carbon (including armrests) in exclusive Argon 18 molds. Fully adjustable, it’s installed directly on the fork fairing, eliminating the need for a stem.
This setup adapts to the rider, fostering an increased unity between rider and machine, ergonomics and aerodynamics.
Aero tube shape tailored to each frameset section
• From the fork to seatstay, the various sections have been given different aero profiles. The design takes into account the effect of the rider on airflow, given that most of the drag is generated by the cyclist and that optimized aerodynamics can only be achieved by considering the combination of both rider and bike.
6006 HM Nano-Tech carbon
As with 6010 HM, used in the Gallium, 6006 HM includes only the best unidirectional high-modulus fibers. Developed as part of project Element 114, this formulation is custom-tailored for the E-114. Optimised rigidity in the bottom bracket and rear triangle.
6006 HM enhances frameset stability; this means pinpoint steering accuracy through the tightest line, even in an aero tuck position and at very high output levels.
The ONEness concept and the increased synergy and unity between athlete and machine are largely feasible thanks to 6006 HM’s specific properties.
ASP 5000 seatpost
• An Argon 18 innovation. Built in our own mold, the ASP5000 seatpost is an elegant piece of engineering that combines positional flexibility and aero efficiency.
• 78 or 76-degree seat angle.
• Saddle tilt and setback are adjusted separately, facilitating even the most minute position changes.
AFS Geometry: extra-stable time-trial version
• A bike’s intended use should determine the degree of stability designed into the frameset. Pro cycling fans may have noted, over the past few years, how some big-name riders have crashed in time trials, suggesting that the controllability of certain TT bikes may have left something to be desired.
• The E-114 substantially reduces crash risk thanks to its remarkable stability. A rider can thus concentrate on putting in a full effort rather than on handling a twitchy bike.
• The E-114’s wheelbase has been optimized for accurate steering and stability on the aerobar extensions, even at moments of extreme effort.
• The table below shows how Argon 18 adjusts the wheelbase of its various bikes, based on their intended use. The figures represent the length between the center of the crank spindle and the rear dropouts.
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E-114 (Time trial/triathlon) |
Gallium (Road) |
Electron (Track) |
| Use |
Time trial/triathlon |
Road |
Track |
| Degree of Stability |
Extra stable |
Versatile/Quick |
Ultra quick/ |
| Chainstay legth |
400mm |
408mm |
383mm |
| Front center |
607mm |
597mm |
568mm |
| Wheelbase overall |
1007mm |
1005mm |
951mm |
Attention to detail
• Horizontal rear dropouts
The E-114 features horizontal rear dropouts. Regardless of tire size, the wheel can be optimally positioned.
• Internal cable routing
All cables are internally routed for reduced clutter and improved aerodynamics.
Fastest Bike in Kona
With the help of the E-114, Torbjorn Sindballe has the fastest bike split at the Ironman in Kona this year. He finished in third place, a personal best.
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