Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

TECH NEWS

Argonaut’s new 16lb GR2 Gravel Racer looks seriously quick

Just launched, hugely expensive but ultra desireable custom carbon gravel racer from the States

Argonaut has just shared some details about its brand new GR2 Gravel Racer, a no holds barred gravel racing bike with a clear focus on pure performance. “The perfect tool for a weekday hammerfest or a brutal 8 hour gravel race,” the US company proudly tells us.

argonaut gr2 gravel racer7

The bike is clearly built to the very specific demands of the many gravel races in the US, which differ from the more versatile do-everything blueprint being used for the majority of mainstream so-called gravel bikes.

The full carbon fibre frame can be built to a specific layup and size for a rider and in its lightest build, as pictured with SRAM eTap and a generous smattering of carbon, weighs just 16lb (7.2kg). That’s light by road bike standards let alone one designed for smashing gravel races.

argonaut gr2 gravel racer9

Based on the original Gravel Racer which scooped awards at the 2015 North American Handmade Bicycle Show, the new bike has evolved reflecting the way the gravel racing scene has matured. There’s clearance for up to 38mm tyres which is on the narrow side compared to more versatile adventure bikes but likely ample for the smooth dirt roads of most US gravel races.

argonaut gr2 gravel racer11

One interesting detail is the adoption of the Mavic Speed Release thru-axle at the rear dropout, along with the new Enve GRD fork which also uses this new system. It basically makes wheel removal with a 12mm thru-axle much quicker because you don’t have to entirely remove the axle to get the wheel out.

argonaut gr2 gravel racer2

Framesets will be specced with Chris King T47 bottom brackets and i8 headsets and cost $6,500, which remember does include a full rider-specific custom layup and sizing. If you want a full bike exactly like the one pictured, you’re looking at a cool $12,999.

argonaut gr2 gravel racer4

More over at https://argonautcycles.com/

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

Add new comment

9 comments

Avatar
BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
0 likes

So can only take 38mm tyres, so not really 'no holds barred' is it, an 8 year old Spesh Sirrus Pro Carbon has a tougher carbon modulus takes 40mm tyres WITH mudguards fitted, even a 58cm Sirrus carbon is the same weight so not exactly weight weenie is it, how do they manage to build these so heavy, oh wait, discs innit

Nice I'm sure, but ridiculously overpriced for what you're getting and the very strict limitations of use, for that kind of money I want better spec,  lighter with same/better robustness and compliancy of ride.

Avatar
missionsystem replied to BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
6 likes

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

...how do they manage to build these so heavy, oh wait, discs innit

WTF are you on about...?

 

Avatar
Rapha Nadal replied to BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
2 likes

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

So can only take 38mm tyres, so not really 'no holds barred' is it, an 8 year old Spesh Sirrus Pro Carbon has a tougher carbon modulus takes 40mm tyres WITH mudguards fitted, even a 58cm Sirrus carbon is the same weight so not exactly weight weenie is it, how do they manage to build these so heavy, oh wait, discs innit

Nice I'm sure, but ridiculously overpriced for what you're getting and the very strict limitations of use, for that kind of money I want better spec,  lighter with same/better robustness and compliancy of ride.

This, I believe, is what's called a "facepalm" moment.

Can you tell how compliant and/or robust a bike is just by looking at a photo?  Asking for a friend.  As for a better spec; is a custom layup & design spec, etap hydro, & Chris King too lower class for you?  

Avatar
zero_trooper | 6 years ago
0 likes

'The bike is clearly built to the very specific demands of the many gravel races in the UK'

Shurely U.S. of A.?

Avatar
Rapha Nadal | 6 years ago
4 likes

That looks bloody lovely!

Avatar
David Arthur @d... | 6 years ago
1 like

Yup typo amended, it's designed for 38mm tyres not the 28mm I accidentally typed

Avatar
SteveAustin | 6 years ago
0 likes

any relation to Argon 18? Because them name logos look pretty similar to me

Avatar
Master Bean | 6 years ago
2 likes

38mm tyres if you read the article on their site properly David  3

Avatar
phazon replied to Master Bean | 6 years ago
1 like

Master Bean wrote:

38mm tyres if you read the article on their site properly David  3

 

And those tyres definitely look bigger than 28mm to me...

Latest Comments