ARGON18 Gallium 2012. Guided by HDS principles, Argon18 Engineers staff has developed a new mold that maximizes tube size in the most appropriate areas of the frame. Results obtained from deformation resistance tests confirm that this newest version of the Gallium Pro will please sprinters and anyone capable of putting out serious power. The new Gallium incorporates a lower bottom bracket shell that sits 75mm below the hub axle centerline, as opposed to the traditional 70mm drop, standard on road bikes since the days of wide, clip-and-strap pedals. Why the change? There are two good reasons: First, with a lower BB shell, stresses in the down tube are more vertically distributed. This lessens the tendency bikes have to lift the front wheel under hard accelerations on steep uphill sections, so the rider can concentrate on the effort in breaking away without any concern about a squirrelly handling bike. On descents, the forces experienced by the down tube and seat stays take a more vertical path, helping to keep the wheels in contact with the road. Lowering the bottom bracket lets Argon18 shorten the head tube. In doing so, Argon18 Gallium has improved lateral rigidity in the front triangle, which leads to more accurate steering and greater efficiency in accelerations. But what about pedal clearance in turns? With 70mm bottom bracket drop, the maximum lean angle for pedaling in turns-with 175mm cranks and clip less pedals is 120; with the BB at a 75mm drop, this angle becomes 119. The consequence for a lower bottom bracket amounts to one degree of lean angle, practically an imperceptible change. The gains in terms of stability and rigidity are much more significant.

AFS GEOMETRY Argon 18 Fit System insures:

• An ideal position for riders of all sizes.

• Optimum road manners, a nimble bike in all models and sizes.

• Correct seat tube angles, top tube and head tube lengths and well-conceived general proportions in every frame size.  Argon 18 bikes are more comfortable, more stable, making the most of every rider potential.

6050 HM carbon Fiber was developed around the larger tube diameters of the new Gallium and Gallium Pro mold. This composite, along with the HDS principles that guided the frame design, lets Argon18 Bike engineers to obtain the most vibration damping from the upper frame while still allowing maximum stiffness in the lower areas where it is critical for efficiency. If the rider can produce the power, this bike can respond in kind. 6050 HM Carbon Fiber Stiffness to Weight ratio: All else being proportional, in comparison to the regular Gallium for 2011, the Gallium built in the same mold-exhibits spectacular stiffness-to-weight ratios:

• Head tube: +11%

• Fork: +21.9%

• Bottom bracket: +8.5%

Features:

• Argon18 Gallium 2012 Frame with BB86 Bottom Bracket

• Seatpost diameter 31.6 ASP-6000 carbon Seatpost included

• Fork Monocoque carbon Ga31 uses a conical steer tube with 1-1/2 and 1-1/4 inches bearings and features an integrated crown race that boosts rigidity while reducing weight.

• Braze-on front derailleur compatible with compact Chainrings

• Forged drop-out with replaceable derailleur hanger.

• Weight Frame 1100g, Fork 370g, and Seatpost 245g

• Inetrnal Cables and Di2 ready.

Argon18 Gallium Bike with Shimano Dura Ace 7900 Groupset