Argon 18 E-117 105 Bike

The Argon 18 E-117 105 Bike is the entry configuration of Argon 18's redesigned E-117 triathlon platform — a complete, race-ready tri bike built around a carbon frame with a 78-degree seat tube angle, the brand's 3D System fit technology, and a full Shimano 105 R7100 12-speed drivetrain. At $4,399, it's the most accessible way into the E-117 frame and cockpit design, sitting at the base of a lineup that extends through Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force AXS configurations at significantly higher prices. The bike arrives fully assembled with aerobars, wheels, brakes, and saddle spec'd out. Pedals are the only thing left to add.

The E-117's carbon frame is built around a triathlon-specific geometry that holds a 78-degree seat tube angle across all five sizes — XS through XL. That steep angle rotates the rider's hips forward relative to a road bike position, reducing the hip angle at the top of the pedal stroke. In triathlon, that matters specifically for the run: a more open hip angle on the bike preserves range of motion in the hip flexors, which translates to a more natural running stride off T2. Chainstays hold at 413mm across all sizes, and the head tube holds at 72 degrees, producing consistent front-end geometry from the smallest to the largest frame. The bike is designed to put riders in an aggressive aero position and keep them there comfortably for the duration of the bike leg.

The fit system that distinguishes the E-117 frame is Argon 18's 3D System. On most tri bikes, handlebar height is adjusted by stacking spacers below the stem — a method that introduces compliance into the steerer and can allow the front end to flex slightly under hard efforts. The 3D System raises the top bearing instead of adding spacers, integrating the head tube extension as a structural component rather than a stack of separate parts. Each frame size supports up to three extension heights, allowing the stack height to be adjusted without any loss of headtube stiffness. Custom 3D caps seal the headset at each extension height, keeping the cockpit profile clean. The geometry chart reflects this: each size shows a stack range rather than a fixed number — the XS spans 583mm to 612mm, the XL from 661mm to 690mm — representing the adjustment window the 3D System provides within a single frame.

Shifting is handled by the Shimano 105 R7100 groupset — the 12-speed generation of Shimano's mid-range offering, running a 52/36 chainring setup. Crank arm length is size-specific: 165mm for XS and S, 170mm for M and L, and 172.5mm for XL. The cassette is an 11-34 12-speed, wider than a typical road race setup and appropriate for triathlon courses with climbing or for athletes who want flexibility across different race venues. Shifting on the aerobars is handled by Microshift TT/Tri bar end shifters, compatible with the Shimano drivetrain. Braking uses Argon 18's Integrated Brake System with TRP TR140-25 140mm rotors — hydraulic calipers routed through the integrated tri cockpit.

The cockpit is built around an Argon 18 carbon basebar paired with a Profile Design 1/Seventeen -17-degree stem and Profile Design Sonic/Ergo/39a aerobars at 400mm with 10mm pads. Wheels are DT Swiss E1800 Spline aluminum front and rear — a durable wheelset suited to training volume and race use at this price tier. The Prologo Dimension-Tri 143 saddle is designed for the forward tri position rather than a standard road saddle. Tires are Vittoria Rubino Pro IV TLR 700×28 with tubeless-ready construction. Two colorways are available: Flaming Red and Black Stealth.