Argon 18 E119 Tri+ Disc review

Six years after launching its E119 Tri+, Argon 18 unveiled the updated version of the triathlon bike with hydraulic disc brakes.

The Canadian bike brand is keen to highlight that far from just tweaking the platform to accommodate disc brakes, this is a full-scale frameset revamp that “went back to the drawing board”.

In fact, Argon 18 claims a rider can gain a 17-watt aerodynamic advantage over the previous E119 “when optimal rider position is factored in”.

One of the headline aero boasts is the disc brake integration, with callipers placed inside the seatstay and fork and all cables hidden, a world first according to Argon 18. An air duct ensures there’s airflow over the pads so braking power isn’t affected and they don’t overheat.

All this tinkering has led to a mere 1-watt claimed advantage “on a flat road” putting out 300 watts (10secs over 60mi / 100km), but if Argon 18 is to be believed, it’s a marginal gain nonetheless.

Argon 18 took to the wind tunnel and did extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to validate findings.

It also made use of the Notio, a device that calculates aero drag coefficient in real-time, to study differences between the new E119 and the old version on the velodrome and road.

Argon 18 E119 Tri+ Disc storage and cockpit

I was particularly impressed with the flat kit storage. This hidden compartment sat just above the bottom bracket area that snakes up and inside the downtube to make efficient use of space inside the frame. The top tube bento box is now larger, with the shape extended inside the top tube.

Argon 18 hasn’t developed its own proprietary hydration system, simply including a bottle cage mount on the cockpit to add your own bottle horizontally. While it’s not the most technologically advanced solution, it’s a versatile one that will work with all your existing bottles and cages.

The cockpit is easy to adjust and disassemble with Allen keys, and Argon 18 collaborated with fitting expert Mat Steinmetz of 51 Speedshop to develop a system that is aero, yet allows the rider to hold position for longer.

This meant speccing large, comfy pads with an increased contact area that cradle the forearms and lock the rider in, and a cockpit design that allows you to get lower, with a 0 to +20 degree range of angles possible on the extensions.

Those extensions, comfy as I found them, are standard round bars, so you can swap them out for others you might prefer.

Argon 18 E119 Tri+ Disc components and weight

My test bike came with 65mm wheels from ENVE’s Foundation collection, Challenge Strada tyres, SRAM Force electronic shifting and a Rotor MAS crank Spider, purported to reduce more drag than standard cranksets.

There’s no power meter for the £7,300 price tag (the equivalent build in North America costs $10,000). But Argon 18 offers higher spec versions with power meters, top-end wheels and different groupsets if your budget stretches even further.

Without pedals or flat kit, we weighed the bike at 20lbs / 9.11kg.

While triathlon bikes don’t necessarily need to be super light, we’re starting to see some pros make mention of the extra weight since triathlon bikes moved to disc brakes.

At this weight the E119 is heavier than some rival triathlon bikes. You might want to think about this when targeting hilly races.

Argon 18 E119 Tri+ Disc ride impressions

On the road, it took me some time to get used to the very tucked in, narrow position I found ourselves in with the cockpit set-up. I preferred to widen the pads slightly. But the set-up of the bike as I received it would satisfy aggressive riders.

I also lowered the mono riser a little to make it easier to grab the base bars. This was appropriate for training rides where I had to come out of my aero tuck far more frequently than in a race.

When you’re up to speed, the E119 feels rapid on undulating roads and flats, if not the most comfortable and buttery smooth triathlon bike I’ve ever ridden.

Sluggish on ascents

As it’s on the weighty side, I did feel the E119 felt a little sluggish on inclines. But when you get to the other side you’ll be rewarded by a well-handling bike for descending. The chunky frame and long wheelbase (100.3cm on a size medium) make me feel confident downhill.

Integration of the callipers didn’t affect braking. But with140mm rotors front and rear meant I had a little less raw braking power than the more common 160mm front, 140mm rear combination.

Teamed with ENVE’s 65mm-deep carbon rims, our set-up was built for speed and you could go more aero still with a rear disc wheel of course.

Base bar shifters were also included on my test bike. This useful feature helped me find my optimal gear on descents and corners without needing to reach for the extensions.

Elsewhere, Argon 18 specced my bike with sensible choices that are ideal for triathlon, including the popular ISM PN3.1 triathlon saddle and Challenge Strada Pro handmade tyres with aesthetically-pleasing tan sidewalls. You can also run the ENVE Foundation wheels tubeless for added puncture protection.

Argon 18 E119 Tri+ Disc verdict

The E119 isn’t a bike I fell in love with straight away. But after two or three rides and making some adjustments to the front end, I really enjoyed riding it as fast as I could on flat, smooth roads.

Having said that, its extra weight compared to some rivals is a little noticeable. When another revamp is due I’d ideally like it to be lighter and come with some proprietary hydration to bring it in line with the very best triathlon superbikes such as the Canyon Speedmax CFR AXS.

Argon 18 E119 Tri+ Disc specs

Price:	From $10,000 / £7,300 (exact price depends on build)
Weight:	20lbs / 9.11kg (size medium, without pedals or flat kit)
Frame:	E-119 Tri+ Disc
Fork:	E-119 Tri+ Disc specific
Gears:	SRAM Force eTap AXS, 48/35, 10-28
Brakes:	TRP TR140-25, 140mm rotors
Wheels:	ENVE Foundation Collection Carbon Tubeless Disc
Finishing kit:	Argon 18 Integrated Cockpit, 51 Speedshop extensions, ISM PN3.1 saddle, Challenge Strada Pro HTLR Road Clincher 25c tyres.
Buy if:	You want something easy to adjust and pack for travel, and don’t target hilly races.