Rides: Argonaut eTap Hydro

There are dream bikes… and then there are #spacebikes. I present to you, Exhibit A: Sutik's Argonaut 2 with top end touches from tip to tail thanks to local bespoke bike tailor, Blacksmith Cycle. When I heard that this beauty was in the shop, I immediately dropped by to snap some pics in the new studio space.

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The reputation of Ben Farver and his outfit, Argonaut, are nothing short of legendary. With beginnings in steel frame building, Argonaut have grown to become an award winning leader in custom carbon. Just how desirable are their frames? Enough so that people will fly half way across a country to get fitted up by one of only a few shops that are privileged to carry the brand. 

While this isn't the first space bike I've seen, this one was especially impressive. Yes of course the craftsmanship is top shelf, that's why Argonaut has won all those carbon layup awards at the North American Handbuilt Bike Show (NAHBS.) But it's really the end to end result of the complete build that hits all the right notes. It's so beautiful when all the details come together like this. The more you dive into the details, the better it keeps getting.

Some of the notables in this dream ride are the choice of SRAM's top end wireless eTap groupset with on demand stopping power thanks to hydro disc brakes. This has got to be the most advanced pairing possible. The groupset may be the most obvious bit of kit so to really appreciate the attention to detail in this build, you have to get up close. Check out that matte finish Chris King Inset8 headset. It doesn't get any fresher than that. A lot of Argonauts have been dressed with colored CK headsets but honestly, I think the matte black is the perfect match.

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The luxurious touches only extend out from there. Sutik's Argonaut will be rolling on an aero set of 50mm Hunt wheels wrapped in a crisp set of rare 26mm Compass Cayuse Passe treads. And the perfect compliment to these gum wall tires is the gold KMC 11 speed chain. But again the attention to detail is further exemplified by the matching KCNC gold chain catcher. So. F'n. Good.

With all that said, maybe my favorite part of this build is the paint. Without a doubt, the temptation to go wild with paint on your dream bike is hard to control. The thing is though, the classic Argonaut paint scheme is exactly that, classic. The combination of dark matte carbon with aqua blue features is understated and if you ask me, sheer perfection. If you need to punch it up you can always add things like matching bar end plugs. Look closely.

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to weigh the bike because I ran out of time after I had to deal with trying to replace my usual disappearing bike stand… so apologies for the obvious one here. However I will say that the final build is definitely a feather weight. I'd officially describe it as "Shockingly light."

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There is no doubt that this thing is going to ride like a dream. And since Sutik is from Calgary, his impeccable Argonaut is going to be ideal for the rolling foot hills and mountain passes in the eastern rockies. It's going to look fast sitting outside the coffee in Banff. 

A full build list is below.

  • Brand: Argonaut
  • Model: Carbon road v2
  • Frame size: Custom
  • Fork: ENVE Road Disc
  • Headset: Chris King Inset8
  • Bottom Bracket: Chris King T47
  • Seat: Fizik Antares 00
  • Stem: 3T ARX II
  • Bar: 3T Ergonova Team Stealth
  • Bartape: Supacaz
  • Brakes: SRAM Hydro Disc - 160mm front, 140mm rear
  • Shifters: SRAM Red eTrap Hydro
  • Front derailleur: SRAM Red eTap
  • Rear derailleur: SRAM Red eTap w/WiFli
  • Crankset: SRAM Red
  • Power Meter: Quark Red
  • Chainrings: Praxis
  • Chain: KMC X11SL
  • Chain Catcher: KCNC
  • Cassette: SRAM Red 11-32
  • Wheels: Hunt Wheels 50Carbon Aero Disc
  • Tires: Compass Cayuse Passe
  • Pedals: Time Espresso 10
  • Polar/garmin/computer mounts: Barfly

For another look at this bike but from the builders perspective, check out this post on the Blacksmith blog.

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