The Argon 18 E-118 Tri+ Disc 315A is a high-performance triathlon bicycle designed for optimal speed, aerodynamics, and rider comfort. This assembly guide provides detailed instructions for setting up and maintaining the bike, emphasizing the importance of proper assembly by an authorized dealer to ensure warranty validity and prevent damage to high-end carbon components.
Function Description
The E-118 Tri+ Disc 315A is engineered for competitive triathlon and time trial events, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency, precise handling, and integrated componentry. Its primary function is to provide a fast and stable platform for athletes to achieve their best performance in multi-sport races. The disc brake system offers superior stopping power and modulation in various weather conditions, enhancing safety and control. The bike is optimized for electronic shifting systems, ensuring quick and accurate gear changes, which is crucial for maintaining momentum and adapting to different course profiles.
Usage Features
The E-118 Tri+ Disc 315A incorporates several features designed to enhance the rider's experience and performance:
- Electronic Shifting Compatibility: The bike is exclusively compatible with electronic groupsets like Shimano Di2 and SRAM eTap AXS. This ensures smooth, precise, and effortless gear changes, allowing riders to focus on their effort rather than mechanical adjustments. The Di2 battery is cleverly hidden within the seatpost, maintaining the bike's clean aesthetic and aerodynamic profile.
- Integrated Cable Routing: All cables and housing are routed internally through the frame and fork, minimizing aerodynamic drag and protecting them from external elements. This contributes to the bike's sleek appearance and reduces potential snagging. Foam liners are recommended for brake hoses to prevent rattling noises during rides.
- Adjustable Aerobar System: The handlebar system is highly adjustable to accommodate various rider positions and preferences. Vertical spacers (5.6 - 5.9) and sleeve nuts (5.10 - 5.13) allow for precise stack height adjustments, enabling riders to fine-tune their aerodynamic posture. The swivel assembly (5.4) provides options for inclined positions, further customizing the fit.
- Customizable Extension Bars: The extension bars (5.1) can be cut to the desired length to achieve a straight post, with a maximum length of 285mm. The cut must be made on the elbow side, and carbon fiber assembly gel should be applied in the clamping area for secure installation. For ski bend sections, a maximum of 40mm can be cut.
- Saddle Adjustment: The saddle clamp system allows for horizontal adjustment of the saddle rails. Riders can loosen 5mm bolts, unscrew the main bolt, install saddle rails in the middle position, find the desired setback, and then tighten the bolts to specified torque settings. The saddle rail clamp is designed for metal and round-shaped saddle rails, with specific Ritchey part numbers for other types.
- Transport Collar: A dedicated transport collar (8) is provided to secure the fork to the frame when the handlebar needs to be removed for transportation in a bike box or bag. This feature simplifies packing and protects the bike during transit.
- Disc Brake System: The frame and fork are compatible with flat mount hydraulic disc brakes and can accommodate either 140mm or 160mm disc rotors. This provides reliable and consistent braking performance, essential for control and safety, especially in technical sections or adverse weather.
- Tire Clearance: The bike offers compatibility with standard 700x28c (30mm) tires, allowing for various tire/rim combinations to suit different racing conditions and rider preferences.
- Chainring Compatibility: The frame supports double-chainring cranksets with a large chainring ranging from 50T up to 58T (or oval chainring equivalent to 58T), providing a wide range of gearing options for different courses.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the E-118 Tri+ Disc 315A. The manual highlights several key aspects:
- Torque Specifications: The assembly guide provides specific torque settings for various bolts and components, such as the seat post clamp (5.5Nm), saddle clamp (12Nm), handlebar wedge (2Nm), and handlebar bolts (6Nm). Using a calibrated torque wrench is emphasized to prevent damage to carbon parts and ensure secure assembly.
- Grease and Threadlocker Application: Instructions include applying grease to bearings, seat post clamp, screws, and handlebar wedge to ensure smooth operation and prevent seizing. Blue Threadlocker (n. 242) is specified for certain bolts, like the seat post clamp bolt, to prevent loosening.
- Carbon Paste: Carbon fiber assembly paste is recommended for the seatpost insertion area to increase friction and prevent slippage without overtightening, protecting the carbon components.
- Derailleur Hanger Alignment: The guide stresses the importance of using a derailleur hanger alignment gauge (e.g., Park Tool Item #DAG-2.2) to ensure optimal shifting performance. This prevents premature wear on the drivetrain and ensures accurate gear changes.
- Frame Inspection: Before assembly, a thorough inspection of the frame for cosmetic defects (scratches, bumps, cracks, paint defects) is recommended. Checking and recording the serial number is also advised for reference.
- Spare Parts Availability: The manual lists SKUs for essential spare parts, such as rear dropouts, brake pads, and seat post clamps, encouraging riders to keep them on hand for emergencies. This proactive approach helps minimize downtime in case of unexpected damage.
- Professional Assembly: The warranty is valid only if the bicycle is fully assembled by an authorized Argon 18 dealer. This underscores the complexity of the bike's assembly and the need for specialized knowledge and tools to ensure correct setup and prevent damage.
- Cable and Housing Routing: Detailed instructions for internal cable and housing routing are provided, including the use of preinstalled tube guides for Di2 cables and specific grommets for different shifting configurations and brake hoses. This ensures proper function and prevents internal rattling.
- Headset Maintenance: Grease application on top and bottom bearings and their contact surfaces on the steerer, fork, and frame is specified during headset installation to ensure smooth steering and prevent wear.
- Seatpost Insertion Limits: Tables are provided to determine minimum and maximum seatpost insertion depths based on frame size and desired saddle height. This prevents damage to the frame or seatpost from incorrect insertion.
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