jedvidlim

Hi guys!

currently a MTB rider and have been thinking of getting a road bike - specifically endurance

i have narrowed down to two choices - argon 18 krypton CS and the ridley fenix sl disc

would want to know if there is a better frame? or is this just personal preference - i believe both have almost identical prices on frameset.

personally i like the geo of the argon 18 - not a fan of ridley's arching top tube.

no other options please - since this is what my LBS provides

would be glad to hear what everyone thinks.

LAJ

I've got a Ridley, I want an Argon 18. Both nice bikes, and if you don't like the arching top tube, that would settle it for me.

bpcyclist

I have never ridden one, but everyone I know who has an Argon 18 is quite happy with it.

Clipped_in

I had an Argon18 Krypton for a few years--great bike. Not super light, but I loved the geometry, handling and ride quality. Like you, I don't personally favor the arched top tube design some others are using. YMMV

sdmc530

Argon 18 100% They are awesome bikes, built one from a frame last year and its my favorite over my Spec and Cannondale. You will not regret the Argon but this of course is my humble opinion. They do have great CS too. I reached out to them during the build with a headset question size confusion and they were just awesome!

FWIW I have no experience with Ridley, but I am sure they are great too.

eduskator

I have to go with Argon18. Made in Montreal close to where I live! Good product.

No lifetime warranty on the frame/forks though. I think it's 3 or 5 years.

Maelochs

The arching top tube really doesn't affect geometry .... it is sty\ling ... but why pay big bucks for a bike you don't like?

From what I have heard both make excellent products, and at a given price point, I'd doubt there is a discernible difference between them, functionally. So buy what You like.

jedvidlim

Hi! sorry wrong terminology - design wise/aesthetically id go with argon18. thanks!

jedvidlim

i think both are already made in china if im not mistaken. for argon18 designed in montreal / for ridley in belgium. ive seen QC stickers in chinese from the frames.

NoWhammies

Argon18. This was my first bike can't recall the model, but I know I liked the bike so much I went out and bought a second Argon18. This one was the top of line Gallium. Love the bike. Can't recommend them enough.

sdmc530

The frames are made in China. I talked to a CS person about this when I had the chance during my build. They get them made there and then re-do a QC check back in Canada. Not sure what factory makes frames in China. My frame says designed and engineered in Canada but the decal on the BB area where the serial number and all that is and the sticker says made in China.

Still an amazing ride, super stiff BB and I like that! FWIW my Spec was made in Taiwan My bike mech says if its not custom you want your bike from a reputable brand made in Asia. they are great at making frames.

firebird854

I just bought an Argon18 117 Tri disc, Loving it so far, no experience with Ridley though.

sdmc530

that is a sweet ride!

eduskator

Yes - like most bicycle manufacturers. They are designed & assembled in Montreal though. Gotta do what you gotta do to keep prices low & compete with the giants of this industry!

Cypress

I'd go with the Argon 18. I've heard nothing but good about them.

Anecdotally, I was issued a Ridley Noah back in 2010 and while it was a very fast bike, I couldn't ride it for more than 3 hours at a time. Even though it was blue, I called it my "red wagon" because that's exactly how it felt on the roads. Noisy, rough as all hell, and twitchy. Great crit bike, crappy road bike.

rami_arna

Buy what you honestly think looks better. Both are great bikes. I would go with Argon 18.

Seattle Forrest

I'd go with the Argon.

Can you test ride them both?

NoWhammies

And? The winning bike is???

colnago62

Which manufacture has the most generous warranty and is known for being reasonable?

eduskator

Both have the same warranty available (5 years).

What do you mean by reasonable?

sdmc530

I can't say a warranty is better than another BUT the Argon CS is really good.

colnago62

Some companies are easier to deal with in terms of what they consider a warranty situation. Trek is very good, for example. I have heard Fuji denies most claims. Warranty is only as good as the desire to honor it.

eduskator

I've only heard good things about Argon18. This is one of the reason why I ride Giant bikes. Lifetime warranty & hassle free claims based on what I've read on forums on owners who had a claim experience so far.

jedvidlim

sorry been out due to covid.still really busy with work but not much biking now.

ive checked both bikes - spec wise id go with ridley its around 250-300 grams lighter (i believe this is carbon layup)

aesthetically though - its still argon18 for me. = )

will give it a few more months when this pandemic is over.

eduskator

I woult not buy a bike simply because it's aesthetically better, nor would I buy a bike simply because it's 250-300 grams lighter.

I believe you should take both for a spin & see which one you prefer. Not a fan of angles top tubes either, but it seems to be very popular nowadays (in Europe at least). Regardless, I would still go with the Argon 18