Orrery

I just got an interesting frame from fellow forum member blilrat. (Arrived very well packed, thanks!). It's an Argon 18 steel frame, made from Columbus Cyclex steel (no indications as to SL/SP etc), Campy rear dropout, Shimano front. I bought it because it seemed unique, the frame appeared to have some neat details (pantographed lugs, etc, chromed, straight fork reminiscent of a Colnago Master), and the name appeals to my scientific side.

I know they are a Canadian firm that do whizz-bang carbon bikes, but apparently when they started they had some steel frames. There is little info on the web but a few forum posts seem to indicate they were made for Argon 18 by Marinoni. Anyone have further info about this? I've emailed the firm but no response so far. I'll take better pics in the sun.


IMG_1696 by orrery84, on Flickr


Also, what to do with it? I foresee myself slowly piecing together parts as my budget allows unless I find a real deal on a donor bike or group, but I need to have a plan. I'd love to hear your opinions on the most bang for the buck out of these options.

1) Dura Ace 740X series
2) Dura Ace 7700 (a bit more modern but seem like they can be had somewhat reasonably)
3) Modern 10 speed Campagnolo (I have 10 speed Veloce ergos but would need everything else)
4) Period correct lower-level Campagnolo (Athena? Chorus?)
5) Something else? Fixie?

I've never had a Campy bike and have been lusting after it since I joined this forum, but the DA bits would also be nice.

thirdgenbird

very cool. i vote 10spd campy (but i am partial)

10spd campy can be picked up very cheap new or used, it performs great, and looks good on nearly everything.

IthaDan 

Tricolor 600 is always a solid option.

This guy's been sitting on this for a while- Linky

Orrery

That's true, Tricolor is great and probably could be had for less than most of these options. I have it on my other bike. Kind of want something shiny . Thanks for the link.

thirdgenbird

chorus 10spd in all alloy would be the perfect kit.

SkylarG

Any Argon 18 lugged steel frame was in fact made by Marinoni. This has been verified by a friend and bike shop owner who has close relationships with Marinoni himself. I'm in Montreal, QC, home to Marinoni and Argon 18.

I have one myself and know a couple others with them as well. I've only seen one run of steel Argon 18s, all of them very very similar to old Marinoni's. Pantographed lugs, "18" on the fork crown, and all of them have been Columbus SL tubing. I've only seen one with what I think -might- be original specs, and it was full Dura Ace 740X. That said, it was used in pro racing by a guy who was also friends with Marinoni and might have been upgraded at the time. Either way, the 740 series looks gorgeous

cyclotoine

awesome thread revival. Love to hear little bits of info like this on Marinoni.

hamcereal

I just picked this up. I had recently sold my Bianchi Sirio (Gara) cause the frame was a bit too big and I was looking for something with lighter tubing, and I happen to come across this Argon 18 by Marinoni with Brain tubing. https://goo.gl/photos/dhL4qFGxDwgGCyhr5
https://goo.gl/photos/73krfoYoPZBsHeGa7
https://goo.gl/photos/sFBJ7wSRi11Z4t816