Argon18 Dark Matter build thread !

[MichaelB]

Yep, the ICAN XGravel is being retired and the gubbins are being transferred to this frame





Frame is being delivered by TNT today

Some new things to me will be the FULLY integrated routing via the FSA ACR headset arrangement, and going back to a Pressfit BB, rather than the threaded T47 that I preferred.

The latter is solved with a thread together Token Ninja BB, so not really a major hurdle. Have ordered a few sundry other bits to complete the swap - brake hoses and gear cables, the rest I have.

I will probably need a slightly shorter stem, as Stack/is a bit higher and Reach a bit longer, so will order that when I get it here and check the measurements finally.

Always had a soft spot for Argon18 when I had Platinum Road Frame way back when DA7800 was the king of the Hill !

[familyguy]

Bit more aggressive positioning compared to the ICAN? Interesting fork blade kink, that.

[Mr Purple]

That is a very cool looking frame!

I presume the fork blade kink is to add a bit of compliance.

[MichaelB]

Bit more aggressive positioning compared to the ICAN? Interesting fork blade kink, that.

Actually a bit taller in the head tube, even with the minimum 'spacer' that they have (can be another 30mm taller). Headtube is actually 20mm taller than the ICAN.

Frame also a bit longer, so either zero offset seat post or shorter stem will be required.

Yes, unusual to see a fork kink, and yes aimed at compliance, but I like it

[MichaelB]

Well, that was the quickest courier delivery I ever had. Done via TNT (and maybe on the business account), but it was delivered to work yesterday (whilst I was WFH) and will take it home tonight



It turns out that it isn't the 2023 version with the internal routing that I thought it was, it's the 2022 version with external routing. No drama though, as it also doesn't then have the fork leg cage mounts (great as it looks better) and probably then easier to swap the bars directly over, although the bike came with a nice set of Zipp carbon bars !

The great thing is that Argon18 have a great site so was able to download the Assembly Guide rather than just guess a lot !

StS

[MichaelB]

Took advantage of some time available on Sunday (and a good excuse to get out of the hot weather) to work out the size of the stem that I need based on the geo/setup that I have on the ICAN vs what I need on the Dark Matter based on the geo differences.

I looked at various calculators, but found this one to be the best option : https://www.bikegeo.net/

REALLY easy to use, and essentially worked out that a 110mm -17 degree stem is the beastie I need (instead of the 120mm -6 degree that I have on the ICAN currently).

Lots of expensive options out there, but stumbled across a brilliant deal from ccache for a K-Alloy stealth unit for $29.99 To save paying postage, also ordered a pair of Pirelli Race TLT 40mm tyres for when the current Conti GP Urbans wear out.

Most of the other bits and bobs will come this week, with the BB the week after

[g-boaf]

Looks like it was set to be very slammed to start with at the front.

Looks cool and is great if you can handle it, but not so great if you aren't flexible.

[MichaelB]

Looks like it was set to be very slammed to start with at the front.

Looks cool and is great if you can handle it, but not so great if you aren't flexible.

Net position (Stack & Reach) is the same, as head tube is a 20mm taller (without the possible 15 or 30mm extenders) than the ICAN to start with.