This Argon18 E-117 time trial bike build represents one of the more economically minded custom builds that we have featured, yet still manages to present a clean high-performance build. This is especially true for its mechanical shifting and lack of an integrated headset.
This bike is driven by a SRAM 1x mechanical groupset, using componentry from the Force1 and Rival1 tiers. This was primarily a cost decision, as it allowed the rider to use wheelsets that they already owned. However, it also enabled for specific equipment choices to be combined, such as 165mm cranks and a power metre (Quarq Dzero) to be used.
Being a 1x bike means that it uses a single front chainring, which meant that the gearing decisions would have to be more of a factor than usually found on a 2x drivetrain. This involved looking at the rider’s power, the courses they would be likely to ride and how high their power was likely to go in the future, as they are a junior.
The Argon18 E-117 uses a 52T chainring was the optimal choice for training, providing sufficient gearing, an optimal chain line and the ability to increase size should that be necessary for the future. Similarly, a cassette that manages to give sufficient range to climb smaller hills, while also having a compact range of fast gears to select cadence meant that an 11-30T was the best option for this rider.
The bike is equipped with a Zipp base bar and pair of extensions, allowing for the rider to reach quite an aerodynamic position, while still remaining comfortable. This is helped by the choice of 165mm cranks, which open the hip angle and chest.
A JCobb Type-5 is the go-to for most of our TT riders, including this one. The bike is rolling on 25mm tyres in a tubeless configuration for increased comfort and lower rolling resistance.
