Innovations
3D Headtube
The 3D Headtube* (*Patent pending) is an Argon 18 exclusive, a simple but clever mechanical solution for perfect adjustment of handlebar height for every rider. The device is a structural extension of the headtube. It keeps the headset bearings close to the stem, even when the cyclist needs a more upright position. Three positions are available: 0mm, 10mm and 20mm.
The 3D headtube allows for 3 effective headtube heights for every frame size, so that riders benefit from:
- A position perfectly adapted to the individual’s physique and riding preferences
- More precise handling and an uncompromized racing frame
- Better front end stiffness
Increased front end stiffness: A larger diameter means more rigidity
- The head and steertubes, which have grown from 1’’ to 1’’1/8 and now to 1’’1/4, have been enlarged for a single reason: to increase rigidity for quicker acceleration.
- This change in bike design, however, hasn’t led to any modification in diameter or shape of the spacers customarily
used to adjust stem/handlebar height.
- Therefore, much of the intended boost in stiffness is lost to overly flexible conventional spacers on an unsupported
steertube end section.
| The numbers tell the story |
| Structure and diameter |
Increased rigidity under load |
3D structural spacer outside diameter: 52mm
Comparison with traditional spacers:
Aluminum: +44%
Carbon fibre: +58% |
Compared to a standard 10mm spacer, a 3D structural spacer increases rigidity by 5%.
A 20mm 3D spacer increases rigidity by 11%.
Using the 3D system with no spacer places the bearing directly under the stem:
flexing is virtually eliminated |