Argon 18 E-119 Tri+ Review 2026: The Fastest Triathlon Bike?
What to Look For
The Argon 18 E-119 Tri+ Disc is the Canadian brand’s flagship triathlon machine — a frameset engineered to win long-course races at the elite level. At around £7,300 for a tested complete build, it targets athletes who want genuine aerodynamic and integration advantages at the very top of the category. Here’s whether it delivers.
Key Features to Consider
- Industry-first integrated brake calipers — Argon 18 routes disc brake calipers inside the chainstay and seatstay walls, removing them from the airflow completely. This is claimed to save up to 10 watts over the previous E-119 generation at 45km/h.
- Fully integrated cockpit — Cables run internally throughout. The redesigned cockpit offers near-infinite stack and reach adjustment without compromising aero integrity, and can be fitted without specialist tooling.
- Hidden toolkit and integrated bento box — A compact tool kit is housed inside the bottom bracket shell. A flush-mounted bento box sits on top of the top tube for race nutrition, saving you the faff of aftermarket bolt-on solutions.
- Frame stability — The 100.3cm wheelbase on a size medium creates a confidence-inspiring platform at speed on technical descents — especially useful on mixed-surface UK race courses.
Our Top Picks
Best For: Experienced long-course athletes targeting sub-10-hour Ironman finishes
Once up to speed, the E-119 Tri+ rewards smooth pedalling with an almost frictionless quality that belies its 9.11kg weight (without pedals or flat kit). It’s devastatingly fast on flat and rolling courses, and the aero position feels naturally locked in once you’re dialled to your fit. For athletes who have the fitness to hold an aggressive position for five hours or more, this bike genuinely earns its price tag.
Where It Falls Short
The chunky frame and fully integrated components make roadside repairs more complex than traditional setups. At 9.11kg, it’s heavier than rivals like the Cervélo P5 — a consideration if your target race includes significant climbing. It also rewards experienced riders who can hold aero position; if you’re still building the flexibility and core strength for a proper tri position, the aerodynamic gains won’t fully materialise.
Where to Buy in the UK
The E-119 Tri+ Disc is available from authorised Argon 18 dealers including Tri Harder (triharder.co.uk), Runcycles, and direct through argon18.com. Frame sets start from around £3,500 with complete builds ranging £5,500 to over £10,000 depending on groupset and wheelset choice. Always factor in a professional bike fit before purchase.
Buying Tips
- Always get a professional tri bike fit before committing to a size — the integrated cockpit makes sizing errors costly to correct after the fact.
- Factor in professional build and setup costs if purchasing a frameset alone. This bike rewards precision setup and is not ideal as a first DIY build.
- Consider whether the E-119 (non-Tri+ model) better suits your current ability level — the aerodynamic gains require the physical conditioning to sustain the position for extended periods.
Care and Maintenance
The integrated design means cable and brake bleeds are best handled by a workshop familiar with Argon 18 systems. Wipe down with a damp cloth after each ride and check tyre pressure before every session. Store indoors and away from direct sunlight when not in use to preserve the finish and internal cable routing.
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