NBD: Argon18 Dark Matter

It’s the updated model in the Cactus Green colour scheme with Rival XPLR (size Large, I’m 6ft)

Changes from stock:
– Swapped the stem for a 70mm version (I think stock is 90mm)
– Swapped the bars for a Deda model I can’t remember the name of (mostly just as they have a 10mm shorter reach than the stock FSA, I prefer the slightly flatter tops to). Wasn’t sure I’d get on with flared bars hence just stuck with a road model
– Replaced the chain set with the new Force model. I wanted to change to 160mm cranks anyway and upgrading it to Force seemed a good way to save a decent amount of weight to (although I then decided I may as well try the power meter version so that prob cancels some of that out)
– Bought another couple of sets of wheels for it. Stock DT Swiss G1800 with the Schwalbe G-One RX Pro 50mm tires I’ll leave as is for rides I want/need more traction and off-road bike packing. The 9velo set is their Gravel Super Wide model with 45mm Hutchinson Caracal Race tires, the rims are a slightly crazy 32mm inner width and the Caracals measure up as 49mm on them (30ish psi). The 3rd set are Elitewheels SLR Gravel that haven’t arrived yet but I have 35mm GP5000ASTRs to go on those for winter road rides. 3 sets is definitely an indulgence and I’d ordered the 3rd set before I realised the Rival cassettes are £190 and with decent rotors as well even the bargain Elitewheels start to look expensive…
– Replaced the saddle with a Romin mirror (I’ve ridden Romins since they came out and although I don’t think the mirror version is any more comfortable it was on sale so I figured I may as well…
– XT pedals (will switch them to Speedplays for winter road rides)

I might end up with a suspension stem and seat post but figured I’d see how I get on with the rigid ones for now (have only done a 10 mile shakedown ride so far and it was surprisingly comfortable). I think a suspension fork would be overkill for my riding as it will be used as a winter road bike a lot (and I have an MTB for more full on off-road rides)

Only issue I’ve found so far is the levers are a stretch to reach when on the drops so I need to adjust that.

Apologies for the crappy pics, was in a rush before heading out for its first ride 🙂