Dark Matter

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Go way off the beaten path with this gravel racer featuring true road race-inspired geometry derived from Argon 18’s legendary race bikes. Some will blaze the trail, but on the Dark Matter, you will scorch it.

Color: Dawn Blue Dark Red

All images on this page are used for illustrative purposes only. Actual bike specifications may vary depending on country and assembly options available. Please refer to the Features and Configurations section below for options available in your region.

Where the pavement ends

For when the route is unpredictable – but the ride must be solid. Head way off the beaten path with this gravel racer featuring performance-driven geometry derived from Argon 18’s legendary World Tour bikes. Go wherever the day takes you with assured handling and optimal power transfer, to control the terrain regardless of the surprises it may throw at you. We wanted a bike that offered supreme confidence alongside racing behaviour, a bike that would feel just as playful and responsive on the dirt as it would on the road.

Our gravel geometry provides fork rake specific to frame size, to allow for tight turn clearance on more technical runs, and with an eye toward ride quality, the Dark Matter features seatstays designed to flex and dissipate shocks. You'll also get three head tube extension heights for every frame size with our streamlined 3D+ system: 0mm, 15mm and 30mm.

Ideal for

Gravel racers looking for poppy performance and nimble responsiveness on all terrain.

Core Technologies

3D+

For our newest generation of bikes, we wanted to push our 3D System even further by merging it seamlessly with the frame.

Modular Cable Console

Di2 and wireless optimized, compatible with mechanical and EPS groupsets.

Gravel Geometry

Our gravel geometry draws on our endurance geometry, itself directly inspired by our performance road race series, meaning handling, responsiveness and race-ready positioning are paramount.

Topological Compliance System

To achieve the optimal balance of comfort and performance for our endurance line, we needed geometry uniquely aligned with the demands of long-distance riding and racing. In conjunction with the best geometry, we also needed to optimise frame topology and carbon layup.

Argon Fit System

Argon Fit System is designed to provide riders of all sizes with consistent performance and optimal positioning.

Elite Level Layup

We believe the discerning cyclist deserves more than just trickle-down technology. Our Elite level bikes benefit from the same attention to detail as our Pro level ones.

Features & Configurations

Max tire size

45c (for both 700C and 650B)

Max rim size

48mm

Fork Length (Axle-to-crown)

39.5cm

Fork Rake

XXS to S: 5.4cm

M to XL: 4.9cm

BB standard

BB86

Removable Front Derailleur Hanger

For clean installation of 1x, compatible with 46/30T to 52/36T or 1x46T

Flat Mount Disc Brakes (140/160 Rotors)

Powerful braking for riding confidence in all conditions. When using fenders, 140mm rear rotor is recommended

Optional Direct Mount Rear Derailleur Hanger

For added versatility and optimal installation

12mm DT-Swiss Type Thru-Axle

Fast wheel changes, light and sturdy axles. 100mm front and 142mm rear

Inlaid Chainsuck Protector

Protects the carbon chainstay against wear from the chain's movement and features integrated drainage

Downtube Protector with Bottle Mount

Provides access to internal cable routing

45C (48mm) Tire Clearance

40C (43mm) with fenders. Limitations may apply with specific groupsets

27.2mm Carbon Seatpost

Offers adjustable offset for optimal fit, compliance, and comfort in all riding conditions

Configuration
Colorway
Frame
Fork
Seatpost
Headset
BB
(Bottom bracket)
Front derailleur
Rear derailleur
Crankset
See crankset measurements
Cassette
Chain
Wheelset
Tires
Brakes
Rotors
Brake levers
Shifters
Handlebar
See handlebar measurements
Stem
See stem measurements
Bar Tape
Saddle
Frameset
Hyper-Silver Coal Black
Dawn Blue Dark Red
Dark Matter
Dark Matter specific
Argon 18 TDS-C Carbon, 27.2mm (included with frameset)
FSA NO.30/Kit + 3D+ w/ TH881-1
SRAM Force 1
Hyper-Silver Coal Black
Dawn Blue Dark Red
Dark Matter
Dark Matter specific
Argon 18 TDS-C Carbon, 27.2mm (included with frameset)
FSA NO.30/Kit + 3D+ w/ TH881-1
SRAM GXP BB86 86.5/WA91.5
SRAM Force 1 Long Cage
SRAM Force 1 XSYNC 42
SRAM PG 1130 11/42
KMC X11EL
Hunt - 4 season Gravel
Challenge Gravel Grinder Tubeless 700x38c
SRAM Force
SRAM PaceLine Centerlock FR: 160mm RR: 140mm
SRAM Force 1
SRAM Force 1
FSA NS Adventure Compact HR-RD-310S
FSA Omega Pro OS-167
Ciclovation LEATHER TOUCH Tornado Reflective
Prologo SCRATCH-M5 T2.0
SRAM Force eTap AXS
Hyper-Silver Coal Black
Dawn Blue Dark Red
Dark Matter
Dark Matter specific
Argon 18 TDS-C Carbon, 27.2mm (included with frameset)
FSA NO.30/Kit + 3D+ w/ TH881-1
SRAM DUB PF 86.5 WIDE
SRAM Force eTap AXS WIDE D1
SRAM Force eTap AXS
SRAM Force AXS DUB WIDE 43/30
SRAM Force XG 1270 10/36
KMC X12 NPNP
ENVE AG25 Gravel
CHALLENGE Gravel Grinder Tubeless 700x38c
SRAM Force
SRAM CenterLine XR Centerlock FR: 160mm RR: 140mm
SRAM Force eTap AXS
SRAM Force eTap AXS
ENVE Gravel Handlebar
ENVE Road Carbon
Ciclovation LEATHER TOUCH Tornado Reflective
Prologo SCRATCH-M5 T2.0
SRAM Rival 1
Hyper-Silver Coal Black
Dawn Blue Dark Red
Dark Matter
Dark Matter specific
Argon 18 TDS-C Carbon, 27.2mm (included with frameset)
FSA NO.30/Kit + 3D+ w/ TH881-1
SRAM GXP BB86 86.5/WA91.5
SRAM Rival 1 Long Cage
SRAM S350-1 XSYNC 42
SRAM PG 1130 11/42
KMC X11 EPT
Hunt - 4 season Gravel
Challenge Gravel Grinder Tubeless 700x38c
SRAM Rival
SRAM PaceLine Centerlock FR: 160mm RR: 140mm
SRAM Rival 1
SRAM Rival 1
FSA NS Adventure Compact HR-RD-310S
FSA Omega Pro OS-167
Prologo Plaintouch Black
Prologo AKERO STN
SRAM Rival eTap AXS
Hyper-Silver Coal Black
Dawn Blue Dark Red
Dark Matter
Dark Matter specific
Argon 18 TDS-C (included with frameset)
FSA 30 with 3D+
SRAM DUB PF 86.5 Road Wide
SRAM Rival eTap AXS Wide
SRAM Rival eTap AXS MAX 36T
SRAM Rival DUB Wide 43/30
SRAM Rival AXS wide XG 1250 10-36
SRAM Rival 12S 114L
Hunt - 4 season Gravel With XDR
Vittoria Terreno Dry G2.0 TLR 700x38c
SRAM Rival
SRAM Centerlock Paceline / F:160mm R:140mm
SRAM Rival eTap AXS
SRAM Rival eTap AXS
FSA NS Adventure Compact HR-RD-310S
FSA OS-167 Omega Pro
Ciclovation Grind Touch
Repente Quasar

Geometry

XXS44-46
XS47-50
S51-53
M54-56
L57-59
XL60-62
A
Seat tube Height
cm
42.0
45.0
48.5
52.0
55.5
59.0
B
Seat tube angle
deg
75.5
74.9
74.3
73.7
73.1
72.5
C
Head Tube Angle
deg
69.5
71.0
71.4
72.0
72.0
72.5
D
Top tube length
cm
49.2
51.3
53.4
55.6
57.9
60.3
E
Chain stay length
cm
42.8
42.8
42.8
42.8
42.8
42.8
F
Wheelbase
cm
100.8
101.1
102.4
103.0
104.6
105.9
G
BB Drop
cm
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
H1
Head Tube Length 3D+ (0mm)
cm
12.0
13.5
15.4
17.1
19.2
21.6
H2
Head Tube Length 3D+ (15mm)
cm
13.5
15.0
16.9
18.6
20.7
23.1
H3
Head Tube Length 3D+ (30mm)
cm
15.0
16.5
18.4
20.1
22.2
24.6
I
Stand Over Height
cm
70.1
72.9
76.0
79.1
82.1
85.2

Fit

(Stack and Reach)

XXS44-46
XS47-50
S51-53
M54-56
L57-59
XL60-62
J
Stack 3D+ (0mm)
cm
53.0
55.0
57.0
59.0
61.0
63.5
J
Stack 3D+ (15mm)
cm
54.4
56.4
58.4
60.4
62.4
64.9
J
Stack 3D+ (30mm)
cm
55.8
57.8
59.8
61.9
63.9
66.4
K
Reach 3D+ (0mm)
cm
35.6
36.7
37.7
38.7
39.7
40.7
K
Reach 3D+ (15mm)
cm
35.1
36.2
37.2
38.2
39.2
40.2
K
Reach 3D+ (30mm)
cm
34.6
35.7
36.7
37.8
38.8
39.8
Saddle Height Min
cm
52.0
55.0
58.5
62.0
65.5
69.0
Saddle Height Max
cm
74.0
77.0
80.5
84.0
87.5
91.0
Standover Height is measured with 700x40c tires

Reviews

Add your review

Love this bike!

By Richard James from US, New York
May 12, 2022
2nd Argon 18 for me, with a Krypton as the road bike. Dark Matter is comfortable, quick, and takes anything I have tried with it. Quick, nimble, and solid beneath me on gravel and comfortable and fast on tarmac. Best of both worlds! Highly recommended!

Il y a des gravel bikes et il y a Argon 18 Dark Matter!

By Victor Daniel Tremblay from CA, Québec
Apr 20, 2022
C'est un vélo intrépide, aventureux, confortable et super le fun à conduire. N'importe laquelle route il est capable d'en prendre. Je parle du Dark Matter Force 1 ici ;-) Je me suis procuré ce vélo chez Rhéal-Pitre Sports en Baie des Chaleurs Gaspésie. Un service impeccable!

Super Versatility!

By Carson Spencer from US, Georgia
Sep 24, 2021
I've had my Dark Matter since November of 2020. While I had heard of Argon 18 prior, I hadn't seriously considered purchasing this bike until my LBS recommended it. I love the fact that it can handle anything that I want to throw at it, while the racy geometry allows me to barrel along with the wind thru my hair (okay helmet). I hadn't anticipated this, but the Dark Matter serves double duty for me. I had an old set of Mavic carbon clinchers with road tires lying around. I changed the Mavic 160mm rear rotor out to match the Dark Matter 140mm geometry, and now with a quick wheel swap I can use this bike for gravel or road. No problem keeping up with group rides on the road, or maintaining a healthy speed on solo road rides. Super convenient to have that flexibility in case my main road bike is in for service or on the trainer.