Frameset choice - Wilier Izoard or Argon 18 Gallium Pro?

SD Velo Boy
SD Velo Boy Posts: 7
edited September 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi there guys and girls

Have only made the switch to road riding this year, when I made the most of the Ride to Work scheme. I bought myself a Trek 1.7 to get started, joined a great cycling club.....and now I'm hooked (and skint)

I'm now considering another bike in March when the Ride to Work scheme opens again. To get the best bike for my money, I've decided to buy a frameset (it can be done) as I already have an Ultegra SL groupset and some Mavic Kyseriums to pop on it.

I'm restricted to a maximum of £1500. I have been doing some research and my top 2 are the Wilier Izoard and the Argon 18 Gallium Pro...both being around the £1500 mark

My main requirements are for a great all-rounder, comfortable and fast. It's too early to think about racing yet, however I'd like to do a time trial or two next season and hopefully my first triathlon.

I would be really grateful to hear your opinions on these two framesets, and good/bad experiences from those of you who have owned either/both.

Obviously the final decision will come down to test rides, but I always value the opinions of experienced riders.

Cheers, Mike

Comments

  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Wilier - by a mile !
  • Mister W
    Mister W Posts: 791
    Given that it's illegal to put anything other than Campag on an Italian frame it will have to be the Argon 18 :D

    I have one of the lower spec Argon 18 frames and it's fantastic. There's nothing about it I would change. It's very well made and a delight to ride.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    I can vouch for Argon 18. Very understated and rare. But excellent frames. Had my Platinum for the last six years and it's been fantastic. The quality and finish of the frame is amazing.

    Don't listen to people who say that Argon 18 can't be any good cos not many people have got one. That's just bs. The Gallium is so much more individual than any Wilier quite frankly and I am a fan of Wilier.
  • Tacx Boy
    Tacx Boy Posts: 35
    I'd go for the Argon. Bit different, good reputation and will be right with the Ultegra kit
  • Flamme Rouge
    Flamme Rouge Posts: 85
    I've had an Argon 18 Platinum HDS for 4 years. It's been terrific. Very responsive, stiff, comfortable, wonderfully stable on descents. I've hammered the hell out of it and it's still in prime nick. In retrospect a great buy.

    The Gallium and the Gallium Pro look good and are reviewed well. Seem very well priced too.
  • cadenceweapon
    cadenceweapon Posts: 1
    I have owned the 2009 Gallium for only about one month. I'm very happy with it so far. It's very stiff and solid yet much more comfortable on the roads than my other bike (Devinci Leo). The Leo feels noodley and insignificant in comparison. I'm now shopping for a second '09 Gallium frameset as I really like the white/red graphics and they've changed to black/red for 2010 so the Gallium will look like the '09 Gallium Pro.

    I like hill climbing with it and it's very confidence inspiring on descents. The previous owner is a sponsored team rider and he, (along with the rest of the team) was very happy with the bike(s) as well. They will be riding Argon 18 again next season. The graphics are really eye-catching without being too loud or 'bling'. As I said, I'm looking for a second one so that should summarize how I feel about it :)
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    Ernesto Colnago seems to have no problem with fitting Shimano groupsets to his bikes. I think I'll take my lead from him!

    Plenty of other nice frames in that price range. If you go with Viner, you might even get one made to measure.

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