The Gallium Pro – Proven on the cobbles

The Gallium Pro wins the first cobbled Classic of the year thanks to Michael Valgren of Astana Pro Team. Victorious at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Valgren takes his biggest career win on his Argon 18.

“I’m super happy with the new Argon 18 Gallium Pro. This Gallium Pro has improved stiffness and the bike responds to every pedal stroke. With this bike, we can be even more competitive in the races. I like the stiffness and the weight, you can feel it on the climbs as well as the cobbles. Argon 18 has developed a really good all-around bike for riding on flat terrain, short or long climbs and quick accelerations. During my training, I feel super safe in the descents. It’s good to have a bike you can trust.

For the classics this means I can deliver maximum power on normal roads and on cobblestones and short climbs as well. I feel confident during the race, knowing that I can deliver whatever it takes because of my Argon 18 Gallium Pro.” –Michael Valgren 

Photo © : Bettini

Light and stiff bikes make better climbers

The Astana Riders had legs to attack after the Muur. Imagine having a responsive bike able to follow your attack and get you first to the finish line. 

While we kept the Gallium Pro’s geometry intact, its tube shapes have been refined to shave some extra weight from our frame, making it our lightest bike ever! Thanks to a new carbon layup, we were also able to make it even stiffer.

Our R&D team worked on every possible weight gain for the frame, from new and optimized cable routing parts, seat collar, all the way to frame specific riveted front derailleur hanger.

 

Comfort on cobbles takes you to the finish line

Astana Rider Michael Vagren really took the Gallium Pro to the test on the 196km of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Staying fresh and focused after numerous km of paved road is not an easy task. The Gallium Pro’s compliance nature gives more comfort especially on the cobbles. 

Note that while Valgren rode to victory on 25 mm tyres, the Gallium Pro now allows for 28 mm tyres. Giving riders extra comfort options on long rides.   

Photo © Cycling News

Valgren’s Gallium Pro Full Specifications

Frame: Argon 18 Gallium Pro 

Fork: Argon 18 Gallium Pro

Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100

Rear brake: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100

Brake/shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150

Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150

Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150

Cassette: Shimano Ultegra, 11-28

Crankset: FSA Powerbox, 53/39

Wheels: Corima 32 WS

Tyres: FMB Paris-Roubaix, 25mm handmade tubulars used for the event // Astana riders usually race Shwalbe tyres

Handlebars: FSA Energy alloy

Stem: FSA K-Force Light

Tape/grips: Prologo

Pedals: Look Keo Blade Carbon

Saddle: Prologo Dimension Nack

Seat post: FSA K-Force Light

Bottle cages: Tacx Deva

Photo © Cycling News