In the heart of 1973, a spirited Canadian kid named Gervais Rioux clinched victory in his inaugural bike race astride a clunky, borrowed bicycle with a comical hockey helmet perched on his head. Little did he know that this moment would be the genesis of Argon 18 bikes, a brand that would redefine the cycling experience. Fast forward a few years, and Gervais Rioux stood witness to the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, a spectacle that ignited an unquenchable passion within him. With an unwavering determination, Rioux set his sights on scaling the summit of cycling glory, a mission that would shape his destiny.
From Champion Racer to Visionary CEO
Gervais Rioux, a dominant force in North-American racing, amassed over 150 victories across America and Europe. His leadership, relentless determination, and an enduring love for cycling defined his racing career. As his journey on the tracks reached its conclusion, Rioux embarked on a new venture by acquiring a Montreal bike shop. This move marked the inception of Argon 18’s philosophy — a vision that focused on serving customers with top-notch road cycling expertise and bike fit services.
Between 1990 and 1999, over 2000 bike fitting sessions unfolded in the store, solidifying its status as an authority in road cycling in eastern Canada. Meanwhile, Argon 18 bikes gained prominence for their impeccable handling, quality craftsmanship, and refined finishes. The pivotal year of 1999 saw Argon 18 bicycles making waves at Interbike, ultimately becoming available across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. It was during this period that Rioux, now immersed in bike design, delved into the realm of carbon fiber, birthing the Helium — the first full carbon frameset to bear the Argon 18 name.
Triumphs and Innovation in Argon 18 Bikes
In 2006, Argon 18 achieved a milestone, clinching triple world champion honors through athletes like Samantha McGlone, Torbjorn Sindballe, and Bella Comerford. This triumph solidified Argon 18’s reputation as a powerhouse in the cycling world. The E-114 time-trial frameset, conceived by Rioux and the Argon team, garnered acclaim by receiving the Eurobike Award, highlighting its innovative design.
Gervais Rioux, basking in the glory of this achievement, remarked that the E-114 signifies more than just a bike; it reflects Argon 18’s determination in the fiercely competitive market for ultra high-end bikes. This commitment to innovation has been a constant thread in Argon 18’s narrative, as evidenced by milestones like the introduction of the ONEness concept in 2008 and the 3D System in 2009, an exclusive structural extension of the headtube for increased rigidity.
Argon 18’s Global Impact
From humble beginnings in 1989, Argon 18 bikes have evolved into a global cycling force, available in over 30 countries. The brand’s presence in professional cycling reached new heights in 2012 when Spidertech, powered by Argon 18 bikes, earned a historic invitation to race the Tour de Suisse, a testament to the brand’s growing influence in the world of competitive cycling.
In 2012, the E-118 emerged as the UCI-certified bike of champions, a result of exhaustive research and development efforts in collaboration with triathlon champion Tim O’Donnell. As Argon 18 continued to push the boundaries of innovation, new partnership agreements in 2013 further solidified its status, aligning with esteemed teams and triathlon champions, including Terenzo Bozzone, Leon Griffin, Magali Tisseyre, Ivan Rana, and Clemente Alonso Mc Kernan.
From Gervais Rioux’s childhood victory to the global recognition of the E-114, each chapter of the Argon 18 story speaks of passion, determination, and a commitment to redefining the cycling experience. As the brand continues to evolve, the cycling community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the captivating tale of Argon 18 bikes.
