Choosing the right bike.. bmc or argon 18

[Martin1982]

Hey,
I need some help, got two offers for some pretty good bikes (new) but I'm having a hard time choosing the right one.
Please let me know what you think.
It's either :
bmc rm01 2012
Bmc stem, handle bars, seat post
SRAM red
Easton sl wheel set
3300,- $ (normally about 7000$ in Norway)
Or
argon 18 krypton 2012
3T carbon stem and handle bars
SRAM force
Unaas as30 (Norwegian build) wheel set
2950,-$ (normally 5000$ in Norway)

These bikes are both on winter sale, about 40-50% off. Hoping to get som pointers from people with argon 18 and bmc experience..

Thanks a bunch..

[Martin1982]

Would also add that the seller of the argon 18 is offering fitting on a Cyfacs fitting machine, and a very good service deal (basically, "please come by any time"). The bmc retailer is closing his shop so it's pretty much "what you see is what you get".

[looigi]

That's a tough one. I know the RM to be a stiff race oriented bike (of course, RM = race machine) and ridden by the pro teams prior to the SLR, but know little about the Krypton frame. Other than that, it basically comes down to how you, personally, value the differences and the esthetics. Red vs Force, 3T carbon vs BMC house-brand cockpit, etc.. Hard angular appearance of the BMC vs softer flowing appearance of the Argon18. (redundant isn't it? You could hardly have an Argon 17 or 19.)

I have no need of a fit and do my own work so the BMC shop closing would be less of a consideration, though it might complicate dealing with warranty issues should any arise.

[Mike T.]

Go with the Argon. Reasons - the custom fitting experience and the shop staying open plus it's less money. I had an Argon for 9 years without a problem. It was a great bike.

Irrelevant trivia - Cycles Gervais Rioux, on Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, is operated by multi Canadian champion and Olympian Gervais Rioux. His store is 10 minutes from my son's place in Montreal and we drove past the store when I was up there two weeks ago.

[demonrider]

I just picked up my 2012 Krypton in very similar circumstances as your's, first couple of rides this thing is a sheer land rocket, even with those entry level R501s and Vittoria Zaffiro heavy tires you see on it.

Took a quick shot of mine after I got it home after the initial fit, it's a work in progress; entire groupset will move over to another frame I have arriving soon while this beast will get Ultegra. Fitting isn't quite finished yet, either.

I doubt you can go wrong with either choice, but my vote is with the Argon 18.

Forgot to mention in case you didn't know, the only difference between the 2012 and 2013 Krypton is the paint scheme.

[Martin1982]

Ended up with the Krypton!
Very happy, though it started snowing the same day so the first km were done on a trainer.
Thank you for the advice, definitely think this was the right choice. Also the sram shifters are very intuitive and feels natural.

[Britt819]

Excellent choice on the Krypton. I ride the 2013 Gallium and love it.

[maxfrm]

Argon 18 was a great choice, I am also possibly looking at building a Gallium up

[Britt819]

Argon 18 was a great choice, I am also possibly looking at building a Gallium up

Hit me up when you get around to looking for one. I am an Argon dealer. I have been very happy with mine so far.

Britt
855-TRI-VELO