Back in 2020, the American brand Argonaut Cycles presented the most recent evolution of their road model, the RM3. Now, a few years later, parallel to the full-custom option for this bicycle, they have produced the Supernaut. This bicycle is presented as an alternative with predefined sizes (Proven Geometries™) that allows potential customers to purchase it in a much shorter time frame without giving up on the highest quality and brand finishes that characterize the brand.

During our participation in the last GiRodeo, we met once again with the Argonaut team while in Girona and shared a few off-road kilometers together. For the 2023 edition of the event, they not only came with their beautiful GR3s and the desire to ride to put them to the test around the Catalan city, but they also brought with them some units of the brand-new Supernaut.

We have kept in touch since then, and just a few days ago, taking advantage of a new visit to our friends at The Service Course, who is one of the main distributors of the brand in Europe, we had the opportunity to test this true work of art on wheels. As expected, it made a remarkable first impression.

Ready to roll

‘Made in the USA’ is part of the brand’s DNA, and the Supernaut could not be any other way. The main objective of this version of the RM3 is to have a predefined size guide based on the geometries that they consider most suitable for each version and thus ensure the best balance between performance, rigidity, weight and comfort.

With this formula, the guys from Bend (Oregon, USA) aim to tackle the waiting list linked to the full custom option and give the customer the possibility of purchasing this model in a much shorter time. Concretely, we are talking about an estimated production time of four weeks for the Supernaut. The assembly, adjustments and shipping time would then be added on top.

The design part of the Supernaut involved countless hours of thinking and analyzing the best way to refine each of the elements that, when grouped together, result in a bike that strives for the optimal ride feeling. A clear example of this is High-Pressure Silicone Molding (HPSM), which allows them to eliminate fiber distortion, voids, pores, and structural defects from the carbon layout. A process patented by them and which is further proof of the high level of the internal demands they set themselves to guarantee the best results.

“Argonaut is all about ride quality. Our sole reason for being is to make the best bike in the world. From the minute you throw your leg over an Argonaut you should feel like one with the bike. We achieve this superior ride quality through best-in-class engineering, craftsmanship, and quality control. Oh, and everything is 100% made in the US.” – Ben Farver

For 2024, the brand has decided to manufacture a maximum of 100 units, which makes it even more attractive.

Last but not least, we would like to clarify that the Supernaut option also exists for its GR3 model, which we already presented to you a while ago.

Action time

Same as the first time we had the opportunity to test an Argonaut first hand, The Service Course provided everything we may have needed and guaranteed an optimal testing experience. Their team welcomed us with open arms and offered to accompany us during the bike test, which would see us riding the famous coastal loop.

One can sense the quality of the Supernaut just by looking at it. The unit we tested was the lightest option with the entire carbon layout visible so you can appreciate the craftsmanship of the construction process and how they have put together each and every one of the parts that make up the frame.

During the entire route, we had the feeling that the bike rolled very easily. We felt really comfortable while pushing the pedals, and the new carbon wheels that the brand is manufacturing in-house probably contribute to this.

While we were chatting with Mads from the The Service Course crew, we reached the most demanding part of the route, an ascent of about 12 kilometers in which we would be able to put our Supernaut to the test. The ride feeling was rigid and reactive, without reaching the point of considering the bike to be excessively ‘nervous’. We emphasize rigidity because, according to a conversation we had with Ben Farver, founder of the brand, one of their main objectives was to build bicycles made of carbon but always seeking a behavior most similar to a steel road bike. It is for this reason that each frame has a specific layout based on the style and characteristics of each customer.

After multiple squeezes, we reached the summit and immediately launched ourselves down the other side. Whenever we test a bike we try to find the balance between the joy of riding and our duties as thorough testers, putting the bike to the limit to identify the strong and weak points but avoiding ending up on the floor. On this occasion, despite the fact that the height of the stem was not the best fit for us and that the handlebars were somewhat wider than what we are used to, the bike behaved as it should at all times. The handling in the downhill corners was positive and, as we have said before, without being too reactive, something that is appreciated.

We could not resist the temptation of a coffee stop, and then we continued enjoying the RM3 Supernaut for a few more kilometers until we arrived back to Girona.

Own components and wheels

Unlike in previous occasions, this time the bike build included the brand’s own wheels and seatpost. Two new features that the brand had been working on for some time and which, apparently seems, will soon be publicly available.

The wheels, with a rim depth of 43mm, are hookless, and all the carbon is visible, looking impressive. The wheelset we tested was assembled with DT Swiss 180 hubs and have a ridiculously low weight of 1,260 grams. They are really stiff and fast wheels, and for this unit, the tires of choice were the Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0.

As for the seat post, which is really attractive for its design and finish, it fits perfectly with the rest of the bicycle and brings the aesthetics of the bike one step beyond.

For the rest of the build, the guys at Argonaut chose an Enve stem and handlebar set, a Repente Artax GLM saddle, and a flawless Shimano Dura-Ace R9250 to put the icing on the cake for this dream bike.

Summary

We have been able to see first-hand that the brand has done a great job. The identity of Argonaut is perfectly reflected in each and every one of the details that give shape to the Supernaut. If, in addition to all the above, the brand grants any potential buyer the possibility to acquire an Argonaut in a very short time, then we can simply congratulate Ben and his entire team for the result they have achieved.