May 25/07 4:40 am - Argon 18 Receives Design Award

Posted by Editoress on 05/25/07
 

Argon 18's Element 114 Receives the Institut de Design Montréal's Award for Industrial Design
Courtesy Argon 18

The Institut Design Montréal held its tenth annual awards gala ceremonies on Thursday, May 17th, celebrating Montreal's designers and their striking and innovative creations. The research and and original thinking that led to the development of Argon 18's Element 114 were rewarded with the award for "best industrial design" going to ex-cycling champion Gervais Rioux, now senior designer at Argon 18 cycles. Another finalist in this category was Reebok, which presented its 8k helmet.

The Element 114 is a very advanced bicycle specifically designed for time-trial and triathlon competition. This machine represents a substantial breakthrough in the design world because for the first time, cutting-edge technologies were harnessed to fully integrate, from the outset, every possible refinement and performance advantage into the design and construction of the bike: aerodynamics, full transfer of the athlete's potential power and quick but predictable handling.

A full 24 months in the making, the Element 114 is a true product of Montreal, being as it is, the result of a close and productive collaboration between Gervais Rioux and Montreal firm Morelli Designers.

The first E-114 prototype had already created a sensation last fall when it was displayed at Interbike in Las Vegas, one of the foremost trade shows; soon the sleek monocoque carbon machine will be available from Argon18 dealers.