Tech

Review: American Classic Argent Tubeless

· By Bike Hub Features · 0 comments

American Classic’s Argent wheelset is a tubeless ready aluminium wheelset aimed at road, gravel, and cyclocross riders.

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The claimed weight for the Argent wheelset is 1,392g (390g per rim) which is all the more impressive considering the width (19.4mm internal and 22mm external) and the 30 mm depth. The Argents are built with American Classic’s own bladed spokes, 18 radially on the front and 24 at the rear, laced 3-cross on the drive side and radial on the non-drive side with the rear wheel’s spokes grouped in threes. The brake surface is machined aluminium with wear indicators to keep you safe.

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Features:

  • Discipline: Road, Gravel, Cyclocross
  • Rims: Argent Road Tubeless 390 gram Aluminum Clincher Rims 700
  • Spokes: AC Bladed Spokes Black, AC Aluminium Nipples Silver, 18h Radial Front, 24h 3-Cross Drive, Radial non-Drive Rear
  • Weight Pair: 1,392g (Front 596g, Rear 796g)
  • Rear Spline: Shimano/SRAM 10/11 or Campagnolo 10/11
  • Included: AC Tubeless Tape Installed, AC Tubeless Valves, Cromoly QR’s
  • Optional Upgrades: Wheel Bag, Ceramic Bearings

On the Road

The Argent wheels were originally fitted with Specialized’s 700×23/25c Roubaix Tubeless tyres that allowed me to run them at the maximum allowed pressure without sacrificing comfort, thanks to the wider profile. The Roubaix later made way for a set of Bontrager R3 TLR 700×24 tubeless ready tyres, for no reason other than wanting to try out another tubeless set of tyres. Although I have not suffered a single puncture since April. It has been noticeable how longer the Bontrager tyres stay inflated, needing fewer air top-ups to keep them at an optimum running pressure.

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With the generous internal width and the ability to run lower pressures (when tubeless), the wheel and tyre combo offered exceptional comfort on uneven surfaces and longer rides. Over smooth tar the bigger contact patch felt stickier and confidence inspiring with better stopping power as a bonus.

The cam-actuated, six-pawl freehub makes a satisfying noise while coasting and yields good engagement compared to higher-end offerings from some other manufacturers. Jump on the pedals and they surge forward and maintain momentum well. Running the brake blocks right up against the wheel shows some flex under heavy load, although it is more evident through the rub rather than feeling flexible under foot. Descending a pass at speed shows no sign of strain both in terms of flex and its ability to hold momentum well and, paired with the grippy tyres, make for a very fun and rewarding ride.

The 30mm depth handles Cape Town’s gusts very well with no ill-manners while riding in crosswinds. Overall the performance is top-notch with the Argents having been a fit and forget affair and excellent at tackling any terrain and riding condition.

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Verdict

“Strong, light, cheap – pick any two”, so the saying goes. At 1392g for this R9,995.00 wheelset that is rated to carry a 107kg rider to the finish line, the American Classic Argent wheelset bucks that wisdom. Add tubeless, a wide (19.4mm internal) profile, and disc compatibility to the specification list and you have a winner on your hands.

Their tubeless nature is a genuine confidence boost , especially on our roads that are littered with broken glass and potholes.

Pros

  • Light, affordable, strong
  • Tubeless ready
  • High rider weight limit for a wheelset this light
  • Great value
  • Versatile (can be used for road, gravel or CX)

Cons

  • Slightest bit of flex under heavy load, no signs of it through corners though

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