ARGON18 Dark Matter User manual

VALID FOR MY2023 VERSION 1 / 2023-03-17- DARK MATTER 363A-B

VALID FOR MY2023 VERSION 1 / 2023-03-17- DARK MATTER 363A-B

3
Table of contents
1. Tools Needed & Spare Parts Kit 4
2. Troubleshooting / Tips & Specifications 5
3. Frameset Inspection 6
4. Frameset Skus & Descriptions 7-8
5. Seat Post Installation 9
6. Seat Post Min. & Max. Insertion 10
7. Seat Post Assembly 11
8. Rear Derailleur Hanger Assembly 12
9. Front Derailleur Hanger Assembly 13
10. 3D Headset Installation 14
11. Cable and Housing Routing – Mechanical 1X Shifting 15-17
12. Cable and Housing Routing – Mechanical Shifting 18-21
13. Cable and Housing Routing – Electronic Wireless 22-24
14. Cable and Housing Routing – Electronic Wire 25-28
15. Cable and Housing Routing – Dropper seatpost 29
16. Fork Installation 30
17. Chain Catcher Installation 31
18. Downtube Protector Installation 32
19. Bottle Cage Position 33
20. Rear Rack And Fender Installation 34
21. Front Rack And Fender Installation 35 My Dark MATTER
Date of Purchase:
Retailer:
Size:
Serial Number:
To maintain the validity of the warranty,
the bicycle must be fully assembled by
an authorized Argon 18 dealer. High-end
components, particularly carbon parts,
require extra care during assembly.
These components must be installed using
a torque wrench to ensure each bolt is at
the specified torque setting
to prevent damage.

4DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
1. Tools Needed & spare parts Kit
Spare parts Kit
IMPORTANT:
Spare Parts Kit: Essential
parts to always have on hand
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY…
THIS MIGHT SAVE
YOUR RIDE!
1. Seatpost Clamp
80801
2. Spare Rear Derailleur Hanger
80802 80832
1. Hydraulic
Hose Cutter
2. Allen Key Set 3. Flush cut plier 4. Carbon Paste
& Grease
5. Utility Picks 6. Clean Rag
7. Derailler Hanger
Alignement Gauge
13. 8mm Wrench
8. Cables and
Housing Cutter
14. Bleed Kit
9. Thread Locker
Medium strength
15. Torx Key Set
10. Isopropyl Alcohol
16. Mineral Oil
11. Torque Wrench 12. Headset Press

5
2. Troubleshooting / Tips & Specifications
Brakes
Front brake - 140/160mm disc rotors
Rear brake - 140/160mm disc rotors
Rear mount thickness: 25mm.
Tire Clearance
700c
Maximum clearance: 700x45c. Tires must be no wider than 48mm for both front and
rear wheels. With fenders, tires must be no wider than 40mm.
650b: Same as 700c
Seat Post
Ø 27.2mm
Bottom Bracket
BB86 (Press-fit)
Headset
A18 3D IST2
Bottom Bearing: MR127 - 1 1/2”, 36° x 45° Stainless Steel
Top Bearing: MR127 - 1 1/2”, 36° x 45° Stainless Steel
*Some systems may require a 1 1/2”, 45° x 45° top bearing
For more information, please refer to: Argon 18 - Internal routing compatibility
Chainring
The Dark Matter can run a 50-34 chainring maximum. It has been optimized for a
gravel crankset.
A chainring of 48T maximum can be installed in 1x configuration.
Seat Post Collar
Ø 31.8mm
Front Derailleur
The Dark Matter can be used with a front derailleur.
Accessories
The Dark Matter is designed to take fenders, a rear rack up to 27kg and front rack up
to 18kg.
Please contact customer service at inf[email protected] for any further
inquiries.

6DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
3. Frameset Inspection
Before assembling your new Dark Matter, please verify that you
have all the following:
1. Frameset parts checklist (see p.7-8)
2. Inspect the frame for cosmetic defects (scratches, bumps, cracks, paint
defects, etc.)
3. For reference, record serial number on p.3
4. All the necessary bolts (refer to frameset parts, p.7-8)
5. For optimal shifting performance, use a derailleur alignment gauge to
make sure that the derailleur hanger is straight.
No. A18 SKU# Function Description Screw Type Torque Detail Qty
1 81052 Front Thru Axle M12 x 1.5 x 119mm Axle Thru Axle 12 Nm Grease 1
2 81053 Rear Thru Axle M12 x 1.5 x 161mm Axle Thru Axle 12 Nm Grease 1
3 80802* Rear Derailleur Hanger Screw M4 x 12mm Screw Flat Head 2 Nm Threadlocker 1
4 81238* Front Derailleur Hanger Screw M5 x 16mm Screw Flat Head 3 Nm Grease 2
5 80801* Seatpost Collar Screw M5 x 22mm Screw Socket Head 4 Nm Grease 1
6 81195 Water Bottle Screw M5 x 20mm Screw Button Head 3 Nm Grease 4
7 80806* Chain Catcher Screw M5 x 25mm Screw Socket Head 3 Nm Threadlocker 1
8 81195 DT Frame Protector Screw M5 x 20mm Screw Button Head Hand Tight Threadlocker 3
9 SP.DM.363A* Seatpost Screw M5 x 40mm Screw Socket Head 4.5 Nm Grease 2
* Included with
Some of the following parts are already assembled on the frame. When
assembling the bike, you will need to adjust these parts according to their
torque specifications and fastener conditions when necessary.
IMPORTANT:
Indicates special precautions and important steps
that must be taken to avoid damage and/or injury.
Torque value:
Under-torquing may cause parts to slip and cause
injury.
Over-torquing may cause screw to break and/or
part to slip and cause injury.
Apply carbon paste on the
indicated surfaces.
Apply grease on the
indicated surfaces.
Apply threadlocker on the
indicated surfaces.
4
6Nm
2.5
1Nm
4
5.5Nm
4
7Nm
2
HT
5
12Nm
2
2Nm
3
3Nm
4
3Nm
8
35Nm
2.5
HT
3
HT
40Nm 4Nm
T25
T25
4
3Nm
10
HT
2.5 5
9Nm
2.5
HT-2
32.5
HTHT
3
4Nm
3
2Nm
6
10Nm
2.5
HT
4Nm6Nm
8
Torque Value
Allen key size

7
4. Frameset SKUs and Descriptions
*Except for the frame itself, which is not sold separately as a spare part, all parts can be ordered by referring to their respective SKU number.*
80801
81052
81053
80811
80264
81195
FK.DM.M-XL.363A
FK.DM.M-XL.363B
FK.DM.XXS-S.363A
FK.DM.XXS-S.363B
Dark Matter Frame
*Not available as a separate SKU
81054
200725
81045
80988
81240 80806
81227
81238
80992
80805
80804
80551
80985
81242
100565 (363A)
100566 (363B)
100312
100567 (363A)
100568 (363B)
80832 80802
SP.DM.363A
80983
200845
200829

8DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
4. Frameset SKUs and Descriptions
No. Name A18 SKU# Qty
1 Dark Matter Frame - 1
2
Dark Matter Fork 49 mm (M-XL)
-OR-
Dark Matter Fork 54 mm (XXS-S)
FK.DM.M-XL.363A
FK.DM.M-XL.363B
FK.DM.XXS-S.363A
FK.DM.XXS-S.363B
1
3 Seatpost Dark Matter SP.DM.363A 1
4 Rear Der. hanger TA Type A (incl. screw) 80802 1
5 Rear derailleur hanger, Direct mount TA Type A 80832 1
6 FD Hanger Removable with screws 81238 1
7 Dark Matter CS Protector 81045 1
8 Chain Suck Guard - Dark Matter 81277 1
9 Long plug grommet 80804 3
10 Long grommet Di2 80805 2
11 Long gommet mechanical 80985 2
12 FD Plug 81240 1
13 Rear Brake Oblong Cable Guide 80551 2
14 FD Cable Stopper 81242 1
15 IST2 SRS Custom Cap 100565 (363A)
100566 (363B) 1
16 IST2 25mm Cap 100567 (363A)
100568 (363B) 1
17 IST2 25mm Column 200845 1
18 IST2 Sleeve 200829 1
19 Button Head Cap Screw For Water Bottle M5x20mm 81195 7
20 Chain Catcher (Incl. Small/Large, Washer and Screw) 80806 1
21 Downtube Frame Protector 80983 2
22 GW Front Thru Axle 12mm 81052 1
23 GW Rear Thru Axle 12mm 81053 1
23 Removable Lever For GW Thru Axle 12mm 81054 1
24 Plastic Plug For Water bottle Eyelet 80264 24
25 Foam Liner For Hydraulic Hose 80811 3
26 Dirt guard kit, two parts 80988 1
27 Seatpost Collar 80801 1
28 Di2 battery holder (BT-DN300) for 27.2mm SP 200725 1 Set
29 Fender Bracket 80992 1 Set

9
5. SeatPost installation
1. Apply grease on the thread of the M5 x 22mm socket head screw.
2. Assemble the seat post collar (80801) as shown.
3. Adjusttheseatpost atthe desiredheight. Makesuretofollowthe seatpostminand
max insertion limits. (p. 10)
4. Tighten the M5 x 22mm socket head screw on the seatpost clamp to 4Nm.
IMPORTANT:
Refer to p.10 for seatpost
MIN and MAX insertion limits.
80801
M5 x 22mm
4
4Nm
4
3Nm
3Nm
2
2Nm
3
3Nm
4
4.5Nm
4
5Nm
2
HT
8
12Nm
8
35Nm
2.5
2Nm
2
0.5-1Nm
40Nm
4Nm
T25
T25 2.5
HT
M5 x 22mm
4
4Nm
4
3Nm
3Nm
2
2Nm
3
3Nm
4
4.5Nm
4
5Nm
2
HT
8
12Nm
8
35Nm
2.5
2Nm
2
0.5-1Nm
40Nm
4Nm
T25
T25 2.5
HT

10 DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
6. SeatPost MIN. & MAX. insertion
A
B
Minimum Seatpost Insertion: 80mm
Maximum Seatpost Cut: 115 mm
Saddle Height Limits (mm)
SIZE Max Saddle
Height
Min Saddle
Height
Min Saddle Height
(Without cut)
Min Seatpost
Insert
Max
Seattube
Insert
Max
Seat-
tube
Cut
A B C D E F
XX-SMALL 740 625 650 80 170 25
X-SMALL 770 655 655 80 195 0
SMALL 805 690 690 80 195 0
MEDIUM 840 725 725 80 225 0
LARGE 875 760 760 80 270 0
X-LARGE 910 795 795 80 315 0
Refer to the adjacent table for details on saddle height and seatpost insertion limits:
i. The correct frame size must be determined according to the saddle height limits.
A. Maximum Saddle Height.
B. Minimum Saddle Height.
ii. Depending on the size of the frame and the desired saddle height, the seatpost might
need to be cut.
If the desired saddle height is lower than value “C”, Calculate the required cutting lenght
“G” as follow:
“G” = “C” – “Desired saddle height “ + 10mm (to allow adjustment)
Example: For a desired saddle height of 635mm on a XX-Small frame, the required mini-
mum seatpost cut length (G) is:
G = 650 - 635 + 10 = 25 mm
Important: In any case the saddle height can be lower than value “B” .
C
**Based on saddle with 50mm between center of rail to top.**
G
D
F
E

11
7. Seat Post Assembly
4
4Nm
4
3Nm
3Nm
2
2Nm
3
3Nm
4
4.5Nm
4
5Nm
2
HT
8
12Nm
8
35Nm
2.5
2Nm
2
0.5-1Nm
40Nm
4Nm
T25
T25 2.5
HT
The seat post is supplied fully assembled. The top clamp (a) and the cradle (b) can
be flipped to change the saddle offset between 15 or 25mm.
1. Unscrew both bolts slightly until the top clamp (a) and the cradle (b) are separated
enough to insert the saddle rail. Do not unscrew the bolts completely.
2. Apply grease on the thread of each bolt, on the sperical washer and on the barrel.
3. Apply carbon paste between the craddle and seatpost.
4. Screw both bolts in order to adjust the angle of the saddle and clamp the rail.
5. Tighten both bolts to 4.5Nm.
b
a
M5 x 40mm
25mm setback 15mm setback

12 DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
80802
4
6Nm
2.5
1Nm
4
5.5Nm
4
7Nm
2
HT
5
12Nm
2
2Nm
3
3Nm
4
3Nm
8
35Nm
2.5
HT
3
HT
40Nm 4Nm
T25
T25
4
3Nm
10
HT
2.5 5
9Nm
2.5
HT-2
32.5
HTHT
3
4Nm
3
2Nm
6
10Nm
2.5
HT
4Nm6Nm
8
80802
M4 x 12mm
For assistance, visit Park Tool’s website at:
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailleur-hanger-alignment
8. Rear Derailleur Hanger Assembly
4
6Nm
2.5
1Nm
4
5.5Nm
4
7Nm
2
HT
5
12Nm
2
2Nm
3
3Nm
4
3Nm
8
35Nm
2.5
HT
3
HT
40Nm 4Nm
T25
T25
4
3Nm
10
HT
2.5 5
9Nm
2.5
HT-2
32.5
HTHT
3
4Nm
3
2Nm
6
10Nm
2.5
HT
4Nm6Nm
8
80832
Assembling with a regular hanger:
1. Assemble the rear derailleur hanger (SKU: 80802) on the frame with the flat head
cap screw M4 x 12 mm.
2. Apply a drop of blue threadlocker (no. 242) to the M4 x 12 mm screw threads and
tighten to 2 Nm.
3. Use a rear derailleur hanger alignment gauge to align the rear derailleur hanger.
Assembling with a direct mount hanger:
1. Assemble the rear derailleur hanger (SKU: 80832) on the frame with the flat head
cap screw M4 x 12 mm (included in SKU: 80802).
2. Apply a drop of blue threadlocker (no. 242) to the M4 x 12 mm screw threads and
tighten to 2 Nm.
3. Use a rear derailleur hanger alignment gauge to align the rear derailleur hanger.
M4 x 12mm

13
1. Apply grease on the thread
of both M5 x 16mm bolts (SKU: 81248).
2. Assemble the front derailleur hanger (SKU: 81238) on the frame with
the two bolts.
3. Tighten both screws to 3Nm.
9. front derailleur Hanger Assembly
Using a Single Chainring Set-Up:
1. Install the FD plug (SKU: 81240) to cover the hole.
81248
M5 x 16mm
81238 81240
4
4Nm
4
3Nm
3Nm
2
2Nm
3
3Nm
4
4.5Nm
4
5Nm
2
HT
8
12Nm
8
35Nm
2.5
2Nm
2
0.5-1Nm
40Nm
4Nm
T25
T25 2.5
HT

14 DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
10. 3D Headset Installation
If the 25mm 3D headset is desired,
follow the step below, if no 3D
headset is desired, no action are
required:
1. Install the 3D headset plastic
sleeve (SKU: 200829) into the top
of the head tube. (Apply grease on
the sleeve)
2. Insert the 25mm headset plastic
sleeve (SKU: 200845). (Apply grease
on the column)
3. Press the assembly using a
headset press.
4. Push the 25mm Cap on the column
while aligning the pin in the
frame hole.
As with almost allArgon 18 bikes, the
dark matter provides you with the
benefit of the 3D system. This system
allows for 2 positions: 0mm and 25mm.
100571 (363A)
100572 (363B)
200829
200845

15
11.1 Cable and housing routing – Mechanical 1X shifting
1. The rear brake housing will run above the BB once installed.
2. The rear derailleur housing will be under the BB once installed.
3. All housing can be covered by a foam liner (SKU: 80811).
4. Refer to the Internal Routing Guide on the website for the cable side around the steer tube, this depends on the choice of cockpit.
brake housing
derailleur cable/housing

16 DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
11.2 Cable and housing routing – Mechanical 1X shifting
Rear Derailleur:
1. Insert housing from rear hole on the seat stay.
2. Guide the housing under the bottom bracket.
3. Exit the housing through the headtube.
4. Insert the mechanical grommet (SKU: 80985) into the seat stay hole.
Rear Brake:
1. Insert housing from rear hole on the chainstay.
2. Guide the housing over the bottom bracket.
3. Exit the housing through the headtube.
4. Insert the rear brake oblong cable guide (SKU: 80551) into the chainstay hole.
80551
brake housing
derailleur cable/housing
80985

17
11.3 Cable and housing routing – Mechanical 1X shifting
1. Install the FD plug (SKU: 81240)
over the two FD hanger rivets.
Refer to page 13.
2. Install the plug grommet (SKU:
80804) in the Di2 seat tube hole
and FD housing exit hole.
3. Install a M5 plug (SKU: 80264)
over the chain catcher hole. Refer
to page 31.
80804

18 DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
12.1 Cable and housing routing – Mechanical shifting
brake housing
derailleur cable/housing
1. The rear brake housing will run above the BB once installed.
2. Both derailleur housing will be under the BB once installed.
3. All housing can be covered by a foam liner (SKU: 80811).
4. Refer to the Internal Routing Guide on the website for the cable side around the steer tube, this depends on the choice of cockpit.

19
12.2 Cable and housing routing – Mechanical shifting
brake housing
derailleur cable/housing
80551
80985
Rear Derailleur:
1. Insert housing from rear hole on the seat stay.
2. Guide the housing under the bottom bracket.
3. Exit the housing through the headtube.
4. Insert the mechanical grommet (SKU: 80985) into the seat stay hole.
Rear Brake:
1. Insert housing from rear hole on the chainstay.
2. Guide the housing over the bottom bracket.
3. Exit the housing through the headtube.
4. Insert the rear brake oblong cable guide (SKU: 80551) into the chainstay hole.

20 DARK MATTER 363A-B: ASSEMBLY GUIDE
12.3 Cable and housing routing – Mechanical shifting
Front Derailleur with cable stop:
1. Insert front derailleur housing from the headtube.
2. Once the housing exits from the BB hole, install the dirt guard kit (SKU: 80988).
3. Install the FD cable stopper (SKU: 81242).
4. Install the cable in the housing.
5. Install the rubber dust seal (included in SKU: 80988).
6. Guide the housing in the hole behind the BB.
7. Install the plug grommet (SKU: 80804) on the Di2
seat tube hole.
80988
81242
DC
DH
80988
80804