A new frame does not always need to promise more. Sometimes, it simply needs to offer something different.

For Immanuel, the Argonaut GR3 was an opportunity to explore that difference. Having already ridden a Pinarello Dogma GR, he knew what a high-performance gravel bike could deliver. What he wanted to discover was how a different approach to frame construction might change the experience.

What drew him to Argonaut was its emphasis on carbon lay-up optimisation and ride quality. An approach that considers how a frame behaves beneath its rider, rather than relying on headline figures alone.

When he first encountered the GR3, its clean aesthetics, internal cable routing and evolved geometry struck a compelling balance between modern integration and all-day rideability. It was a different perspective on performance, and one that resonated with him.

Immanuel sees plenty to admire in the race bikes produced by major manufacturers. But he was drawn to Argonaut’s distinct approach to frame construction, where craftsmanship and ride characteristics are central to the brand’s appeal.

The opportunity came when he found an available GR3 frameset in size 530. Rather than commissioning a frame from scratch, he found a ready-to-build starting point and approached us to bring the project together.

One question remained and that was "would the frame suit him?".

The CPS team guided him through the specifications and helped give him confidence in his choice. From paint to final delivery, the process took approximately two to three months,  a considered but straightforward journey from frameset to finished bike.

Sometimes, the right build begins not with an elaborate brief, but with finding the right frame and knowing how to make the most of it.

Much of the GR3’s component selection carries over from Immanuel’s Pinarello Dogma GR, keeping the equipment he already knows while allowing the new frame to change the character of the ride.

SRAM RED XPLR handles shifting, while an ENVE cockpit and carbon seatpost maintain the clean, integrated aesthetic. A Wove Mag Road+ gravel saddle completes the contact points, chosen for its comfort and support over longer rides.

For the wheels, Light Bicycle WG44 carbon rims are paired with Nonplus Primero SP hubs and 44C Tufo Thundero tyres. It is a setup chosen to balance speed with traction, control and the comfort of higher-volume rubber.

The components are familiar. The experience, however, is different. And that is what makes this build worth looking at more closely.

The ride has exceeded Immanuel’s expectations.

Where he sometimes found the Pinarello Dogma GR harsh or chattery over rougher surfaces, the Argonaut GR3 feels more planted and composed. The frame seems to take the edge off surface chatter, helping the bike maintain its composure without losing the responsiveness expected of a performance gravel bike.

That calmness does not come at the expense of handling. On descents, Immanuel finds the steering stable at higher speeds; through tighter corners, the bike remains quick and agile.

It is a combination that is difficult to convey through specifications alone. Stability and agility may seem like opposing qualities, yet on the GR3 they come together in a ride that feels reassuring when the pace picks up and engaging when the terrain becomes more demanding.

For Immanuel, the GR3 has delivered what he was looking for: a more composed ride without sacrificing the responsiveness that makes a performance gravel bike engaging.

It is also a bike Immanuel sees himself keeping for years to come.

His advice to anyone planning a new build is simple. Start with how and where you ride. Take your time with the details, choose a design that will stand the test of time, and enjoy the process as much as the finished bike.

Because the best build is not necessarily the lightest, stiffest or most expensive. It is the one that keeps you looking forward to the next ride.

Ever fancy an Argonaut?

Get in touch!