Argon 18 Dark Matter SRAM Rival Cactus Green (M)
£4,500.00
12 months interest free credit, or pay in 3 · Cycle to Work available
The Argon 18 Dark Matter SRAM Rival XPLR AXS in Cactus Green is a high-performance carbon gravel machine built for speed across any surface. Engineered with a geometry that mimics the snappy handling of a road bike but with the stability required for loose terrain, the Dark Matter is a true “all-road” weapon. Outfitted with SRAM’s wireless 12-speed Rival AXS drivetrain, this bike delivers flawless shifting and powerful hydraulic braking, making it the ultimate companion for gravel racing, bikepacking, and epic off-road exploration.
- SRAM Rival XPLR AXS E1 groupset A Full Mount rear derailleur with no adjustment screws holds its shifting precisely, even through mud, loose rocks and rough terrain.
- DT Swiss G1800 XDR wheelset A durable, wide-rim wheelset built for comfort and versatility off-road, running on a reliable Ratchet freehub system.
- Schwalbe G-One RX Pro tyres (50c) Enormous grip in rocky, muddy conditions with strong self-cleaning and puncture protection, tuned for race-pace off-road riding.
- Storage Optimisation System Integrated frame storage designed into the Dark Matter for longer rides and bikepacking-style adventures without bolt-on bags.
1 in stock
About this bike
The Dark Matter is Argon 18's gravel racer, built for terrain that swings between fast fire roads and rough, technical singletrack. This build pairs it with SRAM's Rival XPLR AXS — a 1x wireless groupset designed specifically for gravel's demands — plus a wide-range cassette and 50c tyres for grip when the trail turns loose. Finished in Cactus Green on a size M frame.
Argon 18 Dark Matter SRAM Rival Cactus Green (M) Features
Component highlights
DT Swiss G1800 XDR
Get the most out of your next off-road adventure with this durable wheelset, meticulously developed with carefully selected components. Its wide rim offers comfort and versatility. Equipped with sturdy spokes and a reliable Ratchet freehub system, it effortlessly takes you off the beaten path. Start packing for your next bikepacking adventure worry-free with this reliable wheelset.

SRAM Rival XPLR AXS E1
Perfect shifting through better design, even through the toughest gravel terrain. By using a Full Mount interface, the Rival XPLR AXS rear derailleur ensures perfect shifting with no adjustment screws, and unmatched resilience to whatever the world throws at you. Mud, loose rocks, or careless airline employees can’t knock this out of adjustment.

Schwalbe G-One RX PRO, TLR 700x50c
The race tyre for best off-road performance. Enormous grip even under difficult conditions (rocky, muddy terrain). Maximum cornering traction thanks to paired outer blocks. Good self-cleaning in muddy conditions. Souplesse construction for smooth riding feel + high puncture protection.

Full specification
Frameset
Wheels
Group
Brakes
Other Components
Geometry
Geometry - Size
| XXS (44-46) | XS (47-50) | S (51-53) | M (54-56) | L (57-59) | XL (60-62) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 42.0 | 43.5 | 46.0 | 49.5 | 54.0 | 58.5 |
| B | 75.5 | 74.9 | 74.3 | 73.7 | 73.1 | 72.5 |
| C | 68.5 | 70.0 | 70.5 | 71.0 | 71.0 | 71.0 |
| D | 50.7 | 53.0 | 55.3 | 57.7 | 60.2 | 62.9 |
| E | 43.6 | 43.6 | 43.6 | 43.6 | 43.6 | 43.6 |
| F | 103.0 | 103.6 | 104.5 | 105.9 | 108.0 | 110.1 |
| G | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| H1 | 7.2 | 8.7 | 10.6 | 12.6 | 15.1 | 17.8 |
| H2 | 9.5 | 11.2 | 13.1 | 15.1 | 17.6 | 20.3 |
| I | 71.3 | 72.9 | 75.5 | 78.6 | 82.5 | 86.3 |
| L | 425.0 | 425.0 | 425.0 | 425.0 | 425.0 | 425.0 |
| R | 54.0 | 54.0 | 48.0 | 48.0 | 48.0 | 48.0 |
| T | 8.6 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Free Returns
Extended 21-day return period
Free Delivery
On orders over £50
Secure Payments
Protected payments, 0% finance
You Get So Much More Than a Bike
We're Specialists
Our experienced, dedicated in-house team is ready to help you find the perfect model and custom specification for your goals.
Bike Fit Service
A free, expert bike fit is included with every custom build — perfect geometry from day one.
Cycle to Work
We accept all major schemes, saving you up to 40% on your new bike or complete build.
Built, Checked, Tested
Every bike is meticulously built, tuned and tested by Stef — guaranteed ready for your first ride.
How does the "Cactus Green" look in person?
Cactus Green is a stunning, sophisticated earth tone. It’s a muted, semi-matte green that feels very much at home in nature. It hides light dust and trail spray incredibly well and provides a refreshing, premium look that stands out from the typical blacks and greys found in the gravel peloton.
Is the Dark Matter suitable for road riding?
Absolutely. It is often cited as one of the best “one-bike-to-rule-them-all” options. If you fit a set of 30mm or 32mm slick tyres, it handles remarkably like a performance endurance road bike.
Does the SRAM Rival AXS battery last long?
Yes, you can typically expect 20–60 hours of riding time per charge. The battery is small, light, and can be swapped in seconds. We always recommend carrying a spare in your seat bag for multi-day trips.
What is the benefit of the 1x drivetrain on gravel?
Simplicity and security. By removing the front derailleur, there is less to go wrong in muddy conditions, and the “clutched” rear derailleur keeps the chain from bouncing off when the terrain gets rough.
Come and See This Bike in Dereham
Tue–Fri 10–5 · Sat 9–5 · Unit 7 Astra Court, Greens Road, NR20 3TR




