Racing for the Journey: Why We Ride and Race
At Argonaut, when we say racing is in our DNA, it’s not just marketing—it’s a truth forged through every early morning ride, every long training block, and every gritty, unseen moment of commitment. Racing, for us, isn’t about a result sheet or a place on the podium. It’s about something much deeper: the pursuit of a better version of ourselves.
We race not because someone tells us to, but because there’s an undeniable pull toward the unknown. A desire to chase what lies just beyond the edge of our current abilities. It's about curiosity—using it as a compass to navigate the uncharted territories of our personal limits.
There’s no audience when you get on the trainer for the hundredth pre-dawn session. No one is checking to see if you shaved grams from your bike or fine-tuned your gear for perfection. No external pressure compels us to race. And yet, we ride.
Because racing is about answering a call—one that only you can hear.
Ben: A Living Example of Racing Ethos
Ben Farver, founder of Argonaut Cycles, lives this ethos every day. Not only is he at the helm of designing and building the world’s finest riding machines—crafted by hand right here in Bend, Oregon—but he's also a devoted family man, with a wife and two young kids.
And yet, Ben rides. Every single day.
He is committed not only to building the best custom gravel bikes in the world but also to pursuing excellence in every corner of his life. Ben reminds us all: greatness doesn’t come from finding balance; it comes from chasing bold dreams louder than life's distractions.
When you wake up with a mission burning inside you—to become better, to reach farther—you don't just get out of bed. You rocket out of bed, propelled by purpose.
Racing Is a Mirror of the Journey
Race day success may be measured in minutes or hours, but the real victory happens long before the start line. It’s in the daily sacrifices. The endless small wins no one else sees.
Ben is about to tackle one of the biggest events on the European gravel calendar: the 200k at The Traka—a race so pure that it famously brands itself as “a non-competitive bicycle outing.” A reminder that the real race is always against ourselves.
His machine of choice? A fully customized GR3—tailored specifically for this monumental ride.
If you're dreaming of what the ultimate custom gravel bike looks like for an event of this caliber, you’re in for a treat.
The Details: Ben’s Custom GR3 Build
- Paint: Gloss Cerulean Blue Candy with Matte Pewter Two-Tone and Chartreuse Logos
- Drivetrain: SRAM RED XPLR 13-speed with 44t chainring
- Upgrades: CeramicSpeed Alpha OSPW and CeramicSpeed T47 Bottom Bracket
- Cockpit: Paint-matched ENVE Integrated Barstem with Silca Velo Bartape
- Accessories: Arundel Bottle Cages, Customizable Reform Saddle
- Wheels: Argonaut D33 Wheels with Carbon-Ti Hubs
- Tires: Schwalbe G-One R 700x50c
- Seatpost: ENVE
- Chain Care: Squirt Chain Lube
Each piece of this build was hand-selected and customized to meet the demands of 200 brutal, beautiful kilometers—proving once again that when it comes to a custom gravel bike, details aren't just details. They're the difference.
Stay Tuned: The Full Race Story Awaits
We believe the true magic happens when preparation meets possibility. Ben’s journey to The Traka is a perfect example of why we race—not just for the finish, but for everything it teaches us along the way.
A full race report is on the way, direct from Ben himself. Until then, soak up the gallery below and let your mind wander. Dream a little bigger. Ride a little further. And maybe start wondering what your own custom gravel bike could help you achieve.
The journey is the destination—and it’s just getting started.
