Ladies and gentlemen, the Time has come. No, quite literally: we've added Time bikes to our stable of fine road racing machines. These fine French bicyclettes will be joining our already fast selection of bikes by Scott, Cervelo, and Colnago. We've always wondered where the name "Time" comes from: is it a reference to the seconds and minutes you will save whilst riding one? Or perhaps it's a reference to how long you'll spend admiring these gorgeous bikes? Regardless these carbon beauties look, feel, and simply are fast.
Unlike some manufacturers that have hundreds of models from mountain unicycles to recumbent tandems, Time only builds three bikes. That's correct- THREE bikes. The model lineup for 2011 is as follows: RXRS Ulteam, NXR Instinct, and RX Instinct. All of their R&D and bike-building expertise has poured into just these three models, so you can be sure that each is a knockout. All share Time's proprietary Resin Transfer Molding ("RTM") assembly technique, wherein strands of carbon fiber and shock absorbing Vectran and Kevlar fibers are weaved and braided into tubes. Kevlar and Vectran are gold colored composite fibers that absorb more vibration than carbon fibers alone. If you take a peek at the steerer tube of any of Time's SAFE+2 forks, you can see the gold threads intertwined with the black. The finished "sleeves" of fiber are then fitted to a mold, saturated with resin, and baked at high temperature and pressure. Because Time custom braids their own fiber layups, their bikes have more fibers where you need them and less where you don't.
Time offers its 3 models in a number of iterations: besides shipping as a complete bike, the RXRS Ulteam and NXR Instinct can be delivered as a Module or a Module+. A Module includes the frame, fork, headset, carbon bottle cage, Translink seat mast and cap, and Time's MONOLINK full-carbon stem. A Module+ includes everything that the module has but adds Time's ERGOFORCE carbon handlebars. The RX Instinct is available as a complete bike or a frame kit that includes the frame, fork, headset, carbon seat post, and carbon bottle cage.
Time offers its 3 models in a number of iterations: besides shipping as a complete bike, the RXRS Ulteam and NXR Instinct can be delivered as a Module or a Module+. A Module includes the frame, fork, headset, carbon bottle cage, Translink seat mast and cap, and Time's MONOLINK full-carbon stem. A Module+ includes everything that the module has but adds Time's ERGOFORCE carbon handlebars. The RX Instinct is available as a complete bike or a frame kit that includes the frame, fork, headset, carbon seat post, and carbon bottle cage.
On to the bikes: The RXRS Ulteam is Time's flagship model, using all of their proprietary technology including the aforementioned RTM and SAFE+2 fork, and is available in 6 sloping sizes from XXS to XL. The fully lugged carbon frame looks and rides nice, with the added advantage that Time can replace any damaged tubes. Time forks have a patented multidiameter steerer tube that matches the oversize bottom bearings of the QUICKSET headset, keeping the front rigid and fast. An oversized, full carbon bottom bracket featuring BB30 integrated bearings ensures maximum power transfer from the cranks. The RXRS modules are also available in a Di2 edition, with integrated wiring throughout and a spot for the battery under the bottom bracket. Available in 4 colors, including the impressive "VIP" edition in gloss black and silver. Published weight (with pedals and a SRAM Red gruppo): 15.2 pounds. All in all, the RXRS uses the latest technology (Di2 wiring, seat mast, BB30, assymetric stays) to translate maximum power from "the pedals to the pavement", and guarantee an explosive ride.
"Instinct" is no doubt a reference to the effortless acceleration of the NXR and RX models. Both strive to offer race-worthy speed but with a slightly less aggressive geometry than the RXRS. These two models accomplish this through "ERGODRIVE" positioning, where a taller headtube raises your stance on the bike whilst eliminating the need for excess spacers. Time's RTM carbon braiding process is still present in these models, as is the SAFE+2 multidiameter carbon/vectran fork. While the RXRS is fully lugged, the NXR Instinct and RX Instinct have a monocoque front triangle with lugs attaching the chain and seat stays. The RX has a standard seatpost, while the NXR has a seat mast, saving some weight overall. If you take a closer look, you'll notice that the NXR also has a carbon front dropout and seatpost collar, formed at extremely high pressures using a process known as CMT. Both ride fast and are a little friendlier to your back and your wallet.
"Instinct" is no doubt a reference to the effortless acceleration of the NXR and RX models. Both strive to offer race-worthy speed but with a slightly less aggressive geometry than the RXRS. These two models accomplish this through "ERGODRIVE" positioning, where a taller headtube raises your stance on the bike whilst eliminating the need for excess spacers. Time's RTM carbon braiding process is still present in these models, as is the SAFE+2 multidiameter carbon/vectran fork. While the RXRS is fully lugged, the NXR Instinct and RX Instinct have a monocoque front triangle with lugs attaching the chain and seat stays. The RX has a standard seatpost, while the NXR has a seat mast, saving some weight overall. If you take a closer look, you'll notice that the NXR also has a carbon front dropout and seatpost collar, formed at extremely high pressures using a process known as CMT. Both ride fast and are a little friendlier to your back and your wallet.
If you're looking for a complete bike out of the box, Time ships all three with either SRAM Red, Campagnolo Record/Super Record, or Shimano Dura-Ace/Di2 and Ultegra gruppos. Various editions of Mavic's Ksyrium wheelset come stock, though for bikes this nice we suggest that our hand-built wheels are more complimentary, and we can always provide custom selected groupsets. Time's other products may be worth your time, especially the brand new iClic pedals: the world's first pedal that uses a flexible carbon blade as opposed to metal springs to keep you locked in. The iClic pedal with titanium spindles weighs 175g a set! A nice addition to any Time bike...
So...do these bikes get better with age like a fine French wine? Only Time will tell. Ok, enough puns... Just come check them out.
So...do these bikes get better with age like a fine French wine? Only Time will tell. Ok, enough puns... Just come check them out.
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