Hardwear
Product 2018
Man
So how does it feel to ride a bike that has a price tag that starts at 13,490 euros? You almost expect the bike to pedal on its own! But what can you expect? Nervous energy, sleekness and drive, that all transform into power? This is exactly what we felt on this bike. It’s true, the price isn’t low, but it is explainable with its handmade top-of-the-range construction. Read the reportage exploring the heart of the factory:
https://www.test4outside.com/en/article_magazine/time-machines/
There are three categories in the Time range (4 including the urban bikes, Commuting range): Aéro (Scylon), Endurance and Altitude. The Alpe d’Huez Ulteam is in the Altitude range and designed for climbing.
Straight away in the first climbs you can feel that the frame is extremely reactive and it transmits the slightest impulsion, and these impulsions are automatic, there’s no doubt the rear triangle is very rigid. You can sequence the changes of rhythm as you want them. The frame doesn’t deform when you stand up and push with all your force on the pedals. Beyond the finish, and the superb fiber craftsmanship, we need to reiterate about the amazing efficiency of Time with its carbon based design, the genuine know-how of this manufacturer belonging to Rossignol (skis).
The frame’s weight is stated as 840g! 6.5kg for size S, this is the lightest bike ever made by Time. To get down to this weight they needed to use carbon as much as possible, no less than 3km of black thread is necessary to make a bike. For this frame alone 22 hours of work are required.
The Time designers have used mostly HM fibers (High Module) that are found in racing bikes. This carbon has very high resistance and very high mechanical qualities. Time do not use pre-impregnated fibers in their constructions: the frames’ fibers are injected with epoxy resin in the molds and most importantly the fibers are braided. The output is improved and is confirmed out on the road. And what’s more, you can see these noble fibers through the transparent finish on the frame.
We were afraid of having a bike that was too rigid, especially at the front post. It wasn’t the case. Thanks to clever distribution of the various fibers and the Aktiv fork the Ulteam filters. The latter has a feeder that vibrates when you go over bumpy ground: this weight absorbs a part of the energy produced to limit the vibrations. The system weighs 259g but filters almost 30% of the vibrations.
The seat tube has a D profile to encourage better aerodynamics but also to limit shocks.
You have a low position at the front, the head post has been worked on to guarantee an attack position. The bearings are lubricated for life.
If we were bowled over by the dynamism of the frame and its ultra-light weight, we were very surprised by the handlebars which weren’t as expected: its (beautiful) contoured shape and some of the sheaths do not contribute to the comfort of the grip.
The Shimano Dura Ace D12 derailleur is nice, the speeds change with a softness that brings a smile.
For those who don’t want to pays so much for a bike, there are other options in the Alpe d’Huez 01 (5999.90 euros) or the Alpe d’Huez 21 (as little as 3199 euros).
A configurator means you can personalize your bike: the color, kit, etc. You will need a little more than one month to receive your precious jewel.
The Time Alpe d’Huez Ulteam is a beautiful machine, lightweight, reactive, capable of superb accelerations in the mountains. This is a very stiff bike but not demanding, that enables you to rack up the miles without getting worn out.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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