Time unveil 2013 frame range

Time have unveiled their 2013 frame range which includes the all-new ZXRS and Fluidity S models at the head of the race and performance lines, and a new First frame that you can build into a complete bike for under £2,800.

The First (above) is a brand new model built using Time’s RTM technology. RTM? It stands for Resin Transfer Molding. Rather than using a prepreg technique (using sheets of carbon pre-impregnated with resin), Time use a liquid moulding process where the epoxy resin is injected into the mould to bond the structure.

We won’t go into the detail here (you can get a brief overview at Time’s website) but Time reckon this technique offers better impact resistance and increased strength and they’re the only ones in the bike to use it, as far as we know.

Anyway, the First uses the same Performance geometry as Time’s Fluidity models – a slightly more relaxed setup than their Racing geometry – and it comes with asymmetric chainstays to take account of the differing forces on either side of the bike. The First also includes Vectran fibres that are designed to dampen vibrations and so improve the ride quality.

The combined weight of the frame and carbon fork, according to Time, is 1,490g and it’ll cost you £1,900. That’s cheaper than anything else in the Time range; they don’t cater for the mass market when it comes to frames.

The ZXRS is an aero road bike that’s built to Time’s Racing geometry. You get full-carbon headset bearing seats, an oversized BB30 bottom bracket, and carbon dropouts on the RMT fork. Plus, it uses Time’s Vibraser technology to dampen vibration on rough road surfaces.

This frame was used by the Sour-Sojasun team in the 2012 Tour de France and the Tour of Britain – where Sour-Sojasun won the team general classification. It’s available in various different versions. This Team 12 model (above), for instance, is £3,450.

The Fluidity S is Time’s top bike for sportives and other long rides. Like the First (above) it comes with a higher front end than a full-on race bike to put less strain on your back, and it gets Time’s Vibraser Max technology – meaning that there’s an extra helping of Vectran fibres in there to dampen vibration. Time is the only manufacturer to offer this. The new wishbone-shaped asymmetrical rear stays are slim, the idea being to soften the ride further and guarantee better bike control.

The Fluidity S will be available in four colours, with custom colours available, from January. Frame and fork prices start at £3,250.

The 2013 Time frame range will be exclusively available in-store. You’re encouraged to test the frames for yourself with a demo ride.

For more information visit www.time-sport.com or visit the website of UK distributor Extra.

* There's affordable and there's affordable, obviously.