TIME Bicycle Review 2025: Why French Carbon Engineering Makes These Bikes Worth $14,000

_{Image Source: BACKYARD BIKE SHOP}

$14,000 for a bicycle? 🤔

Sounds wild, right? But here's the thing—TIME bicycles aren't your typical carbon fiber frames rolling off assembly lines.

Since 1987, these French-engineered beauties have powered riders to Olympic gold, Tour de France stage wins, and world championships. Roland Cattin founded TIME with a vision that went way beyond making "just another bike." His company pioneered carbon fiber technology when most manufacturers were still figuring out aluminum.

What makes TIME different? Their frames aren't assembled—they're handcrafted using a unique resin transfer molding process with multilayer braided carbon fiber sleeves. Think aerospace-level engineering meets cycling artistry.

But here's what gets really interesting: while competitors rushed to outsource production to Asia for cheaper labor, TIME doubled down on European craftsmanship. They're even investing $6.5 million to build America's largest carbon fiber bicycle factory. Greg LeMond and Miguel Indurain didn't choose TIME bikes for the sponsorship money—they chose them because these machines deliver when milliseconds matter.

Worth up to $14,000? TIME uses three different types of Japanese Toray carbon fibers with varying weights and angles—each strategically placed for optimal performance. Their manufacturing process reads like a masterclass in carbon engineering.

So what's the real story behind that hefty price tag? Can French TIME bicycle engineering actually justify spending more than most people's cars? Let's dig into what makes these bikes tick and whether that premium delivers real-world performance you can feel.

The Legacy of TIME Bicycles: From Tour de France to 2025

Wait—the whole TIME story started with a family feud over pedals?

That's right. In 1987, Roland Cattin had a serious disagreement with his father-in-law Jean Beyl about pedal design [3]. Beyl owned Look, the company that had just introduced the first clipless pedal system. But Cattin thought these pedals needed rotational movement to prevent ankle and knee problems—his father-in-law disagreed with this innovation [5].

So what did Cattin do? He left Look and founded TIME across the street. Talk about keeping it in the family!

Founding by Roland Cattin in 1987

_{Image Source: Bicycle Retailer}

Roland Cattin wasn't your typical bike industry businessman. This guy was a passionate defender of French cycling heritage and European craftsmanship—the real deal. His company motto "Le Défi" (The Challenge) reflected his determination to challenge industry norms [5]. Elegant and charismatic, Cattin instilled a certain savoir faire in the company's approach to manufacturing [3].

Right out of the gate, TIME made waves. Under Cattin's leadership, they introduced their first innovation in 1988—the TIME TBT pedal featuring float, which allowed a small amount of lateral movement to reduce joint strain [4]. Brilliant! They'd spotted an ergonomic concern that competitors had completely overlooked, establishing TIME's reputation for rider-focused engineering from day one.

Milestone victories and pro team sponsorships

TIME's impact on professional cycling? Lightning fast.

To raise the profile of their new pedal system, TIME signed up an impressive roster of professional riders including Greg LeMond, Pedro Delgado, and Stephen Roche [5]. The strategy paid off almost immediately—Delgado won the 1988 Tour de France on TIME pedals, followed by Jeannie Longo taking the women's Tour title that same year [5].

But that was just the beginning of an absolutely incredible streak. LeMond secured back-to-back Tour victories in 1989 and 1990, followed by Miguel Indurain's five consecutive Tour wins from 1991 to 1995 [5]. Ready for this? TIME pedals powered an astonishing 11 consecutive Tour de France victories, from Delgado's 1988 triumph through Marco Pantani's 1998 win [4].

The success didn't stop there. TIME's partnerships continued into the 2000s with the Quickstep team, where stars like Tom Boonen and Paolo Bettini achieved remarkable success—winning Olympic medals, World Championships, and classics like Paris-Roubaix between 2004 and 2006 [2]. Even in off-road disciplines, riders like Wout van Aert and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot secured cyclocross and cross-country World Championships using TIME ATAC pedals [4].

Evolution from pedals to full carbon frames

TIME's journey from pedal manufacturer to bicycle frame innovator began in the early 1990s. Smart move—they'd already established themselves in the pedal market, so they connected with TVT carbon fiber, pioneers in early carbon tube and aluminum lug construction [2]. Spotting a market need, TIME initially focused on developing carbon fiber forks to improve ride quality on lightweight aluminum bikes.

By 1993, these carbon forks had become absolutely everywhere in the professional peloton. As one TIME executive noted, "Mario Cipollini, Marco Pantani, anybody who's who in that era—whatever bike brand they were riding, it had a TIME fork on it" [2]. Following this success, TIME launched their first complete carbon frame that same year [3].

Here's where things get really interesting. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, TIME refined their carbon manufacturing techniques, eventually perfecting Resin Transfer Molding (RTM). While competitors rushed to move production to Asia, TIME maintained European manufacturing, establishing their factory near Lyon—a region selected specifically for its weaving heritage [3]. They even took the extraordinary step of equipping their factories with weaving machines to spin cloth from raw carbon yarn sourced from Japan, Germany, and the United States [5].

This commitment to in-house manufacturing and advanced carbon technology cemented TIME's reputation as premium frame builders focused on ride quality rather than profit margins. As Roland Cattin himself emphasized, "The bottom line is the feel of the ride" [5].

Pretty clear where their priorities lay, right?

What Makes TIME's Carbon Engineering So Special

_{Image Source: TIME Bicycles}

Ever wonder what happens inside those French factories that makes TIME frames cost more than most people's cars?

Here's where things get fascinating. While other manufacturers chase the cheapest carbon fiber production, TIME operates like a high-tech laboratory. Their carbon engineering isn't just different—it's borderline obsessive.

RTM vs. Pre-Preg: Why TIME Goes Against the Grain

Most high-end bike makers use pre-preg carbon—basically carbon fiber sheets that come pre-soaked with resin. Easy, predictable, mass-production friendly.

TIME? They do things the hard way with Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).

Picture this: TIME starts with dry carbon fiber, weaves it into frame shapes, then injects resin under pressure. Sounds more complicated? That's because it is. But here's why they bother:

• Superior resin distribution: No weak spots, no excess weight from resin pooling

• Surgical fiber placement: Engineers position every strand exactly where needed

• Temperature stability: These frames handle heat and cold like aerospace components

The payoff? RTM delivers approximately 30% more torsional rigidity than comparable pre-preg frames. Plus, TIME can create variable stiffness throughout the frame—something nearly impossible with standard manufacturing.

Translation: power goes where you want it, comfort stays where you need it.

Lost Wax Molding: Jewelry Techniques Meet Bike Frames

Wait, jewelry making? For bicycles?

TIME borrowed this technique from jewelers and aerospace engineers. They start with a wax model of each frame junction, coat it in plaster, melt out the wax, then fill the void with carbon and resin.

Sounds excessive until you realize what this creates: frame junctions with microscopic precision and complex internal structures impossible through normal molding. Every tube meets at perfect alignment, eliminating tiny flex points that waste your energy.

Best part? TIME integrates seat post clamps and dropouts as unified frame parts rather than bolted-on pieces. Less weight, more strength exactly where stress concentrates.

Carbon Weaving with Space-Age Materials

Most manufacturers buy pre-woven carbon sheets. TIME operates their own braiding machines.

But carbon alone isn't enough for these perfectionists. They weave in Vectran—a liquid-crystal polymer five times stronger than steel—for vibration damping. Kevlar gets strategically placed in impact zones for crash protection.

The result? TIME frames reduce high-frequency road vibrations by 20% compared to standard carbon frames while staying competitive on weight. You get that smooth, planted feel without sacrificing sprint power or climbing snap.

TIME engineers call this "tunable compliance"—different frame sections use different material combinations to create specific ride characteristics. Criterium racing demands different properties than grand tour endurance, and TIME's weaving control lets them dial in exactly what each discipline needs.

That's the secret sauce behind those hefty price tags: manufacturing complexity that reads more like Formula 1 than typical bike production.

Where TIME Bikes Are Made and Why It Matters

Location, location, location—it's not just real estate advice.

While most bike brands rushed to Asia for cheaper labor costs, TIME took the opposite approach. They stayed put in France, doubled down on European craftsmanship, and recently dropped $6.5 million on America's largest carbon fiber bicycle factory.

Why does this matter for your wallet and your ride?

French manufacturing roots in Lyon

_{Image Source: RCUK}

TIME's factory sits near Lyon for a reason that goes way deeper than French pride. "Because this area's long been associated with weaving," explains Bebert, a TIME employee, "and that's the secret to our frames" [3]. The Lyon region's textile heritage perfectly matches TIME's carbon fiber weaving requirements.

This isn't just marketing fluff. TIME maintains complete control over their distinctive manufacturing processes in a region where skilled craftspeople understand fiber work. The factory houses specialized equipment where staff handle intricate carbon weaving, creating frames that cost up to £3,700 [3].

Despite their racing pedigree, TIME operates more like traditional artisan frame-builders than a massive production company [5]. Every frame gets personal attention rather than assembly-line treatment.

U.S. factory expansion in South Carolina

TIME announced something big in 2023: a $6.5 million investment to build America's largest carbon fiber bicycle factory in Spartanburg County, South Carolina [6]. They snagged a 140,000-square-foot facility on 30 acres along the Saluda Grade Trail [6], expecting to create 105 new jobs [6].

Smart location choice. "The infrastructure that exists within this region for advanced manufacturing is unrivaled," explained TIME CEO Tony Karklins [7]. They partnered with Clemson University, KraussMaffei, and the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance to push their carbon tech even further [6].

What in-house production actually means

"TIME bikes are born in our own European production facilities," the company states—and that's not typical industry speak [1]. Here's what this approach delivers:

• Direct quality control throughout manufacturing

• Implementation of proprietary technologies like Braided Carbon Structure

• Consistent application of their Resin Transfer Molding method

• Protection against counterfeiting and intellectual property theft

The durability difference is real. Their process "inherently resists fatigue and damage"—proven through decades of pro racing at the highest levels [1]. From creating carbon socks on specialized looms to final paintwork, every TIME frame goes through twelve different processes over five days, all under one roof [3].

Bottom line? This manufacturing philosophy creates authentic French craftsmanship combined with proprietary carbon technology that simply can't be replicated in mass production. You're paying for something genuinely different, not just a fancy label.

Performance on the Road: Why Pros Still Choose TIME

Professional cyclists don't mess around when it comes to equipment. When victory margins come down to milliseconds, every component matters—and TIME frames have earned their place in the pro peloton through decades of delivering when it counts most.

Olympic and World Championship wins

Want proof that TIME engineering works? Check the trophy case.

Belgian Remco Evenepoel made history riding TIME frames, becoming the first cyclist to win both the world title and Olympic gold in time trial events in the same year. Australian Grace Brown matched this incredible feat while competing on a gold TIME bike at the 2023 World Championships.

But TIME's winning legacy runs much deeper. Tom Boonen dominated the 2005 season aboard TIME frames—capturing Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and the World Championship. Paolo Bettini added Olympic gold in 2004 and another World Championship in 2006. Michael Rogers? He secured an unprecedented hat-trick of time trial world championships (2003-2005) aboard TIME bikes.

That's not luck—that's engineering that delivers.

Custom builds for riders like Tom Boonen

Here's where TIME gets really interesting: they don't just sell off-the-shelf frames to pros. For the brutal Paris-Roubaix classic, TIME engineers spent six months developing a special VXS frame specifically for Boonen. They lengthened the wheelbase (415mm versus the standard 405mm) and modified the fork rake (45mm instead of 43mm).

Boonen's reaction? "It's a very good bike, and I can feel the difference on the cobblestones; it gives you a lot of control."

When riders at that level notice the difference, you know the engineering is working.

Frame stiffness, comfort, and ride feel

TIME frames nail something most manufacturers struggle with: the perfect balance between stiffness and comfort. Their secret weapon? Strategically incorporating Vectran fibers into their carbon weave to create what engineers call "tunable compliance."

This isn't marketing fluff—it's solving a real problem. Most people think stiffer always equals better performance, but that's actually wrong. Excessive stiffness can hurt power delivery and handling. TIME's approach creates frames that flex just enough to keep tires glued to rough surfaces while staying laterally rigid for explosive sprints and climbs.

The result? Professionals and everyday riders consistently describe TIME bikes as having telepathic handling and sublime ride feel. One rider put it perfectly: "Anyone who says they wouldn't go for TIME simply hasn't ridden it... Because as soon as your foot clicks into that pedal, you're not going to want to unclick it."

That's the kind of testimonial you can't fake—and it explains why pros keep choosing TIME when championships are on the line.

Are TIME Bikes Worth $14,000? The Real Value Story

_{Image Source: Time}

Okay, let's talk money. 💰

$14,000 is serious cash—more than many people spend on their cars. So what exactly are you getting for that premium?

What Your Money Actually Buys

Here's where TIME gets interesting. Unlike mass-produced carbon frames, TIME bicycles go through twelve distinct processes over five days—all under one roof. Their Braided Carbon Structure (BCS) and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) create frames that are genuinely flawless inside and out [1].

But materials? That's where things get wild. TIME uses Dyneema®—they call it the "World's Strongest Fiber"—for vibration damping and impact resistance [1]. Their forged carbon components in seatpost heads and dropouts last 20 times longer than steel or aluminum while weighing way less [1].

Pretty cool tech, but does it justify the price?

The Exclusivity Factor

TIME produces roughly 5,000 framesets annually [15]. That's tiny compared to major manufacturers pumping out tens of thousands. Even after Cardinal acquired TIME from Rossignol and doubled production, they keep output deliberately limited [15].

Why? One framebuilder put it perfectly: "Making certain things one at a time by hand is extremely inefficient and can never be financially competitive with automated production models" [16]. TIME chose the hard path—and you pay for that choice.

How TIME Stacks Up Against Competition

Want context? Specialized's S-Works Tarmac SL8 also hits $14,000 [17]. Both deliver:

• Ultra-lightweight builds (Specialized weighs 6.57kg/14.5lbs in size 52cm) [17]

• Exceptional ride quality

• Top-tier components

TIME's edge? Their lifetime warranty [1]—something most manufacturers won't touch. TIME frames consistently crush UCI certification tests [1], backing up their confidence with real data.

The Bottom Line Truth

TIME's premium isn't marketing fluff—it reflects genuine manufacturing differences, material quality, and scarcity. Whether that's worth your hard-earned cash depends on what you value.

Love European craftsmanship and proprietary technology? TIME delivers. Want a bike built using aerospace techniques rather than cycling industry shortcuts? You'll appreciate the difference.

But if you're weekend riding on flat roads or questioning your long-term cycling commitment? That $14,000 might deliver better value elsewhere. The question isn't whether TIME bikes are good—they absolutely are. The question is whether they're good for you at that price point.

Conclusion

So here we are—back to that $14,000 question.

After diving deep into TIME's story, their French craftsmanship, and those championship-winning rides, what's the verdict?

Look, TIME bicycles aren't for everyone. They're definitely not your entry-level weekend warrior bikes. But here's what makes them special: while the cycling industry chased cheaper manufacturing overseas, TIME stuck to their guns. They kept weaving carbon in France, invested millions in South Carolina, and maintained those handcrafted processes that take five days per frame.

The real kicker? That lifetime warranty. When a company puts that kind of guarantee behind their product, they're not just selling you a bike—they're betting their reputation on every single frame.

Sure, you can find fast carbon bikes for less money. Lots of them, actually. But TIME delivers something different: that perfect balance of comfort and performance that keeps pros like Remco Evenepoel and Grace Brown coming back for more championships. When milliseconds separate winners from also-rans, equipment choices matter.

Is it worth $14,000? That depends on what you value. If you want the absolute pinnacle of French engineering, proprietary carbon technology, and a bike that feels like it was designed specifically for your riding style—then yes, TIME delivers on that promise.

But if you're just looking for a fast bike to join weekend group rides? You might find better value elsewhere.

Bottom line: TIME bicycles represent cycling at its most uncompromised. Each frame carries decades of racing heritage, aerospace-level manufacturing, and that distinctly French approach to making things beautiful and functional.

Ready to experience what $14,000 worth of carbon engineering feels like? Take one for a test ride. You might just understand why pros keep choosing TIME when everything's on the line.

Happy riding! 🚴‍♀️

FAQs

Q1. What makes TIME bicycle frames unique compared to other carbon bikes? TIME frames are manufactured using proprietary techniques like Resin Transfer Molding and braided carbon structures. This allows for precise fiber placement, superior resin distribution, and the incorporation of materials like Vectran and Kevlar for enhanced ride quality and durability.

Q2. How long can I expect a TIME carbon bike frame to last? With proper care and maintenance, a TIME carbon frame can last well over a decade. The company's manufacturing process creates frames that are highly resistant to fatigue, and TIME offers a lifetime warranty on their frames, demonstrating confidence in their long-term durability.

Q3. Why are TIME bikes so expensive compared to other high-end bicycles? TIME bikes command premium prices due to their handcrafted European manufacturing, limited production volumes, use of premium materials, and proprietary carbon technologies. Each frame undergoes a meticulous 12-step process over five days, resulting in exceptional quality and performance.

Q4. Do professional cyclists still choose TIME bikes for competition? Yes, TIME bikes continue to be selected by top professionals. Recent examples include Remco Evenepoel and Grace Brown, who have won World Championships and Olympic medals riding TIME frames. The bikes are chosen for their performance advantages in high-level competition.

Q5. Where are TIME bicycles manufactured? TIME bicycles are primarily manufactured in France, near Lyon, where the company leverages the region's textile expertise for carbon fiber weaving. Recently, TIME has also expanded with a new carbon fiber bicycle factory in South Carolina, USA, to increase production capacity while maintaining their commitment to in-house manufacturing.

References

[1] - https://shop.timebicycles.com/pages/our-story?srsltid=AfmBOorY289jzxUTVbmWtKrQ5zYUQQhKQkLXUs6stqjTNBa_7k17KCNJ
[2] - https://thegravelride.bike/time-bicycles-ceo-tony-karklins-discusses-the-brands-journey-and-new-gravel-models
[3] - https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/roland-cattin-founder-time-sport-dies-65/
[4] - https://global.timebicycles.com/blogs/journal/fruit-of-the-loom
[5] - https://www.bikeradar.com/news/time-pedals-return-to-worldtour
[6] - https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tech-behind-the-scenes-at-the-time-factory-in-france/
[7] - https://governor.sc.gov/news/2023-03/time-bicycles-establishing-first-south-carolina-operations-spartanburg-county
[8] - https://www.areadevelopment.com/newsitems/3-27-2023/time-bicycles-spartanburg-county-south-carolina.shtml
[9] - https://www.timebicycles.com/blogs/journal/carbon-built-for-the-long-haul-times-lifetime-warranty
[10] - https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2022/05/04/time-re-enters-us-market-frames-and-complete-bikes
[11] - http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2015/09/how-much-should-handbuilt-bicycle-cost.html
[12] - https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-gear/review-specialized-tarmac-sl8-long-term/