Time releases new Alpe d’Huez bike in partnership with French village
New carbon layup, fork and thinner seat post contribute to lighter, stiffer and smoother ride
Your ascent of Alpe d’Huez is designed to become a little bit easier a top Time’s new bike. Boasting a lighter frame and a better stiffness-to-weight ratio than its predecessor the Izon, the Time Alpe d’Huez was a collaboration between the French bike company and the village of the same name. Available in two models, the frame features a new narrower seatpost and a vibration dampening fork.
The Alpe d’Huez is a light race bike and all the refinements Time have made on the frame are designed to make it a little bit easier to get up to speed, over high mountains and faster when sprinting all out. Time say the Alpe d’Huez 01 frame tips the scales at 840 g, 8.6 per cent lighter than its predecessor. To achieve this Time changed the carbon layout and were able to remove the finishing fabric that contributed to a heavier finished frame.
On top of the weight reduction, Time claim they have managed to increase the stiffness of the bike with the new carbon layout by an amazing 25 per cent in comparison to the Izon.
With that reduction in weight and stiffness, Time wanted to ensure the bike still provided a smooth ride. To achieve that Time uses an Aktiv fork on the Alpe d’Huez. According to Time the Aktiv fork is, “composed of dynamic drummers which absorb vibrations at the source, closer to the road.”
The Alpe d’Huez also receives a new seatpost with an integrated clamping system. The 27.2 mm seatpost has a smaller diameter to provide more flex and more comfort for the rider.
Time Alpe d'Huez Ulteam
Time Alpe d'Huez 01 Hero
Time Alpe d'Huez 01 Red
Time Alpe d'Huez 01 white
Time Alpe d'Huez 01 edition Francaise
Time Alpe d'Huez 01 Racing
Time Alpe d'Huez 21 Hero
Time Alpe d'Huez 21 Red
Time Alpe d'Huez 21 White
The Time Alpe d’Huez will be available in three models. At the top of the line is the Alpe d’Huez Ulteam which is a complete bike with SRAM Red eTap priced at $19,500 but will not be available in Canada. The Alpe d’Huez 01 frame will be priced at $7,185 with the Aktiv fork and will be available in five different colour schemes in Spring 2018. Without the Aktiv fork the Alpe d’Huez 01 frame will retail for $6,435. Finally, the Alpe d’Huez 21 fcomplete bike with Ultegra has a lower grade carbon construction making it more affortable and will be priced at $4,000 and will launch late spring.
