Time RXR Ulteam

Price Paid:  $3000.00 at Maestro UK-price in

Favorite Ride:
anywhere w/ no cars around

Bike Setup:
Red in size XS. Time Ergo bar, Time(SI SLR carboni rebadged) saddle. DA compact groupset w/ Di2. Reynolds DV3KC 46mm wheels. Conti 4000S tires.

Summary:
Although I bought it on leap of faith due to lack of reviews I am glad about the purchase. There was a 7 week backorder in March 2009.

It is a very good climber but where it really excels is at high speed downhills and sharp turns. I live in an urban area and where my ride starts the road surface is pretty bad. This frameset combined w/ carbon handlebar, carbon rail saddle and wheelset really smooth everything out. I noticed strong cross winds pushing the frame side to side using 27mm profile wheels but I got used to it quickly. My previous bike had small classic round tubes. I added 46mm wheels recently and I have to make conscious effort to hold on to bar at all times during windy rides. It is not the lightest setup(15.5lbs w/DA pedals) with Di2 and 1500g clinchers but she feels solid under by 175lbs body. I do not feel any flex at all from BB or frame but somehow it gives great feedback on road feel. I noticed that I am not so beat up after my 50-60 miles rides anymore.

I added a small saddle bag (30g) (continental) with a 60g tube, 2 levers(20g) and a 80g multi-tool and noticed a big handling difference. I took the tool and put it in jersey pocket and great handling is back.

For weightweenies: frame weighed 1100g and set was 1700g for XS(cage,stem,headset) as advertised. Seatpost piece that attaches to saddle and goes into ISP was another 110g.

Strengths:
Aero, smooth, great road feedback, no BB flex. Best strength is high speed handling. Also you don't see that many on the road so bling factor.

Weaknesses:
Price but when you consider that it is handmade in France by higher cost labor vs. low labor cost high MSRP frames from Taiwan then not a bad deal. Pinarello Prince cost same and made in Taiwan. Lifetime warranty is included.

Similar Products Used:
Closest product tested was a 2008 Cervelo SLC-SL with zipp 404 wheels. Loved the aero wheels on flats but felt its clincher 1800g weight on hills. SLC-SL frame feedback was dead. It was Aero but a bit rough and bouncy ride vs. RXR

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Price Paid:  $5500.00

Favorite Ride:
Ft. Lauderdale to Key Biscayne

Bike Setup:
SRAM Red gruppo, Easton EC90 aero handlebar, Mavic Cosmic Carbone, TRP 960 brakes.

Summary:
Last time I bought a bike I promised myself I would never buy one again without trying it for a few hundred miles. This time, I had a Demo of the Ulteam RXR, Cervelo S3, 2010 SUpersix, Tarmac SL2 and Pinarello Prince. There is nothing better than comparing apples to apples. Result: This bike has the best ride, pedalling efficiency, reflexes and cockpit/geometry than anything out there. This is my opinion and it may change from one individual to another. I really had to justify spending 6k on a frame before pulling the trigger.
I do not regret my decision. I have ridden it well over 500 miles and feel like I get better every time i get out. It has such a comfortable geometry, yet aggressive enough to pull away or keep up on fast sprints. Climbing is so comfortable! I can get out of the saddle and stay like that forever.
I have other bikes and wouldn't say one bad thing about them, each one has a different strength... but If I was to choose, I would prefer the RXR over anything else on long/fast rides (50+ miles.

Strengths:
Comfort, looks, stiffness, agility. You can repair the frame in case of a crash. This is not a monocoque you would throw away in the trash after a wreck.

Weaknesses:
Pricey...

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Supersix, Tarmac SL2, Pinarello Prince, Cervelo S3