Strengths: Outstanding strength, smoothness and handling in a sexy French-built package.
Weaknesses: Cable routing might be cleaner; a spendy ride, for sure.
Bottom Line:
Let me preface this review by saying that I don’t deserve this bike based on riding ability, nor can I really afford it. I started to learn about TIME, their total manufacturing process in France, including weaving their own carbon fiber, and got very interested. The fully lugged RXR, with gorgeous lines and slick graphics was overwhelming. With a major birthday coming up, I plotted with my local, superb bike shop, Powerhouse, in Hailey, Idaho. I plunked down a hefty deposit on the full 2011 RXRS Ulteam gray module and waited impatiently for a few months. I figured I’d move my existing SRAM Red group onto it, but the deeper I got into it, the more I reasoned that I should keep the bike all-euro, and in a moment of seeming insanity went all-in, ordering the 2011 Super Record group before coming back to earth and finishing out the order with Fulcrum Race 1 wheels. I was now in really deep and starting to freak out – again, I’m a piker and had no business ordering this bike. I have numerous friends who crush me on their $2,500 Taiwanese rigs.
Permit me to state the obvious: there is no substitute for a really good fit from a shop that gets the right size ordered and then fits it to you correctly. Mark at Powerhouse took the time and care to “build up” both a Large and Extra Large on his bike-fitting jig so that we could determine the right size for me, and then requested a non-stock (for size ordered) stem. Sounds simple, but it required his care and passion to get it right the first time.
I have now been out four times and logged about 100 miles. Hardly through the shake down period, but the bike is stupendous. No surprise given the care Mark put into it and the quality of the whole bike. The frame, fork, stem and bars (full module) are so beautifully fabricated and finished – I have not seen another carbon frame set with this level of quality, period. And the new Super Record group does not disappoint – it is indeed lighter and quicker shifting. Mark and I joke about the TIME motto, “You won’t recognize your performance” – that I would be the one to defy that claim through my lack of ability, but it’s early season here and I am already outpacing last season times on my familiar training routes. The bike is so responsive, so rigid yet smooth, and rolls like nothing I’ve been on, including the Dogma, C-50, etc. The power transfer is awesome and the handling is like I’m on rails, but there is no harshness to the ride, something I couldn’t say about the C-50 and others I tested. Best of all, it is so damn comfortable. Not a hint of discomfort or numbness, things I’ve dealt with on previous bikes, even after a post-purchase fitting. Again, there is no substitute for getting the fit right ahead of ordering whatever one chooses. I am really looking forward to a season of fun rides, local races, and a few centuries, and I’m confident that the RXRS will meet every situation with aplomb. Sometimes you do get what you pay for, even if you can’t really afford it.
Strengths: Weight, compliant, stiff, compact geometry, aesthetics. Smile factor is bar none.
Weaknesses: none thus far
Bottom Line:
Butter smooth. This frame is deceiving, fast, stiff but smooth. I have owned a Cannondale Super Six, Colnago C50, Giant TCR, Cannondale System Six and a Cannondale CADD 5, by far this is the best all around bike thus far. One of the important factors about this bike frame is the weight, light! You can really feel it on long climbs. The aero tube shapes do make a difference over long rides. Another factor is, Time does not have to use a huge down tube to make the frame torsionaly stiff, like so many other manufactures use. The carbon layup is why this frame is so expensive. The Vibraser weave makes a significant difference in ride quality, smooth yet stiff.
Having a stocky build, the compact geometry of this frame fits me well, versus a traditional build, plus it shaves a great amount of weight off the frame. The frame fits like a glove which equates to greater transfer of power. The quality, time and passion put into this frame is very evident. The RXR is a little twitchy on descents due to its race geometry, the rake angle is steep compared to other bikes but it is manageable. The bottom bracket is not a trendy BB30 setup which in my opinion is not necessary, I'm not a pro level tour rider who needs all that support in the bottom end. Not having a BB30 setup keeps the tubes nice and appealing to the eye, just my opinion. Buy one, I promise you will not be disappointed.
Strengths: Smooth ride, build quality, power transfer
Weaknesses: Not a weakness but not perfection, handling
Bottom Line:
Amazing I was told that they where better than Colnago C50 and EPS which I could not accept because ho could you improve on perfection, but as hard as it is I think this maybe. The power transfer is perfect you feel like nothing is lost in flex, there is a notable improvement over the C50. As you would expect the frame is firm on the road but is not harsh. Being truthful I must say that the Colnago C50 handles better which I think has something to do with the short rear end and longer stem on the RXR. But the handling is still well above what you would expect just a little twitcher. The build quality is exceptional.
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.
Bottom Line:
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.
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
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.
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...
Bottom Line:
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.
I saw this posting on EBAY for a new TIME RXR frameset (including TIME Ergoforce handlebar) with a "Buy it now" for $100, and I almost threw up on myself.
[url]http://cgi.ebay. Read More »
I saw this posting on EBAY for a new TIME RXR ULTEAM frameset (including the TIME Ergoforce handlebar) with a "buy it now" for $100.
[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/TIME-RXR-ULTEAM-VIP Read More »
Hi everyone,
Looking for advice from Time RXR owners. I'm 6' 2" with a 34" inseam, upper body/arms in proportion with the rest. I am planning to buy a XL RXR as frame set only Read More »
Due to my work schedule, family duties and school, I decided to sell two of my road bikes.
Which two should I sell? Help me decide.
Thanks,
RXR - 2009 model with full 7 Read More »
