Frameset
Frame
ALPE D'HUEZ X — BCS Carbon Fiber (Dyneema® enhanced), PF BB386, flat-mount disc, 12x120x1.5 front / 12x159x1.5 rear thru-axles
Fork
ALPE D'HUEZ X carbon fork, tapered steerer 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" (flat-mount disc, 12x120 thru-axle)
Alpe d'Huez X Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Time positions the Alpe d’Huez X as a multi-surface road bike, shifting away from the gravel-first focus of the earlier ADHX. Built around a redesigned chainstay system, the frame maintains standard road drivetrain compatibility while opening up clearance for high-volume road tires, with a sweet spot around 32 to 35mm. It utilizes Time’s signature Braided Carbon Structure and Resin Transfer Molding, sharing the premium carbon layup of the dedicated Alpe d’Huez climbing bike but tuning it for imperfect pavement.
Rather than a dedicated gravel rig, this generation is designed for riders who want the efficiency of a road race bike paired with the capability to handle rough tarmac and light dirt. Utility details like top-tube mount points and a clean one-by derailleur cover option reinforce its endurance-oriented, high-mileage intent.
$9,989
Build
Size
| Stack | 543mm |
| Reach | 373mm |
| Top tube | 539mm |
| Headtube length | 131mm |
| Standover height | 775mm |
| Seat tube length | 480mm |
Fit and geometry
The geometry of the Alpe d’Huez X departs from traditional European climbing frames to support its endurance and multi-surface mandate. Time utilizes a longer wheelbase, extended front and rear centers, and a slightly slacker head angle. Combined with a lower bottom bracket, these dimensions create a highly stable platform that tracks predictably through high-speed, sweeping descents.
This longer footprint shifts the rider’s weight distribution and handling dynamics away from twitchy, low-speed agility and toward steady-state cruising. The fit is less aggressive than a pure race bike, promoting a posture that is comfortable for long alpine days rather than rotating the rider sharply forward over the bottom bracket. At the front end, the cockpit relies on a Deda DCR-compatible headset system. This allows riders to choose between semi-integrated routing for easier maintenance or a fully integrated setup for a cleaner aesthetic, depending on their preferred stem and handlebar combination.
Full specs
Groupset
Shift levers
Shimano Dura-Ace ST-R9270 Di2
Front derailleur
Shimano Dura-Ace FD-R9250 Di2
Rear derailleur
Shimano Dura-Ace RD-R9250 Di2
Cassette
Shimano Dura-Ace CS-R9200, 12-speed, 11-30T
Chain
Shimano M9100 12-speed
Crankset
Shimano Dura-Ace FC-R9200, 52/36T
Bottom bracket
PF BB386 (PressFit 386)
Front brake
Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270 hydraulic disc, flat-mount
Rear brake
Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270 hydraulic disc, flat-mount
Front rotor
Shimano MT900 Center Lock, 160mm
Rear rotor
Shimano MT900 Center Lock, 160mm
Wheelset
Front wheel
Wheelset choice: Mavic Cosmic SL 45 / Vision Metron 45 RS / Vision Metron 45 SL / Vision SC 45 / Vision SC 30 AGX / Mavic Allroad SL
Rear wheel
Wheelset choice: Mavic Cosmic SL 45 / Vision Metron 45 RS / Vision Metron 45 SL / Vision SC 45 / Vision SC 30 AGX / Mavic Allroad SL
Front tire
Vittoria Corsa N.EXT, 700x32
Rear tire
Vittoria Corsa N.EXT, 700x32
Cockpit
Stem
FSA SMR II
Handlebars
Vision Trimax Aero
Saddle
Selle Italia Novus Boost EVO Superflow
Seatpost
Vision Metron, 27.2mm
Grips
Arundel Gecko Grip bar tape
Builds
The build ladder for the Alpe d’Huez X is tightly focused on premium electronic groupsets, spanning from Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force AXS up to Dura-Ace Di2 and SRAM Red AXS. Pricing ranges from roughly $8,100 to over $10,100, reflecting the boutique nature of Time’s European frame manufacturing rather than aggressive component value.
Across all four builds, the foundational equipment remains remarkably consistent. Every model is specified with 32mm Vittoria Corsa N.EXT tires, underscoring the frame’s optimization for high-volume road rubber. The Force and Ultegra builds roll on Vision SC45 carbon disc wheelsets and utilize FSA and Vision cockpit components. Moving up to the Red and Dura-Ace tiers introduces a choice of premium wheelsets from Mavic or Vision, alongside upgraded saddles and lighter carbon seatposts. The gearing across the board leans toward versatile road ratios, with the SRAM builds utilizing 48/35 chainrings paired with 10-33 cassettes, while the Shimano options feature 52/36 cranksets and wide-range cassettes to manage steep, sustained gradients.
Shimano Ultegra Di2
$8,169
SRAM Force E1 AXS
$8,369
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
$9,989
Selected
SRAM Red E1 AXS
$10,139
Reviews
Reviewers characterize the Alpe d’Huez X as a highly stable, endurance-leaning machine that prioritizes vibration damping over aggressive acceleration. On rough tarmac and pitted mountain descents, the frame excels at filtering out high-frequency chatter. Testers note that the bike delivers a "reassuringly smooth ride" (YouTube) that leaves riders feeling fresh after long days in the saddle. When navigating broken pavement or bunny-hopping debris, the chassis remains "perfectly composed" (YouTube), tracking predictably without the nervous energy of a dedicated lightweight climber.
The primary tradeoff for this stability is a muted response during explosive efforts. The bike acts more as a "friendly companion" (YouTube) that encourages a steady, seated cadence rather than goading the rider into high-heart-rate attacks. When standing up to sprint or muscle up a steep gradient, the handling can feel slightly "clumsy" (YouTube) compared to sharper, race-focused alternatives. Ultimately, the consensus points to a sophisticated, fatigue-reducing platform that rewards a consistent cruising attitude over out-of-the-saddle agility.
