The Time Alpe d'Huez is a dedicated climbing road bike that pairs classic racing geometry with highly specialized composite engineering. Manufactured in Slovakia, this generation updates Time's signature Braided Carbon Structure and Resin Transfer Molding processes by weaving Dyneema and Vectran fibers alongside high-modulus carbon. The result is a frame designed to maximize impact resistance and vibration damping without sacrificing the reactive, efficient character expected on steep gradients.
Moving away from proprietary front-end standards, the current Alpe d'Huez adopts a Deda S-DCR headset for clean internal routing and standardizes around a traditional 27.2mm seatpost. It is built strictly for disc brakes and maintains a conservative maximum tire clearance of 28mm. This bike suits serious recreational riders and amateur racers who prioritize European craftsmanship, long-distance structural compliance, and predictable high-speed stability over chasing the absolute lowest frame weight.
| Stack | 538mm |
| Reach | 377mm |
| Top tube | 531mm |
| Headtube length | 142mm |
| Standover height | 763mm |
| Seat tube length | 470mm |
The Alpe d'Huez relies on traditional road racing geometry to achieve its balanced handling profile. Across the core sizes, the frame utilizes classic parallel 73-degree head and seat tube angles, paired with a relatively short wheelbase that keeps the bike agile during out-of-the-saddle climbing efforts. Despite these quick-handling dimensions, the geometry avoids the hyper-reactive feel of a pure criterium bike, instead settling into a stable pocket that excels on fast, technical descents.
Rider posture leans toward an aggressive racing fit, though it remains accessible for high-mileage endurance riding. The reach and stack numbers allow for a low, aerodynamic position without forcing the rider into an overly stretched or punishing stance. The switch to the Deda S-DCR headset system provides flexibility for the cockpit, accommodating fully internal or semi-integrated routing depending on the chosen bar and stem. Meanwhile, the standard 27.2mm seatpost offers a familiar interface that naturally introduces a degree of vertical flex, complementing the frame's vibration-damping qualities while seated.
Frameset
Frame
BCS Carbon Fiber frame with Vectran™ and Dyneema® reinforcement; PF BB386 EVO (SRAM DUB press fit); flat-mount disc; max tire 28c; 12x100mm front / 12x142mm rear thru-axle hub standard
Fork
Carbon fork with Vectran™-enhanced tapered steerer (1-1/8" to 1-1/2")
Groupset
Shift levers
SRAM RED E1 AXS
Front derailleur
SRAM RED E1 AXS
Rear derailleur
SRAM RED E1 AXS
Cassette
SRAM XG-1290 E1 12-speed 10-33T
Chain
SRAM RED E1
Crankset
SRAM RED E1 AXS 48/35T
Bottom bracket
PF BB386 EVO; SRAM DUB Press Fit
Front brake
SRAM RED E1 HRD (flat-mount hydraulic disc)
Rear brake
SRAM RED E1 HRD (flat-mount hydraulic disc)
Front rotor
SRAM Paceline X CL 160mm
Rear rotor
SRAM Paceline X CL 160mm
Wheelset
Front wheel
Wheelset option: VISION METRON 45 RS / VISION METRON 45 SL / VISION SC 45 / MAVIC COSMIC SL 45
Rear wheel
Wheelset option: VISION METRON 45 RS / VISION METRON 45 SL / VISION SC 45 / MAVIC COSMIC SL 45
Front tire
Vittoria Corsa N.EXT 700x28c
Rear tire
Vittoria Corsa N.EXT 700x28c
Cockpit
Stem
VISION Metron 5D EVO one-piece bar/stem
Handlebars
VISION Metron 5D EVO one-piece bar/stem
Saddle
Selle Italia Novus Boost EVO Superflow
Seatpost
FSA SL-K, 27.2mm
Grips
Arundel Gecko Grip bar tape
The Alpe d'Huez build ladder is tightly focused on premium electronic groupsets, offering options from both SRAM and Shimano. The lineup starts with Shimano Ultegra and SRAM Force E1 AXS builds, both of which deliver elite-level shifting performance and hydraulic braking at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. These models share the same Dyneema-enhanced carbon frame and fork as the flagship tiers, meaning the core ride quality remains identical regardless of the chosen specification.
Moving to the top of the range, the Shimano Dura-Ace and SRAM Red E1 AXS builds represent the pinnacle of the lineup. The SRAM Red model notably upgrades the cockpit to a Vision Metron 5D EVO one-piece carbon bar and stem, whereas the other builds utilize two-piece setups like the FSA ACR stem and Vision Trimax Aero handlebar. Across all builds, Time specifies 28c Vittoria Corsa N.EXT tires and offers a choice of deep-section carbon wheelsets from Vision or Mavic. The value in this lineup sits squarely with the Ultegra and Force options, which provide the exact same boutique frameset and high-end wheel choices for significantly less money than the flagship models.
Disc Shimano Ultegra
$7,469
Disc SRAM Force E1 AXS
$7,669
Disc Shimano Dura-Ace
$9,289
Disc SRAM Red E1 AXS
$9,439
Reviewers consistently praise the Alpe d'Huez for a ride quality that feels distinctly different from mass-produced carbon frames. The unique woven construction yields a chassis that testers describe as "denser and more resonant" (Solitudesports) than typical pre-preg carbon. Rather than muting the road entirely, the frame translates "punishment into information" (Solitudesports), filtering out harsh high-frequency buzz while keeping the rider connected to the tarmac. This structural compliance significantly reduces fatigue on long rides over deteriorating surfaces.
While it carries the name of a legendary climb, testers note the bike is not exceptionally light, with one XL build weighing in at 8.3kg. However, reviewers agree the slight weight penalty is easily offset by the frame's exceptional descending manners and bottom bracket stiffness. At high speeds, the bike feels "incredibly stable and planted" (YouTube), tracking predictably through sweeping corners without requiring nervous mid-turn corrections.
The consensus points to a machine that rewards steady, high-torque efforts and technical descending. Riders transitioning from other top-tier superbikes might not feel an immediate, drastic leap in performance on the first pedal stroke, but they report a "noticeable difference" (YouTube) in how the bike maintains momentum and composure as fatigue sets in.
