Beautiful Bicycle - A Forest Green TIME ADHX

TIME really needed something new. After their partial sale to SRAM, the French company needed an update to the lineup to supplement their road bikes, the Alpe d’Huez and the Scylon. Enter the TIME ADHX, an all-road bike or fast gravel bike that melds modern drop bar bike needs with the undeniable build quality that TIME is known for. This ADHX custom bike build is an excellent example of checking the boxes while showing the beauty of TIME’s unique frame construction. 

There’s no way to avoid talking about the finishes around the ADHX. They’re simply stunning. They’re solid, albeit good-looking colors from a distance, but up close, the translucent amber, blue, green, and clear over carbon really start to feel more textured and intriguing. The finishes really start to show their depth under different lighting conditions: understated under low lights, but truly eye-catching under even a bit of light. Really, there is just something to how well carbon weaves cooperate with a bit of light. It is a smart choice on TIME’s part, as it highlights the craftsmanship behind the frame.

We’ve heard about TIME’s RTM carbon weave construction, which takes individual carbon threads and weaves them into a frame. This is opposed to most other carbon frames, which lay plies of carbon sheets to make a frame. One benefit of this is TIME’s ability to add Dyneema to the wave, which is said to strength without compromising stiffness or weight. Its more beauty, and things you won’t find on any other bike. 

But we wouldn't be doing this bike justice if we didn’t talk about the rest of the build, and there’s a lot more going on here. Perhaps the most interesting note here is the addition of the Classified Powershift internally-geared hub. We go into deep detail as to what makes this Classified drive system work (link HERE), but think of it as a two-speed internally-geared hub that provides the range of a 2x drivetrain. The Classified is controlled by a discreet little sprint shifter seen poking out of the bar tape that the client opted to place just behind the brake lever. Works for us.

One of the benefits of the Classified 2x internally geared hub is the ability to run whatever chainring one wants. This build finds a 48T Alugear 1x chainring, which paired with the Classified drive system, is similar to a 2x gearing setup with a 48T front chainring and a 33T small chainring. Though of course, that 33T is actuated by shifting the Classified hub.

While the ADHX uses the Deda S DCR for fully-internal cabling, this build has opted for an ENVE Road Stem and a matching ENVE SES AR handlebar. The AR handlebar is one of our favorites, with a nice flat top, a bit of flare at the drops, and a whole lot of vibration damping. It fits the all-road or fast gravel bike directive of the build, and one we recommend for all kinds of builds now.

Want to build a TIME ADHX or a custom bike for yourself? Contact us during business hours or send us an email any time to info@contenderbicycles.com.