TIME ZXRS

French bike manufacturer Time has been undergoing a bit of a restructuring of late and the first frame to benefit is the ZXRS, which we first saw under Saur-Sojasun's riders during the Tour.

The ZXRS looks a great deal like the range topping RXRS that's been in the range for a few seasons it's only when you get the two back to back that you notice the greater tube dimensions of the front end on the new machine.

Along with the greater size the top tube has gained a substantial hump

just behind the steerer tube. This is a key area for reducing

aerodynamic drag on a road bike yet Time doesn't mention this attribute,

instead concentrating on the frankly huge claim that front end

stiffness has been increased by 45 per cent.

Front hump increases stiffness

To achieve this stiffness Time has created what it is calling a multicoque, instead of a lugged construction as has been the way of top end times since the beginning, they've set about creating a one-piece top, head and down tube.

This front end is then tied into the aero profile integrated seatpost and a sleek looking set of stays. Two versions are available to suit mechanical or electronic groupsets and the frame suits BB30 cranks. Various colour options are available with prices staring from £3,450.

Contact: www.extruk.co.uk

This article was first published in the November 29 issue of Cycling Weekly. You can also read our magazines on Zinio and download from the Apple store.