Time RX Instinct review
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Focusing on individual areas, the BB30 bottom bracket and carbon crank combo feels stiff, as does the fork and head tube, so we can only deduce that something in-between is letting the side down a tad. It's only cost the RX Instinct one point in terms of its overall score, so not the end of the world, but at this price you expect a frame to be greater than the sum of its parts, and the RX isn't.
-
+
High quality frame finish
-
+
Athena groupset functions well
-
+
Component selection
-
-
Frame lacks punchy feel
Why you can trust Cycling Weekly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
At a time when many manufacturers have looked to the Far East for production, Time continues to make all its own carbon tubes from scratch in-house, maintaining total control over how each frame rides.
The RX Instinct sits roughly middle of the range, which might surprise you given its price tag, but let's not forget, Time's RXR VIP costs nearly £7.5K, so it's a premium producer. The Campagnolo Athena groupset is well matched, also being mid-range, but the shifting and braking performance surpassed expectations.
We felt the new Athena kit offered really light action, yet positive shifting - noticeably smoother than the Campag of old - and delivered excellent braking power in all conditions. Campagnolo's Scirocco wheelset added the final ingredient to what was a polished performance component-wise.
Frame-wise, the RX Instinct lacks something of the punchy, direct feel we might have liked from its handling. It's a long way off being a dud, don't get us wrong, and, in fact, in most circumstances it gets a big thumbs-up, but faced with bigger loaded efforts, the back and front don't feel as solidly connected as other competitors' frames.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Primož Roglič powers to victory on stage five of the Volta a Catalunya
Roglič extends his lead over Remco Evenepoel in the overall classification
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Wout van Aert sprints to win from an elite trio at brutal edition of E3 Saxo Classic
Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar outpowered in finalé by Belgian
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tweets of the week: Mikel Landa becomes a meme and how small a couch is too small?
Marlen Reusser gets political and Megan Jastrab is delighted to make an echelon, in our social media roundup
By Adam Becket • Published