Bike Check: Time Fluidity
Cycling has long held a special place in the heart of the French, an affection reflected in the number of top brand names in cycling that are either French or have French roots. One of the more venerable names at the top end of road racing, Time is still based entirely in their work space on the outskirts of Lyon. Time was at the sharp end of the spear in the late 80’s and early 90’s, pushing carbon into the upper ranks of the pro peloton. They remain one of the few companies that still hand builds their carbon frames in France. Like the few remaining Italian car manufacturers that still assemble their machines by hand, Look is aimed squarely those looking for a wildly uncompromising standard in their bicycle.
The Fluidity is Time’s effort to produce a bike that is undeniably race worthy, but also designed for distance oriented day-long riding. Chainstays, seat stays, and the Aktiv fork are all shaped to reduce road vibration and allow you to ride longer, more comfortably. This Fluid has been built up with a full Campagnolo Chorus 11-speed groupset, a touch of Italian flare to match the frame’s French pedigree. The Fluidity build is rounded out by H Plus Son Archetype handbuilt wheels and 27mm Vittoria Pavé rubber, the discontinued but revered tire adding to the feel that the Fluidity would be at home in any cobbled classic. Time’s Fluidity is covered in small performance driven details, so scroll through for a closer look at this French frame:
When you put this much work into frame details, clear coat carbon is the only acceptable colour option
Time’s Fluidity comes with an integrated seat mast
No messing around with trendy paint jobs, Time keep things straightforward and clear
Smooth shaping on the chainstay’s embody the liquid intonations of the bikes name: Fluidity
Time’s unique looking Aktiv fork looks tough, and is supposed to smooth out rough roads
Not just ‘designed in,’ Time’s are actually hand made in Lyon, France
Campy Chorus 11 speed shifting, somehow making Cinelli’s top0 bar tape look understated
Full Chorus 11 speed drivetrain from Campagnolo. Italian flare accents French performance
Clean, minimal cable routing, and very nice looking dropouts on the Time
The H Plus Son’s make the Time look like it’d be at home on the cobbles of Roubaix
Details on Vittoria’s discontinued Open Pave, here in 27mm
