When a smooth ride, proper manners, smart response, and enjoyable performance are all you ask for in a reasonably priced handmade carbon frameset, Time Sport fulfills your dream. Built here as a complete Ultegra Di2 bicycle, the Alpe d'Huez 21 frameset carries many of the best features of the 01 version, but is more cost effective, features a round seatpost, and weighs just 90 grams more. Yes, it it has handwoven carbon tubes, though instead of the more expensive Vectran, basalt fibers are used for strength and resilience. The frame also varies slightly in that a standard seat collar is used, and the stays vary from the 01. To be fair, the 01 is a true race design, but many cyclists prefer a round post over the proprietary D-shape of the 01, and the more standard integrated collar over the integrated wedge system. The Alpe d'Huez 21 does feature the QuickFit headset system and standard Alpe full carbon fork (no Aktiv option). The 21 is responsive, agile, and more compliant while delivering excellent power transfer, especially noticeable while climbing.

Shimano's Ultregra Di2 R8070/R8000 groupset is a perfect complement to this frameset. The incredibly precise, fast, and reliable Di2 electronic shifting comes with impressive lever ergonomics and hydraulic disc brakes. The 50-34 cransket and 11-28 cassette offer smooth chain action and solid gearing range overall. The mineral oil based hydraulic disc brakes have great feel and power for relaxed control in all weather conditions. Time opted for a 160mm Ultegra Center Lock disc rotor up front and a 140mm size in the rear for more power where you need it and subtle precision for the rear wheel. The Di2 system is set-up internally via e-Tube wiring, with an easily accessed external junction box under the stem. The system can be managed, tested charged through the e-Tube wiring and Shimano's e-Tube Project website, with optional customization of shift button functions. As the wiring is modular, you can add a Bluetooth wireless module for use with the e-Tube Project App. The internal battery life is long, with charging simple via specific USB cable.

Kit-wise Time chose Mavic wheels and Deda cockpit components. The wheelset is the Ksyrium Elite UST Center Lock version. The rim has ISM milling to reduce rotational weight and add strength, as well as a 19mm internal width UST tubeless channel that can be run clincher or tubeless. The 24 bladed straight pull steel spokes (front and rear) are laced 2x/2x and ensure a smooth ride with excellent power transfer, lateral stiffness, and well managed braking forces. The responsive and super reliable ID360 freehub body and QRM+ bearings are top-end spec for Mavic. The Yksion Pro UST tires in the 700x25 size are also supplied by Mavic, and a perfect match for the wheelset.

Deda's Zero 2 RHM Alloy Handlebar has a a great compact shape, with easy hand transitions, ideal stiffness, and a polished finish. The bar is carried by the Zero Alloy Stem (+/- 6 deg) with it's 4- bolt 31.8mm faceplate. Finishing the cockpit is the Zero RSX 27.2mm Alloy Seatpost, Fizik Arioine VS Saddle, and Time tacky grip bar tape. This Medium size is a 55cm equivalent, with a 555mm toptube and 166mm headtube, making the geometry a bit more relaxed than an aggressive saddle to bar drop found on a the 01 race-level bike. The Alpe d'Huez 21 Ultegra R8070 Di2 Bicycle is a great bike for a true cycling enthusiast who loves to log high miles, especially in the hills or mountains, while thoroughly enjoying the descents and rolling roads.