The tube shapes of the Alpe D'Huez 01 are perfectly refined to manage the forces required, and to deliver pure structural integration. Time starts by using their carbon fiber weave made in-house, from their own looms. They use over 7300 total threads which total nearly three KM in length. Three percent of the Alpe d’Huez's fibers are Vectran, a material more commonly found in tires (think the Continental GP 4000s II), which the engineers believe adds vibration absorption to a frame. Time then uses their Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) build process, which consists of injecting resin under pressure into a mold to obtain a solid homogeneous structure of the desired structure. The front triangle is a combined weave, while the seat stays and chainstays are built separately, then lug bonded onto the rear triangle. Time has deep traditional experience with lug designs because the systems can allow far more specificity within the tubes than a full compressed carbon lay-up. There is no shame in this process and it is just as strong as a full lay-up system.

Time's engineers go to great lengths to find the best materials, tube designs and construction processes for the frame being created, period, and have a full complement of techniques and frame development experiences to draw from. Every detail on this frameset features that level of introspection and care. Examine the carbon dropouts, as well as the excellence of the molded carbon seatpost clamp, and witness master craftsmanship and care at work.

The seattube cluster has an integrated and aero shape to it finishing in the rear at the aforementioned carbon plate of the seatclamp, and it houses Time's Directlink D-shaped carbon seatpost. The post is lightweight, and only available in a zero offset model, but has a generous adjustment system. The carbon clamp plate is held by two reasonable size hex bolts. How many times have we seen many of today's complex wedge systems, with tiny recessed Hex bolts either strip out, get stuck, or simply fail? All too often. In general, we feel the seatpost fastening system isn't the place to get tricky or worry about gram count. Apparently Time feels the same way.

With the size and scope of the oversized bottom bracket junction, Time opted for the BB386 bottom bracket shell because of the flexibility it offers in crankset selection and how it complements the size and stiffness of the bottom bracket junction. A braze-on type front derailleur tab sits in a reinforced, shaped zone that is highly effective with the power of today's electronic drivetrain front derailleurs. This a pure road, climbing oriented frameset, so standard 100/130mm quick release dropouts are featured. Both electronic and mechanical shifting systems can be used, with all routing cleanly and efficiently internal.

The finish is a wonder in itself, as this Hero paint scheme features a graphite/matte combination. In direct light the graphite looks more silver, but seems darker when dropped into shadow. Offset by the white paint and limited clean logos, the effect is of understated elegance, but intriguing visual resonance that is hard to turn away from. Tire clearance runs to 28mm, though that can vary with tire manufacturing and rim width. For a climbing machine the Alpe D'Huez 01 has wonderful road manners, descends with the best of framesets, and just delivers a ride quality that is hard to describe. It is built with science and testing, yet the result is more alchemy and emotional. If you are looking to build a bike for your love of mountain riding, that few others will own, the 2018 Time Alpe D'Huez 01 Frameset will enthrall you.