The Truth About TIME Bicycles: 40th Anniversary Teasers, Custom Builds, and Why "Nothing Rides Like a TIME"
At Mapdec Cycle Works, we are officially home to the UK’s primary TIME Bicycles Experience Center.
We recently sat down with Tony Karklins, CEO of TIME Bicycles, to discuss the brand's upcoming 40th Anniversary, high-end resin manufacturing in Europe, current end-of-season frame promotions, and why custom-built road bikes outperform off-the-shelf mass production.
Below is our full breakdown, long-term review of the flagship TIME Scylon, and a preview of what’s coming next for TIME Bicycles.
Direct QA with TIME Bicycles CEO Tony Karklins
Image above: Paul with Tony Karklins, CEO of Time Bicycles. Photographed above during an exclusive factory tour, Paul had the unique opportunity to visit Time Bicycles' state-of-the-art facility. Hosted personally by CEO Tony, the tour offered an inside look at the precision engineering and innovation behind every Time bike.
Mapdec: Why are current TIME models like the Scylon, Fluidity, and NXR on sale right now?
Tony Karklins: We are winding down existing painted stock to prepare for new colorways,
lightweight paint schemes, and expanded custom options heading into
our 40th Anniversary year.
Mapdec: When will the 40th Anniversary bikes be officially announced?
Tony Karklins: Teasers begin in December, with full releases scheduled between
February and April.
Mapdec: How does TIME handle extreme heat or manufacturing disruptions in Europe?
Tony Karklins: We braid raw carbon fiber in-house using Resin Transfer Molding (RTM),
so carbon production isn't affected by ambient heat. However, summer
paint booth temperatures can slow down curing and custom finishing.
Mapdec: What is the role of the Mapdec TIME Experience Center in the UK?
Tony Karklins: It gives riders a dedicated location to test-ride full builds on real road
terrain rather than looking at unbuilt frames hanging on a retail display.
SHOP TIME SALE CLICK HERE
Overview: TIME Bicycles Model Comparison
TIME Bicycles manufactures carbon frames in Europe using Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and Bio-Based Dyneema fibers woven into the carbon matrix. Unlike mass-market brands using pre-impregnated carbon sheets (pre-preg), TIME builds structural weaves from raw thread before injecting resin.
| Model | Category | Recommended Tyre Clearance | Frame Characteristics | Target Rider |
| TIME Scylon | Performance / Aero Road | Up to 28mm–30mm | Maximum torsional stiffness, RTM carbon structure, razor-sharp handling | Racers & high-speed endurance riders wanting peak power transfer |
| TIME Fluidity | Endurance Road | Up to 40mm | Higher stack, relaxed geometry, vibration damping Dyneema weave | Long-distance cyclists seeking comfort without squishy frame flex |
| TIME NXR | Classic Road | Up to 32mm | Traditional road geometry, high modulus stiffness, accessible price point | Riders looking for European handmade carbon quality at an entry tier |
| TIME ADHX 45 | All-Road / Fast Gravel | Up to 38mm–45mm | Dyneema-reinforced carbon, snappy acceleration, gravel geometry | Endurance roadies transitioning to mixed-surface & light gravel |
Long-Term Review: TIME Scylon Frame Dynamics & Stiffness
Over 12 months of testing the TIME Scylon at our Lake District facility, we tested six different wheelsets to analyze how lateral frame stiffness interacts with wheel compliance:
Key Technical Findings:
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Springs-in-Series Effect: According to Hooke's Law, pairing a laterally flexy wheelset with an ultra-stiff frame forces the wheel to absorb a higher proportion of lateral load. This exaggerates wheel deflection during hard out-of-saddle efforts.
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Stiffness vs. Harshness: Torsional stiffness (resisting twisting under pedal load) does not equate to vertical harshness. The Dyneema fiber integration inside the RTM weave damps high-frequency road buzz while maintaining bottom-bracket rigidity.
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Optimal Wheel Pairing: Deep-section, laterally stiff wheelsets like the Princeton Carbon Works Wake 6560 complement the Scylon’s front-end tracking, allowing high cornering speeds with predictable traction.
Custom Build Philosophy at Mapdec Cycle Works
In the UK and Europe, TIME frames are delivered as bare framesets. Every complete bike from Mapdec is a custom build engineered around individual rider biomechanics and budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are TIME Bicycle frames manufactured?
TIME Bicycles manufactures its carbon frames in Europe (Slovakia) using in-house Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and proprietary carbon braiding machinery.
What is Dyneema and why is it used in TIME frames?
Dyneema is an Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber woven directly into TIME’s carbon structures. It offers maximum tensile strength at minimal weight, dramatically improving impact resistance and damping high-frequency vibrations.
How can I test ride a TIME bicycle in the UK?
You can book a 2-hour outdoor test ride or a weekend hire at the Mapdec Cycle Works TIME Experience Center in Kendal, Cumbria.
Visit the Mapdec TIME Experience Center
Ready to experience European handmade carbon engineering for yourself? Visit our workshop in Cumbria or get in touch to discuss custom build lead times and end-of-season frame promotions.
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Location: Mapdec Cycle Works, Kendal, UK
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Services: Custom Frame Builds, Professional Bike Fitting, Demo Rides & Hire, Carbon Repair Inspection
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