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BIKE TESTS: TIME EDGE RACER
June 3, 2008
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The Time Edge Racer sits at the top of Time’s entry-level road racing, or cyclosport, category with the Pulse and Speeder models. At no point in our testing, however, did the Edge Racer feel like an entry-level bike. The Edge series features the same geometry as the higher end VXR Pro Team and Ulteam but features a three=millimeter taller head tube. If you want to get close to a high-end, Pro Tour frame for under $5000, the Edge Racer should be on your radar.
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| The Edge Racer is Time’s entry-level road racing bike. |
THE FRAME
For all the Franco-philes out there, the lugs and tubes of the Edge Racer are made in France with the same hand-made carbon weave as higher end models, with one main difference; the tubes and lugs are round, while the Elite series features more multi-shaped tubes and tuning. The bikes are then assembled and painted in Europe. The Edge Racer features sloping geometry and is available in six sizes (from XXS to XL), features full carbon lugs, a full carbon Pilot Safe plus2 fork and a base frame weight of 1080 grams.
THE PARTS
Our Time Edge Racer came equipped with Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution wheels with Michelin Lithion tires (nice red and black combo), Shimano Dura-Ace front and rear derailleur, and 175 millimeter, FSA K-Force Light cranks. FSA also was chosen for braking needs in the front and rear with their Energy brakes. A Time Mono-Link (one of our favorites) Carbon stem mates to an FSA Carbon bar to complete the cockpit.
THE NUMBERS
Our test bike was a Large with a 57-centimeter top tube, 73.5 head angle and a 73-degree seat angle. The gearing on our test was a 50/24 chainring and a 12-25 in the rear.
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The Edge Racer features Time’s famous lugged carbon
construction. |
THE RIDE
The Edge Racer has the same gentle, smooth, two-way communication with the road that the VXRS Ulteam exhibited. Road chatter was relegated to the back of our riding experience, speed and sprints were effortless and constant, and the steering and control of the Edge Racer was superior to many bikes we have ridden which cost much more. The one word that stands out is “stable.” The Edge Racer goes where it is pointed at high speed and at low speed, and when you need to stand up and grind out a short, steep section, head hanging over the front wheel, the Edge Racer sits stable and performs. Test riders did notice some bottom bracket flex in the Edge Racer when we were out of the saddle and sprinting, but it didn’t take away from the overall mission and purpose of the bike.
THE VERDICT
After our glowing review of the VXRS Ulteam in the January/February issue of RBA, we were a bit gun-shy to throw a leg over the Edge Racer. We had ridden the best Time had to offer and were expecting a bit of a letdown. It didn’t really happen. Is it as tight and “perfect” as the VXRS Ulteam? No. But, for 99 percent of the people who are looking for a race bike that will also keep them happy during a century or a Grand Fondo, the Edge Racer is a great choice. We were reluctant to return the bike and are looking forward to Time’s new race bike set to hit the public late summer. We have already put in our order.
Price: $4295
Weight: 17.2 pounds
Contact: www.time-sport.com
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