First Ride Impressions: 2025 TIME Scylon
By Andy Knickerbocker, GM - R&A Cycles Walnut Creek
As someone who's spent most of my adult life in the high-end bike world — and who has access to just about any road bike on the market — I don't take choosing a personal ride lightly. So when I decided to buy the new 2025 TIME Scylon for myself, it was with a healthy mix of excitement, curiosity, and a little bit of nerdy admiration.
Let's get this out of the way: I've always had a soft spot for TIME. Historically, they've been ahead of the curve — offering technology and manufacturing techniques that even the biggest brands took years to catch up to. With their recent rebirth under U.S.-based ownership, TIME has doubled down on a more focused lineup that blends engineering, craftsmanship, and customization better than almost any other brand out there right now.
Why TIME, Why Now?
What pulled me toward the Scylon wasn't just the heritage or aesthetics — it was the truly unique manufacturing process. TIME's carbon “sock” layup — done in-house, over wax molds, then resin transfer molded (RTM) — is unlike anything else on the market. This isn't outsourced monocoque production with robotic arms and off-the-shelf molds. This is old-world craftsmanship paired with advanced composites engineering.
Everything on this bike is made by TIME, in-house, by hand, in Slovakia. Frame, fork, steerer tube (yes, even that!), axles, seatpost hardware, and even paint — it's all done under one roof. In a time when most brands outsource huge parts of their production, that kind of vertical integration is almost unheard of.
TIME also uses Dyneema — a fabric that's 15 times stronger than steel yet light enough to float — in key areas of the layup. This adds a bit of weight, but it increases strength, durability, and gives TIME's carbon its distinct woven look and ride feel.
My Build
I went with the Pearl finish and paired it with the paint-matched Vision Metron 5D EVO integrated bar. It's a stunning setup — a welcome break from the endless sea of blacked-out aero bikes. TIME uses the No. 69 ACR headset, which is based on oversized bearings and supports a wide range of cockpit options: fully integrated, semi-integrated, or traditional bar-and-stem combos. Brands like A-Proto even make adapter caps that let you use aftermarket setups without sacrificing aesthetics.
TIME includes both the fully integrated and semi-integrated top caps, which is just another example of the thoughtfulness in their designs.
My personal build spec:
- Drivetrain: SRAM Force AXS E1 with integrated power meter
- Crank length: 160mm (yes — 160mm. Tadej and Jonas copied me.)
- Wheels: DT Swiss ARC 1100 50mm
- Tires: Vittoria NEXT 30mm
- Saddle: Custom white Form Throne RS
Sizing Notes
The Scylon sizing is just a little different. I chose a Medium, which has a 560mm top tube — long by most brands' standards for a medium. Head tubes are slightly taller, and interestingly, the geometry shifts across the size range in ways that are clearly tuned for rider fit and handling optimization.
For example, trail numbers vary intentionally: 62mm on XXS-S, 59mm on Medium, and back up to 60mm on L-XL. Wheelbase and front center also don't follow the typical linear pattern. These subtle tweaks make the ride feel tailored, not just scaled.
The Ride
I've put about 250 miles on the Scylon so far, and I can say this with confidence: it's the most balanced bike I've ridden.
It disappears under you in the best way — smooth, planted, and responsive. It's not a WorldTour race bike (and wasn't meant to be), but that's part of what makes it so versatile. It's stiff where it counts, handles predictably and confidently, and soaks up the rough chip-seal and potholes that plague NorCal roads.
Over the years, I've had the chance to put serious miles on probably 50+ road bikes. The TIME stands out for being complete. There are no harsh edges, no awkward quirks, and no glaring compromises. Just refined, considered ride quality.
Future Plans & Upgrades
I'm eyeing the Vision Metron RS 60mm wheels for the next round of upgrades. These were developed alongside the Scylon and feature carbon spokes, ceramic bearings, and a new high-engagement hub. They're absurdly light for a 60mm wheel and hyper-aero — which suits my strengths (read: not climbing at 205 lbs).
I'm also planning a full CeramicSpeed overhaul — headset, BB, six wheel bearings, derailleur pulleys, and UFO chain treatment. Thanks to CeramicSpeed's ambassador program, I get to do this once a year on one complete bike — otherwise, that ~$2,500 upgrade would be a hard sell even for me!
Why I Chose the Scylon
Honestly? Because it's rare.
I pass dozens of Trek, Specialized, and Canyon bikes on every ride. Riding something unique — especially a one-of-one custom build — just feels different. It creates a kind of connection and pride in your bike that mass-produced machines don't. The Scylon is a conversation starter. It's a head-turner. And yeah, it makes people say “Whoa.”
At the end of the day, that's what we're all chasing — something that makes us want to ride more. For me, the TIME Scylon does exactly that.
To learn more, visit our discover page for the Time Scylon.
To learn more about TIME, visit Time Bicycle's Official Website.