If you’ve ever admired the sleek lines of a Time bicycle, you might have wondered: is Time a French bike company? The short answer is yes—but with an international twist that makes the brand even more fascinating. While Time’s heart and design philosophy are deeply rooted in France, its global reach and European manufacturing set it apart as one of the most respected names in performance cycling.
Yes, Time Is a French Bike Company
Time is a French bike company founded in 1987 by Roland Cattin in Nevers, France. From the beginning, the brand built its reputation on innovation, craftsmanship, and an obsession with carbon fiber technology. Time introduced revolutionary techniques—like Braided Carbon Structure (BCS) and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)—that changed the way high-end road bikes were built.
These processes allow Time to weave and mold its own carbon fiber in-house, giving its bikes a ride quality that few brands can match. This engineering DNA remains French through and through, even though today’s Time bicycles reach cyclists all over the world.
Time’s French Roots and European Expansion
Time’s headquarters and R&D center are still located in Voreppe, France, near Grenoble—a region famous for its cycling culture and engineering expertise. This is where Time’s design, testing, and innovation take place. However, to improve production efficiency and scalability, frame manufacturing was moved to Gajary, Slovakia, at the brand’s dedicated carbon fiber facility.
In other words: Time is a French company that manufactures in Europe. Its bikes are designed and developed in France, then hand-built in Slovakia using proprietary technology that’s unavailable anywhere else in the world.
Why Time’s French Identity Still Matters
Even with international ownership and European production, Time’s French identity remains central to its appeal. Here’s why:
- Design heritage: Time continues to embrace French engineering precision and aesthetic minimalism.
- Performance culture: France’s deep cycling history—including the Tour de France—inspires every model the brand produces.
- Craftsmanship: Unlike mass-market brands, Time still weaves, molds, and assembles its frames in-house with artisan-level attention to detail.
Every bike—from the Alpe d’Huez to the ADHX—reflects the brand’s French spirit of performance, balance, and elegance.
Who Owns Time Bicycles Today?
While Time was founded in France, it is currently owned by Cardinal Cycling Group, a U.S.-based company. Cardinal purchased Time from the Rossignol Group in 2021. Despite the American ownership, Time’s operations, design, and manufacturing remain entirely European—a key reason why its bikes maintain their signature ride quality and craftsmanship.
This partnership allows Time to reach more riders around the world while preserving its French engineering roots and European production standards.
What Makes Time Bikes Uniquely French
Being French isn’t just about location—it’s about philosophy and innovation. Time has always prioritized balance, precision, and comfort over aggressive, mass-produced performance. Here’s what continues to make it distinct:
- In-house carbon weaving: Time controls every strand of carbon fiber used in its frames.
- RTM molding process: Ensures consistency, strength, and lightweight precision across every bike.
- Refined geometry: Designed for long-distance performance with a smooth, responsive feel.
In short, Time blends French artistry with advanced European engineering—a combination that delivers one of the best ride experiences in cycling.
Verdict: Is Time a French Bike Company?
Yes, Time is absolutely a French bike company. It was founded in France, is headquartered in France, and continues to design all its bicycles there. Although its frames are now produced in Slovakia and the company is owned by Cardinal Cycling Group (U.S.), its heritage, engineering, and identity remain proudly French.
When you buy a Time bike, you’re not just purchasing a frame—you’re investing in decades of French innovation, precision craftsmanship, and world-class performance that stands the test of time.
FAQs
1. Is Time still a French company?
Yes. Time is still based in France, where it designs and engineers all its bicycles. Manufacturing is handled in Europe, maintaining the brand’s quality standards and French heritage.
2. Where are Time bikes made?
Time bikes are designed in France and manufactured in Gajary, Slovakia, using in-house carbon fiber weaving and molding technologies.
3. Who owns Time bicycles now?
Time is owned by Cardinal Cycling Group, a U.S.-based company that acquired the brand in 2021 from the Rossignol Group.
