If you’ve seen a Time bike out on the road, you’ve probably noticed it doesn’t look—or ride—like anything else. The French brand has earned global respect for its precision engineering and in-house carbon production. But one question curious cyclists often ask is: who owns Time Bikes?
The answer tells an important story about craftsmanship, innovation, and a brand that’s stayed true to its roots while evolving under new ownership. Let’s break it down.
Who Owns Time Bikes?
Time Bikes is owned by Cardinal Cycling Group, a U.S.-based company that acquired the brand from Rossignol Group in 2021. Cardinal Cycling Group is led by cycling industry veterans Tony Karklins and Patrice Lemieux, who purchased Time with the goal of preserving its rich heritage of European manufacturing and high-end carbon engineering.
Under Cardinal Cycling Group, Time continues to operate as a premium performance bike brand, maintaining its headquarters in France and its state-of-the-art carbon production facility in Slovakia. This ensures that every Time frame remains true to the brand’s DNA—crafted in Europe, using proprietary carbon weaving and molding technologies.
A Quick Timeline of Time’s Ownership
1. Founded in 1987 – The Beginning
Time was founded in France in 1987 by Roland Cattin, an engineer and cycling innovator. The company initially gained fame for its groundbreaking clipless pedal systems used by pros in the Tour de France. Later, Time expanded into carbon fiber frames, earning a reputation for unmatched comfort and ride quality.
2. 2016 – Acquired by Rossignol Group
In 2016, Rossignol Group—known for its ski and outdoor products—acquired Time. The goal was to diversify into the cycling market. While Rossignol supported Time’s growth, the company eventually decided to focus back on its core business, leading to Time’s sale a few years later.
3. 2021 – Cardinal Cycling Group Takes Over
In 2021, Cardinal Cycling Group purchased Time from Rossignol, securing both the bike and pedal divisions. The new owners promised to honor Time’s legacy while strengthening its global distribution and digital presence. Since then, Time has reestablished itself as one of the most respected boutique performance bike brands in the world.
What Cardinal Cycling Group Brings to Time
The new ownership has allowed Time to thrive while keeping its European production and carbon technology completely in-house. Unlike most brands that buy pre-made carbon tubes, Time still weaves its own carbon fibers and uses a unique Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process to ensure flawless frame construction.
Cardinal Cycling Group’s vision emphasizes:
- Heritage and craftsmanship: Maintaining Time’s identity as a hand-crafted European brand.
- Innovation: Continued development of carbon technologies for performance, comfort, and longevity.
- Global reach: Expanding Time’s availability in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Where Time Bikes Are Made Today
Despite its U.S. ownership, Time bikes remain proudly European. Frames are manufactured in Gajary, Slovakia, while design, engineering, and finishing are handled at Time’s headquarters in Voreppe, France. This combination of old-world craftsmanship and modern precision gives Time bikes their signature “feel”—a balance of stiffness, smoothness, and control that’s hard to match.
Why the Ownership Matters for Riders
Knowing who owns Time Bikes matters because it explains the brand’s direction. Cardinal Cycling Group’s stewardship ensures Time remains independent, innovative, and focused on quality rather than mass production. The company’s leadership is made up of cyclists who understand what performance riders value most: fit, feel, and engineering excellence.
In short, Time didn’t lose its identity—it found a partner that allows it to grow without compromising what makes it special.
Verdict: Who Owns Time Bikes?
Time Bikes is owned by Cardinal Cycling Group, an American company that continues to manufacture every frame in Europe using Time’s proprietary carbon technologies. With this combination of U.S. leadership and European craftsmanship, Time remains one of the most respected high-performance brands in the cycling world.
FAQs
1. Where are Time bikes made?
Time bikes are designed and finished in France, with frame production taking place in Gajary, Slovakia. Every frame is hand-built using Time’s proprietary carbon weaving and molding technology.
2. Did Rossignol sell Time?
Yes. Rossignol Group sold Time to Cardinal Cycling Group in 2021 after several years of ownership. The sale allowed Time to refocus exclusively on high-end performance bikes and pedals.
3. Is Time still a French brand?
Yes—while now owned by a U.S. company, Time remains a French-designed and European-made brand. It continues to operate with the same craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail it’s been known for since 1987.
