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Pro bikes, March 15, 2007
Laurent Lefevre's Bouygues Telecom Time VXR Proteam
The Bouygues workhorseBy Anthony Tan
Used as a working prototype last year by riders like Tom Boonen and Paolo Bettini, Time's new-for-2007 model VXR Proteam weighs around 70 grams more than the flagship VXRS Ulteam, but is designed to be a little more robust. Time claims the new frame is still sub-1kg (985 grams +/- 5 percent), and for Laurent Lefevre and the rest of his Bouygues Telecom équipe, that is still light enough to qualify the VXR Proteam as a second race-worthy bike to be used alongside the VXRS Ulteam. Time integrates a polyamide fibre braid it calls Vibraser into the top and bottom of the carbon tubes, the leading and trailing edges of the fork blades, the top and bottom of the stem, and front and back of the seat post. According to Time, this allows for controlled flex in one direction and engineered rigidity in the other. The aim is to produce an entire 'module' (consisting of the frame, fork, seat post, and stem) remain incredibly stiff laterally but compliant along the plane of the bike. According to this, the bike should stay rigid when climbing or sprinting, but much of the vibration coming up from the road's surface is designed to be absorbed. Similarly, when descending or riding over rough surfaces, the handling characteristics of the machine should not be compromised, and Time claims that the VXR Proteam is stable and stiff over any terrain. Time also says that it is the only manufacturer in the industry (frame or otherwise) to use 'RTM Technology' (Resin Transfer Moulding), a technique that is said to give the builder more freedom to shape a tube depending on function. Lefevre finished eighth overall at last year's Tour de Langkawi, and arrived in Malaysia in better condition in hopes of a better result at the 2007 edition. However, the winner of a tough stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré in 2003 faltered on the day to Cameron Highlands, the race's first real test. Lefevre finished 12 minutes down to countryman Anthony Charteau from Crédit Agricole, who would eventually go on to win overall. Lefevre's teammates, Yoann Le Boulanger and Thomas Voeckler, fared much better that day with third and fourth place finishes, respectively. Four days later, however, the Bouygues Telecom trio succumbed to the mighty climb of Genting Highlands. By the time the race finished in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, Le Boulanger was the team's best-placed finisher at 12th overall. At 30 years old, Lefevre is still in his prime, but must use all his experience and strength developed after a decade as a professional if he is to realise his career ambition: to don the red, white and blue jersey of French national champion. PhotosFor a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com
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Full specificationFrame: 2007 Time VXR Proteam Critical measurements Crankset: Campagnolo Record Ultra-Torque, 175mm, 53/39T |
Wheelset: Campagnolo Neutron Ultra clincher (22/24 spokes
F/R) Handle bars: FSA Energy, 42cm (o-o) Pedals: Time RXS Carbon Total bike weight: 7.32kg (16.14lb) | ||||||||||||||||
