FAQs
Frame Hardware
Q: What is the Fork Steerer Compression Plug used for? A: The steerer compression plug installs inside a carbon fork steerer tube, allowing the stem compression bolt to safely engage without crushing the carbon. It is a required safety component on all carbon steerer forks.
Q: What does the Bottom Bracket Cable Guide do? A: The BB Cable Guide routes derailleur cables cleanly along the bottom bracket shell, preventing cable contact with the carbon frame and maintaining consistent shift performance over time.
Q: What is the Bottom Bracket Cable Guide - Internal? A: The Internal version is designed for frames with internal cable routing channels at the BB shell. It differs from the standard guide in mounting orientation and clip geometry — verify your frame's routing style before ordering.
Q: What are Rim Brake Caliper T Nuts used for? A: T-nuts are the threaded inserts that anchor rim brake calipers to the fork and rear brake bridge on TIME rim brake frames. They are frame-specific and should be replaced if damaged rather than re-tapped.
Q: What is the Single Cover used for? A: The Single Cover is a finishing cover that replaces a front derailleur mount on 1x drivetrain builds, maintaining a clean appearance and preventing debris entry.
Headset, QuickSet System & Bearings
Q: What is the TIME QuickSet system? A: QuickSet is TIME's proprietary integrated headset system. The bearings, top covers, and fork steerer work together as a precision unit. QuickSet components are model-specific — always verify your frameset before ordering.
Q: What is the difference between the QuickSet Compression Plug 23.2mm and 23.8mm? A: The two plugs fit different steerer tube inner diameters across TIME's frameset generations. The 23.2mm fits earlier generation steerer tubes; the 23.8mm fits later models. Measure your steerer ID or reference your frame's original spec to confirm.
Q: What are QuickSet Top Covers and why are there different heights? A: QuickSet Top Cover threads onto the fork and covers the top bearing. The standard, 10mm, and 18mm variants allow you to dial in stack height precisely without adding standard headset spacers. The Alpe d'Huez 01-specific version has a different Zero Stack geometry to match that frameset's head tube profile.
Q: Which QuickSet Bearings fit my TIME frame? A: QuickSet Bearings are matched by frameset: Alpe d'Huez 01, Alpe d'Huez 21, Fluidity, RXR/RXRS/NXR Instinct, and ZXRS/NXRS/IZON. Select your exact model — these are not cross-compatible.
Q: What frames use the FSA ACB ø51.8mm bearings instead of QuickSet? A: Newer TIME models use industry-standard FSA ACB bearing srather than the QuickSet system. Check your frame's original headset specification before replacing. If your frame uses a QuickSet system, use the model-matched QuickSet Bearing instead.
Q: What is the Headset Cover ACR? A: The ACR (Aero Cable Routing) Cover conceals the internal cable entry point at the headset on ACR-equipped frames, maintaining a clean cockpit and protecting the routing channel from debris.
Q: Do I need a special tool to service the QuickSet headset? A: Yes. TIME offers the QuickSet Tool and the QuickSet Tool - Alpe d'Huez 01 specifically for installation and removal. The ADH01 tool differs due to that frame's head tube geometry. Using the correct tool allows easy bearing preload.
Derailleur Hangers
Q: How do I find the correct rear derailleur hanger for my TIME frame? A: TIME frames use several hanger types across generations and brake configurations. Key variants include QR (quick release axle), Disc, QR for Disc Frame, and UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger). Identify your axle type and whether your frame is rim or disc brake before ordering.
Q: What is a UDH derailleur hanger? A: UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) is SRAM's standardized hanger interface, used on TIME frames speced with SRAM drivetrains on compatible models. It is not interchangeable with QR or traditional disc hangers.
Q: What is the difference between Rear Derailleur Hanger - QR and QR for Disc Frame? A: Both use quick release axles, but the dropout geometry differs between rim brake and disc brake frames. Using a rim-brake hanger on a disc frame (or vice versa) will result in derailleur misalignment and poor shift performance.
Q: What is the difference between Front Derailleur Hanger 3 Hole and 4 Hole? A: These refer to the number of mounting points on the braze-on front derailleur mount. The correct version is determined by which front derailleur is being used and the specific frame's front mech mount configuration. The 4 Hole - VXR/VXRS is specific to those framesets only.
Q: Why should I replace a bent derailleur hanger rather than straightening it? A: Derailleur hangers are intentionally sacrificial — they bend or break in a crash to protect the frame. A bent hanger that has been straightened retains micro-fractures and will fail unpredictably. Always replace rather than straighten.
Seatpost, Saddle Hardware & Thru Axles
Q: Are TIME seatposts frame-specific? A: Yes. The Seatpost - Scylon is matched to the Scylon's specific seat tube diameter and setback. The Seatpost - TIME RTM - 31.6mm fits frames with a standard 31.6mm seat tube. Do not interchange these between incompatible frames.
Q: What is the difference between Seatpost Collar 2 Bolt, 2 Bolt Aero, and Semi Integrated? A: The 2 Bolt is a standard round clamp. The 2 Bolt Aero uses an aerodynamic profile that integrates with the frame's seat tube shaping and fits Scylon, or legacy models. The Semi Integrated collar sits partially recessed into the frame's seat tube opening. Each is frame-specific — verify your model before ordering.
Q: What is the CMT seatpost system? A: CMT (Composite Moulding Technology) is TIME's carbon forged composite material. The Saddle Rail Cradle - CMT and Seatpost Collar - CMT Time Logo are components specific to the Alpe d'Huez 01 and some Fluidity models and are not compatible with other seatposts or frames.
Q: What is the Saddle Rail Clamping Assembly? A: The Saddle Rail Clamping Assembly secures the saddle rails to the seatpost head. It is a precision component — if damaged during a crash or over-torquing, replace it rather than reuse it to maintain proper saddle security.
Q: What thru axle do I need for my TIME disc frame? A: TIME disc frames use 12mm thru axles. Front axles are 12x121mm x 1.5mm thread pitch. Rear axles are either 12x161mm x 1.5mm (standard) or 12x169mm x 1.0mm for UDH-equipped models. Verify your frame's rear dropout spec before ordering — the thread pitch difference between the two rear axles is critical.