The TIME team edition is a legendary professional racing bicycle, and this original Team Bonjour example ridden by Sylvain Chavanel represents a rare and historically significant machine. This bicycle is in completely original condition, fitted with a Shimano Dura-Ace 9-speed groupset and an exceptionally rare tubular version of the Spinergy carbon wheels. Aluminium TIME frames like this were produced in very limited numbers, particularly in the professional time-trial and racing configurations, making this example a highly collectible and investment-worthy piece.
Sylvain Chavanel is one of the most versatile riders of his generation, excelling in breakaways, time trials, and classics. During his time with Team Bonjour, Chavanel demonstrated his remarkable endurance, tactical intelligence, and explosive power, attributes that were amplified by high-performance equipment such as this TIME frame. The combination of the lightweight aluminium construction and race-optimised geometry allowed Chavanel to attack, sustain high speeds, and navigate the technical demands of professional racing with precision.
This model represents the brand’s dedication to innovation and engineering excellence. Even in aluminium, TIME ensured a high level of stiffness, responsiveness, and power transfer, while maintaining comfort over long distances. Its aerodynamic and performance-focused design made it an ideal choice for riders tackling both road stages and time-trial efforts. The monocoque-like shaping and meticulous construction techniques highlight why TIME has long been recognised as a pioneer of advanced racing bicycle design.
Equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace 9-speed groupset, this bicycle delivers precise, reliable, and high-performance shifting under the demands of professional racing. Complementing the drivetrain is the exceptionally rare tubular version of the Spinergy carbon wheels, known for their stiffness, lightweight performance, and aerodynamics. These wheels are extremely scarce, particularly in team-issued professional configurations, making this bicycle a standout example of cutting-edge equipment from the era.
Team Bonjour was a professional squad renowned for its attention to detail, innovative approach to equipment, and roster of elite riders capable of winning stages, classics, and time trials. This TIME, even as an aluminium-framed model rather than the more common carbon counterparts, represents the high standard of racing bicycles provided to the team and offers collectors a direct connection to Chavanel’s early professional career. Its rarity and preserved condition make it a highly desirable piece for collectors seeking investment-grade bicycles with true historical significance.
From a collector’s perspective, this TIME is extraordinarily rare. Original team bicycles from the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially aluminium frames used in professional time trials or road racing, are highly sought after. The combination of the Dura-Ace 9-speed groupset, Spinergy tubular carbon wheels, and pristine original frame ensures that this bicycle is not only a high-performance racing machine but also a historically significant collector’s item. Its limited production, professional provenance, and exceptional preservation make it an ideal investment for enthusiasts of cycling history.
Owning this TIME Team Bonjour ridden by Sylvain Chavanel is more than acquiring a racing bike; it is securing a piece of cycling history. Every detail – from the aluminium frame construction and Shimano Dura-Ace 9-speed components to the rare Spinergy tubular wheels – reflects the technology, performance, and competitive excellence of professional racing. For serious collectors, this bicycle offers a rare opportunity to acquire an original, historically important, and visually striking machine, celebrating both TIME’s engineering innovation and the early career of one of France’s most respected riders.
