GAJARY, Slovakia (BRAIN) — Cardinal Cycling Group, the U.S.-based company that owns TIME, is now offering OE manufacturing at its Carboprax factory in Slovakia, using the factory's trademark Resin Transfer Molding production method.
The company is already producing a mountain bike frame and an e-mobility frame for third-party brands, Cardinal CEO Tony Karklins told BRAIN. The company is developing new carbon components including forks and seatposts using the same RTM construction.
One of its first components to hit the market will be a 32-inch gravel fork, which Karklins said is currently in demand from custom builders and others offering 32-inch frames and bikes. "Builders working on 32-inch platforms have had to make do with modified 29ers, custom one-offs, or oversized 700c forks that compromise clearance and geometry," he said. "Carboprax's Gravel 32 Disc Fork is purpose-built for the standard. The whole industry is looking for this spec right now, and Carboprax is proud to be one of the first with a real production option." The fork will be available in October.
The factory has a long history of making component and frames under the TIME brand and for others, he said. "This is a proven factory stepping forward, not a new one learning carbon," he told BRAIN. He said the factory is offering OE manufacturing and design services.
Karklins said the Slovakia production offers EU production to global brands.
"Lead times, tariffs, quality consistency, new testing standards, and the risk of a single-region supply base are pushing builders and brands to look for partners closer to home, and to look more carefully at who actually makes their parts. For Carboprax, that shift is an opportunity: an established European factory with a 25 year track record, capacity to scale, and open availability now," he said.
Carboprax's 2026 fall lineup includes 32-inch and 700c forks and a seatpost, with more products rolling out next year.
Karklins said TIME has hit the pause button on plans to make carbon frames in the U.S. because of tariff volatility.
Karklins and Martial Trigeaud formed Cardinal to buy TIME's and bike business in 2021. Separately, SRAM acquired TIME's pedal and shoe assets.
More information: carboprax.com.
