Mountain Biking - SPD questions TIME vs Shimano

Hi crew.

I am looking for my first pair of spds.
My main concerns are durability ,easyclip on-off,and weight.
I am considering Shimano 959, 515 and Time ATAC allium, Time Atac Z-Freeride.

Can you help me out? I have read every review on mtbr but i still got no clue.

Thanks guys.

Hey,

of the pedals you mentioned I'd say the 959's , the Time Aliums, and then the Atac Z-Freeride's. Dont even think about looking at the 515's; they're a death trap.

Seriously though dont forget to take a look at Crank Bros Eggbeaters. I have a pair and they're sweet.

TIME TIME TIME TIME TIME!!


Practically indestructable, work in the mud when other pedals are completely jammed. They're not as adjustable if you've never ridden clipless before (Read: You can't set them REALLY loose so you'll pop out of them super easy) but if you know what you're doing they're great. Easy to get in an out of, and maintenance free. If you ride on DIRT then I'd say get the Times. Sticky clay mud always jams up pedals around here.. but not mine.

Time.

Another Vote for Time's, or Platform pedals. I've got a pair of Shimano 545's and 646's, and Time A.T.A.C.'s. I've had numerous SPD clones, some cheaper Shimano's...etc.

For XC riding, nothing beats the Time's. I've been using my 545's recently, and they're o.k., a little smaller than my 646's. I think I'm gonna go back to my 646's on my current ride. Just so I have a place to put my foot when I unclip. Good for the Aggro XC I do!

I haven't tried the new Time Z's yet, but if they work as well as my A.T.A.C.'s, they'll be my next pedal.

L8R

dont forget the eggbeaters! The time's are really a personal opinion pedal. Some people love'em(obviously) and some hate them. In my personal expereience i know my paps who hated them(couldn't get out) and even this girl who now races MTB's professionally and hated them.

I've heard no complaints about the 959's and eggbeaters are great too. That bit about hitting rocks and unclipping is overrated. It's only happened to me 1x in the year i've had them including 200+ hours of riding them

I have heard that here in the UK the supply for spares and the customer service of TIME is crap. Any info on that?
Because if that is the case then i ll go for Shimano.

I've had many Shimano and Shimano clone pedals of the 7xx and 5xx variety over the years. I graduated to Time ATACs a year ago and have never been happier. For those who are unhappy with the way Times release, I might suggest you try the Stan's Titanium upgrade kit for Time ATAC Pedals (http://www.notubes.com/pedalkit.htm). I actually ordered the pre-prepared pedals from them and they have a much smoother spring action than the stock ATACs on my friend's bike.