Cyclocross - Time ATAC...

Hallo forum,

I noticed that many people keep mentioning Time ATAC pedals as being the best pedals for cyclocross. Can somebody explain to me why they are better then, for example, the Shimano PD-M959 I picked for my bike? Also, which particular version of the ATAC pedal would be best for CC (Alium or Carbon/Titan)?

Thanks in advance,
Timo

Originally posted by Timo
I noticed that many people keep mentioning Time ATAC pedals as being the best pedals for cyclocross. Can somebody explain to me why they are better then, for example, the Shimano PD-M959 I picked for my bike? Also, which particular version of the ATAC pedal would be best for CC (Alium or Carbon/Titan)?

I cannot speak about the M959 or the newer SPD pedal designs since my experience was with the older more closed style M737/M747 design (and clones thereof) which clogged up pretty badly and had poor mud-performance. Clipping in was always a dicey affair and they worked decently when dry but oftentimes refused to engage in thick mud. I also didn't like the rather fixed position and very narrow release angles. I had a lot of unintentional/premature releases (those are always bad ;)) with the Shimano pedals.

I have found that the ATACs work flawlessly in mud or dry conditions and provide enough float and degree of release to allow me to move around on the bike without fear of popping out. I have not tried the Aliums so I can't compare them to the ATACs but I imagine they operate fairly close in performance although I think I read some reviews that said they didn't shed mud as nicely as the ATACs. I went with the Ti upgrade from Stan's No-Tubes (http://www.notubes.com/pedalkit.htm) because I'm a lighter rider and heard that the stock springs on the ATACs can be a bit stiff so I wanted Ti springs for a smoother release and entry. I purchased a set of completely refitted pedal directly from Stan's.

Ive used both aliums and carbon body atacs and the atacs have waaaaaayy smoother bearings on the spindle. beyond that they were functionally similair. my only complaint(s) about atacs are the removable plates on the base of the pedal that break too easily and mine squeak too much under force. good pedals though.

I don't cyclocross but I use my ATAC's for road and mtb and they are an awesome pedal. I have used the Shimano SPD's but never really felt clipped in. The ATAC have enough float and are a have no problems with mud or rocks.

I have a Set of Atac's pedals on my MTB and cyclocross bike, they work really well. I ride in dry conditions so really can't comment on the mud shedding yet, except for little I hit going through a stream which then they work well. Well if you are a weight weenie go for the Carbon-titan pedals. I have not had any problem with squeak or parts breaking yet. Normaly a bit of grease will get rid of squeak on pedals.

Thanks for the replies everbody. So I guess it's time for Atac :) Any comments on the Alium version? I'm not a weight weeny apart from frustrations with my body weight ;)

Originally posted by Timo
Thanks for the replies everbody. So I guess it's time for Atac :) Any comments on the Alium version? I'm not a weight weeny apart from frustrations with my body weight ;)

How much are you looking to spend? I've seen the entry-level ATACs for US$99 from REI. I'd only go for the Aliums if my budget was really tight. The lower end Aliums run about US$80.

I see. Thanks khuon! If the price difference is that small and the difference in performance is that big, I'll forget about the Aliums

Regards,
Timo

Originally posted by Timo
I see. Thanks khuon! If the price difference is that small and the difference in performance is that big, I'll forget about the Aliums

Regards,
Timo

Check out Pricepoint (http://www.pricepoint.com/pedalsmountain.html).

ATAC Alium - US$59.98
ATAC Basic - US$89.98
ATAC Carbon - US$109.98
ATAC Titan Carbon - US$179.98

avoid the aliums for cyclo-cross. the bearings get dirty and clogged quite easily. i've seen people pull out of races when their aliums have seized up. get the real atacs with the big bearing race...

I have the ATAC carbons on my mountain bikes. They shed mud like magic. Moreover, I've never once come out of the pedals when I didn't want to, and there are no adjustments to fool with. They also offer a decent sized platform. The only drawback is that they are a bit heavier than some of the small platform pedals. However, that is a small price to pay for their other benefits.

Good luck on your choice!

Thanks again for the replies. I'm convinced and will get the carbon atac's :)

Check Ebay for the carbons ;)