Originally posted by moabrider47
I don't have much experience with the Attacks, though I've heard many people like them and have had good success with them. I'm sure someone here can comment on them, and you can check out www.mtbr.com for reviews. They use a different cleat than do the SPD's and the eggbeaters.
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*Not positive, but I don't think Times or Eggbeaters have retention screw adjutments, meaning the pedal is set at one point for good as to how difficult it is to unclip. Please correct me if I am wrong on this point.
The Time Atac pedals rely on two strong stainless steel spring traps to retain the cleats. The cleats that make up a pair with Time Atacs are different so that the amount of twist in the foot to break free of the pedal is different, depending on which shoes they are attached to. One way is easier for "beginners" because the twist required is not so much, the other way requires a fair degree of twist, and is designated for "experienced" riders.
The cleats are made of brass. In the normal course of events, they probably would last a year or more. The wear comes from contact with the ground when walking rather than entering/exiting pedals. The wear rate depends on the wear-down of the sole on the shoe. Because I wear my shoes all day just about every day, I probably get four months out of my cleats and nine months out of my shoes.
The Atacs have a good reputation for MTB riding in particular because the simplicity of their design means they are less susceptible to mud and crud clogging up the system. They are not cheap, though.
I'm happy with my three sets which I have not yet stripped down to regrease. They appear to have good seals on them.
FWIW
R