Differences between Time ATAC MX pedals?
 

I am considering trying one of the Time ATAC MX pedals. There are quite a few models (MX2, MX4, MX6, MX8, MX12).

I see there are some differences, but all just concern weight (e.g., hollow axles, CF vs composite bodies). They all look identical to me.

Is there any difference in actual performance or function?

Also, is the spring tension adjustable on these (or some of these)?

Thanks.

Thery look identical to me.

I have long used Time XXpresso road pedals and they are similar in that there are models 1-12, with each getting lighter and more exotic ... and expwensive ... but al look almost identical.

I know some of the Xpresso pedals can be disassembled and some cannot ... and all of them have spring tension adjusters .... never tried their MX series ....

I tried something really radical ... I visited the Tile website (I figured they probably didn't know anything about the pedals, but just for a laugh ... ) (https://www.time-sport.com/int-en/ti...me-pedals.html)

AI checked thr mX6, MX8, and MX 12 and while they all list adjustable release angles, all of them have listing saying tension: No.

I assume this means that tension is not adjustable ... but it could mean that the pedals don't make yo tense.

I know this is a long shot ... but possibly someone at Time would know something about the pedals they make? I always like emails (get the stuff in writing) or online chat where I can copy/paste the window so I can say later, "Well, your guy said ..... "

Good luck with your search.

The main difference between the models is weight and axle material. They all function the same.

I have older models, as well as current XC2, XC4, XC6, MX4, MX6, and XC12 on various bikes and all of my shoes have the same exact cleats and they all function the same.

All of my bike have been "standardized" on ATAC for about a decade. If it is any help, I have never had a pedal fail, and that includes over 100 cross races and may thousands of rainy gritty commuting miles in the PNW.

This....I also moved all my bikes, road and mountain to the the ATAC XC's. I have had a couple of sets that I have had for 10 years, they are fantastic pedals.

Good new about ATAC MX pedals .... I am always looking for good products.

Can they use SPD cleats? I see that Time sells special cleats, but can I cheat and use SPD cleats? Or would I have to change every set of pedals if I changed one?

Time and SPD do not work together. Get the cleats for the pedal system you use. The adjustability with Time pedals lie with the cleats. There is no adjustability on the pedal bodies themselves. I wanna say the release angles are 13* and 17* based on which foot you mount the cleats.

I've used SPD pedals briefly in the 90s but have since used Time. The cleats have a smaller profile and simpler design that clears mud and dirt easier.

I too am curious.

I'm looking for a dual entry pedal that offers somewhat more support to the bottom of the shoe than the SPD's I use. I use a Shimano mt. bike shoe with a carbon insole to get as much support as possible, to alleviate hot foot. I'm curious if the ATAC pedal design offers that.

TIA

I'm down to my last pair of Speedplay Frogs*, so I'm starting to look at other available pedal systems. Is the float on the ATACs free float like the Frogs, i.e. no pressure back toward center as the SPDs have?

*User error: I should have rebuilt the pedals with new bearings before I destroyed the pedal shaft. But it's the rain bike, used mostly in the dark in the winter, and it was always easier just to hustle into the dry house or office without messing around with the pedals -- until they got so bad I noticed anyway. [/whine]

The demise of frogs is what has me looking as well.

To be honest, it was always a bit of a love-hate relationship with the frogs. I love the function above all others, but the durability was pretty bad, and cost of ownership was really, really high. I’ve been using them for over two decades, but I think it’s really just inertia that has kept me going for the past 10 years.

So this may be a blessing in disguise, pushing me to a more sustainable alternative.

The ATAC engagement mechanism itself is not going to make any difference in the support the pedal gives. Time makes a bunch of different ATAC models, some (the XC line) have no platform around the engagement mech. The MX line has a small one. The Speciale lines have bigger ones.

The thing to keep in mind is that even if there is a platform, if your shoe cleat is not recessed the right amount, your shoe will not be resting on the platform when clipped in, and it does little good while clipped in.

Check the Time link above---Time makes 2-sided MTB pedal which might work for you.

Thanks. That's not the kind of info Time would put on their site .... I am fine with changing cleats, but it means changing All the Shimano and Shimano-style pedals I use . So, good to know and something to plan for.

Thx for the info. I'm mostly OK with SPD and a good pair of stiff shoes, am going to order a set of ATAC MX-4 to try. My other issue is never ending squeak from my Shimano XC7 shoes and about any of the SPD pedals I use. The shoes have a "Michelin" rubber compound on the bottom, and I suspect that's the cause, mostly as these are the 2nd pair of Shimano shoes I've owned with this special "Michelin" sole that have been really noisy. Maybe Time pedals will be different.

I moved to the Time ATAC's to get away from hot foot. I liked the SPD's, but the pedal body was too narrow for me me and gave me issues. The Time ATAC's have been awesome.

I have the XC6 on my Domane and Emonda, and I have the XS (10 years old) on my CrossRip and X-Caliber. I looked at the XC8's but the weight savings for the cost differance did not make sense.

Great info, thanks. Couple questions...

I am using these for mountain biking.

How do the XC and MX models compare in function once you are clipped in? Does the small platform on the MX help, or is that just for when you have not gotten clipped in yet? I read somewhere that the MX is a little easier to get into because the extra platform keeps the pedal from rolling as you try to engage. Anything to that?

I notice that some XC models have a spring tension adjustment, but none of the MX. Does that matter?

Thanks in advance.

If there are differences in the ease of clip-in, they are slight. They do fell slightly more “planted” in the MX versions. If I did more mountain biking, I would use the MXs more, but most of my riding is gravel, commuting, and road, so more of my bikes have XCs.

Put me down for it doesn't matter.

I have XC6 & XC8 with the tension adjustment, and some original ATAC with no adjustment. It makes a slight difference in release force, but it is also something to me that doesn't make the slightest bit of difference in how the pedals work. I honestly can't tell you where the tension is set on my pedals or if I even set on the last pair.