mightypudge

Last night I gave in to temptation and put some Time ATAC pedals on the Scalpel.

First off, I haven't taken them in the mud so I can't speak on their mud-shedding capabilites. Suffice to say the rave reviews speak for themselves. I did notice the design of the cleat/pedal is such that it lends itself to better mud-shedding than the SPD. I also like the platform much better than the stock M515's that came with the Scalpel.

I have much more confidence in the ATAC over the 515. During climbs the pedals feel great under my feet and the shoe makes decent contact with the platform. The cleat clips in with authority and there is sufficient float without feeling too loose. I really like these!

There is one caveat! I currently wear an entry-level Shimano shoe. Clipping out of the ATAC cleat was very difficult for me because every time I tried to unclip my shoe sole would flex and my heel would come out of the shoe. Even though they were laced pretty tight - probably too tight.

It is my opinion that a stiff-soled mountain shoe would probably be better for use with performance pedal like the ATAC. I noticed the same difference when I switched to the SIDI Genius for my road shoe. Even with the SPD pedals I was able to clip out much easier. Of course, when I switched to the Look pedals on my road bike, things improved even more drastically.

I am going shopping for mountain shoes later today, although I suspect I'll wind up with either the SIDI Dominator or maybe something from Specialized. I have a wide foot, so the SIDI Mega fits me great.

bbarend

I have a couple of friends who swear by the ATAC. They love the extra float. We did some fairly muddy singletrack this weekend and they had no complaints. I run the Ritchey XTR copies. They shed mud fairly well, but the smaller amount of float limits foot postion.

Jim311

Time ATACs are flawless in the mud. In fact, I like them BETTER when the conditions are muddy because they're really easy to get out of.

khuon

One other thing to note is that ATAC cleats are made of brass and will eventually break/wear in through use. Clipping in and out should get easier over time. That said, I think you're right to an extent about higher-performance/stiffer-sole shoes being better with the ATACs. Also, if you're a lighter rider, the titanium spring upgrade from Stan's No-Tubes make the engagement/disengagement process much smoother and easier. You don't get that "snap" that tries to launch your foot off at the tail-end of the disengagement.

mightypudge

I picked up a pair of Specialized Pro Mountain shoes, *very* comfy.

a2psyklnut

Dude, you are soooooooo hooked!

Glad you like your new bike, pedals, shoes.

L8R

mightypudge

...and new job. Working at a bike shop is going to be sweet.

mindbogger

whats gonna happen to your 515??!?

mightypudge

I'm going to sell them since they only have about 15 miles on them.