I've always used Shimano M520 pedals on my fixed gear bikes. Lately, one of the pedals un-clips at the most inopportune moments despite being tightened down to the max. So now it looks like it's time to replace them (the cleats are new). Having said that, I've heard good things about Time Atac pedals and have been curious about trying them. Does anyone have any thoughts on them, and which model to start with? Or any suggestions for other clipless pedals, for fixed gear (street) riding? I guess I'm just ready to try something different.

Thanks.

while i have no direct comparative experience with the shimano mtb pedals, ive been using the aliums for about a month now, i definitely like them.

solid engagement, ive never come unclipped when i didnt want to. nothing to adjust unless you want to change the unclip angle from 13-17º (which simply means reversing which cleat goes on which shoe)

while i prefer my shimano road cleats for most rides because they cut down on the float, im definitely a believer in mtb pedals and shoes now.

i have a set of issi pedals which are similar to the shimano mtb pedals ill be trying out once my latest project is complete so i guess i could give better input then

TL;DR

they are good. i like them. you should buy some.

look on ebay, the newer pedals are more expensive and i snagged a barely used set with a barely used set of shoes for less than $100

Solid, I still keep a couple pairs if I ever choose to use them again. I don't like the brass cleats because they wear out if you end up walking around in the shoes a lot.

I ride Time ATACs. I have three different models on three bikes: the Aliums, the ROC Carbon, and the newer XC. The first two have the old round section springs, while the last has the rectangular section springs.

There's no difference whatsoever between these pedals apart from the weight. I wouldn't be able to tell them apart without looking down. There are comments on the internet about the rectangular section springs wearing faster, but I have not personally experienced this.

I quite like these pedals. They have never unclipped unintentionally and never jammed due to mud. They clip in positively with a click, and unclip easily. The cleats have two release angles depending on which cleat you put on which shoe. I use the harder to release setting. There is plenty of float in the pedals. This is not the soap-bar type of float you get on Speedplay pedals. There is some friction when you rotate through the range of the float, but within this range there is no spring centering. Once you reach the edge of the float range, you begin to feel the spring, and pushing further, you clip out.

After years of use, my pedals are all still going ok. They have dustcaps which you can unscrew to access the bearings for service, though I have never done so. The left pedal in my XC set has developed some play and will require service soon. These are about four years old and are my newest pair. The other two pairs are solid. I'm not sure if this is coincidence or due to the newer bearing design being weaker.

I replace my cleats at the same time as my shoes. As the sole wears, the cleat becomes exposed and wears with the sole. Once the sole is sufficiently worn, a new cleat would protrude significantly and wear quickly when walking. I don't know if Shimano steel cleats can take this kind of abuse, but the Time brass cleats wear immediately if you walk on them. That said, I have never had to replace cleats before wearing out a pair of soles.

Edit: I just went over to my bikes to look at the pedals. The Aliums, despite being years older, are definitely doing better at the bearings. I'd stick to this proven and cheap model and be done with it.

Edit 2: I went to the Time site and it looks like they are no longer selling the Aliums. Oh well.

i bought some aliums about a year ago. it was my first forray into clipless fixed riding. so far so good and don't feel the need to try anything else. Had to get new cleats about a month ago, but I was wearing a pair of Chrome SPD shoes that I wore and walked in a lot. The brass is nice because it wears with the sole as Yamn said and doesn't constantly click when walking which is nice. Would highly recommend buying a used pair for cheaper and giving it a shot.

Another vote for time atac pedals. I run them on a few bikes. They work great.

Great pedals no issues
Have had mine for 3 years
I went to Time atac after I broke the spindle on my crankbrothers

Go for the Time or try Mavic, its the same pedals. Mavic just put their logo on the Time pedals.
I myself have CX2 on my Fixed Gear though both the SPD and the Eggbeater unclipped unintentionally.

+1 for time atac love mine on road bike, going to move them and/or buy another pair for fixed

I have ridden time atacs in the past, and likes them. They were a step up from the crank bros i was using at the time.

However, are you sure you are using the right cleats? SH51 will only release when twisting out, SH56 will release if pulled hard enough.

I have never had fresh SH51 cleats pull out of old pedals. Perhaps I just haven't worn any pedals down enough.

Ignore if you are aware of this.

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Eddie Bunker was the youngest prisoner ever sent to San Quentin.