Review: Time Speciale 8 Pedal

May 7, 2019
by Richard Cunningham  
time speciale 8 pedal


Time's latest pedal, the Speciale 8, has a mid-sized aluminum platform intended for aggressive trail riders. Its ATAC engagement system mirrors the very popular Crankbrothers design and they share a number of advantages over the various Shimano SPD clones, like a softer, more predictable release and extremely reliable engagement in muddy conditions.

Similar, but not the same, Time's version of the double-loop spring mechanism has proven to hold up better to rock smashes than Crankbrothers, and its release action is adjustable. On the flip side, Time's ATAC system requires a more directional entry than its closest rival.
Speciale 8 Details:
• Use: trail, enduro
• Aluminum platform, hollow alloy steel spindle, ATAC release mechanism
• Sealed ball bearing and DU-type bushing
• Micro-adjustable release-tension
• Reversible cleat: for 13 or 17 degree release angles
• 90 x 64 x 21mm platform
• Removable front pins
• Weight: 392g/pair (claimed)
• MSRP: $125 USD
• Contact: TIME


time speciale 8 pedal
I applaud Time's decision to include a release tension adjustment.
time speciale 8 pedal
You can raise or lower the front pins with a 2mm hex key.


Time's well constructed pedal body is 21mm thick. The shafts are alloy steel and well sealed. Two different cleats (easy and regular) provide release angles from 10 to 17 degrees. Optional pins for the forward section of the platforms are included, should you need a little extra security. Speciale 8 pedals weigh 392 grams (stated) for the pair without cleats and cost around $125 USD. Color options are anodized red, yellow or black.


time speciale 8 pedal
Reversing the ATAC cleats right to left alters the release angle from 17 to 13 degrees.


Trail Report

Time made the Speciale 8 as a smaller and less expensive alternative to its DH sized Speciale 12. The '8 is a little less than half the cost of the '12 and is proportioned about the same as Shimano's XT trail pedal - which is a good thing. As mentioned, Time's ATAC cleats are designed to be reversed, depending upon the rider's desire for a more prolonged 17-degree, or a quicker, 13-degree exit. If you move your feet around a lot on the pedals, I'd suggest you try the 17-degree standard position first. Reverse them if you favor a faster bail-out option. I used the 13 degree position. The dual-loop ATAC mechanism feels smooth and progressive, so I can anticipate the release and feel confident that I'm securely clipped in right up to that point.

Out of the box, my pedal's release tension was set up quite stiff. After a few days of riding, I was still fussing with entry and exits occasionally. I backed the two-millimeter hex screws out a half turn, which made a much greater difference than I anticipated, but addressed all of my grievances. I'm still riding the Speciale 8s and rarely give them a thought.

Pins are quite fashionable on "enduro certified" pedals and Time's '8 obliges with a pair of Allen grub screws on the front of each platform. I don't think that the front points are useful, as they seem to impede entry if they are set tall enough to make
time speciale 8 pedal
Cornering clearance is good, and I've whacked the crank arm more often than the pedal in the rocks.
contact with the sole of the shoe. I gradually lowered them until my entries were perfect - and noticed that the pins no longer contacted the shoe. Their purpose, as stated in Time's literature, is for added security when you're forced to pedal unclipped. In those instances, the Speciale 8's were on par with Shimano XT trail pedals and not quite as secure feeling as Crankbrothers Mallet E's.

I've been riding the Speciale 8 pedals on a Rocky Mountain that is notorious for wonking pedals in the rocks. I anticipated that the Time pedals would bear the brunt of the punishment, but they have been thriving well. Instead, it's the Rocky's crankarms that are taking the beating. I'll chalk that up to good pedal design and cornering clearance.

If I were asked to rate the Time's pedal-entry against leaders like Shimano's XT Trail and Crankbrothers' Mallet E, I'd say the 8's are on par with Shimano, and five percent behind Crankbrothers. On the opposite side, the release feels ten-percent better
time speciale 8 pedal
Speciale 8's are unaffected by sloppy mud, but still require a bit of a shove to clear hard-packed stuff.
than Shimano and five percent better than Crankbrothers. The edge over Crankbrothers is mostly due to Time's adjustable release. Once you've had the option, it's doubtful that you'll debate its value.

Will the 8's go the distance? I have had good luck with Time pedals in the past. These have been beaten up in the boulders and seen some off-season wet conditions, and they barely feel broken in. It will take a year, however, before I can compare their durability against the everlasting Shimano SPD or the mostly reliable Crankbrothers options. If something goes awry before then, I'll report it here.


Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesTime's Speciale 8 breaks a longstanding French tradition by offering a pro quality pedal for an attainable MSRP. The 8's performance is equal to or better than its two direct competitors, and it offers at least one essential feature that is missing from each. Aggressive trail riders or aspiring enduro types should consider the Speciale 8 the next time a pedal purchase comes up.—RC



Posted In:
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96 Comments
  • 55 2
 I have two pairs of TIME pedals. one are the orignal ATAC's from about 23 years ago ( I bought them on release day) and a pair of MX6's which are 3 years old. I only changed to get a bigger platform. The original pedals are on my hardtail and still in use.
  • 22 2
 god thats a long time
  • 9 2
 Also 2 pairs of TIME pedals owner here. One pair has 11 years another 8. Both absolutely amazing.
  • 14 2
 @Finnbharwylie: original bearings too
  • 16 1
 Ahoy there!

I’m also an owner of 4 pairs of TIME pedals. One of them, the DH version have seen the worst abuse as they’re installed on my “all mountain bike”. All pedals still hold perfectly, despite age or abuse (hey, I’ve still run those thermoplastic ones on my HT. The first pair a set of blue aluminum ones, are still running through the early 90’s!!!)
They work perfectly on dry, wet, mud and snow.
Also,
I have the impression that the Crankbrothers pedals copy the TIMES and not vice versa as the article claims… Please do check that!

UncaJohn
One more thing. Through the length of one of my favorite trails, at the southern slopes of Parnis mountain, I keep finding pieces of… Crankbrothers pedals! I am ridding this trail from 2001 and despite the hard conditions (rocks, roots and… rocks) m TIMES still work as new!
  • 25 1
 @uncajohn: Time ATAC's arrived a solid ten years (early-mid 90's; bought my first pair in '96) prior to Crank Bros Egg Beaters. TIME's durability blows Crank Bros away as well. I always say the French got wine, cheese and pedals right.
  • 11 3
 I still use a pair of Shimano 737 spd from 1993.
  • 8 1
 My shimano SPD pedals lasted a long time, but damn I like the ability to get in and out if I'm riding clipped, and nothing has out performed my TIMEs. 11 years and still good.
  • 4 1
 @hellbelly:
Well,
then i am too glad to see that i am right. My ATAC pedals are still in use. Despite my time-frame loss (!!!) i remember well why i tried them for the first time... Those Shimano's were completely unreliable when met terra firma's mud.
I remember one particular ride, near the rain season, when all my friends were either fighting to clip-in with their Shimano's or trying to clip-off, while stuck in mud pits!
Ha!

UncaJohn
  • 9 1
 Another person with 3 pairs of over a decade old ATAC pedals, all going strong!
  • 9 7
 @blitz66: Times are the bastion of old guys, cyclocross racers, weirdos or some combination thereof.
  • 3 0
 I also have several pairs. Four to be exact. All work well, but all have developed play in the body before long. Whatever bushings or bearings are in the ATAC MX pedals, they aren't awesome. But on the whole, the pedals are great.
  • 1 0
 Still have my m525 spd from 1992 (might be 93) - original bearings too.
Feelin' pretty old now...
  • 7 1
 Jesus, can I get a flat pedal with even a little bit of the reliability of these things?
  • 3 0
 Now if someone says they are still riding Onza pedals from the early 90's I will really be impressed!
  • 1 0
 Me too !!!! Old one got ugly but in working condition. But...easy to get out????
  • 2 1
 I too own incredibly old TIME pedals. I could not be more happy with the product. I have beaten the absolute crap out of them, and they have gone all over the country with me. I think we have an anniversary coming up!
  • 1 1
 @schlockinz:
Shimano SPD = 4°
TIME Atac = 13° / 17°
Crank Brothers = 15° / 20°

Your sentence is confusing...Shimano is easiest to clip in n out due to their smaller release angle.
  • 1 0
 I have some that are also about 15 years old. Still work perfectly.
  • 1 0
 I have 3 pairs still going strong.1 pair of z's on my MTB and thermoplastic atacs on my commuter.I replaced the plastic bushings with ones made from aluminium nickel bronze,they will probably outlast me.
  • 1 0
 got a fat mate, who hammered'em each time we ride! is there any weight restrictions?
hahahahaaaha
  • 1 1
 Count me as another that’s running a pair of Time ATACs past the decade mark. Just picked up a used pair of DH-4 pedals to see if I want to go back to clipless in my trail bike.

If the answer is “Yes” I’ll be buying the 8’s so thanks for the review. Dare I say it was... TIMEly?
  • 1 0
 @uncajohn: I don`t know if CranBros copies Time but they should if it`s not done yet.
I use Time pedals for about 10 years - Atac4 / Atac DH - and this is actually an american collegue in France who advised me Time pedals for their reliability and more... and he was totally right Smile
Nothing to complain about, they are truely bombproof and always efficient, despite all the abuses.

... not talking about the Crankbrothers pedals which are not bad but kind of fragile - the bearings` quality has nothing to do with Time as far as I`ve seen..
  • 1 0
 @motard5: That is just the angle for release not how easy it is to clip and unclip.
  • 1 0
 How is this possible that yours last so long? :O

Mine wears out about once a year (the holding prong/spring) or axles bend or snap, so something order of 400 hours of riding. I just went through 4 sets of used and broken time/mavic pedals, which I had stacked on lower shelf box to find those replacement parts.

Wouldn't change out from ATAC system regardless of wearing. So easy to clip on, so good mud clearance. Got them on trail, enduro and DH-bike. Speciale looks like a welcome update to series.
  • 1 0
 Time are the only pedals that I have used since I started MTB riding, which was in 1989. They work a treat and last astonishingly well. I had a set which I wore the steel springs down to about half way before they started to let go too easily, which was so long I'd forgotten when I bought them. Time forever for me...
  • 1 0
 @motard5: Its sometimes about how much you can move before you do po out...
  • 1 0
 I was looking at my 15 year old ATAC XS pedals, and decided it was Time to retire them. Ordered some Speciale's. In 23 years of riding Times, I've only had one break--they are the best built pedals in the world.
  • 1 0
 @motard5: Have you tried them all? I've owned all three and there is more to "ease of release" than just the angle.

Shimano's release has that "snap" feeling when you click out. Yes, it doesn't require as much angle, but for me it feels "sudden".

On Time's the feeling is much different. You feel that 13 or 17 degree "ramp", so as you apply pressure, the ramp engages the spring and you feel pressure increase until you are out. It's less of an abrupt "snap" out of the pedal.

I prefer the Time's for exactly that reason. When you couple the release with the natural float of the pedal... then you can get yourself into some gnarly off balance positions (say around a rocky corner) and have the "careful, you are about to release" feedback from the pedal, whereas on an SPD you might snap out in the same situation without any "stop it dumbass" warning.
  • 29 1
 man you're article is painful to read when you talk about CB !!! Time had already the ATAC system that CB wasn't even created !!!! Please !!! Don't reffer to Time like they copied on CB !!!! Specially when you think Time products are so much more reliable !!! Pretty much no warranty service on their pedals, can't say the same about CB !
  • 7 0
 Right - the way that the article was written could be interpreted to mean that CB was first with this design. They were not. I have a pair of ATACs that are a good 20 years old. And still frickin' work. ATAC is a legendary design. Of course, I also have an original pair of Shimano M737s that still work, too. Haha. Moral of the story - if you ride clipless, just buy Time or Shimano pedals. You won't be sorry.
  • 23 4
 Times have are my favorites when it comes to feel when clipping in, out and the float is decent. But that platform is useless. Shoe wobbles in all directions in all shoes but old Hellcats and pre 2010 Shimanos where cleats were recessed quite deep into the sole, so right now, effectively, you balance on a cleat. May as well have no cage. For example Recent Mallet DH can be fine tuned with pins and side spacers to make good contact with the bottom of the undersole making you stand like on a flat pedal.

Time system in Mallet DH cage would be super tits. Maybe @oneupcomponents can make the perfect clipless pedal
  • 3 1
 @WAKIdesigns Exactly. Times are otherwise bulletproof and IMHO a superior design to Crank Bros. I bought my first pair of ATAC's in '96 and they are still in service. I have owned multiple pairs over the years and have had zero failures during a ride (sure some have worn out, but never have I been stranded). They require NO MAINTENANCE, but I digress. Take an original ATAC model (non adjustable tension; which hold up better) spring and surround it with a Mallet E frame and you'd have the best clip in trail/enduro pedal on the market. The closest Time came to this were the Z-controls from 10+ years ago, but they lacked pins and were unnecessarily heavy.
  • 2 1
 On Shimano AM SPDs shoes - the ones with the Tunnel: I suppose the pins will maybe grip here?
Atleast on the side
  • 2 0
 @hellbelly:
I still run those!
I bought them because their platforms deflected the hard hits from the trail rocks, which otherwise would hit my shoes!

UncaJohn
  • 1 0
 100% in board with that.

Times MX platform was recessed enough you couldn't feel it. You are always Standing on just the clip. The CB platform would be amazing, with the time clip mechanism.
  • 3 1
 @NotNamed: the optimum would be taller flat platform with pins only for those who want more grip. When you screw the pins too far out you lose the rotational float which is fantastic for cornering. Shoe makers also should take note, add thickness to the sole, it is easier to fine tune the Cleat position in the shoe with shims than build thicker platform that fits all shoes. But Time system is ace, easier to clip into it and the release angle also feels better than CB. My hips and knees would be thankful too, fell quite a few times on tech climbs because I couldn’t clip out from CB as I couldn’t rotate the foot to reach the release angle because shoe was pushing against the crank arm. Never had a problem clipping out during bails on downs. On climbs, if I lose the balance to the left, I make good laughing material.

Also shoe makers, move cleat mounting 1cm further back. Most good riders I know put their cleats as far back as they can, to get as close to how they would place their feet on flat pedals
  • 2 0
 I glue little shims onto the ATAC platform for this exact reason. It's dumb that I need to do this, but I like everything else about the pedals so much that I persist.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: yeah, unclipping with the platform on CB is more difficult. However, I don't find myself midair coming unclipped unexpectedly with CB. With Time, that's happened more than once.
  • 2 0
 I never got along with clip pedals. Tried for a couple of years, had so many bad crashes. Then I tried platform pedals and it was a liberation. Never thought I would go back. Then I got myself a full suspension bike that was so much heaver that I expected the clip pedals would help me on the climbs. I got Time Z which I think are quite similar to what's featured here. They were probably more predictable than what I had before (Ritchey and Shimano) but it is never going to be as predictable as platforms. Soon enough I gave up on them so they're just collecting dust somewhere now. For clip pedals I do think they're probably the best I've tried but it just isn't for me. I'm impressed to see that there are people who can transition from clipped to platform and back without making stupid mistakes.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: it depends... clipless systems differ quite a lot from each other. Shimanos and Crank Bros are world’s apart. And you can tell that by silly arguments people make why which is better. It depends what you are after. HTs are in between closer to Shimanos and Times are closer to CB. Flat pedals of various types can be worlds apart too. Like old thick ones vs something like One Up. Pins alone will make lots of difference. Then you get the shoes... but as to switching often, the issue is simple: ride flats a lot. As to using clipless to improve climbing, I want to see the data on that. I will wait forever I am afraid... Personally, for tech climbing flats anywhere anytime. I use cleats for “downhill”. And for riding HT in the woods.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Good to know, cheers.
Im currently searching for a nice SPD shoe- with the 510s the pins should grab onto the soles- If I should ever need it.

Currently undecided between Hellcats or Shimano AM7/9 - the tunnel of the Shimanos seems nice and the cleat can be positioned far back.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I've never ridden with too many different clip systems and I don't really feel like. I would make a really bad bike journalist. I realize many people would like to try a bit of everything but I'd rather pick something that works just fine for me and stick with it. Even if there is something out there that would be marginally better. I don't care about margins. Back when I started mountainbiking people told me if I wanted to be good at it I needed to get clipped in. I wanted to be good so that's what I did. It just never worked for me. How easy it clips in or out depends a lot on the amount and consistency of the mud my pedals and cleats picked up. Eventually I just gave up and got me some nice concave platforms (some Eason Cully copies, or maybe just the same Wellgo without the Easton logo on it). All was good. The Time Z probably were much better for me than the Shimano or (or Ritchey branded Shimano copy) pedals I had in the early days. But I had just completely lost the instinct to twist my foot to (try to) release. Fear factor went up, fun factor went down. I could put the work in to maybe get along with these Time pedals but then again, there are much more relevant skills to put work into. If being clipped in would give you an advantage, it would probably just be marginally. And as said, I don't care about margins. I'd probably make a bad racer too. Bad racer, bad journo... Heck, what am I doing here?
  • 1 0
 @vinay: I just mean one cannot cross out clipless pedals judging by trying one system. That’s like most clipless riders who want to try to go back to flats. They put on some crappy shoes and pick old pedals, then whine they feet fall off all the time.
  • 1 0
 @privateer-wbc: It wouldn`t stop the CB bearings being crap though.... Wink
#madeofcheese
  • 1 0
 @number-6: not anymore. Latest breed is just as good as anything else. Update your data... you may also want to do research whether XTR pedals stopped desintegrating.
  • 18 2
 Crank Brothers are better? What crack are you smoking? They're garbage...
  • 11 1
 The only thing Time and CB share is the concept. Where Time makes a reliable tough pedal CB makes a pile of shit that threads into a crank arm. I rode CB for 500 yards and the flex and engagement points were so jacked that I walked back to my car put my Times back on and literally handed the CB pedals to a stranger in the parking lot. CB pedals are easily the worst bike related product I have ever experienced and are a top 10 worst product I have ever experienced, my kids have cut themselves on cheap toys from China and even some of those were better than CB pedals.
  • 11 0
 10% better release and 5% worse entry. Science, bitch!
  • 9 2
 Condom ad: Magnum 5.10 ...now with 10% better release and 5% worse entry
  • 8 1
 What a weird attempt to compare things
  • 1 0
 @thesharkman: No attempt...it was done. Not an opener...but a b-side at least Smile
  • 4 1
 Bought mx4s because of knee problems with spd and they are so good with the 17degree angle. Also way more freedom in general compared to spd. Even more free than murica, f*uck yeah.
With the right depth of the cleat channel, I don‘t miss anything on them. Not even the tension adjuster that I was used to from spd. With time pedals I don’t think it is necessary, because of the extended float. No accidental releases or similar.
  • 2 1
 "Even more free than murica" ??? Surely you jest. Ain't nothin' *that* free my friend.
  • 3 0
 Something I didn't consider until I experienced it: The pins might not touch the shoe normally when you clip in and out but when you land off a jump you'll be surprised how much a pair of shoes will flex and having that surrounding platform right there to contact the soles does a lot to disperse the pressure across a wider platform rather than concentrate it all into the small area of the cleat.
  • 2 0
 Thinking of going back to clipless after years flats where my last clipless experience was on decades old XC spds. This is the best comment I've read on this new style of platform with questionable pins that seems to mildly befuddle riders.
  • 3 0
 Ran all kinds of Mallets from 2005-2017. Snapped 3 spindles, bent at least 4, purchased countless rebuild kits (the old ones were extra fragile) and ended up running flat pedals a lot of the time. Got a pair of the Time Special 12s last season, have smashed them up real good and they're still purring like mules. Never going back to Crank Bros.
  • 3 0
 After blowing up about a 100 pairs of Crank Brothers pedals and ripping my ankle connective tissue to pieces from Shimanos that wouldn't release in the mud, I went to Times and have never looked back. Still prefer them over any other pedal i've tried.
  • 3 0
 I'm using Time pedals for a few years now. They've seen rocks and mud and still look good, no mess to clip in or out whatever the conditions. I'll stick to their system, definitely.
  • 2 0
 I can chime in here with my "my Time's have lasted for years bla bla bla" but I am not going to change anyone's mind about how they compare to SPDs and how the Crank Bros. factory needs to be set on fire for the crap they've been spewing out for the the last umpteen years.... but I won't.

I WILL say that after 20+ years of riding the traditional ATAC's, I decided to try out some of the platform style versions because I went to a softer soled shoe than allows for more "roll" that was not enjoyed. I think WAKI was referencing this is his post above. I ended up buying three different sets off Craigslist and PB Buysell. I now have a set of Speciale 12's ($125), a set of the Mavic version of the MX4's ($50) and a set of the old ATAC Z Controls ($50). Dollar to dollar, there is NO DIFFERENCE. A cheap set of MX4's will do the same job as the $280 set of Speciale's.

Yeah, the pins are "helpful" I guess, but I did not need them and ended up taking them out. I also never desired to adjust the spring tension on ATAC's. I am not saying the Speciale's don't have some nice features, but for the WAY HIGHER cost, they are not that amazing.

I am super glad I did not pay retail.
  • 2 0
 Rode flats for many years, five tens with dmr. Then the sole of my latest impact vxi got destoyed after 9 months. Switched to clips, cheap mx4 just to give it a go, shimano am5 shoe at black friday prices and after 18 months i m still using it. Enduro boy, with some dh trails and a couple of bike Park trips a year and i have nothing negative to say about it. I like to move / twist my outside foot for cornering, something i had never realised before using these, with 10 or 13 degrees you may have the ocasional unforced unclipped, i have reversed the clips to get 17 degrees to solve this and the float is just perfect.

Still miss my flats sometimes, but no way in hell i ll keep paying 100 € for 510 that last one year! I do ride a lot
  • 6 1
 Too bad I’m on flats now
  • 1 0
 Been on times since the very first ATAC and they just get better and better. Last were the mx8 and now on speciale 12. There is a noticeable size difference between all three but the rear pins on the 12 can actually be set to contact the shoe under pressure (if desired) whereas the 8 doesn’t have this option and depending where you set the cleat and the curve of your shoe the rear of the 8 platform may not even contact the shoe (the front on the 8 or 12 do not contact when clipped in). Given the choice or front or rear pins I’d have chosen the rear so when seeing the size difference of the 8 vs 12 and the 8 choosing front pins over rear I went with the 12. If you hunt around you can font them a lot cheaper than MSRP, either way though both are great pedals.
  • 1 0
 I went through four sets of Crankbrothers pedals ..the exposed spring on the bottom of the pedals would break on a rock strike . Broke two in one ride.
Has never happened with my four sets on TIME ATACS over several years...I’m convinced!
  • 2 1
 The one time I tried ATAC instead of CB I smashed them on a rock and broke the release mechanism, and couldn’t find spare parts.
  • 1 0
 @DrPete: You can get spare parts by contacting them online. I've done it twice, Parts were free i think for OLD pedals.
  • 1 0
 @laksboy: Wow, that’s good to know. Thanks. Looking more and more like time to try some Times.
  • 5 0
 Time pedals feel quite a bit better than Shimano pedals.
  • 4 0
 "mostly reliable Crankbrothers" : CB pedals are the only ones that need periodic rebuilds
  • 5 0
 Needing a rebuild every 6 months is a reliable schedule...right?
  • 1 0
 I probably have 4 or 5 pairs of times in my basement and just installed and rode my Speciale 8's last night. I did notice they were a bit tougher to exit and after reading the above I'll be hanking half a turn out of the release tension screw. I did love the way they engaged, very positive feeling. This is my first "trail" or "enduro" pedal and I really enjoyed them. Smashed them once on a rock, par for the course. I am wondering if it's worth switching to the 13 degree release set up...so much tinkering!!
  • 1 0
 Damn... been really liking my Mallets and the 12s were just to expensive for the experiment... might have to try these.

One question: I tried DH4s before and really liked them, until I smashed them on a rock and managed to kill one of the springs, at which point I learned that Time doesn’t really sell spare/rebuild parts. Did I not search enough, or are parts just not available?
  • 2 0
 you have to contact them directly for parts.
  • 1 0
 I've got at least 6 pairs of Time ATAC pedals. A couple at least 20 years old. I've had a couple where the pin that holds the spring comes loose and starts to work its way out. Is easily hammered back in with a rock, trailside if it comes all the way out (you'll know something's wrong before it falls out and gets lost on the trail), and then secured permanently with JB Weld in the garage. I have at least 2 pairs that have been fixed this way.
  • 1 0
 I too have many pairs of Time pedals in the garage, each with a broken bar on one side. But at least half of those pedals from years ago still work on one side! When they switched to the tiny inboard cartridge bearing that wears out after a only a few months, I finally switched back to SPD's. Now my ankles hurt.
  • 1 0
 I love the consistency of the Time ATAC system. The only con in my book, to ATAC is the thickness. They are slightly more prone to strikes that other pedals with a thinner profile. That said, I think I've been stuck in them once in the past 20 years. I have some sets from 2008 and 2011 that still work. I tried another popular brand recently and got stuck in them 2x in a few weeks time and fell over each time. Those suckers came off. Back to Times. My Especiale 8's are working like a charm!
  • 1 0
 Own four pairs of time pedals, after years of suffering on Shimano and breaking CB switching to time was a great decision for me. Entry is so much easier than either and release is just so predictable I never get stuck in. Maybe PB should have more than one person review a product because man I find them to be at least 43.7% easier to clip into than Shimano and 22.5% better than CB
  • 1 0
 Man there's a lot of CB hate here. I'm sure I won't change anyone's mind, but I just want to chime in and say that I've been running Candy's and Eggbeaters for the past decade, and I've had zero problems. They're easy to get in, easy to get out of, and the only failure I've had is the when I bashed one against a boulder.
  • 5 0
 Shinano pedals wouldve broken the boulder
  • 1 0
 Love time pedals, better in the gunk than all competitors back in the day so I stuck with them, have 3 sets of the old school aluminum, one Pair of the old Attack Z DH pedals, and some carbon MX.

The adjustment screw will be worth a new set, and this price point is much nicer than some recent. My carbon MX's have one side of one pedal that is a little looser than the other's. Wish I'd have returned them right off, but I assumed they're all "work in" and be consistant cause usually when u get "new" times they are super stuff/tight and you want to use old worn cleats for awhile till they break in and loosen up a bit...
  • 1 0
 I have ridden ATAC for 20 years and love my new DH4 pedals, but I have a new problem where each pedal has one side that works perfect and one side is pretty hard to get out of which forces me to look for the good side when I'm riding sketchy tech areas. The clips get hung and won't release very smoothly. Anyone else experience this?
  • 1 0
 Looks like a good replacement for my XTR 9120s that keep blowing seals out. Since October 2018, Shimano has warranted the spindles once and then replaced the pedals and the seals popped out on the first ride. A mechanic at my LBS has experienced the same issues as well.
  • 1 0
 Other riders always ask me why I ride Time pedals and I say, I've ridden everything else and they are the most natural feeling pedals made. I just bought a pair of these because of the tension adjustment, which my mx8s don't have.
  • 1 0
 Does anyone have any actual experience with the adjustment on these? I picked up a set and have been playing around with the adjustment screw - does turning the screw CCW make the tension lower? I don't feel a difference in my pedal, wondering if something is up.
  • 6 2
 Ain't nobody got Time for this.
  • 2 0
 I didn't grab no shoes or nothin'
  • 1 0
 I have 2 sets of TIME Z's ...must be pushing 15 years old?...zero doubt, more than 10 years old for sure

still smooth as silk.... replaced the cleats only 2 times


best pedal out there
  • 3 0
 Two types of people - those that LOVE Time's pedals and those that haven't tried them. End of!
  • 1 0
 @apartmentwhale true dat
  • 1 0
 Ive bought the Speciale 12 for 100€ new- the build quality is way above all other brands... And the feel is way more firm.

One of the best buys
  • 2 0
 Crankbrothers' first product was the stolen Time ATAC design, and CB of course made it worse: less dependable and fragile.
  • 1 0
 The Speciale 8 only comes in black and orange. But I’m not complaining because I wanted orange.
  • 1 0
 Coming in at only a single big mac, that's half of a mac per foot! Incredible!
  • 1 0
 Looks good and sounds reliable, but doesn’t seem to play nice with mud Frown
  • 1 0
 Time pedals rock
  • 3 3
 I would rather die







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