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Time Z Pedals

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# of Reviews 66
Average Rating 4.52/5
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Description:The newest offroad pedal from Time, ideally suited to freeride/DH conditions with the reassurance of a wide, stable platform. Pedal internals are identical to the proven Time Alium, with easy entry and release, adjustable float, and a minimum of moving parts for excellent performance in any conditions, even mud! The large alloy platform surrounding the pedal provides lots of area for foot support, and the cromoly axles are built tough for serious abuse!


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    Submitted by gaterose a Cross Country Rider from Tuscaloosa, AL
    Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Sokol
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $90.00
    Purchased At:eBay
    Strengths:Platform for riding without cleats
    Weaknesses:Very stiff spring, platform not very comfortable without cleats
    Similar Products Used:Candy C, XT PD-M770
    Bike Setup:Orign 8 RPG, XT Group, SID Race
    Bottom Line:Despite the great reviews here, I did not like these pedals at all. They seemed like a great idea because of the platform, however platform hurts my feet pretty badly after a couple hours of riding with regular shoes because of the clipping mechanism poking into the sole (i.e. ruined a pair of new balances). The pedals look great but have no adjustibility and caused me to wreck a couple of times due to my inability to unclip in emergencies. These pedals would probably be great if the spring could be loosened a little bit, but I found the spring was so tight it was hard to even clip in, much less get out. The XT pedals are MUCH easier to get in and out of and even the Candys were easier than this though still too stiff. The pedals were a huge let down especially when the price is taken into consideration.
    Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

    Submitted by daleksic a Weekend Warrior from Kissimmee, Florida
    Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Santos, Ocala
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $90.00
    Purchased At:Blueskycycling.com
    Strengths:Awesome pedal, solid, strong construction
    Weaknesses:Heavy, no adjustments
    Bike Setup:08 Rockhopper Custom
    Bottom Line:I heard these pedals are the best out there so I bought them. I never regretted their price tag and am overall happy with them. Swap the cleats and get more float. Can't get easier than that.

    A couple of complaints though (with nothing to compare them to), I have no fine adjustment. I need to be able to unclip in a crash (which I didn't several times) like during skiing, you want to separate from the equipment. It's too heavy, I'd pay a lot more for Lightweight version of these, maybe titanium or carbon in a platform.

    It would be interesting to have a version where you can only clip in on one side. Because of my crashes in the past I do now unclip in certain situations just in case i don't make it. Or just have an escape adjustment...

    Overall these pedals are great. However, because of the missing escape feature the overall rating doesn't deserve outstanding.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by aaron98433 a Weekend Warrior from pacific northwest
    Date Reviewed: July 5, 2008
    Favorite Trail:any good singletrack
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Price Paid: $90.00
    Purchased At:bike shop, North Car
    Strengths:-Very sturdy and resistant to damage from crashes
    -Wide/flat design mimics standard pedals making it possible to ride even if you don't have your shoes
    Weaknesses:None, extra weight if your a gram junkie
    Similar Products Used:This has been my first and only set of clip ins
    Bike Setup:IronHorse Sinister 19" frame full suspension with Shimano Shifters/Brake levers, upgrades to derailleurs (Deore XT) and drive train. Hayes H2 Mechanical discs, 26" wheels
    Bottom Line:This is my first set of clip ins and would never have it any other way; these are bomb proof and have held up perfect; they never come loose and are fairly easy to clip in to considering they are only 2 sided and easy to get out of; hard crashes will normally "knock you out of the pedals" so you can escape worse inury. Highly recommend a set of these for just about anyone who doesn't mind a few extra ounces for a truly long lasting set of pedals that will never fail.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Luke Becker a Weekend Warrior from Portland, Or.
    Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
    Favorite Trail:Fisher Creek
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Price Paid: $80.00
    Purchased At:Universal Cycles
    Strengths:Very solid system. Used by heavy guy (230#) for over three years, virtually no maintainence.
    Weaknesses:Slicker than snot with city shoes.
    Similar Products Used:Shimano clipless some number?
    Bike Setup:Kona Dawg Primo, DHX 5.0, Marz FR SL.
    Bottom Line:Great for mountain use. Tough, reliable, but cleats do wear quickly. I replace 2x per year. Bearings\bushings excellent useful life. Three years and nearly no maintainance. Not recommended for 'city' shoe use. My shins will attest. Do squeak after 20 or so miles riding, a little lube on rubber bushings cures problem, but really annoying when you have 10 miles to go!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by motormonkeyr6 a Downhiller from Grant
    Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $20.00
    Purchased At:Friend
    Strengths:Durable, positive engagement and disengagement
    Weaknesses:Alittle on the heavy side... I thought my Mallet C's were porky
    Similar Products Used:Mallet C's, Mallet 1's, Shimano SPDs
    Bike Setup:06 7point, 888RC, Roco RC, Saint Brakes
    Bottom Line:After riding Crank Bro's for almost a year I made the switch to Time Z's. Crank bro's took a considerable ammount of pressure to clip in and there was alot of float (even with Skate SPD shoes)

    The Times are sick, I dont get the same *click* feeling once Im in the pedals. Alot less float which for DH and FR I enjoy, so when you crash the bike goes one way and you go the other. While with the Mallets because of the float you stay clipped into the bike and fly down the hill attached to your 45lb beast.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by chaindirt a Weekend Warrior from OC
    Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008
    Favorite Trail:5 Oaks
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $60.00
    Purchased At:web
    Strengths:positive click in and out. Good platform when not clipped in. Mud and crud on shoe/pedal dont affect clip.
    Weaknesses:lacks tension adjustment of spd. requires a definite effort to clip in (vs. spd on lowest tension).
    Similar Products Used:mid range shimano spd's
    Bike Setup:stumpy
    Bottom Line:Nice large platform to ride on those descents when you rather be unclipped. Not easy to accidentally clip in while descending. Would recommed to spd riders looking for a platform style pedal because they are not as affected by mud,etc.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Cyrille ARNAUD a Weekend Warrior from France
    Date Reviewed: January 31, 2008
    Favorite Trail:All Mountain
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $45.00
    Purchased At:France - Culture Vélo
    Strengths:- Strong! Very strong!!! No matter rocks that you to meet and blows that you put to them!!!
    - Easy "clips" even in mud
    Weaknesses:Maybe heavy 530g for two pedals... :) But I know now that between 100g and a brilliant solidity, I chose the solidity!!!
    Similar Products Used:Only non clips pedals
    Bike Setup:- Prophet L 2006
    - XTR 2007
    - Fox 36
    - RS Pearl 3.3
    - Magura Louise carbon 2008 180/160
    Bottom Line:Just one thing... LIFETIME WARRANTY!!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Thomas Bommarito Bommarito a Weekend Warrior from San Jose CA
    Date Reviewed: December 30, 2007
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $100.00
    Purchased At:Trail Head Cyclery
    Strengths:wide platform. these are my first clipless pedals, and so far they're great, but i have nothing to compare it to. everythings pretty good.
    Weaknesses:nothing important (except maybe not being able to unclip your foot once you've already been embarrassed by falling over on the side of the trail...)
    Similar Products Used:none - first clipless pedals
    Bike Setup:stock diamondback response sport
    Bottom Line:i like the wider platform, very nice for my first time with clipless, though could've had a bit more grip when unclipped. of course, its not bad at all when its dry, and your not wearing skate shoes. the price at the store was more than i expected, but so far its been worth it. very sturdy too.

    overall great pedals for first time clipless people.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ryan a Weekend Warrior from CA
    Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $51.00
    Purchased At:performance
    Strengths:lighter than my old shimano 747's. Great engagement feeling.
    Weaknesses:n/a so far
    Similar Products Used:Shimano PD-M747
    Bike Setup:Voodoo Bizango
    Bottom Line:These pedals are great. I've been eyeing them for a long time. I wanted to try out Time's pedals, but wanted to stick with a platform. I got an awesome price from Performance and I couldn't pass it up. They came in at 524g. My old PD-M747's were like 630-something I think. It's not like I got these to shave grams, but it is a nice benefit.

    I love the feeling of these when I click in and out. It's super smooth. I had it set to the light exit angle, but may move it to the higher angle. Released very easily, but had no worries that it would come loose on it's own.

    Plus they match my new XTR cranks! =P
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Rico a Cross Country Rider from KY
    Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $70.00
    Strengths:Everything
    Weaknesses:weight
    Bike Setup:Full suspension KHS race bike
    Bottom Line:Strong like King Kong is all I can say. I"ve put in hundreds of miles with these pedals, clipped rocks and roots and they still turn just fine. It's nice having the platform for rough aggressive riding. I race XC and ride nothing but single track and have no problems clipping in or out in all conditions including mud. I don't care much for the wieght but that's OK, the extra protection they add under my feet and Tuff as nails design wins me over.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Rob a Weekend Warrior from Houston, TX
    Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
    Favorite Trail:Memorial Park
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $65.00
    Purchased At:PricePoint
    Strengths:These are awesome pedals. When looking at pedals online, these got my attention because they are platforms, they are not too expensive, they got better reviews than crankbrothers and they are not made by shimano. I have to say, these are the perfect pedals for me. They are extremely easy to clip in and out of, and they are easy to get used to after not having clipless pedals. They provide sufficient surface area for the foot and are not too heavy. They were only a little heavier than my friends LOOK road pedals. I don't know what the people who thought they are heavy are talking about.
    Weaknesses:After a while, I had a little bit of trouble clipping in to the right pedal. It would take me four or five tries to get it in. Since I was riding on the road, it wasn't a big deal, but on the trail, this would have been horrible. However, the problem went away after I started being more deliberate in my attempts and clipped into the right pedal first.
    Similar Products Used:None, these are my first clipless pedals.
    Bike Setup:06 Marin Bolinas Ridge. Almost completely stock, but I'm working on it.
    Bottom Line:I have ridden these pedals a total of about 210 miles. 200 of those are on the road and 10 are on the trail. Overall, their performance has been great on both. They are realatively inexpensive and are strong as well. Buy these pedals. They are not too heavy and you will never hve to worry about where your feet are again. I will update in a year.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Condro a Downhiller from NorCal
    Date Reviewed: January 11, 2007
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Strengths:Good float. Pedal platform prtects the clip mechanism, making them very relialbe.
    Weaknesses:A little on the heavy side. If the outer platform breaks there is a major lose of pedal feel and stability.
    Similar Products Used:Crank Bros., Shimano
    Bike Setup:661 and Shimano shoes.
    Bottom Line:These pedals are sweet until they break. If you are hard on pedals like myself you might break them
    Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Peter a from Houston
    Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Weaknesses:Broken springs. I sent these in with an RA# 6 months ago. When I call, I get a machine every time. Calls and emails go unanswered. I'm not sure I'll ever see those pedals again.
    Bottom Line:Nonexistant customer service.
    Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Terry Reis a Weekend Warrior from England
    Date Reviewed: October 16, 2006
    Favorite Trail:7Stanes - Kirroughtree - Red/Black
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $80.00
    Purchased At:Can't Remember
    Strengths:Positive click in and positive click out. You know if your clipped in or out. Being able to ride some sections unclipped.
    Weaknesses:None
    Similar Products Used:Shimano SPD's
    Bike Setup:Trek EX9 2006
    Bottom Line:I never really got on with Shimano SPD's, great when clipped in but I always felt that clipping out was un-reliable. Sometimes you clipped out clean and sometimes not. Which caused the normal stupid tipping over hilarity.

    The Time pedals have been much better. It actually takes a bit more force than Shimanos to unclip but the action is more positive. Clipping in is much easier as long as you leave enough clearance at the front of the cleat (seems to need a bit more than shimanos).

    I like the fact that I can unclip and still pedal. It is not entirely comfortable when unclipped but usable. I have not had any problems with them clipping back in accidently when using them unclipped, I guess it will happen occasionly but hasn't yet.

    My friends who all run flatties hate these pedals cause the don't get the chance to laugh at me when I fall over at traffic lights and junctions any more.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Roger a Cross Country Rider from Florida
    Date Reviewed: May 10, 2006
    Favorite Trail:Trout Creek Area
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $70.00
    Purchased At:Cambria
    Strengths:Strong, large platform for those used to riding them. Easy clip in, well sealed bearings, pedal and forget it in mud and sand.
    Weaknesses:Clip out is harder, IF, one has major toe out in your feet, crooked leg bones, bad knees or ankles combined with geometry issues can make it difficult without tweaking the cleats.
    Similar Products Used:Azonic A frames, Sun Ringle Zu Zu's, WTB Grease Guards, various crummy wellgo platforms, Power Grip Straps,Time Aliums.
    Bike Setup:Iron Horse Warrior Aniki Free Ride, lightened and set up as a single speed. Iron Horse Hard Tail, set up as a two speed with Pauls Tensioner shifting to two front rings.
    Bottom Line:Having a pedal on a heavy high crank bike, that gives you some flat after clipping out, is a must in my opinion. Sometimes riding clipped out IS the best way to ride. I had major problems clipping out on Times until I filed the cleats down, and modified one shoe to deal with severe, nearly 45 degree toe out on my right foot, and ankle issues from previous damage. Times are good for holding a bad knee and ankle in place and letting them float enough to survive a ride. A bike with chainstays that are as wide as those on a Free Ride, wuith toe out can cause heel strike and clip out problems can be a real issue. Its not just the pedal, its the personal geometry. Its easy enough to use a dremel tool and open up a little space in the slots to rotate the cleat enough to get that crooked foot to be able to heel out enough for release. Its easy enough while test riding on NATURAL TRAIL conditions, to file the cleat for better release. Take a file along with you. If like me its still an issue, pedal extensions can allow more float without heel strike, and heel strike, WILL get in the way of clip out in an emergency. Knee Savers can be ordered to extend the pedal spindle out from the crank arms. If leg geometry is the problem, there are solutions.

    I love the pedals, and in fact like those brass cleats because one can file them. Its not just the pedals, look at the feet, cleat angle on the shoe, how much restriction a previous injury can put on clipping out, and use tools if you have too.

    Sure, perhaps filing that rear cleat edge a bit will cause them to wear out faster and is not factory recommended. I am more worried about my knees and riding till I drop than buying cleats. Extending the pedals out from the crank arms and filing can can get rid of bad heel strike and be easier on the legs. Change in body geometry will affect clip out. DO NOT FILE the cleats until you ride the pedals a lot. Times are better than most of them. Even a Platform with studs can hold a fragile leg in the wrong position for long enough to hurt you. Times are great, if they are set up right. We are not all built the same.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jason a Cross Country Rider from Tucson, Az, USA
    Date Reviewed: April 23, 2006
    Favorite Trail:the dirt ones
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $100.00
    Purchased At:LBS
    Strengths:Easy in/out, durable, stable platform, lateral and rotation float.
    Weaknesses:A little heavy, and the brass cleats wear fast, but they make entry/exit so smooth.
    Similar Products Used:eggbeaters, ATAC alium
    Bike Setup:Fisher 29er FS w/ goodies
    Bottom Line:These pedals were my intro to clipless, and I have since tried shimano and eggbeaters, and then came back to Time. The lateral and rotational float is great for my bad knee, and it feels so natural. The independent springs keep me from coming unclipped when every little rock kicks up underneath (unlike the eggbeaters). They are also much easier to clip in and out of than the shimano style. The big platforms are great for when my wife wants to ride around the neighborhood, and I don't want to change shoes. They are on the heavy side, but I am a 240lb clydesdale and a few extra grams is well worth all of the benefits. I have abused these plenty, and they have held up great. These are great durable, multi-purpose pedals, but don't bother if you like to count grams.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jonathan a from Kennesaw, Ga
    Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $104.00
    Strengths:Platform design makes clipping in easy. Great for first-time users of Clipless pedals.
    Weaknesses:None so far.
    Bottom Line:These were my first clipless pedals and were so easy to get in and out. My only problem (human problem) was realizing that you need to unclip before you come to a complete stop (I did the usual falling on my side).

    If you are looking for your 1st pair of clipless pedals then I recommend you get these before anything else.

    You don't have to think about which way the pedal is turned for clipping in because the platform does that for you. The less you have to think about the pedal the more you can look up at the trail.

    Also if you happen to wreck hard(which I have done a few times), you will unclip. This only happened to me when I went over the handle bars (which was fun).
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Condro a Downhiller from NorCal
    Date Reviewed: February 5, 2006
    Favorite Trail:Madrone
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Purchased At:Stolen from Steve Wentz
    Strengths:solid construction, with ramps on the pedal to protect the downward facing mechanism to avoid acidental release. Good float and feel for the pedal while clipped in too.
    Great mud clearing.
    Weaknesses:I have bent a few axles, but it has always been on rock that I probably shouldn't hit any way. Brass cleats wear fast, but they are smooth in and out of the pedal.
    Similar Products Used:Shimano platform clip, Crank Bros. Mallet
    Bike Setup:661 launch shoes
    Bottom Line:If you are a Downhiller who likes to pedal or has a low BB, these might be the pedal for you. I tend to hit the bottom of my pedals a lot and in other pedals I have had problems with accidental release. Each bar on the clip is independant of the other so your feet stay in unless you rotate to the release.
    Also if you are looking for a pedal with a real natural float and smooth release and entry, these could be you.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Bro a Weekend Warrior from Croatia
    Date Reviewed: October 6, 2005
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $80.00
    Purchased At:Maraton
    Strengths:-solid construction
    -maintanance free
    -automatic tension adjustment
    Weaknesses:-not so much grip when unclipped, especially if wet
    -cleat bolts, made from soft material
    Similar Products Used:Shimano 515
    Bike Setup:Elan Tempter (hardtail)
    Bottom Line:Time's engineers did quite a job. Just install it and forget about them. No greasing,no worrying when you hit rock in full speed, or when in deep mud...

    What makes these pedals so special is the tension adjustment. Construction provides easy unclipping if you want it. But also it gives so much confidence when you push(and pull) hard.

    About shoes that will fit pedals: choose between those with rubber soles. Like Specialized Rockhopper. Otherwise there will be slipping(carbon racing XC shoes are no-no for these pedals).
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jennifer a Cross Country Rider from Albany, NY
    Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
    Favorite Trail:depends on conditions
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Strengths:Mud has never affected the performance of these pedals. The platform is great when you're starting on an uphill grade--you can concentrate on getting up the hill and worry about clipping in later.
    Weaknesses:None.
    Similar Products Used:Standard Time ATAC pedals
    Bike Setup:2004 Jamis XC Comp -- all stock components except pedals; pedals previouisly on Kona hard tail
    Bottom Line:I recommend the Time Z pedals for anyone using clipless pedals for the first time. They made getting used to clipless pedals much easier, as I could unclip on technical areas to reduce chances of pedal-related falls. I don't have to unclip on technical areas any more, but I still like the platforms as they give me stability and confidence before I get clipped in.

    This is probably true for most or all clipless pedals: Make sure your cleats straight when you put them on your shoes. If they are twisted, it's harder to get out of your pedals.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Brian Buell a Racer from North Richland Hills, Tx
    Date Reviewed: June 3, 2005
    Favorite Trail:Urban
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Purchased At:Mechanic at LBS
    Strengths:Wide platform, no guessing if your in or out, simple no nonsense, extremely low maintenance, very strong
    Weaknesses:could be a little cheaper, slippery when just standing on pedal (not clipped in).
    Similar Products Used:Time ATAC Carbon, Time ATAC, Time ATAC Z and Z Control (machined version)
    Bike Setup:Specialized P.1 SRAM x.9 Trigger Drivetrain, Truvativ Hussefelt Cranks 28/38/BG.
    Bottom Line:Outstanding Pedals. I've been a Bicycle Tech for 7 years now, and I have yet to find a better pedal that fits my needs than TIME. The Z is a freerider's dream, if they want to be clipped in that is. It's so low maintenance. I have been riding mine for 2 years now, both sets, and have never touched the bearings once, still don't have to, though I know they should be replaced, I just like to test everything to their absolute limit. I have dropped off 11 foot ledges onto flat grass or concrete multiple times, some sketchy landings, but the pedals keep on going. Offroad they rock. Yeah, they can hold onto you if you crash, but thats not one of my concerns, to those that this is a concern, just keep that in mind. You won't find any pedal as simple as the TIME ATAC system, the spring is the binder, no extra parts. Yes, they are heavy, but come on now this pedal is great for someone that wants stability, who is a clydesdale, or a free rider. For those of you that are weight wheenies, just buy the normal ATAC and keep your biznitchin' about weight elsewhere. Yes, they are not stable when not clipped in, but you know what that means.. He who is not one with bike, will not clip in at start. If you have trouble trying to ride these as a platform when not clipped in because something got you in the trail and you stopped, fell over, tree reached out and grabbed you, work on your balance, track stand, etc. it will keep you going better and allow you to clip in faster and know your bike better.

    Bottom Line: Freakishly awesome pedal, I have given it a lot of abuse, not much dirt, mostly urban, but they keep on going. There is no question if your in or out. Easy in/easy out. No actual moving parts except for the spring which is the binder. Extremely low Maintenance. But not for weight wheenies. If you want a solid no nonsense pedal that you clip in and forget about, this is the pedal for you. If you want a pedal that needs as much adjustment as an early S.I.D. fork, then look elsewhere, these are too simple for you and too heavy.