Skip to main content

Time Atac MX4 pedals


Clipping in to Time’s Atac pedals is very straightforward indeed thanks to the ramped trailing edge of the composite body which really helps to guide the cleat into the binding mechanism. The design affords a choice of 13° and 17° release angle. Disengagement was found to be rather tricky at times in either setting, but particularly in the 17° orientation as the release tension was quite unpredictable.

Sometimes the shoe would disengage with very little force and sometimes far more force was required. This was down to the position at which the cleat was engaged into the pedal. The design allows a little lateral float and it is possible to clip in at different lateral positions on the pedal. The result is a rather unpredictable feel on disengagement. This can be anywhere from annoying to dangerous, but we did get more used to it as we got more familiar with the pedals. Looking past this, the platform is nice and broad, and fairly supportive, providing comfort and stability when clipped in and decent traction if you should miss when clipping in and need to ride out a section unclipped. The bearings fell okay after our test period too. Unfortunately the inconsistent release tension is a real issue for the MX4s and makes them hard to recommend.

Easy engagement and a supportive cage but we aren’t fans of the variable release tension

Weight 384g

Price 90$ 


Labels

Popular posts from this blog

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

READ MORE >>

Chromag HiFi 35 (50mm) stem

This is a seriously solid stem. Chromag use 5mm Allen bolts throughout, which makes it that bit easier to fit because you don’t have to swap tools. Once torqued up to the recommended 6-8Nm, it clamps both steerer and bar solidly, with no appreciable flex. We couldn’t get it to twist on the steerer, either in our static test or when riding. It’s also available in a 35mm length and three other colours. At 204g the HiFi is the heaviest stem on test by some margin, despite being one of the more expensive offerings here. Price $112

READ MORE >>

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

READ MORE >>

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>