Riders (often ones with dodgy knees) in pursuit of more ‘float’ when riding tend to favour the Time system – of lateral bars to clip into – when choosing their pedals. Being something that’s personal to ride style it sparks hours of debate, but it’s fair to say that having a wider angle of entry makes it easier to get into the pedal.
With a relatively wide platform, the ATAC offers good support, especially if you ride with a more flexible shoe. Combined with its ability to remain unbothered by sticky conditions (clipping your foot into place should push any mud out from under the bar) the pedal is ideal for day-long epics or dirty races that include hike-a-bike sections and uncertain terrain.
The open design will shed mud quickly
At 288g a pair, the XC 8’s drop 50g compared to its ATAC XS Carbon predecessor. This weight saving is enough to make the ATAC’s weight competitive with the likes of CrankBrothers' Eggbeater 3’s and better than Shimano’s elite-level XTR 980’s.
The spring tension and foot release angle are separately adjustable, enabling you to fine-tune your resistance. We’ve found the axle and bearings rock-solid and smooth through rough conditions.
Arriving in a tin, the Time ATAC XC 8 Carbons are all quality
The wide angle of release takes some getting used to and can give false releases when you think your foot is ready to dab and it’s not. This wide and smooth float can feel a little uneasy, with one tester noting that the bike felt disconnected when in the air or steering the bike though corners.
Further to this, we experienced some vertical movement between the cleat to pedal interface – not a huge deal, but something that may bother the discerning cross country racer trying to conquer the steepest climbs.
