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Reviews
Time Z-Pedals - Stability at a price
By Paul Mirtschin
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It has been a long time since Time announced that they would be releasing a platform pedal using their ATAC (Auto Tension Adjustment Concept) cleat system, but the wait has been worth it.
Designed to take the ATAC system to the downhill and freeride crowd, the aluminium bodied pedal manages to not only work, but comes in weighing 60 grams less than it's rival, the Shimano 646 pedal. And unlike the 646 you get a choice of two pedals, the standard black Z Pedal and the slightly nicer looking Z-Control.
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Having run both the Time and Shimano pedal systems in the past, with the Shimano system in both the XC and platform guise, I was looking forward to seeing just how well the ATAC system transferred across to the platform design. I wasn't ready, however, for just how well it has worked out. Clipping in gives you the feeling that you are really clipped in, a sound "snap" can be both heard and felt; there are no thoughts of "am I clipped in or not?" And the stability the platform gives is second to none.
Initially running the Z Pedal, I was curious to see the differences between the Z Pedal and Z Controls. A quick call to the Australian distributors had some landing on my desk. Straight out of the box, the Z Controls are so much nicer to look at, with the machined surface, grey paint and nice little plastic Time logo. However, that is the only difference. Weight is the same, as is the action.
Having run Time ATAC's before, I felt right at home, so it was off into the wide, blue yonder to see just how stable these platforms are.
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I was very surprised. Having run a number of variation of the Shimano 545/646 design, including cheap knock-offs, the stability of the Z's was very comforting. You knew when you were clipped in, and felt safe that you would not clip out accidentally. Engagement of the newly designed cleat into the pedal came easier than it ever had with the other pedals, and in those moments where you don't clip in, the recessed area of the cleat sat nicely on the ATAC rails ensuring your foot wouldn't slip off. The new cleat also offers the choice of 13° or 17° release angles for easier release.
Engagement in muddy conditions was just as good as it is with the standard ATAC pedals, nothing less than perfect. In fact, I have not had a moment where I could not clip in cleanly; mud, dust, grit - nothing seems to worry the pedals.
And these pedals are solid; they take a rock-bashing in their stride, hardly flinch at being ground on concrete, and the protective plate ensures that the ATAC mechanism is protected from damage at all times. And the pedals need no adjustment whatsoever, just bolt them onto the cranks, fit the cleats, clip in and ride.
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I only have two bugbears about the pedals; price and noise. These are not a cheap pedal, and I feel that will slow sales somewhat. But they are worth the money if you want dependable performance from a clipless platform pedal.
And they squeak. The rubber seals protecting the axel from dirt and water entry will squeak when used in damp conditions. This isn't a problem while off-road where there is a lot of other noises, but on the long road slog home, the noise does get a little annoying.
If you run ATAC pedals already, and want a clipless platform pedal, then these should be on your next shopping list. But if you are a SPD user, start saving your money, as you will soon be forking out for new pedals on all your bikes, and matching cleats to fit to all your shoes; it will get expensive.
Photos
Images by Paul Mirtschin/Cyclingnews.com
- Looking down on the Z-Pedal
- Profile of the Z; note the protection for the rails
- A pair of Z-Control pedals
- Beautiful innit?
- Both sides of the new cleats
- A close-up of the new cleat
- The new groove does its job well
Recommended retail price: US$99.00 (Z-Pedal), US$119 (Z-Control)
Pro: Strong, stable, adjustment-free
Con: Price, squeaking noise
More information: Time Sport's website
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