Time ATAC XC 8 | 2018 Pedal Review

The ATAC XC 8 Carbon Pedals weigh a measly 284 grams per pair or roughly 10 ounces. For a pedal, that’s pretty light. The ATAC (Auto Tension Adjust Concept) provides a simple design, easy engagement, plenty of float.

So what exactly do you get?

TIME pedals come in a really nice internally padded tin, which includes 2 TIME ATAC X8 pedals, directions and 2 cleats with 4 screws.

One thing I didn’t see while looking at the directions, was actual mounting instructions for the pedals.

When mounting the pedals to the cranks, you can use an 8mm hex pedal wrench like the Park HT-8 (8mm)).  Unlike many pedals that require a traditional pedal wrench on standard wrench flats, the TIME ATAC XC has an 8mm socket integrated within the axle.  The easiest way to mount the pedals is to simply hand screw them on and tighten them with the 8mm wrench.  I suggests putting on a little bit of grease on the threats to allow easier removal, should the need arise.

Funny side note.  I couldn’t figure out how the pedals were supposed to be tightened.  I thought you could pop off the red end-cap to get to the 8mm socket.  Good thing I didn’t try too hard.  I decided to email the company.  They set me straight.

The pedals are marked with their model number.  In our case, the 8 stood for the model ATAC XC 8.

The cleats use a 2 screw SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) like attachment.  XC 8’s cleats are reversible, offering either 13° or 17° release angles.  To setup the pedals for 13 degrees of release, just add the cleat with the G/L to the right shoe, otherwise add it to the left for 17 degrees of release.  I prefer the 13° release, since it is quicker to unclip.  Some people may opt for the 17° release so as not unclip too soon and to allow more play.

Here are the ATAC XC 8 Cleats mounted to a pair of Shimano SPD Racing Custom Fit mountain bike shoes.

The pedals are roughly 4 inches long.

Here is a nice side profile of the pedals.  As you can see there is a wide gap for cleat entry.  This cross bar servers to expel any mud or dirt that has accumulated on the pedal or on the cleat.  TIME likes to refer to it as a self-cleaning frontal retention system that sheds dirt.  When clipping in, you simply position the cleat to slide under the crossbar and step down.  After using the pedals a few times, it becomes second nature.

To clip out, simply angle your heel away from the pedal until you reach the release of 13 deg or 17 deg, depending on setup.

Here you can see the pedal tension adjustment screw.

Earlier this year (February 2014) TIME and Mavic announced an agreement for a technical collaboration on pedal production based on the ICLIC and ATAC technologies.

“Such a strategic alliance allows the 2 brands, whilst remaining independent to share their experience and join forces to explore new technological opportunities with the objective of developing products of the highest quality,” said Roland Cattin, president of TIME.

“I am convinced that this alliance will contribute to the success and development of our 2 brands. Our respective expertise will allow us to meet our consumers’ needs with the best performing and most innovative solutions,” added Bernard Millaud, president of Mavic, SAS.

As part of the collaboration TIME will produce pedals for Mavic.  TIME and Mavic’s pedals will functionally be same, just different graphics and model numbers.   Below is a list of TIME ATAC XC pedals with their equivalent Mavic counterparts .

• TIME ATAC XC 12 = Mavic Crossmax SL Ti
• TIME ATAC XC 8 = Mavic Crossmax SL
• TIME ATAC XC 6 = Mavic Crossrock SL
• TIME ATAC XC 4 = Mavic Crossride SL

Below is Mavic’s Crossmax SL, which is the equivalent to the TIME ATAC XC 8 minus the difference in graphics.

TIME ATAC XC 8 Overall Impression

What can we say. The French know how to make really elegant pedals that work as good as they look. Entry and exit is super easy. We preferred the 13 deg release vs the 17, but that really boils down to preference. Coming from a Speedplay background, 10 degrees of float is more than enough for most people. Making the transition between speedplay’s step on to clip in vs TIME’s slide forward and step down was almost zero.

When clipping into the TIME’s you don’t always hear a snap or a clicking sound. This may give the false impression that you are not clipped in, when in fact you are.

Since the pedals come with a 2 hole SPD setup, people who own 3 or 4 hole shoes will need a SPD 2 hole adapter for the cleats to work.

On price point, the TIME ATAC XC 8’s seem reasonable for what they offer.  We don’t see any need to purchase the XC 12’s over the XC 8, since the only real difference is a titanium axle vs steel.  The amount of weight savings in our mind doesn’t justify the the step up or price difference ($249 vs $399)

We have experienced zero issues with the TIME ATAC XC 8’s thus far and look forward to continuing the testing process.  We will be sure to update this space with other information as we find it.

To get the full scoop on the TIME ATAC XC 8 and all other TIME Sport products, check out TIME Sport USA’s website.