Time ATAC XC 12 Pedals review

The Time ATAC XC 12 is the brand’s top-tier pedal for cross-country and gravel riding. With titanium and carbon on the spec sheet, there’s no doubt these pedals come at a premium. 

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Time ATAC XC 12 Pedals – Technical Details

Within the ATAC range, three models share the same core design and functionality. All feature dual-sided entry and a three-position tension adjustment — the only on-pedal adjustment available. The entry-level ATAC XC starts at £90 and uses a glass-filled composite body with steel axles. It comes supplied with Time’s “easy release” cleats.

Stepping up to the ATAC XC 10 gets you a carbon-filled body and hollow steel axles, along with the standard cleats. These changes shave off a little weight and increase the price to £150. At the top of the range, the ATAC XC 12 on test features titanium axles and a price that almost doubles again.

While the basic structure of the pedals remains consistent across the range, cleat selection plays a key role in feel and function. Time’s system uses cleats to define the release angle, rather than the pedal itself. The standard cleats (included with the XC 10 and 12) offer a 13 or 17-degree release angle, depending on which shoe they’re fitted to. The entry-level XC model comes with “easy release” cleats, set at 10 degrees. Both cleat types are cross-compatible and available separately, although at this price point, including both options wouldn’t have been unreasonable.

Time ATAC XC 12 Pedals Fitted.jpg, by Matthew Page

On test, our pair of ATAC XC 12 pedals weighs the claimed weight of 240g, with the cleats adding 48g. For comparison, Crankbrothers’ top-tier Eggbeater 11 weighs 179g per pair (plus 30g for cleats), while Shimano’s XTR pedals tip the scales at 314g (with 51g cleats).

Though SRAM now owns Time Pedals, the design and construction of the ATAC range remain unchanged. The only notable shift is a simplified product line — previously a more confusing spread from XC 2 through XC 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, each with subtle material differences.

Time ATAC XC 12 Pedals – Performance

Choosing clip-in pedals is rarely straightforward — especially if you have multiple bikes to consider — but Time’s ATAC system has built up a loyal following over the years. Since I started riding in the late ’90s, I’ve used pedals from all the main brands: Shimano, Crankbrothers (on and off), the short-lived Look Quartz, the Look S-Track, and Shimano-compatible X-Track. Each has its pros, but also drawbacks in durability, ease of use, or performance.

One unique aspect of the ATAC system is that cleats define the release angle, so correct cleat fitting is critical. It’s no more difficult than with other brands, but it’s worth paying close attention to, especially if you want to achieve a specific release feel.

Time ATAC XC 12 Pedals Axle.jpg, by Matthew Page

Fitted to the bike, I kept the tension at its lowest setting for most of the test. There’s a positive, reassuring click when clipping in. Riders looking for a large platform might want to consider other Time models like the Speciale, but the ATAC XC provides a good contact patch and spreads weight better than some rival minimalist designs. I’ve also used the cleats with several different shoes and never had to fit a spacer to lift the sole away from the pedal body, something that’s occasionally needed with other systems.

Release is smooth and predictable, with a clear click when disengaging. In comparison, Shimano pedals tend to have a more defined ‘stop’ just before release. There’s no definitive winner here — it comes down to preference, but I found the ATAC action easy to adapt to.

Performance in the mud has been excellent. Clipping in and out remained consistent, even in thick, claggy conditions and after walking in the worst of it. The brass cleats have worn well, lasting thousands of kilometres without replacement. While that’s nothing unusual for Shimano users, it’s worth noting that ATAC cleats seem to outlast Crankbrothers’ brass versions, even though both use the material to protect the pedal body rather than the cleat itself.

Time ATAC XC 12 Pedals Above.jpg, by Matthew Page

There’s a noticeable amount of float, but not so much that the pedals feel vague. Time quotes 5mm of lateral float, with rotational float depending on cleat position and type. Some riders may find this too generous, and it’s worth noting that a fixed-angle cleat isn’t available, something offered by other brands.

Throughout testing, the ATAC XC 12s have delivered consistent, reliable performance. Engagement and release remained trouble-free, even when using the 13-degree cleat setup. I never felt the need to increase the release angle, but swapping cleats offers an easy way to do so if desired.

The axles and bearings have remained smooth, with no play or grittiness despite plenty of foul-weather riding.

Time ATAC XC 12 Pedals – Verdict

Time’s ATAC pedals have had a loyal following since their inception, but it’s taken me over 20 years of mountain biking and using almost every other system out there to finally try the ATAC XC myself. Having done so, I can’t help but wonder why I waited so long. With simple, consistent engagement, enough adjustability to suit personal preference, and excellent performance in the mud, there’s very little to fault in how they perform.

Of course, the price is significant. At £295, these are firmly in premium territory. Crankbrothers’ top-tier Eggbeater 11 takes that even further at £500, shedding 61 grams when comparing pedal and cleat weight. In pure performance terms, the Eggbeater is unmatched for mud clearance and weight, but its ultra-minimalist design demands a very stiff shoe and comes with more frequent maintenance, particularly around bearings and cleats. At the other end of the scale, Shimano’s XTR pedals come in at £140 and are well-known for long-term durability with minimal fuss, but I don’t find the release as easy or reliable.

Every brand offers cheaper alternatives. Time’s entry-level ATAC XC is competitively priced and performs well, though it ships with the easier-release cleats, which is something to consider depending on your preference.

Justifying the £295 price of the XC 12 is tricky. The only real upgrade over the XC 10 is the titanium axle, which shaves just 10g and adds a flash of gold for the detail-obsessed. But judged purely on performance, the ATAC XC 12 delivers reliable and consistent entry and release, adjustability to suit a wide range of riders, and a cleat system that allows customisation of the release angle. With such well-rounded performance in all conditions, it’s all left me wondering why I didn’t make the switch to Time sooner, but I can safely say I’m now a convert.

• sram.com/en/time-sport/
• ​The reader’s guide to off.road.cc’s review scoring system

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