SRAM is peddling their latest range of Time pedals and supplied AMB with their workhorse trail version – Time Speciale 10 – for review. Time has been part of SRAM conglomerate since 2021, which filled a long-standing gap in their competition with the other component manufacturer. The Time ATAC pedal debuted in the mid 90’s and has been refined overtime to become a top performer in the category. This represents the first release of models under SRAM. In a case of ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’, the changes are largely cosmetic.
READ: Mike Blewitt’s review of the Time Speciale 8.
The Speciale 10 is a 6106-T6 aluminium-bodied midsized trail pedal. For the weight weenies among us, there is also a titanium axle version the Speciale 12. The Speciale 10 is available in small (64x80mm, 392g/pair) and large (tested, 69x90mm, 409g/pair). SRAM states that the smaller pedals are optimal for trail and enduro, while the larger option is likely preferred for enduro and downhill.
It’s notable that both the Time Speciale 10 and 12’s have a weight limit of 90kg, something for the clydesdale’s to take not of. The pedals came in retro purple anodising which appeals to me…but didn’t really match my bike. Fear not my fellow neutral-hue crew, they’re also available in raw alloy and dark grey for a more subtle aesthetic.
The pedal body features four 2mm hex head traction pins (per side) which come precoated in thread-lock compound. There are two turns of adjustment on the tiny 2mm hex bolt which makes a noticeable difference to release and entry force.
Trail Performance and Ride Feel
On the maximum setting I found needed to add a subtle twist of the shoe while mashing down on the pedal to engage them. This did, however, result in more secure feeling when throwing the bike around in technical section. The minimum setting featured a significantly easier action, however I occasionally had an unintended release. The whole unit has a reasonably lean stack height of 18.3mm.
Clipless pedals are not only about the pedal: the other part of the system is the cleat. One of the most notable features of the time system is the +/- 5 degrees of float in the cleat. If you have dodgy knees, these may be the pedal for you! The brass cleats are asymmetrical with either 13 or 17 degrees at release, depending on orientation. While is no set up guide provided in the box, a QR code launches the setup video. So modern! This was worth watching as it identified that the left pedal has a small groove at the end of the axle and which way to orientate the cleats. I tested the cleats in both orientations with the smaller release angle away from the frame being my preference.
The traction pins didn’t interfere with the shoe while clipped in and are unlikely to unless the cleat recess on your shoe is especially deep. The pedal platform provided just enough support while riding clipped out and meant that the pedal wouldn’t roll underfoot when I didn’t clip in first go. Clipping in took some mental retraining, especially on the highest tension where I needed a slight twist to activate the mechanism. Given more time this would likely become a more natural habit (or I could run less tension).
Final Thoughts on the Time Speciale 10
I really liked the well though out design of these pedals. They run on replaceable cartridge bearings, the brass cleat will not wear out the mechanism, they are mud-shedding heavyweights and feature the renowned Time float. The downside of brass rather than steel cleats is that they do wear more quickly than steel, but replacing cleats is a lot cheaper than replacing the whole pedal.
Overall, the Time Speciale 10 provides functional durable performance system and one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. If you haven’t ridden them before maybe now is the Time…
Pros
- Refined, innovative design, adjustable, and serviceable
- Mud-clearing champion
- Servicable cartridge bearings
Cons
- Brass cleats wears faster
- Slightly more expensive than others on market
