Time's innovative iClic range of road pedals has been redesigned for 2013, with a more durable, sleeker body and a new name: Xpresso.
The Xpresso retains the iClic's clever retention mechanism, which holds the rear gate partially open after release for far easier re-entry.
However, you also get a stainless steel wear plate up top, for improved durability, and the carbon fiber leaf spring mechanism is longer and simpler, with no bolts to loosen – plus easier engagement if the pre-open trigger is accidentally released prematurely.
Cleat-to-pedal surface area has also increased relative to the iClic, for better power transfer.
Not surprisingly, the new Xpresso pedals are extremely light. Claimed weight for the top-end 12 Titan Carbon model, with carbon fiber body and titanium axle, is just 155g per pair. Even the entry-level Xpresso 2 is still admirably light at 220g per pair.
Time's iClic 2 pedals will still be available for 2013. The workhorse RXS design will remain in the line-up too, with three models for 2013.
Meanwhile, Time has revamped the popular ATAC pedals for cross-country mountain bike and cyclocross use, too. The new ATAC carries over the previous version's well-proven twin stainless steel retention bar layout, but the top three models now feature a more compact body to shave weight and improve mud clearance.
The ATAC pedal offers a wide pedaling platform while remaining trim
Claimed weight for the top-end ATAC XC12 Titan Carbon, with titanium axle and carbon fiber body, is 241g per pair. The more affordable ATAC XC6, with steel axle and a composite body, is still a respectable 293g.
Big boost in stiffness with new ZXRS frameset
Time's new ZXRS road frameset isn't much lighter than last year's RXRS flagship – at 1,490g for the frame and fork, it shaves just 10g. But a switch to modular monocoque construction supposedly yields a huge 40 percent jump in stiffness over the RXRS' tube-and-lug design. According to Time, this is most noticeable up front, with the new one-piece molded top tube, head tube and down tube section.
The new ZXRS uses a modular monocoque build system in three areas
Additional features include a tapered front end, with Time's convenient QuickSet headset system, a BB30 bottom bracket shell, internal routing for the rear brake, asymmetrical chain stays, Time's long standing TransLink integrated seatmast system, carbon fork tips and the company's heralded Vibraser with Vectran-infused layup schedules for a smoother ride.
New disc-equipped bike
Seemingly hidden from Time’s new catalogue but present on their stand at Eurobike was an intriguing take on the brilliant Fluidity frame.
The standard Fluidity is built around Time’s ‘performance’ geometry – that’s non-pro race to you and me. But that doesn't mean the bikes haven't been hugely impressive at every opportunity we've had to ride them - they're aggressive enough to be ridden hard, but beautifully smooth and relaxed enough to be great over big distances.
The disc-equipped Fluidity prototype has IS tabs on the fork
The obvious difference here, however, is the inclusion of a full disc brake setup combined with Ultegra Di2. We know as much as you do about this new bike, and nobody on the Time stand could give us many more details. But we hope this bike is intended for production as we can’t wait to try one.