Time ATAC MX 4 pedals

Time’s MX 4 clipless pedals sit in the middle of the brand's three trail models, costing £74.99.

It features a two-bar cleat mechanism shared with the DH, XC and Speciale models, and release tension is adjusted by installing different cleat types.

Thanks to how easy they are to clip in and out of, especially with the ATAC cleat, first-time users of clips will get along well with the MX 4s.

However, cost, axle feel and their thickness hamper performance in other areas.

Time ATAC MX 4 pedals specifications

Like its ATAC XC 4 cousin, the MX 4 has a composite plastic pedal body and hollow steel axle, which contribute to the impressively light 377g weight.

The central section has a relief design that offers grip, as does the narrow contact frame of the platform.

The Auto Tension Adjustment Concept (ATAC) design aids clipping in thanks to the wide range of angles at which the cleat will engage with the pedal.

This open-cage system is claimed to shed mud as you clip in.

There is no tension adjustment via a traditional screw or bolt, however the heel-release angle is altered by swapping cleats.

Time’s ‘easy’ cleats, with a release angle of 10 degrees, are included with the MX 4, while the standard 13/17-degree cleats – that come with the ATAC MX 6 – have to be bought separately for €21.

The MX 4 pedals have a 19mm stack height, making them thicker than many rival mountain bike pedals.

Time ATAC MX 4 pedals performance

Clipping into the two-bar system with the supplied ‘easy’ ATAC cleats requires minimal pressure and is accompanied by a soft, faint clunk. It took me time and practice to trust that the cleat was fully engaged.

Unclipping, as the brand promises, was very easy.

In fact, I found the 10-degree release a little too easy because I like the freedom to move my feet more than these cleats allowed before they would disengage.

I missed being able to wind more tension onto the spring mechanism to give a stronger hold and, after riding a few trails, opted to switch to the standard cleats in the 13-degree release orientation.

This gave a much more securely clipped-in feeling, while retaining an easy and reliable unclipping action.

On the couple of occasions when I struggled to clip back in, I found the platform gave adequate surface area to balance on, although other pedals I've tested with flatter platforms and/or pins offer more grip than the thin edges of the MX 4s.

There was a slightly sticky feel to the spindles when initiating the pedal rotation too.

How do the Time ATAC MX 4 pedals compare to Shimano’s PD-ME700?

While the Shimano PD-ME700s are 80g heavier than the MX4s, they outperformed the Time pedals when it came to axle quality, ease of use, aesthetics and, most of all, price (£54.99).

The spindle rotation of the MX 4s doesn’t have the smooth-bearing feel of the Shimanos, and replacement ATAC cleats are more expensive than Shimano ones.

Time ATAC MX 4 pedals bottom line

The Time MX 4s are a lightweight pair of pedals that will appeal to first-time clipless pedal riders due to their ease of clipping in and out.

While they perform well when lined up against stiff competition, their price tag may force customers to explore the alternatives.