Switching up clipless pedals isn’t something that anyone does on a whim. It pays to do some research and to know what you’re looking for in a pedal change. Is it more float, weight reduction or ease-of-entry/exit? All of those reasons are worth considering and I thought about them all as I tested the Time XPro 10 Carbon pedals.
Time XPro 10 Carbon Pedals Features:
- Bioposition float
- Carbon-infused body
- ICLIC pre-opened pedal engagement
- 725mm pedal surface width
- 13.5mm stack height
- +/- 5 degrees angular float
- 2.5 degrees lateral float
- 3-position tension adjustment
- Steel bearings
- Adjustable Q-factor cleats
- Weight: 115 grams each (actual)
- MSRP: $189.99
XPro 10’s are light and easy to love
Long-satisfied with Speedplay Zero pedals (I have four pair in the toolbox), switching to anything else had me going into it with eyes wide open. With thousands of repetitive pedal strokes on every ride, the right pedal means the difference between happy joints or knee pain. Since nobody likes knee pain, the XPro’s come with gobs of built-in float
The 10-degrees of natural float also features a small amount of angular float for a natural pedaling motion. At the heart of the XPro 10’s is the patented ICLIC system that delivers active engagement with smooth disengagement.
More on the engagement side, ICLIC is a legitimate game-changer with its mousetrap-like lock-in. When it’s open, it’s in an active, ready-to-engage state. All it takes is a light step and it actively locks you right in, which is the opposite of most pedals. Lighter riders will rejoice in the easy step-in. Additionally, it’s easy to find the sweet spot and clip in, but sometimes the pedal finds itself upside-down. When that happens, things get tricky, but most of the time I can clip in blind.
As far as tension adjustments, the 3-position system simply puts more or less pressure on the carbon fiber leaf spring. I left it in the open position because I like the most free-flowing float. Be careful not to get too aggressive with the nylon screw as it’s only meant for occasional adjustments and the settings are done by feel with no markings for guidance. I do notice that if I twist my leg at the hip to adjust my shorts, socks or something, it’s easy to rotate out of the pedals at the lightest setting — a small trade-off in my opinion.
In recent years, Time has improved their materials and construction, so long-term durability should be very favorable. The only downside is that the outboard bearings aren’t user-serviceable, but they continue to spin like tops after thousands of miles over several seasons of use.
I’ll add that Q-factor is adjustable by swapping the left/right cleat, which is what I did. By placing the cleats on the opposite foot, Q-factor goes from 51.7 to 54.3mm. The adjustability of the XPro’s is fantastic and my joints agree.
Time cleats walk very similarly to Shimano and have been wearing well. The nylon does have signs of use, but float, engagement and release remains as good as day one. And, the cleats are easily-installed and remain secure — something I occasionally have issues with on Speedplay’s complex cleats.
The Good
- Knee-saving float
- Easy clip-in
- No-nonsense cleat design that stays put
- Some of the lightest pedals in their price range
- Carbon spring won’t wear out or corrode
- Wide platform for added power transfer
The Bad
- Bearings aren’t user-serviceable
- Tension screw lacks settings markings
- Cleats aren’t very durable
The Bottom Line: Time XPro 10 Carbon Pedals
Without question, Time’s ICLIC system offers the easiest engagement of all pedals on the market. Additionally, the XPro 10’s are lightweight and offer plenty of natural-feeling float for happy knees for years to come. A simple cleat design makes for easy walking and have proven durable through a full season of use.
Buy Now: Available at CompetitiveCyclist.com
10 Comments
Thinking of making a similar shift from Speedplay to Time (was a Time user in the previous century). How much recentering force is there with the tension screw in the middle setting. The old time cleats wore in to a position and I wouldn’t feel the recentering force after a while. Thanks for your reviews.
Thanks for the comment and question. I honestly didn’t notice a strong centering tendency with the XPro 10’s. The float is really stellar and knee-friendly. I did, unfortunately, break one of the cleats a few months ago and haven’t replaced it yet, so it’s been a couple of months since I’ve ridden them again. But, I do not recall a strong re-centering tendency. I do miss riding them though.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful to know and it’s too bad about the cleat.
On another note, I recently discovered your site and appreciate the work you put into it. Testing all of that stuff is a sacrifice that I’m sure is worth it! 🙂
Ha! Thanks for the kudos. Yeah, it’s a burden that I’m glad to bear for all y’all. 🙂
Thank you for this review. It summarizes all the key points concerning the pedals very well. I finally bought a pair of them, and find the clip in and clip out to be outstanding. The float is also great.
Hello thanks for the review.
I have experimented with the tension screw and having difficulty finding the right tension. It’s not obvious. Can you give me some pointers for the feel of the screw that would correlate to amount of tension.
Thanks Brett
Brett… that’s a great question and it’s definitely one feature that misses the mark with these pedals. There aren’t any reference points or notches as you rotate the tension screw. The only one that’s noticeable is when all tension is removed. The screw does settle into that position. I’ve honestly just left it there as I like the float and retention in that spot. If you need more tension, it’s just a matter of testing it out and somehow marking that position on the pedal body somehow.
The included packaging states a maximum rider weight of 90kg despite steel axles. This isn’t mentioned anywhere on Time website.
Would you recommend theses for triathlon?
I don’t see why not. They offer great float, easy engagement and the cleats are easily-installed and procured. They have the same adjustment capabilities as SPD’s, for the most part. If you need more fine-tuned cleat placement, Wahoo Speedily is the way to go (but it sounds like you’re not 100% stoked on the new pedals).
Any reason you think they wouldn’t be good for triathlon? What about them is concerning for that use?