hello all,

been running with various shimano pedals over the last 8 - 9 years. Generally I like the SPD pedal and don't have a problem clicking in and out.

Recently though I've quiet fancied a bit of a change due to a couple of reasons. Firstly IMHO shimano SPDs are gash in the clart. Secondly I find myself doing progressivley scarier stuff, and often find my feet flying out of the pedals when jumping, bunny-hopping etc.

Therefore after a bit of research I've decided to go down one of two routes, the TIME atac or the CrankBrothers Smarty. I'm only looking at the cheap models just in case I don't take to them. I like the idea of the very open clips on these pedals, but would be interested to here some opinions on both.

The big difference seems to be weight, the TIMEs almost twice as heavy as the smartys (but probably no heavier than my current spds)

thanks in advance

I haven't used Crank Bros pedals but have been very impressed with the Atacs. I prefer them to my old Shimanos (which I used for years) for several reasons:
1) they're real fit & forget items - no maintenance required
2) they're easy to clip in and out of but secure when you're in
3) they're excellent in the mud - no clogging issues
4) there's enough float to stop your knees complaining but not so much you feel wobbly
The cheap ones (which I have) are not adjustable but I've not missed that, rather to my own surprise.
Only one small beef in 18 months - one of mine took a whack on a rock a few months back and a screw in panel on the end came a bit loose, but there's no easy way of tightening it up again beyond finger tight so it works its way loose every now and then.
Overall I'd highly recommend them. Might splash out on the carbon ones one day but I'm not really that bothered about the weight. I could lose three or four pounds from my gut before worrying about heavy pedals :)

Was tending toward the ATACS, as they look a little bit more substantial than the smartys.

Thanks for the reply, and good point about the gut. Don't know how I forgot about that ;)

I've got ATAC's which are an upgrade for me over my first Shimano SPD's.

They are as Humbert described, so wont go over all that again, but only gripp i have is that i have found them to be difficult to get out of (when in a rush ;)), due to the different techiques required to unclip etc, but that maybe down to my 6 years of obeidance to Shimano never using an other type..

In short im glad i made the move.. go for it.

Oh and dont CB eat the bottom of most SPD shoes!! (something i heard when looking around for my time pedels)

Yes Tom, that was another of my reservations of the Crank Brother pedals. The destruction of shoe soles seems to be a common problem, so much so that it seems someone is flogging steel protectors on Ebay, aimed at Crank Brother owners.

So I take it that this isn't an issue with the ATACs? Strange as they look similar...

I've not noticed it...the cleat wears a bit more quickly than my old Shimano efforts, but I'm doing much more off road with the Times. Shoes seem fine - and they're quite old bog-standard Specialized

*slight hijack*

I dislocated my knee four months ago and I'm about to start riding again. I have shimano spds but wondered about swapping to Time as they have a good reputation with regards to being gentle on the knees. Have either of you found this having gone from Shimno to Time?

*end of hijack - sorry!*

no worries about the hijack, valid question as I too notice pains in my knees with spd, but usually only on the longer rides.

The user reviews on Chain Reaction certainly suggest the ATACs (or time in general) are more forgiving on shot knees.

They're excellent on the knees - I've had operations on both of mine (knees, not pedals) and I have no complaints. There's plenty of lateral movement and a bit of rotation too. They're far easier on the knees than my old Shimanos (although I bought the Shimanos at least ten years ago - I'm sure things have moved on). I felt at home in them within minutes and haven't looked back since. Make sure your saddle's properly positioned if you want to look after your knees too - mine was a bit too far back for a bit and it played havoc with my knees on long rides, ATACs or not.

My knackered knee hates Shimano but is fine with Crank Bros. Not tried Time so can only recommend Candy's which I've found comfy & reliable.

Time ATACs ordered, 26.99 from Chain Reaction,

Can't be robbed at that price.

Thanks for all the info and opinion, enlightening as ever

I've got lots of pair of Crank Bros pedals and I'd pretty much agree with everythinh on here.

Pro's:
- Easy clipping in any condition
- Easy unclipping (until the cleats wear out)
- Easy to grease
- Easy to replace bearings when they do wear out
- Great variety of interchangable part, spindles, springs etc.
- Reasonable amount of 'float' for dodgy knees
- Light weight
- Good after sales service

Cons:
- Sole destroyers, Oh yes!
- Fast wearing cleats
- Unprotected parts have been known to smash off on rocks. I've broken one pedal like this
- You do have to keep them greased (it is easy!) or the bearing do wear fast