Reviews

Time Xpresso 6

Super-light pedals utilises new iClic technology

Although they’re not necessarily a household name these days, 2016 is Time’s 30th anniversary and sticking around that long means they must be doing something right, making bikes and components that have stood the test of, well, you see where that’s going.

But these days, the French company are probably better known for their pedal systems than their bikes, which haven’t been seen at the top level since Tom Boonen and QuickStep last gave them an outing in 2006.

Time’s Xpresso pedals use a unique system the company calls iClic, doing away with the spring-loaded system used by Shimano and most LOOK pedals in favour of a carbon blade controlling the clip, similar to LOOK’s new Keo Blade design. Whereas a spring system remains closed until the rider forces it open, the iClic’s blade is ‘pre-opened’, keeping the rear gate partially open after release for easier re-entry

There’s an option for every budget but in our mind, the Xpresso 6 strikes a fair balance between price and performance

The result is a clip-in mechanism which is exceptionally light and, on a related note, you also need very little force to release your shoe. The iClic system is ideal for new riders intimidated by clip-in pedals but will equally find favour with experienced riders.

The pedal itself has an oversized 700mm-squared body which provides a wide, solid base to provide a secure connection between pedal and shoe. Despite that, the pedal is exceptionally light. The mid-range Xpresso 6 pedals weigh 102g each.

All in all there are six in the range and the cheapest, the Xpresso 2s (£39.99), still come in at only 112g each while, at the other end of the range, the new Xpresso 15 weighs a frankly ridiculous 66.5g per pedal… but they’ll set you back a sweat-inducing £339.99.

Price: £84.99
Website: Time Sport
UK distributor: Extra-UK

The iClic technology remains the same throughout the range. What changes is the material, and the Xpresso 6 pedals have a hollow steel axle, composite body and stainless steel wear plate. Move down to the Xpresso 2 and there’s a steel axle and composite body but no wear plate, while the Xpresso 15 has a hollow titanium axle, Ceramic Speed bearings, carbon body and aluminium plate. You get the idea.

There’s an option for every budget but in our mind, the Xpresso 6 strikes a fair balance between price and performance, though we wish they were available in black, as well as the white and fluro yellow options.