XTR 980 race pedals vs Time atac xs carbon?

I recently just switched from Candy's to the time ATACs and while I don't have any experience with the shimano pedals I would recommend the Times because the clip in is similar to the Crank Brothers but you can adjust the release tension.

In the races I've been in, I normally clip in at the starting line and stay there for the duration of the race. If it were cyclocross...? Ok, dismounts and run-ups could get some mud, turf or even snow into your pedals and cleat areas.

Having used SPDs a lot, the biggest hangup for me tends to be wet snow that freezes onto the cleat and starts making a big snow lump. That can take more than a quick kick-stomp to overcome.

The goal is to stay clipped in but that doesn't always happen for various reasons; backed up first lap traffic, hike-a-bike sections, etc. I'm gonna keep running eggbeaters for cross though.

I've ran Time's for the last 3 years without a single problem, not one little issue ever. They've seen mud, snow, rocks, you name it. Absolutely flawless. I just bought the Titan model (ti/carbon) for my Epic to save some weight over the standard model, hope they take the abuse like my others.

I have not run Shimano's, but I can highly recommend the Times :thumbsup:

BTW, there are a few places online that sell the ti carbon model for mid $200's.

I've ridden both XTR and Time. Frankly, I never could get comfortable with the XTR; however, I have loved the ATAC from day one. I too have never had a problem, ever. I even smacked the ***** out of my new ATAC carbon on the first ride and it doesn't even show a mark. Bottom line is that the ATAC is always consistent and reliable and I never felt that way with the XTR.

It's all a matter of feel. Time pedals will feel very similar to the egg beaters--buttery smooth float with very little centering force. Retention is independent of spring tension. SPD's have a more mechanical, solid in/out feeling with adjustable tension--almost like tiny little ski bindings. I have used all of the pedals extensively-- none of them perform poorly in snow/mud, egg beaters are a little better than the other two. If you're looking for a more "secure" feeling pedal, go with XTR.

Okay. I think I'm gonna go with XTR. If I don't like it I can always try the Time's later down the road.

I'e been riding the time atac carbon's for 5 or 6 years, no maintenance, no repairs, they just work. I have no reason to switch.
It's sad, I bought my first pair for $120 new, now online they seem to be going for over $160 generally.

It's late to add this, but I have been riding time and now the atac carbon's for 5 years. Just bought a new 29er and tried the XTR M980's. They were great and I had no problem adjusting to entry and release, except in the mud where entry can become a session of footsy with the pedal. Rode them about 500 miles this summer in Telluride and Scotland and they are coming off the bike.

Broseph said:

I've heard the xtr's don't do well in mud. I don't plan to ride in mud but I'm sure it will be inevitable in a race at some point. What do you all think?

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Not sure about the XTRs but the 780 XTs are the best SPDs I've seen for mud clearance. They beat 520s, 540s & 647s easily due to the offset clip design. A very good choice at a fraction of the XTRs price.