Time Z Control pedal review
After asking several people which pedals to use for converting to clips they suggested Time’s Z Controls…
A long time disciple of flats I needed something that would adjust to my style of turning my feet on the pedals in some situations. Too look at they are completely non platform looking and I doubted how well my foot would sit on them. Once clipped in I did not notice this at all however.
Pedal wrench as well as alan key compatible they were easy to install. Complete in the box came the lower section of the clips for my SPD shoes. The clips themselves are marked with a R and L as well as an arrow illustrating the direction which they are supposed to point making them entirely idiot proof.
Weight wise these felt almost double the weight of the magnesium flats I have been running but I did not bother to weigh the difference. The clip system on the pedals definitely work and really hold your shoe to the pedal. Just ask the entire Dutch national BMX team and 2x WC DH Champ Bas De Bever as I fell over in front of them clipped in and got stuck. Getting unclipped was a huge problem at first due to the not so great condition my ankles are in from years of riding and the springs on the pedals are so tight.
After a few rides the springs wore in and it was easier to unclip. The Time’s definitely suit my style of riding since they allow for a large degree of rotation of your feet on the pedals. However it does make learning to unclip a lot more difficult and I found these were not the best pedals to convert with. Once clipped in they roll real smooth and do not feel restrictive at all.
Whats really bad about these pedals and surprising at the same time is that after 1 ride they already looked several months old. The black paint came off all too easily and the surface of the pedals is too easily damaged. I have seen another pair where the rider hit a rock and one of the 4 main teeth on the flat section broke right off. If you are a hucker these pedals will probably not last you long.
For more information on Time pedals visit the official site here
Tags: time z control
December 27th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
I dont know about the Z control but I have used Time Aluim pedals for about 3 years now and I find them still excellent. Shimano are stiff and you tend to fiddle with the settings. Time have a bit of float and are easier to get used to. Add to this that I weigh 120kgs plus they must be tough as well. I also take part in around 7-8 events each year and have had no problems so far.
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:53 am
i run shimano, but i prefer flats. When the course are realy focky i prefer clips. Spd’s makes me feel traped. I keep on clipping out in mid air. Please do a dh clipped pedal shootout. I want to know,what pedal is the best.