On Test: New Time Xpro 10 Pedals

Time’s latest French-fabricated precision instruments are the new Xpro pedals. Expanding on the success of its Xpresso pedal, the Time Xpro pedals brings a whole new level of stability and intuitiveness. Time claims the pedals to be the “perfect pedal for road cyclists,”. There are three models of Xpro – the 15, the 12 and the 10. We just received the Xpro 10 for test, the entry level Xpro pedal, but still a $195 investment.

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The most distinct facet of the new pedal is the improved, patented Iclic system. Iclic is Time’s method of engineering a pedal that is easy to step into and clip out of while maintaining race-worthy power transfer. When you clip out of the pedal it remains in an ‘open’ position so that clipping back in requires very little effort. Just step in and resume your ride. The ‘spring’ itself is actually a carbon blade in place of a traditional metal spring, which lowers weight and Time claims increases durability. But unlike traditional spring tension which can be adjusted essentially infinitely, the carbon blade has only three tension adjustment settings. The body of the pedal is entirely carbon with an ample 725sq/mm of platform area and a low 13.5mm stack height. That’s an increase of 25sq/mm over the Xpresso, yet the each pedal is just 113grams.

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Time’s float is called Bioposition and it is based on the natural movement of ankle, knee and hip joints. It allows 15 degrees of near frictionless lateral movement but also some carefully controlled angular float as well. The cleats are specified as left and right, and if you install the left cleat on your right shoe and the right cleat on the left shoe you have the option for a wider-set pedaling stance, without having to switch to a longer spindle.

The most obvious difference between the Xpro and the Xpresso is the new carbon faring. It not only protects the spindle and carbon blade, it also improves the pedal’s aerodynamics. We have not seen any specific aero claims yet, and they are undoubtedly small, but if it doesn’t hurt function or increase weight, we’ll take all the advantage we can get. Plus, it results in one mean looking piece of equipment.

The Xpro 10 uses a hollow steel axle and steel bearings with an injection molded carbon body. The top of the line Xpro 15 uses Ceramic Speed bearings and a hollow Ti axle and a lighter weight body, resulting in a pedal that is just 87.3grams, but $540. The Xpro 12 uses a solid Ti axle with steel bearings and hits 94grams per pedal and $350. If you’re looking for a pedal that is even lighter, that’s still the Xrpesso. It’s lighter than all comparable Xpro pedals, with the Xpresso 15 weighing just 71grams, but lacks the aero faring and has a smaller power transfer platform at 700sq/mm.

The Xpro line slots in nicely to a long history of high-end carbon fiber products from Time, appealing to a different rider than the ultralight Xpresso, and most importantly they retain Time’s Bioposition float, incredible simplicity and ease of use. If you’ve been wanting a high performance pedal with significant float and easy clipping in and out, Time’s not kidding, this pedal may actually be ‘perfect’ for you.

Time Xpro 10 Pedals, 226grams per/pair, $195; time-sport.com.
Look for a long term review in the pages of PELOTON Magazine soon.