Walkable cleats (i.e. SPD) were important to me as a randonneur, but I was just not getting the float I wanted from my Shimano PD-A600 road SPD pedals. I decided to try Time road pedals againthe XPro 10 are the first Time pedals I've used since the magnesium ones I had 25 years ago! (in the mean time, I've also used Look, Shimano SPD, SPD-R and Speedplay pedals.)
I purchased the pedals through Western Bike Works Leader's Club because of the excellent price. Shipping was fast. Set-up was easy. The curve of the Time cleats was slightly less than the soles of my Specialized road shoes (size 43), so I used the included shims that fit under the front of the cleats to keep the cleats flat.
As expected, I had to tweak the cleat position several times, as well as lower my saddle a few mm. On the first two entries into the pedals, it seemed like the I-Clic didn't catch properly, but since the third entry, the I-Clic system has worked great.
Pros
- The XPro 10 with a steel spindle are relatively light weight at a great price.
- The cleats have outriggers to protect the cleat-to-pedal mating surfaces from walking wear.
- The Time I-Clic entry force needed is low, no need to pounce down on the pedals to lock in.
- Once engaged, the connection feels solid and stable.
- Release force with the stock setting is relatively low, and the release action is intuitive.
- The float feels very natural, my legs really love it!
Cons
- Just like other single-sided pedals, I sometimes have to look down to engage the pedal. I expect this to get better as I get used to them.
- Walking with these cleats is similar to other road pedal systems manageable but awkward.
- The cleat outriggers sink into soft surfaces, if you put a foot down at the side of the road, the cleats may pick up bits of grassy dirt.
TBD After 200 miles, the spindles spin more freely compared to when they were fresh out of the box. Generally this is good because the pedals hang nose up, making entry easier. However there now seems to be a little vertical play in the outboard bearing of both pedals that wasn't there initially. I hope this play doesn't increase, since some Time fans tell me that the outboard plastic bushings on the Time RXS and Xpresso pedals didn't wear as well as the earlier models' needle bearings did. The XPros have a 2-year warranty just in case.
In summary, I love the feel of the XPro pedals. If they prove durable over at least a couple seasons of riding, I would not hesitate to give them five stars.
Thank you for your feedback.