The French company, Time, was founded in 1987 by Roland Cattin, with help from one of the designers of the original Look clipless pedal, Jean Beyl. Time’s unique take on the pedal included the addition of rotational float, something the aforementioned initial Look design lacked. Since then, ample float has always been a staple of Time pedal designs, including their latest model, a sequel to the brand’s flagship I-Clic, appropriately called the I-Clic 2.

THE TECH
Like its predecessor, the I-Clic 2 utilizes a carbon leaf spring as its retention device, similar to the Look Keo Blade. But, the Time design features the ends of the carbon spring bending down toward the ground, with this tension held in place by a latch. When you step into the pedal, the cleat releases the latch and frees the carbon spring to force the rear clasp onto the cleat, securing it. The pedal body itself is crafted from carbon fiber as well, featuring a 53mm-wide platform, and is mated to a hollow steel axle. Upgrades from the original I-Clic include stainless steel plates on the pedal platform for added durability, a reinforced clamping mechanism for increased rigidity and a refined cleat design to provide smoother engagement. At $249.95, the I-Clic 2 Carbon is the second-most expensive model in Time’s line of four, just behind the Titan Carbon at $449.95. The composite- body Racer model comes in two colors and retails for $179.95, while the standard I-Clic 2 will set you back $139.95.

THE RIDE
Measuring 90mm long by 65mm wide, the cleats are on the large side and provide plenty of fore-aft adjustment when mounting to your shoes. Time touts this design as a “cafe cleat,” and, indeed, the large surface area and three bulbous treads make off-the-bike espresso stops a breeze. But the grander purpose served by the design, particularly the tall and widely spaced walking treads, is to keep the engagement portion of the cleat up and off the road when you’re walking around, minimizing wear and tear. Another nice feature of the cleats is that their somewhat asymmetrical design allows 2.5mm of Q-factor adjustability, depending on which cleat you mount on which shoe.

As for the actual ride, Time envisioned the I-Clic 2 as having exceptional ease of entry, and that vision was certainly achieved. Stepping into the pedal itself is akin to most every other three-hole-based system, but there’s little to no feeling of resistance. Instead, when the cleat comes into contact with the retention latch, the carbon spring is released instantaneously, providing a secure hold with a dedicated 2.5 degrees of side-to-side float and 5 degrees of angular float. Disengagement is even easier, which is achieved when your feet pass 15 degrees of angular rotation, and it
feels buttery smooth.

THE VERDICT
Weighing 234 grams for the pair, the I-Clic 2 pedals are competitively priced at $250. There’s plenty of fore-aft cleat adjustability, but our only complaint is the lack of side-to-side cleat adjustability that many other pedals offer. The cleats offer a small bit of side-to-side float, but we think a little extra room to play is always welcome on a bike’s contact points. Time has packed a lot of features into the I-Clic 2, and it’s a unique option that’s ideal for someone who places top priority on easy entry and even easier exiting capabilities.

PUNCH LINE
• Easy entry and exit
• Ample fore-aft cleat adjustability, but no side-to-side
• Nice alternative to that other French brand

STATS
Price: $249.95
Weight: 234 grams (319 grams with cleats and hardware)
For more info: Time