LOOK may have been the brand that brought the clipless pedal to the masses with a Bernard Hinault Tour victory, but an argument can be made that it was Time that truly unlocked the potential of the clipless pedal. Founded in 1987 on the back of pedals that allowed angular movement to let a rider’s feet and knees align themselves, the company found major success. The concept of ‘float’ Time brought to the pedal market is now seen as more than an option, it is mandatory for any clipless pedal system.

As one would expect, as the originator of the concept, Time is still leading the biomechanical way, and probably costing the orthopedic knee specialists of the world millions in lost surgeries. Their newest offering, the I-Clic2, does not disappoint, 5-degrees of angular float combined with 2.5mm of lateral float. That float isn’t totally free, it is slightly sprung, which makes the pedals incredibly secure once your knees and feet find their sweet spot. How strong that ‘sprung’ feel is can be set to three different levels. Riders in love with completely free float will find an adjustment period necessary, but it’s an easy transition to make.

The I-Clic2 Carbon, like the KEO Blade, uses a carbon fiber leaf spring instead of wound metal to secure the cleat and keep weight low, 232 grams a set. Where they differ is how that carbon fiber is sprung. Instead of simply bending out of its resting position as you engage and then springing back to resting once your cleat is in, the I-Clic2 carbon is sprung when disengaged and resting when engaged. Your cleat releases the tension by way of a trigger, it doesn’t need to load it. The toe on the cleat hangs low from the shoe’s outsole making the pedal very easy to catch. It’s the easiest pedal to get into, bar none. The engagement is positive and instantaneous, no need to ever mash down in frustration at a crit start. Clip out with a 15degree swing of you foot and the leaf spring reloads, ready for your next ride.

The I-Clic 2 utilizes a carbon fiber body and a hollow steel axle to help the carbon leaf spring achieve that lightweight. Stack height is another Time strong point at only 13mm and the asymmetrical cleats can be swapped, right to left, to adjust Q-factor by 2.5mm. While no Q-Factor adjustment is possible on individual cleats, their swappable nature and the 2.5mm of lateral float offer enough options for every rider.

Of course, this is no different than what Time did with the original I-Clic. So what makes these a version 2.0? In a word - durability. While the original I-Clic was light and easy on the knees it had the life span of a housefly. For pedals past the $200 limit that was unacceptable. Time has solved every one of those problems, while retaining everything the pedal did well. Where the I-Clic wore down between the carbon platform and the cleat, the I-Clic 2 has a titanium plate. The lightweight cleat has been beefed up to give it much more durability off the bike. Even the retaining clip is a bit tougher than the original. The initial promise of the I-Clic concept has been fulfilled by the I-Clic2, available in five different models, from the entry level I-Clic2 for $140 to the I-Clic2 Titan Carbon for $450.

Time I-Clic2 Carbon - Weight: 232 grams. Price: $250. More: www.time-sport.com