SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Shimano patterns have also enabled reliable entry/exit, say if you were swapping between shoes, but the risk is your own.

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Performance 4.25/5

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Given their build quality and execution, little wonder that they’ve impressed with their refined, seemingly bullet-proof competence. My fixed gear winter trainer was the first recipient, not least since I’d just replaced the headset and wanted to get some “bedding in” done. 

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As I hinted in my opening paragraph, I’d run the M540 for a good while and from the outset, there wasn’t much discernible difference in terms of buttery smoothness and creak-free power transfer, allowing me to clip in and concentrate on cadence. 

In line with Shimano’s warnings, pulling too firmly on the up stroke with a multi-release cleat will indeed, disengage a foot. Something I experienced while grinding up a short but very sharp incline, though oddly (thankfully) wasn’t an issue when making sharp right turns or snatching away at the lights. Dual sided design also takes the gamble and faff from stepping in. 

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On the open road, I could whizz along at 85-90rpm, so long as gradient and reserves allowed. On longer distances-more than 2-3 hours, the slightly broader platforms provided small but surprisingly significant support, without sacrificing cornering prowess but then, given the bottom bracket height and crank length, not surprising. Reassuring mind, permitting some interesting angles of lean, when tackling tight S-bends at pace and no grounding when negotiating roundabouts.  

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Switched to Ursula, we’ve done our usual mix of country lanes, unmade roads and bridlepath. Much the same story really-lots of support to the feet, while still permitting a swift tempo. Variable gears have the advantage of greater torque- think spin, rather than grind along the climbs through the trails.  No unwelcome, unintentional releases with the M (multi cleats). 

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I've yet to find a Shimano MTB pedal to have issues in mud, even the originals perform well - it's only the design has evolved considerably since. The M8100 have dumped impacted stuff competently and convincingly-I've never failed to engage- worst case scenario, I’ve given the shoes a more deliberate tap to dislodge excess. 

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In comparable conditions, the Time ATAC design has an edge, and they also have a bit more float, which is a consideration if you’re prone to knee trouble. Not that Shimano’s range isn’t good-it will suit most riders just fine, but if you’re coming down to the nitty gritty, it's another consideration.

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Care/Durability 4/5

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Pedals lead hard lives and painted finishes can tire quickly. No such issues here. Look obsessively and you might find some swirls where I’ve disengaged-especially with gritty, muddy abrasive stuff clinging to my soles.