Test Rating: 8 out of 10

Suggested Retail Price: $160.00 CAD

Weight: 840 grams (pair)

Description Of The Product:  This is a mountain bike shoe that is designed for cross-country/trail riding. The sole is made out of polyamide and is 100% compatible with all clipless pedal systems. The insole is removable and is thermoformed. The shoe closures consists of 1 carbon strap with an adjustable buckle and 2 Velcro® straps in non-stretch fibers to hold the foot securely. There is a maximized surface area of mesh for optimum ventilation on both the front and the sides of the shoe. The inner tongue is padded which provides both comfort and protection for the foot. The Time MCX is available in full sized from 39-47. A pair of size 39 shoes weighs in at 840 grams.

Our Thoughts:  Many mountain bike shoes these days tend to be designed with an adjustable buckle for on the go adjustability. Time has followed the adjustable buckle trend and has introduced the Time MCX mountain bike shoe. The one advantage that the Time MCX has over other shoes that are designed with an adjustable buckle is that it is far more inexpensive. The advantage of the adjustable buckle is that you are able to easily adjust the fit of the shoe while riding. This is a lot easier to do on a road bike but can be done while mountain biking on less technical sections, or when you are stopped. The main strap has an adjustable buckle that is of carbon construction so it does not stretch as you tighten the strap. This is a very nice feature because there is nothing worse than beginning a ride with a perfectly fitted shoe and then having to stop several times to adjust the fit. My only complaint about the straps on the Time MCX shoe is that all three straps should be of carbon construction. The two lower straps are constructed of non-stretch fibres but they still need to be adjusted at times throughout a long ride. It is nice however to have three straps on the shoe because it makes for a better fitting shoe. Not once did these two straps come undone while riding which is a huge plus for this shoe. The overall comfort of a mountain bike shoe does varies from one rider to another, but overall the MCX is a very comfortable shoe. The heel of the foot does not move at all when either peddling or walking. The Time MCX is designed with the cross-country/trail rider in mind so the sole is quite stiff. While this stiff sole does make it a little difficult to walk, it does make for a very efficient peddling shoe. In general the stiffer the shoe, the more power goes directly into the pedal rather than being lost in the flexing of the sole. Time also offers the MXS which is similar to the MXC but has a carbon sole which makes it slightly lighter and stiffer but does cost somewhat more than the MXC shoe. Both the Time MXC and the Time MXS are not offered in a woman specific models which is a little disappointing considering all the woman specific shoes that are available from other manufacturers. Overall the Time MXC is a great shoe and is definitely worth the $160.00. It is very durable and has many features that other shoes at this price point do not have.