Let me start by saying I've been riding with TIME ATAC pedals for years, so when I heard about SILCA's titanium cleats, I was intrigued. The idea of a rust-proof, lightweight upgrade sounded too good to pass up.

The first thing I noticed when unboxing was how premium they feel. The titanium has this cool industrial look that makes my bike shoes feel like they belong in a sci-fi movie. Installation was straightforward with the included T25 titanium bolts - no stripped heads here!

On the trail, the weight difference is noticeable. My feet feel lighter during fast climbs, and after months of wet rides, there's not a speck of rust - something I can't say about my old steel cleats.

But here's the catch: the engagement feels different. While some riders report them releasing too easily, I actually found them slightly stiffer than stock. It took me about three rides to adjust my foot rotation for smooth exits. They're definitely not brass-soft like traditional cleats.

Durability? Exceptional. After six months of gravel grinding, they show minimal wear where my old cleats would be halfway gone. That said, if you prefer that buttery-smooth brass feel, these might not be your jam.

Bottom line: If you want indestructible cleats and don't mind adapting your technique slightly, these are worth the investment. But if you're married to that classic TIME feel, stick with OEM.