After being out of the shoe business for 5 years, Time is back with their new OSMOS line. Focused on the mid to high-end cycling market, the OSMOS will be available as 10, 12, and 15 models, which match the naming convention of their pedals (the higher the number, the higher end).
During the time they were out from the shoe market, Time was acquired by Rossignol, a well-known brand in the snow world. First, they focused on pedals, which are similar in many ways to ski bindings, and then they have moved on to shoes.
The shoes were developed at the parent company’s R&D center in Montebelluna, Italy. The facility is nestled in one of the centers for performance footwear, and has over 40 years experience, the last 15 of which has included work with carbon fiber. Time devoted years to developing an optimal last to build the OSMOS line off of, to try and maximize comfort, while maintaining high performance. This is a challenge since all feet are shaped differently, but they think they have found a successful balance. They had access to over 3,000 3-D foot scans to use as a basis and the entire development process was housed under the same roof.
Bringing in technology from their parent company, Time uses a combination of foam and footbed design to create the Sensor 2 System for the OSMOS 10 and 12. It essentially works to reduce vibration and increase comfort, especially in the metatarsal area of the foot. In the OSMOS 15, high-density EVA inserts are also added in the metatarsal area, since it has a stiffer sole than the more comfort-oriented 10 and 12.
The uppers use microfiber material that is seamless and bonded, eliminating hot spots. Mesh panels, also bonded to the upper material, are added to provide ventilation for the foot. The 15 and 12 have the most ventilation, with mesh panels over the toes and along the side of the foot. The 10 loses the mesh panels in favor of perforations in the microfiber upper.
The OSMOS line uses BOA IP-1 dials across the entire line. The 15 uses two dials, while the 10 and 12 use one and a velcro strap at the toes on the 12. The IP-1 dial allows micro adjustments to tighten or loosen the shoe’s fit, or a quick release of tension by pulling the dial out.
The soles are another area that the shoes are differentiated. I mentioned earlier that the 15 is the stiffest, while the 12 and 10 are more focused on comfort. The 15 uses Time’s full carbon sole to maximize performance. The 12 uses a composite sole with a carbon fiber plate in the forefoot to maximize stiffness and comfort. The 10 uses a full composite sole for maximum comfort. All three models feature three-bolt cleat attachment, a replaceable rear heal pad and front toe pad to protect the very front of the sole.
While the OSMOS line will work with three-bolt pedal systems or four-bolt with adaptors, they shine with Time’s iclic pedal systems, like the Xpro line, which offers matching 10, 12, and 15 level pedals. iclic is a retention system that is open until you step into the pedal and it closes around the cleat. This differs from other brands like Look and Shimano that you have to push down to force the rear locking mechanism to open enough for the cleat to move into place and get locked in. With a claimed stack height of 21.5mm with a Time pedal/OSMOS 15 shoe combination, it might not be the lowest stack height you’ll find, but it is pretty close.
The OSMOS line is available now, and comes in two colors for each level of shoe. The 15 is available in all white or all black, the 12 in white toes with either red or black heels, and the 10 in all white or black. Claimed weights in size 42 are 480g, 500g, and 480g respectively. Curiously, there is also an 11 level shoe listed on Time’s International website, but not included in the marketing info. All shoes available for purchase now. No word yet on off-road shoes, but it’s probably safe to say they will be coming in the future.
OSMOS 15 – $400
OSMOS 12 – $325
OSMOS 10 – $250
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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