Tatze Two-Face 2 Titan: A review of the reissued super-lightweight pedal with excellent grip

Compared to the First Two-Face TI The key new features are the 16 pins (instead of 14), the EasyOut system and the reduced weight. Features already familiar from the previous model are also included in the second-generation version. These include the recess for the cleat on the flat side and the balancing mechanism, which ensures that the selected side of the pedal always remains facing upwards after dismounting. This means that the Two-Face 2 Titan less like a radical new beginning, and more like a targeted refinement of an already established pedal concept.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a high-quality, ultra-lightweight hybrid pedal, the Tatze Two-Face Titan is the one for you. The large platform, grippy pins and SPD-compatible cleat make this pedal a versatile solution for touring, trail riding and technical descents. - Maik Schröder, BIKE editor

The features of the Tatze Two-Face 2 Titan

• A combination pedal for all terrains: The clip-in side for efficient pedalling uphill, and the flat side for technical descents, challenging trails and situations involving frequent mounting and dismounting
• Large flat platform: 16 specially designed, raised, replaceable pins provide plenty of grip and a secure hold
• Cleat recess: The recess in the centre prevents metal-to-metal contact between the cleat and the pedal body
• SPD-compatible binding: A finely adjustable click mechanism featuring the new EasyOut system for smooth and reliable release
• Optimised ground clearance: The flat side is rotated by 2.5 degrees relative to the click side. This increases the ground clearance by up to 5 millimetres at key points
• Defined page selection: After releasing the pressure, the pedal side that was last used remains in its position for a few seconds
• Robust construction: CNC-milled pedal body, high-quality steel or titanium axle, and generously sized ball and needle bearings
• Lightweight: The Two-Face 2 Titan weighs 373 grams per pair
• Suitable for a wide range of applications: Suitable for technical trails, long rides, Transalp rides, e-bike use and bike park rides

One pedal for two riding styles

The Tatze Two-Face 2 Titan is designed for mountain bikers who do not wish to be tied to a single pedal system permanently. On one side, the pedal functions as a classic clip-in pedal. The SPD-compatible binding ensures a secure connection between the shoe and the pedal, which is particularly beneficial on long climbs and when pedalling with strong, steady strokes.

On the other hand, there is a large flat platform available. It provides a secure grip even when wearing standard cycling shoes or on technical sections. Particularly on steep descents, in tight bends or on challenging trail sections, it can be a relief not to have to ride with your feet clipped in.

The Two-Face 2 Titan thus combines two features that, with conventional hybrid pedals, often only work if compromises are made: a practical platform for flat shoes and a fully-fledged clip-in side for efficient uphill riding.

The flat side is designed to provide more grip

The Flat side of Two-Face 2* has been fitted with 16 pins. Compared to its 14-pin predecessor, this provides two additional contact points per pedal. These provide excellent grip and prevent your foot from slipping off the pedal whilst riding or when stationary. Direct contact between the sole of your shoe and the pedal is crucial, particularly in wet conditions, on rough trails or during rapid changes of direction.

There is a recess for the cleat in the centre of the pedal body. This prevents the metal plate of the clip-in shoe from resting on the flat side. This means the shoe is not pushed away from the pedal by the cleat. Instead, the sole can engage with the actual platform and the pins, allowing you to use the clipless shoes on the flat side as well. For example, on sections where you need to get on and off the bike quickly.

Snap-on page with the new EasyOut system

On the other side is an SPD-compatible binding. The release tension can be adjusted to suit your preferences using an adjustment screw; there are 10 settings to choose from. If you want to release from the pedal more easily, you can set the binding to be softer. For a particularly secure hold, the mechanism can be set to be tighter. The increments are very finely graded – which is a positive feature.

A new feature of the Two-Face 2 is the EasyOut system. It is designed to ensure greater control and reliability when unclipping. Particularly on technical descents or in situations where you need to react very quickly, a predictable release mechanism is a key safety factor. Unclipping worked very well in our test, and you can release the boot from the pedal with just a minimal outward movement of the heel. Brilliant!

The clip-in area also features large contact surfaces. This means that the shoe does not rest solely on the small binding mechanism, but is also supported by the pedal body. This ensures the firmest possible connection between the shoe and the pedal and is very comfortable whilst cycling.

Optimised ground clearance on the trail

With a combination pedal, the design of the two sides can make a difference. On the Tatze Two-Face 2, the flat side is rotated by 2.5 degrees relative to the clip-in side. This is intended to increase ground clearance by up to 5 millimetres at critical points.

This is particularly useful on rocky trails and in tight bends. If the pedal is in an awkward position, every extra millimetre can help to prevent it from coming into contact with stones or roots. The basic idea was already used in the previous model and remains a key part of the technical concept behind the Two-Face series.

The most recently used pedal side remains available

A common weakness of many combination pedals is their orientation. After one revolution of the crank, the desired side may be facing either up or down. With the Two-Face 2, a defined rotational resistance is designed to ensure that the side last used remains in position for a few seconds after the pressure is released.

For example, if you’ve been cycling on the flat side, you can briefly take your foot off the pedal and then place it back on the same side. The same applies to the clip-in side. This makes it easier to switch between the two functions and reduces the likelihood of ending up on the wrong side when getting back on.

Titanium axle reduces weight

The titanium axle is the key feature of the TI version. Compared with the steel version, it reduces the total weight to 373 grams without altering the pedal’s basic function. The Two-Face 2 is therefore particularly appealing to cyclists who are looking for a versatile combination pedal but do not want to end up with a weight comparable to that of a classic, heavy platform pedal.

Nevertheless, the design is still engineered for rugged off-road use. The pedal body is CNC-machined, whilst ball and needle bearings are designed to ensure smooth, smooth-running operation that can withstand heavy-duty use. Tatze also offers spare parts for the pedal, such as bearings, seals, axles, pins and cleats. This makes maintenance easier and can extend the pedal’s service life.

Who is the Two-Face 2 Titan suitable for?

The Tatze Two-Face 2 Titan* Titanium is particularly appealing to mountain bikers who wish to combine different riding styles. On long climbs, the clip-in side can really show its advantages. On technical descents or challenging trail sections, however, the flat side offers greater freedom of movement and makes it easy to get on the bike.

This pedal is particularly well suited to:

• Mountain bikers who want to switch between clipless and flat pedals
• Trail and enduro riders who want to ride efficiently uphill and with agility downhill
• E-bike riders looking for a versatile pedal for touring and technical trails
• Touring cyclists and Transalp riders who do not wish to fit two different types of pedals
• Cyclists who use different shoes or riding techniques on long rides
• Cyclists who prefer the safest possible platform when getting on and off their bikes

The Two-Face 2 Titan is less appealing to riders who specialise in just one discipline. Those who ride exclusively in bike parks may find that a standard flat pedal offers an even larger platform. Those looking solely for maximum pedalling efficiency will often find a lighter and more compact solution in a standard clip-in pedal.