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We thought we had all the new models and manufacturers on our radar for our recent trail pedal test, but we were wrong. We left out the small Austrian company Tatze. Of course, we couldn't leave it at that, because with the Contact Downhill, the Schwoich-based company has a pedal in its range that belongs to a different category in terms of name, but is an exciting alternative to the trail pedals from the big manufacturers in terms of appearance and function.
Tatze Contact Downhill - Info & Price
- Price99 Euro >> e.g. available at Bike24 at a reduced price
- Weight pedals / cleats: 498 / 52 gram
- Footprint / stand height / axle length97 x 88 mm / 8.75 mm/ xx mm
- Release hardness / angle / freedom of movement: 4.9 - 25.3 Nm / 12 degrees / 5 degrees
- Cleat systemShimano SPD
- Special featureslarge footprint, 4 colours available, which can also be combined with each other
Large footprint, non-slip pins
The oversized CNC-milled aluminium cage, which is equipped with nine pins of different lengths on both sides, is particularly striking. Only the Funn Ripper Clip-in offers a similar footprint in our comparison - although it is already in a different league in terms of weight. At just under 500 grams, the Tatze Contact DH is only slightly heavier than its competitors from Shimano, Leatt or Time - with a significantly larger pedal cage, mind you.
For a comparatively favourable 99 euros, Tatze offers a steel axle on which the cage rotates around a large needle and ball bearing. The click mechanism is SPD-compatible, but Tatze recommends using the cleats supplied by the factory. We had no problems with either cleat option in practice.
What we immediately noticed during setup: The release force can be adjusted over a particularly wide range between approx. 5 and 25 Newton metres. This means that everyone is sure to find the right setup. The Contact Downhill does not have a scale, and the ratchet screw is also very stiff and rough.
Riding test of the Tatze Contact downhill pedal
You have to get used to clicking into the bindings, as the many pins mean you don't always find your way in straight away. The Contact also requires a little more pressure to get the shoe into the pedal.
From then on, however, you stand perfectly on the pedals. The large footprint provides an enormous amount of security on rough terrain. Even with slightly softer trail shoes, you get enough pressure on the pedals. In combination with the pins, the grip is extremely good. Even riding unclicked is no problem here. This means that tricky sections can be mastered particularly safely.
However, the very tight connection has one small disadvantage: those who are used to a little more freedom of movement at the heels will find it difficult to get to grips with the Tatze, as the shoes sit bombproof on the pedal. This also means that you need a little more effort to unclip than with other pedals.
Evaluation & conclusion
| Category | Grade |
| Entry / exit (30%) | 2,5 |
| Driving feel / stability (30%) | 2,0 |
| Cage function (10%) | 1,0 |
| Setup (10%) | 2,2 |
| Weight (20%) | 3,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 2,3 |
Conclusion: Tatze Contact Downhill
Extremely secure stand, high-quality workmanship and all this at an absolutely reasonable price. If you can put up with a little extra weight, the Paw Contact Downhill A solid trail pedal that won't let you down even in tricky situations. Grip and stability are enormous - whether clicked in or out. The grippy pins make it a little more difficult to get on and off and limit your manoeuvrability on the pedal.
You can find out more about pedals here
Stefan Frey
Editor
