Component manufacturer Crankbrothers is expanding its range of shoes with a new Vent series, which has been specially developed for riding in high temperatures and is set to impress on (e-)mountain bikes in trail and enduro riding. With the Trail Speed Lace Vent, the company is launching a shoe that promises maximum air circulation.
Focus on ventilation and breathability
The key feature of the new models is the highly breathable mesh upper, which is designed to enhance air circulation. According to the manufacturer, the shoes have been deliberately designed to be lightweight and feature quick-drying materials. The ‘Bone grey’ colourway takes a practical approach: this light-coloured summer version is designed not only to make dust less visible, but also to reduce heat build-up by reflecting sunlight more effectively. Nevertheless, dust and dirt are still effectively concealed.
For the sole, Crankbrothers relies on its in-house MATCH technology. The outsole has been designed to perform equally well when cycling and when walking. A particularly interesting feature is that, according to the manufacturer, the rubber compound has been specially tailored to their own pedals to optimise the connection between the shoe and the pedal.
The facts about the Crankbrothers Trail Speedlace Vent
- Focus on good ventilation
- Available as a click (mallet) or flat (stamp) version
- Price: 190 euros (pay-as-you-go) or 170 euros (flat rate)
- Weight: 408 or 309 grams per shoe
- Sizes: 37 to 49
- A new ‘Bone Grey’ colour option that better conceals dust and absorbs less heat
- TPU-reinforced toe cap for impact protection
- A quick and practical Speed-Lace fastening system with an integrated lace pocket
Two versions for different types of pedals
The Trail-Vent range is available in two versions: the Mallet Trail Vent for clipless pedals and the Stamp Trail Vent for flat pedals. Although both models use the same MATCH technology, they differ in the rubber compound of the sole and, of course, the inlay for pedal cleats.
The Mallet Trail Vent clip-in shoe features the MC1 rubber compound, which is designed to strike a balance between easy clipping in and out and durability. Deep, evenly spaced tread blocks are intended to provide grip on a variety of surfaces.
The Stamp Trail Vent flat-pedal version features the MC2 compound, which offers a higher level of grip. Thanks to its lower rebound forces, this compound is designed to adhere particularly well to flat pedals – an important factor for maintaining control on technical trail sections.
Intended use: trail and enduro
Crankbrothers is positioning the new Vent models in the trail and enduro segment. The shoes are therefore aimed at cyclists who tackle both long climbs and challenging descents – and who, above all, rely on good ventilation in warm weather conditions. The shoes come with the Speedlace quick-release fastening system.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
