With the Gravita series, Fizik is launching two brand new shoes that are primarily aimed at downhill-orientated mountain bikers. Both models, Gravity Tensor and Gravita Versor, are available in a version for flat pedals and a version for clipless pedals.
Fizik Gravita Tensor - Overview
- Clipless or flat pedal shoe for enduro to downhill
- Ripstop material and TPU-reinforced toe area
- Classic lacing and Velcro strap
- Vibram sole
- Sizes: 36 - 48 (37 - 47 in half sizes)
- Price: 169 Euro (Fizik Gravita Tensor Flat) / 179 Euro (Fizik Gravita Tensor Klick)
When developing the new Gravita shoes, the focus was on two points: on the one hand, the models designed for racing should offer plenty of protection in tough off-road use and long durability, but on the other hand, they should not be too heavy and, above all, be able to adapt perfectly to the foot.
Modern materials - classically laced
To achieve these goals, Fizik relies on modern materials and an asymmetrical construction. The most striking feature of the Tensor models is the raised upper on the inside, which is designed to protect the ankles. An injection-moulded TPU cap is used on the toes.
The upper material consists of a relatively thin layer of rip-stop material, which is not only lightweight but also particularly tear-resistant. This should make the shoe less bulky to wear than classic enduro or downhill shoes. For the fastening, Fizik combines classic lacing with an additional Velcro strap, which should provide a little more tension on the foot.
The sole of the Gravita Tensor is kept extremely flat to maximise the contact surface on the pedals. The tread is supplied by sole specialist Vibram. Fizik has opted for the version with the best grip, the Vibram XS Evo. This means that the rider not only finds grip in the cleats, but also on the pins of the corresponding enduro and downhill pedals. While the profile under the pedals has been kept somewhat flatter, a somewhat coarser profile is used under the toes and heels in order to generate sufficient grip even in running passages. The cleat channel has been made extra long to ensure reliable entry into the pedal.
Fizik Gravita Versor - Overview
- versatile clipless or flat pedal shoe for enduro to downhill
- robust ripstop material
- Classic asymmetric lacing
- Vibram sole
- Colours: black / grey / black-purple
- Sizes: 36 - 48 (37 - 47 in half sizes)
- Price: 129 euros (Fizik Gravita Versor Flat) / 139 euros (Fizik Gravita Versor Klick)
With the Versor models, Fizik also has an affordable version of its enduro and downhill shoes in its programme. Like the Tensor, the Versor also uses the grippy Vibram sole. However, the affordable Versor is likely to be significantly less stiff than the high-priced Tensor. Fizik specifies the two models with its own stiffness index of 2 and 5 respectively.
The fastening has also been slimmed down, with the shoe only being closed via an asymmetrically attached lacing. The toe protection is somewhat less robust and the protection for the ankles has also been omitted. However, you don't have to do without the tear-resistant ripstop material on the Versor, nor do you have to do without the long cleat channel, which should make it easier to get into the clipless pedal.
Fizik Gravita Tensor - first test impression
We've already been able to test the click version of the new Gravita Tensor extensively and were pretty impressed by its secure grip on enduro pedals like the Crank Brothers Mallet E. The flat design of the sole means that the shoes have a lot of contact with the pedal cage and also with the pins. With a washer under the cleats, the feet can still move easily off-road. Getting on and off the pedals is intuitive.
The tension-resistant upper material and the Velcro strap keep the feet cleanly in the shoe, no slippage at the heel, the power is transferred well to the pedals. Compared to shoes like the Shimano ME-7, the Fizik is a little bulkier in the toe area and the ripstop material doesn't hug the foot as snugly. Immediately after the first ride, we rethreaded the laces so that they were threaded from the bottom. This allowed the shoe to fit the foot a little better.
The solid protection on the ankle and toes is also very pleasing. Mud and splash water are also repelled quite well by the upper material. We were less convinced by the Gravita Tensor when walking. This is where the disadvantage of the flat sole becomes apparent: the shoe barely rolls and also generates less grip on the terrain compared to more heavily profiled models.
Stefan Frey
Editor
