Without shoes and pedals, mountain biking would be a purely stationary sport. What a nightmare. No wonder manufacturers fill their show shelves with new and innovative products every year. We visited the most important companies at Eurobike 2017 and show what bikers will be wearing on their feet next season. Plus: The most exciting new MTB pedals.
Shimano with new shoe models in all categories
The AM901 was developed for downhill and enduro riders. With its revised upper material, it is designed to make it more difficult for water to penetrate, dry faster and provide even better protection than previous models. The tried-and-tested quick lacing system is concealed under the toe cover, which is designed to offer additional protection. This should allow the AM901 to be adjusted to the foot particularly quickly and precisely.
The little brother of the AM901, the AM701 , is now also SPD-compatible. Unlike the AM901, the AM701 does not have a lace cover. It also offers a harder sole and ankle protection to prevent the ingress of dirt. Thanks to the slightly stiffer midsole, the AM701 should pedal a little better on the trail than the AM901.
Two special gravity shoes are completely new for the 2018 model year. In principle, the new GR900 has the same protective features as the AM901. Asymmetric ankle protection, reinforced lacing cover and robust toe protection. However, the GR900 differs significantly from the all-mountain model due to its simplified sole construction. The shoe should not only offer significantly better grip and improved walking characteristics thanks to the Michelin rubber sole, but with a weight of 365 grams (size 42) it should also be slightly lighter than the AM901.
As with the all-mountain models, the 366 gram GR700 does away with the lace cover for more ventilation in the shoe. The GR700 is also available in a colour-matched version for women.
Those who like to wear something more classic will also find what they are looking for at Shimano: the SH-ME5 is a lightweight trail shoe with two Velcro straps and a ratchet. It is designed to offer a good compromise between pedalling and running characteristics.
With the XC5 Shimano brings a mixture of road bike and cross-country shoe to the pedals. Gravel bikers, overnighters or bike packers: the lightweight lace-up shoe with Michelin sole is aimed directly at the current trend categories. The almost seamless upper material enables a weight of around 600 grams in size 42.
The PD-M820 is one part of SHIMANO's new line-up of downhill and enduro pedals. The pedal is characterised by maximum control, extensive contact and grip, as well as long durability. The aluminium pedal body of the PD-M820 is said to be perfectly matched to the AM901 shoe and thus create a firm shoe-pedal connection. The double-sided aluminium cage protects the SPD mechanism from damage and is said to be particularly durable. A low profile is designed to reduce the contact height and weight (546 grams). The four pins on each side can be adjusted and are designed to provide grip when the shoe is not clicked into the pedal.
The PD-M828 Flat pedal at SAINT level, is an octagonal curved platform pedal. It is designed to offer a particularly high level of grip and support. Twelve steel pins per side (optionally 3 mm or 5 mm) are designed to provide the ideal ratio of secure connection to the bike on one side and high stability on the other.
The PD-M8040 is an XT-level platform pedal and is available in a small to medium version (recommended shoe sizes: 36-44) or a medium to large version (recommended shoe sizes: 43-48). Shimano wants to offer the best possible support for the foot depending on the shoe size. With ten pins on each side and a slightly curved design, the trail and enduro pedal is intended to offer comfort and efficient pedalling. The pedals are supplied with 3 mm or 5 mm pins. The weight is: 460 grams (S/M) or 503 grams (M/L).
Suplest: new off-road shoes from Switzerland
The Swiss are asking a whopping 349 euros for their new top-of-the-range cross-country model - the Suplest Edge 3 Pro. For this price, you get a welded microfibre upper, two Boa closures and a super-stiff carbon sole. For 100 euros less, you have to do without a Boa fastener on the performance version, but the seamless upper material is retained.
Fizik: first winter shoe from the Italians
Winter is still a long way off, but Fizik is already showing off its new model for cold days. The seamless upper material is closed by a waterproof zip. Underneath, a rain membrane runs through the entire shoe. Inside, the foot is secured in the shoe with a quick lacing system. For comfort and warm toes, Fizik places a special insole with fleece on top and aluminium on the underside inside the shoe. The power is transferred to the pedals via a lightweight carbon sole, which is somewhat unusual for a winter shoe. In size 42.5, the Fizik Artica X5 is said to weigh just over 900 grams.
With the Infinito X1 Fizik is definitely aiming for the top spot on the podium. The carbon pedals are said to weigh just 600 grams and provide plenty of propulsion thanks to the ultra-stiff carbon sole. Two Boa twist fasteners adjust the seamless Microtex upper material to the feet. The 1.4 millimetre thin outer skin is designed to be breathable, flexible and supportive, while also protecting the feet from stone contact. The Italians pay dearly for so much high-tech: the Infinito X1 costs a whopping 350 euros.
Knitted bike shoe: Giro with new upper material
Knitted material has been used in sports shoes for some time now. For 2018, Giro is producing three new cycling shoes made from this innovative material, aiming to set new benchmarks in terms of comfort, fit and power transmission.
Looks like a modern football shoe, but is built for life on the pedals. With the new trail shoe Giro Empire VR70 A TPU skeleton supports the knit material for more stability. The upper material itself is DWR-coated and additionally protected by rubber toe caps. A tight-fitting ankle sock is designed not only to provide more comfort, but also to protect the feet. The EC70 carbon sole transfers power to the pedals so that calf power is not lost in the knit stitches.
Bont Riot MTB+: the shoe for baking
Bont MTB shoes can be perfectly adapted to the foot using heat. To further improve the fit, the lacing has now been renewed: a Z-shaped Velcro fastener and a Boa fastener should ensure a perfect fit. The tread of Bont MTB shoes can still be replaced. This means that the 210 euro shoes should have a fairly long life cycle.
Specialised 2FO: new flat pedal shoe
Specialized and the Canadian Coastal Crew have carried out many thousands of metres of depth and hundreds of test rides with pressure measurement foils to further develop their flat pedal shoes. The result is the 2FO 2.0 and 1.0 models, the centrepiece of which is the new SlipNot 2.0 rubber sole, which is designed to provide plenty of grip and direct contact with the pedals. Ventilation is also said to have been improved. Cushioning foam and a robust toe cap protect the feet of downhill and enduro riders, for whom Specialized has optimised its top model.
Specialised has paid particular attention to the sole construction of the 2FO flat pedal shoes. Compared to the previous model, the rubber studs of the in-house SlipNot 2.0 material are significantly more pronounced. A different rubber compound is used in the centre section and the studs are higher in the toe and heel area. The only difference between the 2FO 2.0 and 1.0 models is the upper material and construction; the sole is the same on both new Specialised shoes.
Scott AR: Comfortable bike pedalling for long tours
"AR" stands for All-Rounder - Scott wants to appeal to all touring bikers. With a fibreglass-reinforced, grippy rubber sole, the 510 gram shoe places great emphasis on comfort. The fit is wide and the EVA midsole offers plenty of cushioning. The insole can be customised to your foot type with interchangeable pads. The Scott AR MTB shoe is available in both flat pedal and clickie versions - for men and women. The top version is compressed with two Boa IP1 twist fasteners, the AR Lace with laces.
Crank Brothers expands Stamp flat pedal line
Crank Brothers is expanding its Stamp line. The flat pedal will be available in four versions in future. The most affordable version - the Stamp 2 - consists of a 16 mm thick die-cast aluminium body, costs 80 euros and is equipped with the same Enduro-Igus bearing mix as the high-quality models. Like all Stamp pedals, the 2 version is also available in two sizes (up to shoe size 43 and above). The Stamp 2 weighs 415 (small) or 470 grams per pair.
The smartest pedal in the new Stamp series from Crank Brothers is the signature version from Danny MacAskill. It is based on the Stamp 3 made of forged aluminium, costs 100 euros and weighs 399 grams in the S version.
Crank Brothers packs everything that is noble and expensive into the Stamp 11. The €300 flat pedal is only eleven millimetres high, rotates around a titanium axle and is designed to offer the shoe optimum grip thanks to its slightly concave shape. Equipped with the highest quality bearings and seals, it can be regreased using a grease nipple. As with all Stamp pedals, Crank Brothers also offers a five-year guarantee on the Stamp 11. Weight: 299 or 325 grams.
Northwave Ghost XC - new top CC model
Racers will be licking their fingers for this shoe. The Ghost XC is the counterpart to the top-of-the-range Extreme RR road bike model and weighs just 660 grams. The special upper construction is designed to prevent pressure points and wrap around the feet like a second skin. A robust rubber coating protects the upper material from damage in exposed areas. An ingenious tension guide should also help to optimally enclose the forefoot area with just one twist lock. As last year, Northwave is working closely with Michelin on the sole construction. The extremely grippy rubber should ensure at least a minimum of running comfort. The Ghost XC is available in sizes from 38 to 49. The price is likely to cause beads of sweat to form on your forehead even before the first race starts. Northwave is asking a whopping 369.99 euros for its top model.
Gaerne G_Sincro+ : new top model with Michelin sole
Walking down the basement stairs in racing shoes used to be a slippery ride. But now that Michelin has developed rubber soles as well as tyres, these lightweight shoes have almost more grip than some touring shoes. This should now also be the case with Gaerne. The new top race shoe G_Sincro+ also has the grippy profile of the French company, which is also said to be lighter than conventional TPU soles. Unfortunately, it was not possible to find out at the stand how light the 369 euro shoe actually is. Only that the extra-stiff Lightweight Carbon Fibre sole is supposed to transfer power to the pedals without loss. Two Boa wheels secure the feet in the shoe, which will also be available in five colours.
The shoe with which Nino Schurter won six World Cups this season: The Scott RC SL is a race shoe that is fully trimmed for propulsion. The Carbitex cuff (a mix of carbon and thermoplastic) ensures that no watts are lost even when pulling on the pedals. Two Boa twist fasteners secure the flexible carbon outer skin, while microfibre is used in the toe area. The 330 gram shoe costs a hefty 500 euros.
As the high-quality lace-up model was so popular last year, Scott has added the Comp Lace for 2018. The stylish lace-up shoe for bikers with a fibreglass-reinforced nylon sole costs 99 euros. A rubberised outsole provides grip on stones and wet roots.
Exustar trail pedals for enduro riders
Easy entry and perfect self-cleaning in mud: The E-PM625 pedals from Exustar are designed to appeal to trail and enduro bikers. Price: 99 euros, weight: 420 grams.
Stefan Frey
Editor
