Downhill, 4X and Enduro: the three Atherton siblings have been successfully shaking up the bike racing scene for years. One of their main sponsors is Shimano. So it's not surprising that the Japanese also rely on the experience of the fast Brits when developing their products. The new AM9, AM7 and AM5 all-mountain and gravity shoes have incorporated a lot of input from countless test rides with their siblings. The Athertons' wish list included, above all, a grippier sole, better protection and lower weight. Shimano wants to have implemented all of these points in the new models.
Three models for the Gravity range
The SPD-compatible AM9 should be more than just a pure downhill shoe and also score points in enduro and trail use.
The AM7 flat pedal shoe is designed for downhill and all-mountain use and, with its Vibram sole, is intended to offer a compromise between optimum contact on the pedals and protection and grip when running.
The AM5 is again an SPD-compatible shoe for gravity and BMX use, in which particular emphasis was placed on optimum protection.
Improved sole construction
The influence of the Athertons should be particularly strong in the AM9. It is designed to protect the feet particularly reliably and offer excellent grip. The side areas of both SPD models and the AM7 flat pedal shoe are reinforced and pulled upwards to effectively protect the ankles. A newly designed sole plate is intended to guarantee optimum bike control as well as good stiffness. The pedal channel has been redesigned to make it easier to click back into the pedals. It should now guide the cleats even more directly into the pedal. The new sole also plays a large part in the lower weight. The AM9 is said to have shed a whole 217 grams compared to its predecessor, the AM45.
More space and better grip
The so-called Tour last shape is intended to offer a little more space, especially under the ball of the foot, thus improving the support of the foot on the pedal and when walking. A Velcro strap on the top of the AM9, AM7 and AM5 secures the foot in the shoe. In addition, a reinforced lace cover on the AM9 and AM7 protects the feet from injury.
Weights:
AM9: 744 grams (size 40)
AM7: 731 grams (size 40)
AM5: 941 grams (size 40)
For comparison: the current AM45 weighs 961 grams in the same size
Cross Mountain: new shoe series for adventurers
The two completely newly developed models XM9 and XM7 are aimed particularly at adventurers and Alpine crossers. They are tailor-made for demanding adventures where you sometimes have to spend a lot of time off the bike.
XM9: universal all-season shoe
Visually and functionally, the XM9 is based on a classic mountaineering boot. Its high-cut shaft protects the ankles and stabilises the ankle on pushing passages. In addition, the ankle padding is cut in such a way that it effectively prevents the ingress of dirt. The multi-power strap lacing system is designed to secure the foot in the shoe and distribute the pull over the entire foot, while also being lightweight. With its Gore-Tex membrane, the XM9 can withstand even the most inclement weather. The extremely grippy Vibram profile is designed to ensure a secure hold even in the mountains and the rubber toe cap increases the protective effect, while the touring boot is said to weigh an acceptable 1070 grams despite its robust construction with metal eyelets on the lacing.
XM7: comfortable tourer
The XM7 is less aggressive but still has all the important details for adventure use. Although the classic low shoe does not have ankle protection, its grippy Vibram sole should still score points in tough terrain. The Gore-Tex membrane also makes it weatherproof. As with the XM9, the flexible, half-length sole plate and shock-absorbing EVA guarantee the best outdoor walking comfort. The lacing system with the Velcro strap running across the back of the foot ensures a good, comfortable fit and secures the laces. The XM7 is said to weigh 870 grams in size 40.
Two new mountain bike models for women
Shimano also caters for women. The Japanese company has always had special women's models in its programme. For 2016, two new models, the WM64 and the WM53, have been developed for off-road use. The soles of both shoes are designed in such a way that they adapt better to the natural shape of the foot and create fewer cavities. This is intended to increase both performance and comfort. Both shoes are manufactured on a special women's last, which is optimally adapted to the anatomy of the female foot with a slimmer heel area, reduced volume with optimised support and a smaller toe box.
The WM64 uses the familiar Torbal sole construction. In the cleat area, where the force is transferred to the pedal, the sole is reinforced to ensure improved power transmission. In the rear area of the shoe, on the other hand, the sole is kept flexible in order to be able to control the bike better in technical passages.
The fastening system on the WM64 consists of two Velcro fasteners and a ratchet. With the WM53, the foot is strapped into the shoe using three Velcro fasteners.
Stefan Frey
Editor
