What's good for the fastest downhill rider of the moment can't be bad for normal bikers. Rachel Atherton and her brothers Gee and Dan have been pedalling with Shimano shoes for many years. The Japanese company welcomes their feedback and always incorporates it into the development of new models. For the coming season, five new models have been created to cover the entire all-mountain and gravity range. There are shoes for click pedal riders as well as versions for flat pedal bikers and a special women's version.
New all-mountain models: Shimano AM901 and AM701
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 grippy, highly adhesive rubber sole was developed together with Michelin and is designed to make running easier and improve contact with the pedals. The so-called "pedal channel" is located in the sole behind the cleat and is designed to ensure a stable connection with the pedals, even when the shoe is not clicked in. In size 42, the shoe weighs 400 grams.
The AM901's little brother, 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.
New for gravity bikers: Shimano GR900 and GR700
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.
New pedals for click and flat
There are also some new pedal innovations for 2018. Not only has a Saint-level downhill and enduro pedal been designed. There will also be a special XT flat pedal.
PD-M820: clipless pedal with large cage
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 intended to provide the ideal ratio of secure connection to the bike on the one hand and high stability on the other.
PD-M8040 - Platform pedal at XT level
The PD-M8040 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 should 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).
PD-GR500 - robust, groupless pedal
The PD-GR500 pedal is the successor to the PD-MX80 and is designed to be a durable flat pedal, ideal as an entry-level model for trail and all-mountain riders. The PD-GR500 has height-adjustable pins and chromoly axles with low-maintenance, sealed cartridge bearings. Weighing in at 533 grams, it is available in both black and silver.
Stefan Frey
Editor
