BikeRadar visited the Australian Shimano 2014 dealer launch where Shimano released details of performance footwear and pedals for on and off the road. New top-tier off-road shoes, women’s road race shoes and a budget carbon replacement for the long standing R540 were all highlights.
XC90, XC70 and XC61 shoes for the off-road racers
The key innovations are seen with the new XC90, XC70 and XC61 off-road shoes, replacements for the M315, M240 and XC60 respectively. The new XC range promise to offer greater efficiency, comfort and lower weight.
Borrowed from the road, ‘Dynalast’ features a flatter sole and reduced stack height that claims to place less tension on the foot, calves and hamstrings, aiding performance.
The XC90 sits at the top, featuring a tread layout reminiscent of a football boot. Cyclo-cross racers' prayers have been answered with a minimal design and replacement studs in the forefoot, which means mud clogging becomes far less of an issue while traction increases.
All three models receive a new velcro strap layout, previously all tightening in the same direction. The straps now oppose each other to create a foot hugging fit that prevents nerve pinching at the top of the foot.
The XC70, a large weight reduction from last years M240.
The XC90/XC70 retain Shimano’s great custom-fit technology, allowing the user to have the shoes heat moulded to problematic feet. The XC70 and XC61 receive lower grade carbon soles and move to a more standard tread layout.
The XC90 shoes are claimed to weigh just 627g per pair, with the XC70 and XC61 both claimed at 632g per pair. Expect the XC90s to be available from October with other models following soon after. Pricing is TBA, but you can expect a full test on the XC90 on BikeRadar once available.
WR-83: a racier option for women’s road
A new top-tier women’s road race shoe replaces the current WR-82, the WR-83 borrows much technology from the men’s R320, yet with a women’s specific fit. Featuring Dynalast technology and a far lighter weight construction (claimed weight 486g/pair), the WR-83 is a welcome addition to the ever expanding footwear range from Shimano.
Availability is expected as near as August, and pricing is still TBA.
Budget carbon road pedal: R550
With recent news of a carbon 105 level pedal, we've learned that even the budget R540 is being replaced with a carbon model. The new Shimano R550 mimics the latest Dura-ace and Ultegra pedals with an extra-wide body and bearing placement, and a replaceable stainless-steel support plate. The R550 claims to drop 20g off the R540 for a total of 310g per pair. Could this spell the end of aluminium road pedals from Shimano? Availability and pricing are TBA.
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Kenneth P. Anderson fixed gear guy Tony J. McMillan Brian G. Moore Donald J. Johns
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