he 2006 XC-1 has a swanky new upper design with Answer Products' 2 strap and buckle closure system for a snug, secure fit. You get a lot for your money here.
Strengths: New design with the ratchet strap. Good shoes historically.
Weaknesses: Not too crazy about the color
Bottom Line:
Have you seen these pups? The ones are the 2006 model, black and silver with the ratchet straps. It's been a while since anyone reviewed this line. Soild shoes through what I've used them for. Works as well as anything else I've rode and are much more comfy than my Impacts were. They are a little wider in the toe box which is great for my wide feet. Before, we had to pick up Sidi Megas. Hey, if you don't mind shelling out $200+ for shoes you constantly drag through mud and scrap off rocks, go ahead. I got 2 pairs of shoes for that same money and they both function perfectly.
Similar Products Used: Answer Impact, 661 Peak, Gaerne, AXO
Bike Setup: SC Heckler to play, DEAN Ace to slay... And a Trek 5200 to get fast.
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Submitted by
Jeremy Neal
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
Strengths: Lightweight, stiff.
Weaknesses: The velcro on the straps comes off easily, and the buckles that hold the straps rip. Happened on both shoes. I'm waiting for replacements from Answer, but I don't see how they could fix these problems short of a redesign.
Bottom Line:
Don't buy them for durability, would make a good race shoe though.
Strengths: Stiff, comfortable, durability, good for my flat feet.
Weaknesses: Could use a third strap.
Bottom Line:
Good shoe that I wore almost everyday for commuting to work, and at least 2 times per week riding. Am going to continue using them for commuting and get a new pair of XC-1 for riding.
Submitted by
Darren Ulrich
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, TX
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Strengths: COMFY!!! Good traction, no laces to mess with (in 2002 model), 3 straps give good adjustability
Weaknesses: Not enough cleat adjustability, Leather is prone to get damaged
Bottom Line:
This shoe is great for people like me who have wide, flat feet. They've felt like an old pair of sneakers from the moment I bought them. The heel cup is lined with a silky, padded material to prevent heel chafing and blisters. The leather in the uppers is soft enough not to create pressure points when you cinch the straps down. They may be too roomy for people who have feet on the narrow side. The cleat plate doesn't have quite enough adjustability. The front holes slid all the way back is too far forward and the back holes slid all the way forward puts the cleat too far back. If you want a shoe that you can ride in all day, though, this is the one!
Similar Products Used: Old pair of Specialized, Shimano (ouch!)
Bike Setup: Trek 8000, pretty much stock
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Submitted by
Alan Koslowski
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002
Strengths: Comfort, stiffness, durability, traction, heal catch. Great value.
Weaknesses: Laces, flamboyant coloration.
Bottom Line:
This is great high end mountain bike shoe that compares favorably to other brands that cost twice as much (ie SIDI). You should be able to find the 2001 model for less than $90 (the the 01 and 02 models are basically the same).
This is my first high-end shoe and I must say I'm impressed. The sole is stuff as oak, but very comfortable to walk in (it almost feels like a slipper). I don't know how they do it: Maybe it's the LHS design, but whatever it is, it works. The lamenated sole and aggressive tread give the shoe exceptional traction and durability. I was a little skeptical of the heal catch (a neoprene insert sewn into the heal), but it does seem to help hold your foot in place and provides extra comfort. The overall workman ship seems excellent.
As always, I do have a few minor gripes. The laces are flimsy (I broke only a couple days after I bought the shoe). The bright red color scheme (01 model) is a little loud for my taste (though it does provide visibility). These shoes do take a little while to get in and out of, but that's because of all the comfort features (laces and velcro straps), so that's just me being picky.
The more I use Answer products, the more impressed I am with the company (and no, I'm in no way professionally affiliated). The XC-1 is another one of their many exceptional quality/great value products. It's a great shoe period, and the comparatively low price makes it even better.
Bike Setup: Full suspension, XT build kit...Manitou on the front, Fox on the rear. First full suspension from bike, and so far am greatful I made the switch.
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Coeur d'Alene, ID
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001
Strengths: Looks Good, Stiff sole, Fit well, High-quality leather, Engineering;the lateral heel retention system, toe-spikes and grippy sole. Feels comfy after three or four rides and ventilates well.
Weaknesses: Fabric portions on inside heal area prone to ripping when come in contact with sprockets; should just put leather there. The grippy sole may be too grippy, it is not durable so don't walk around on this shoe on pavement or hard surfaces (this is evidenced by cleat area slightly ripping away from pedal engagement and the feel of the rubber, toe spike ripped out on the first ride.
Bottom Line:
This is a real xc shoe. Good looks, good fit and very stiff. I like them better than the weaknesses column indicates. I'm very hard on shoes and these are holding up well despite the little problems. The toe spike simply jettisoned itself. (I still have to contact Answer for a replacement, my LBS cannot seem to get any). When the fabric ripped on the Shimanos, I just put some industrial strength glue on that part and kept going and will do that on this fabric area too. Probably cannot expect fabric to survive contact with sprockets but there should just be leather there anyway. I have a small heel and the cup is a little large but not too bad. I just cinch up the straps tight. The inside laces are somewhat difficult to tie due to the flap covering them but they really do seem to add a slipper-like feel to the shoe. The top strap could be a little longer as well. Overall, this is a great shoe for the price. The cleats screw in tight, they feel great with the Time pedals, they are very stiff, they look good, the lower heel area is encased in hard plastic for heel protection, and the toe spikes really work well. 4 flamers overall due to the little problems but really do like the shoes so more like 4.5.
Submitted by
STP
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Strengths: Great design. Very comfortable. Good ventilation on hot days. I like the fit and the heel cup really holds your foot in. Made of quality materials. I especially like the neoprene style tongue. A lot of thinking went into this shoe. The center of the sole on the bottom has traction "teeth", when you're unclipped and having to ride that center spot, your foot's not sliding all over the place. The material of the sole is quiet and soft, with great traction. Another good thinking feature is the cut-out on the underside of the upper flap, so that your shoe laces can tuck underneath it, not creating an uncomfortable pressure point, when you have the straps going across. The shoe performs really well on the bike too. Great shoe for the price.
Submitted by
Marc Peot
a Cross Country Rider
from Arvada, Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Strengths: Fits like the last was made from my foot. Stiff, stiff, stiff. Straps AND laces, Strong Heel Cup, Sole Durability Problem is Fixed -- and it looks GREAT!!
Weaknesses: None -- It's a Bomber!
Bottom Line:
Answer has always fit my foot the best -- I have a wide forefoot and a very narrow heel. The Carnac's have too wide a heel for me-- and the Sidi's seem too flimsy and WAY overpriced. These shoes are built like tanks, compared to them! They are very stiff. They also seem to have good ventilation, as well. And, finally -- the sole delamination and knob tearing has been fixed!! Thank You, Answer!! Be sure to check around before you buy -- JensonUSA has them for $119.00 -- there is really no reason to pay 190.00 or whatever. Happy Trails!!
Strengths: I was surprised at first that my 48 foot fit in these shoes so well, and quite comfortably considering the fact that i normally wear a size 14. I,ve ridden these shoes through just about anything can think of(including horse sh-poop), and i am thoroughly immpressed with the lack of deterioration of the sole, aside from some rubbing on the side due to rider error.
Weaknesses: U can't replace the plate(at least i don't think u can) on the bottom of the shoe, have had to change the laces once in a year.
Bottom Line:
Excelent shoes if u can afford them. I ride them on average of 2hrs a day 4 days a week, and they take it like a champ, so go buy a pair if you are looking for a pair of shoes that are light durable and are in it for the long haul.
To be honest, I can't tell the difference between my $30 Accelerators and the $100+ XC1. The XC1 has leather uppers, but their too soft and flimsy - the synthetic leather on the Accelerators is more firm and keeps crap out of your laces better. I got my Accelerators last year on clearance sale and they only lasted one year, but $30 per year for shoes is not a bad deal.
One nice thing about Answer shoes is that they fit my 11.5 wide feet very nicely. I will most likely continue to buy Answer shoes, but I really don't see what spending more $$$ gets me.
Strengths: Great Fit (Wide toe box), siff soles and are great for warm weather riding
Weaknesses: None, Atleast not yet
Bottom Line:
Good Shoe, resonable price when on sale. Answer seems to have taken care of the sole delamination problem on previous models. Sole is stiffer and fit has also been improved. The shoes also have good ventalation, however your feet will be very dirty if you ride in dusty conditions. These shoes are by far best shoe I have owned and Are holding up well and I tend to be very hard on equipment.
