Submitted by
JMUSuperman
a All Mountain Rider
from Port Townsend, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2012
Strengths: Weight, strength, stiffness, ease of use.
Weaknesses: eSoles availability
Bottom Line:
I purchased the 2011 version of the RXL on close-out through my local bike shop so they were heavily discounted. For 2012, Bontrager has redesigned the shoe slightly, adding several replaceable parts and a pretty sweet little bit that allows the heal to be custom formed around the rider's ankle. It looks like the main strap remains the same, which is good because it's a very user-friendly system.
This is my first shoe with a carbon sole, but it didn't take too long to see what I was missing. The shoe fits really well, is easily adjusted, and has stood up to abuse for 3 months of riding 5 days a week through some pretty nasty conditions. My main concern was the durability of the main strap, but it has continued to perform flawlessly.
While it isn't a big issue if your foot instantly feels great in the shoe, the eSole system isn't exactly a great system for a mass marketed shoe. The system requires you to have your feet scanned at a certified center, the closest of which is 3 states away for me. While for me the shoe fit great out of the box, I'm wondering if I'm missing anything every time I put them on. Still, since they work well for me, money well spent on the close-out deal.
If you're looking for a great shoe on close-out, go for the 2011 model. If you're the kind of rider that really likes the latest bells and whistles, I'd go for the 2012 if you can swing the price tag. Word to the wise: my black ones still look nice and fresh after a cleaning, my buddies white ones aren't so fortunate.
Similar Products Used: Sidi shoes, Shimano shoes, Diadora shoes
Bike Setup: Stumpjumper FSR using Crank Brothers pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
David S
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2012
Strengths: Fit, Comfort, Weight
Bottom Line:
Good, comfortable road shoe for Weekend Warriors (Light weight but good tred in case you end up off road). I have a few scrapes from some minor falls so I can understand some concerns from those doing some serious mountain biking.
Weaknesses: would have been expensive had i paid full price
Bottom Line:
My first pair of shoes, i use them with egg beatert. Fantastic experience. have hit quite a few rocks and fallen hard on them as well and they still look like new!
These shoes are comfy but they aren't holding up well at all. On the second ride with them, we had to do a long hike-a-bike section that was really rocky. I've done this ride before with other shoes so I have something to compare it to. They were ok for walking (something I can't say about all carbon soled shoes) but they were really ripped up from rubbing rocks by the end of the day. I've never had a pair so shoes do this on this trail. Since then I've continued to used them and they are falling apart at the front. I think this is a case of Bontrager using the same upper on the road shoe as the mountain shoe and for mountain biking other than your typical XC circuit where your shoes never touch the ground they just don't stand up.
Strengths: Stiff as all getout, no goofy buckles, light, cheaper than others
Weaknesses: with my low volume feet, these are like wearing galoshes! Sidis always fit very well...narrow last, low volume shoe...these are much bigger. I added an insert underneath the footbed, and i still have the velcro pulled to the limits.
Bottom Line:
Great shoes, careful about the fit for narrow/skinny feet. If they fit well (think generic shimano fit) these are superb mtb shoes.
Similar Products Used: Sidi, DMT, Northwave, Shimano
Bike Setup: Kona Kula Supreme, XTR, SID
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
shani10k
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2009
Strengths: Super stiff, adjustable
Weaknesses: Tread pattern
Bottom Line:
I got these to replace a pair of Sidi Dominator 5's I misplaced. When replacing parts (I'll consider shoes a "part"), I almost never downgrade. While these were nearly $70 cheaper than the Dominators (msrp, I needed shoes THAT DAY!), they are in no way a downgrade. Super stiff soles are considerably stiffer than the Dominators--these feel more like high-end road shoes with some tread on the bottom--mostly a good thing, but some bad (see below).
My only complaint thus far is with the tread. Under the ball of the foot, there are two rail-like treads that have almost no texture to them. These treads are very stiff, and without texture, they are pretty slick--think skis. The rails also serve to trap mud right where it matters most--around the cleats. I rode the Dominators for 3 years, so I know what stiff-treaded MTB shoes are like--the RXL's unfortunately are worse in this area. I may take a dremel to my "rails" to make some home-made texture...
To summarize, I'm p*ssed that I lost my Dominators, but consider the RXL's to be an upgrade.
Submitted by
mark60amp
a Racer
from Menomonee Falls, WI
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009
Strengths: Weight,Fit, Stiffness,comfort right out of the box
Weaknesses: Somewhat short velcro straps.
Bottom Line:
I was a bit skeptical of such a new shoe and have been very happy with Sidi. Even side by side I still thought I like Sidi better. 3 hour hammer ride and after 5 minutes I forgot these were on my feet. When I started paying attention I realized they are more comfortable and stiffer than the Sidis.
Well done first effort durability is of course yet to be determined however, I am very pleased so far.
Submitted by
darman
a Cross Country Rider
from philippines
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2009
Strengths: weight,looks,comfort,super stiff
Weaknesses: road shoe feel when walking.
Bottom Line:
The shoes are great for a 1st-time mtb rider like me. Feet didn't hurt while I was wearing it. I'm purely a roadie-maybe I'm bias about the comfort. Love the looks when I first saw it. Love the sole! Doesn't look bulky when you wear it just like road shoes. Not sure about the traction when walking--too little spikes compared to other mtb shoes and it feels like a roadbike shoe when you walk it. But value & everything else is awesome.
