Superior performance, integrating Body Geometry technology, stiff outsole and supple synthetic leather upper. Sock-fit stretch Airprene canopy conforms to the foot and is secured with our three strap retention closure.
Submitted by
Mike A.
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007
Strengths: Great fit. I have a very narrow heel, and I've never had a problem with them slipping. Breathe well, super stiff, and get screw in cleats are useful.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
Great buy for the price. Stiff enough, but also easy to walk around in.
Bike Setup: 2000 Stumpjumper M2 Comp, Panaracer Fire XCs, BG saddle.
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Submitted by
Adam McNeill
a Cross Country Rider
from Ballston Spa, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006
Strengths: Very comfortable, look great, can take a beating. Most importantly, your heel will not slip and if you do not over tighten them, your feet will not go numb. Also, they are easy to walk in
Weaknesses: Sometimes they can pinch and make your feet numb, if that happens though, loosen them up and that should fix it. No real complaints, I really love these shoes
Bottom Line:
I have enjoyed these shoes since I got them 2 years ago; I was so happy with the fit and finish that I bought specialized road shoes as well and they super comfy too! Buck up and buy these shoes, they will make your feet very happy.
Submitted by
Steve Fairclough
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakville, Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Strengths: Great fit Light Stiff sole
Weaknesses: Stitching on toe protector
Bottom Line:
Have used these for six months and love them. Very stiff and comfortable to wear. The three velcro straps keep my foot in place, and the tongue fits without any "hot spots".
Strengths: Comfortable shoe once they get broken in. The softer luggs provide a little better traction then others. Not to expensive.
Weaknesses: The soft luggs do tear off. Not a supper stiff sole, but good enough.
Bottom Line:
Didn't like the shoe at first. It was very uncomfortable. But once they go broke in they have been pretty good. The velcro is still holding just as good as when I bought them. 1000 miles or so on them. I just bought some sidi domination 4 mesh and I still use the insoles from the specialized.
Bike Setup: cannondale jeykle600, f600 and a new dean colonel xl coming
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Submitted by
Finch Platte
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockton
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2004
Strengths: Comfy, stiff, good value.
Weaknesses: Velcro weakens, toe bumper starts to unpeel.
Bottom Line:
I've thrashed these things, and while they have held up reasonably well, the Velcro is starting to worry me. It just doesn't have the grip it used to. Someone else mentioned throwing the shoes in the washer, and I'm wondering if cleaning crud off the straps would help.
Also, the toe bumper is starting to come undone. I tried to glue it, but it didn't take. Doesn't affect performance. Yet.
Does it really matter, reviewing these shoes? I mean, they already have new models out- who's gonna buy new versions of these shoes? Maybe they're cheap on the Specialized site. If so, buy 'em.
These shoes are amazing! There's absolutly no comparison to the Nikes I had before. The Body Geometery need a littly getting used to, but after that you don't even feel it. Plus, they're great for suckers like me who want a full fit. (Bike, shoes, helmet, gloves, etc.
Bike Setup: brand new '04 Stumpjumper, Crank Bros. Candy SL pedals
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Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiken, SC
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004
Strengths: These shoes fit my foot like the proverbial glove. The sole stiffness is perfect. When they get dirty, I toss'em in the washer, then stuff'em with newsapaer and let them dry. Nary a wimper from them after a year and over 1500 good off-road miles. They work great with my 959s.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
If your feet feel good in these, then you cannot go wrong. Buy them. I guess that some don't like the BG feel, and that is fine. There are numerous other brands to choose from, but I will take these.
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Collinsville, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003
Strengths: Besides looking great these shoes have a great fit! They take a ride or two to break them in, but after that its all gravy! The cleats and the tread are great for walk a bike and the stiffeness of the soles put the power to the pedal. Closer system is easy and they stay tight with out any heel slippage. I also like the neoprene sock like liner. All around great shoe.
Weaknesses: The main weakness in my opinion is that the shoes allow water in fairly easy. I know nothing is perfect but this is the only real complant that I have. I right knee felt funny after wearing them the first few times, but it goes away after wearing them after the break in.
Bottom Line:
For the money, these shoes are great performers and look great with all around great performance in all areas. I would recommend this shoe for all cross country riders. They are stiff enough to make an outstanding race shoe and affordable enough for the weekend warrior.
Submitted by
Celeste
a Weekend Warrior
from Arvada, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2003
Strengths: Very stiff. Umm....
Weaknesses: First of all, I HATE this "body geometry" thing they have. Sure, it's supposed to reduce knee strain, but for me, I quickly realized that my outer toes were going numb, particularly in cool weather. Fortunately, I can remove the insole and have some relief, but not entirely. Although I like the idea of suing Specialized when I get frostbite, I'm putting these ones in storage for the winter.
I've been a bit spoiled because my previous shoes were pretty much hiking shoes with cleats, but with the rocky terrain we have in CO, I'm finding a big disadvantage in the spartan traction on this shoe. Guess I'll just have to get better at not walking. Or stopping for that matter, because the clip-in is all or nothing--you can't even pedal without being clipped in or else your foot just slides right off.
Bottom Line:
Definately for an "intermediate rider," who can clip in instantly with their ground foot. Not recommended if you have poor foot circulation, especially if you Don't have knee pain. It's taking some getting used to!
Submitted by
Chris Friedl
a Racer
from Richland, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003
Strengths: Easy to get into, STIFF, very comfortable to wear, no strain on the knees. Compatible with SPD and Time. Sock-like feel. Comes with screw in cleats if you need to climb hills.
Weaknesses: For riding mountain, none really.
Bottom Line:
These shoes are a great off road shoe. They are stiff, yet quite comfortable, even when walking around in them. They accept both SPD and Time, which is great because i currently use 959's, but will be switching to the Time ATAC with my new bike. For those that race, these shoes will provide the necessary stiffness, while easing the strain on the knees. The screw in cleats are great if you consistantly ride trails with steep hills that you may need to climb on foot. I have somewhat narrow feet, and these shoes fit me far better than any shimano product out there.
Bike Setup: Diamondback vertex, soon to be cannondale jekyll. The shoes will continue on...
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Submitted by
Dale
a Cross Country Rider
from Millersburg, Pa.
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003
Strengths: looks,sockfit,stiff,stiff stiff
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
I bought these shoes because of the price, a spec. size 42 is a 42(my diadora size 42 shoes are really a 42.5) w/thick socks they are fine though and my Spec. sport shoes lasted for 4yrs.(couple "k" miles w/a few races) so they hold up really well. I hope these are just as durable.
Weaknesses: body geometry HURT my knees and made my feet go numb, sloes aren't great for eggbeaters cleats
Bottom Line:
If you can, demo these shoes. They felt great in the bike shop, but I was lucky that my LBS let me trade them back in, because they just weren't right for my feet. I don't know whose body was the model for their "body geometry" but it was nothing like mine (6', 160 lbs), because the way the the shoes force your heels to point outwards KILLED my knees and made the front half of both my feet go numb. Also, the cleat holes felt really far back on my foot, even in the foreward most setting , on top of the fact that the closeness of the shoe's treads made it hard to get in and out of my eggbeaters. I'm sure they're good shoes for some, but not for me.
Similar Products Used: Diadora (habaneros?) which bit the dust after three hard seasons of use . . . can't find 'em anywhere anymore
Bike Setup: fisher sugar, various upgrades
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Submitted by
Marcus Peters
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch NZ
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2003
Strengths: A very comfortable yet rigid sole.Great 3 strap velcro fastening and funky grey black look.Work very well with my eggbeaters...Total control.
Weaknesses: Those breathing panels as it is winter and they let the water in....roll on summer
Bottom Line:
A great all round shoe and the front spikes work a treat in the gunk that is thrown at us here in NZ
Similar Products Used: Shimano Mo20's ... Rubbish.
Bike Setup: Kona Kahuna/Magura disks/Eggbeaters
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003
Strengths: Great stiff sole, easy strap system, comfy insole, good venting, accepts toe spikes
Weaknesses: Price
Bottom Line:
Compared to my old Scotts, these shoes fit like a dream. The inner sock really holds well, and the three velcro straps do the rest. Not sure if the body geometry insole actually works like Specialized claims, but comfort wise I haven't experienced any of the cramping or foot pain I would suffer from in my Scotts.
If you have wider feet and over-pronate like I do, then I don't think you'll go wrong with these shoes. They pedal nice and stiff, and when standing on the pedals there is very little flex, which is how I like it. You don't feel any wastage of pedalling energy with these on.
If you do a lot of hiking along with your biking, then the sole might be too stiff. But if you race or like to ride hard, then the Comps are perfect.
I had to give a 4 for value just cuz they were rather pricey in Canuckistan (especially when the '02 models were about $60 cheaper), but overall, these really do kick the proverbial butt.
