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Specialized
Comp Mountain
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Submitted by
Bikerbert
a Racer
from Mountain View ,CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | baseballbert@hotmail.com | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp | | Strengths: | fit, comfort, body geometry, lightweight, can be worn off the bike. | | Weaknesses: | STUPID BUCKLE SYSTEM! I broke the right one a few weeks ago, and for some reason Specialized is out of the right one as is every store near my house that sells the shoes. Lucky me EVERYONE needs a right buckle. A pair of needle nosed pliers will get you in the shoe, but the heck wants to do this????
The buckles get a little tricky after a little while, and its tough to get out of the shoe. | | Similar Products Used: | Other specialized shoes | | Bike Setup: | Giant Trance | | Bottom Line: | good shoe, get extra buckles! It would get five chills fir value and overall, but they expensive and I WANT THE RIGHT BUCKLE!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a Racer
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | -Well ventilated
-Straps stay put
-Decent grip when off the bike | | Weaknesses: | -Hot spots galore
-Soles disintegrate FAST in hike-a-bike conditions
-Upper is not very comfortable leading to foot fatigue | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi | | Bottom Line: | These shoes are just OK. I decided to save a buck by going for these over my tried and true Sidi's that I'd been using for years and now wish I would have just spent the extra coin to reel in the much better Sidi shoe.
This is actually my second pair of these shoes becuase the first set literally disintegrated within one month of purchasing them. I did a couple of big rides with a fair amount of hike-a-bike over rather technical terrain with the first set and was amazed to take a look at my shoes and see that about 80% of the tread had either chunked off completely, was hanging on by a thread or was cracked and ready to go at any time; it was like nothing I've ever seen.
To be fair, Specialized did replace these with a new pair immediately and, to their credit, the second pair that I have (the ones that I'm currently using) have held up fairly well.
Unfortunately, poor soles isn't the only thing wrong with these shoes. While they aren't terribly uncomfortable, they do cause toe pain, hot spots and foot fatigue when spending hours in the saddle (frequent for me).
All in all, I would not tell anyone NOT to buy these - especially if you're looking to step up to a ratched closure system on a budget - however, if you're going to spend a lot of time in the saddle, I would save some extra money and buy a set of Sidis.
I'll give these three torched terds for value since they're priced fairly well and two for overall since they just aren't great. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devin D
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Northstar | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus in Folsom | | Strengths: | Great lightweight design, durable and tough yet comfortable. Very breathable... | | Weaknesses: | Very Breathable. If it's raining or wet, your feet will get wet. But I don't mountain bike cause I'm a whiner...so it's not a big deal. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | GT i-Drive and Cannondale Rush 1000 | | Bottom Line: | (05 Specialized Comp MTB Shoes)
These shoes are the bomb. I really like the feel of them and how performance oriented they are. Really lightweight and strong. If you have messed up knees they might go either way. The angle of them are perfect for me... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blair Calvert
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbounre,VIC, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Beechworth MTB Park & surrounds | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Golcross Cycles, Moonee Ponds, VIC | | Strengths: | Tough shoe, secure fit, stiff base but not to slippery on hard surfaces. | | Weaknesses: | Water tends to pool inside the shoe when raining | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | '04 Raceline Comp, stock apart from Mavic F219 rims | | Bottom Line: | Great shoes, I've had these for about 15mths now, and apart from the usual scratches and scuffs they're still going strong. These are my first pair of clip-in shoes so nothing to compare against, but so I'm pretty happy.
I'd recommend these shoes to anyone looking for a tough, good quality shoe for primarily cross-country use, but also good on the asphalt.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott Holt
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Or, USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Post canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Gallery | | Strengths: | Nice construction, Good looks, Great design. | | Weaknesses: | Toe studs may or may not stay in. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano m180, old specialized shoes. | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Moab | | Bottom Line: | These are great shoes if you have a medium to wide forefoot and a high arch. Lots of room in the toe box, ample forefoot width and a snug heel cup make for a great fit, at least for me. The plate is very stiff for good power transfer, but generous toe spring keeps the shoe comfortable for walking. The sockliner has "bulge" built into it just behind the met- heads which I was unsure of at first but now I like it very well. The ratchet buckle works well, though I haven't abused it much yet. Best shoes I've tried at any price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Fountain Hills, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Durable, Good features for the price, stiff | | Weaknesses: | Varus wedge not for me | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper (03 lace-ups with rubber sole) | | Bike Setup: | Trek Liquid | | Bottom Line: | The "varus wedge" eventually caused me knee pain. I had upgraded to these from my old Rockhoppers which were flat because the insole with the "metatarsal button" really felt great. I attribute it to helping me overcome a former foot injury. The newer 05 Comp however adds the "varus wedge" and this caused me knee problems. I switched to Sidi's and put the Specialized insole in them, now I have a great shoe. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Philly
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Guys bikes | | Strengths: | comfortable, stiff, does not hurt feet, durable | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Bottom Line: | After doing a stage race this weekend and having these shoes on my feet alot. I felt the need to post a review saying how impressed I am with these shoes. The rest of my body may be sore, but my feet feel fine. This is a great shoe for the money and I would buy another set when these wear out. Body Geometry is not just another marketing ploy. These really do feel good on your feet and on the pedals. The soles are durable, and up to the task of hike a biking up those unclimable climbs. I'll be racing these in a 24 hour race in a couple of months, and will post again to see how they hold up. A great shoe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan R.
a
from Long Island, New York
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Dirt Ones | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Planet | | Strengths: | Excellent fit, Fits like a snug pair of socks! Strong plus toe box armor, Color: just plain black what's better? Excellent traction and with removable toe spikes the traction gets even better. The Custom Arch by Specialized works great for me! The sole is super stiff allowing for excellent power to the pedals when needed. Cleat stays nicely tucked away from harm while walking. Ventalation is very good and the weight is right on target. Inexpensive when compared to import shoes! | | Weaknesses: | My only complaint is that you must check your toe spikes while they are in to make sure they don't fall out. After every ride make sure you can't move them by hand, Keep the wrench they supply you with in you hydration pack in case you need to tighten them! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Sport Mountain, AXO tral shoes, Shimano, Diadora Skorpions. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Highly modified for trail usage. | | Bottom Line: | I've tried some of those import shoes and lets just say I was not impressed! Specialized has been making good shoes for a very long time. I will be using them for now on! First off those wimpy import shoes leather is way too thin and gets wet and cold on muddy days. The soles they use are too soft and have been known to peel. At least my Diadoras did that was a pain! No screwy ratchet straps to get jammed when it gets muddy and sloppy.
These shoes are much better just a simple three strap design and Specialized's own "Sock Fit" that keeps most of the water, dirt and mud out of the shoes. The fit for me at least is right own! The Custom Arch makes my pedaling better. The shoes soles are stiff and strong and the cleat stays so nicely tucked away in the sole of the shoe so you get no premature wear. One year so far on them and they still look like new! Even with getting bashed by rocks, wet from rain, and coated in mud. NO damage on them from any trail hazards the toe box armor keeps my toes from getting broke! I use Crank Bros. Eggbeaters and they work so well with them! Just make sure you keep those toe spikes tightened but when I lost one I contacted Specailized and they hooked me up with new spikes for both shoes! Forget those expensive overrated and flimsy import shoes and try out ones born and breed on AMERICAN trails! Try out Specailized shoes before you buy they may surprise you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derick
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's | | Strengths: | Fit me like a glove. I bought these untested before a week of riding in Moab and they were great. Stiffer than Shimanos in comp. price range and better fitting for my feet. Ratchet closure works well & held up after many scrapes on slickrock etc. | | Weaknesses: | None, if they fit you. Except maybe that toes allow sand to enter & would let water enter in wet conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | older Specialized, Cannondale, Shimano mtb shoes, Diadora road shoes | | Bike Setup: | '04 Stumpjumper stock. | | Bottom Line: | I have very wide feet & a high arch; I wear Saucony running shoes & Merrell hikes & these fit me perfectly, with no numbness or discomfort on rides of 3+ hours. The most comfortable bike shoes I've owned (of 5-6 pairs total). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stefan
a
from Tulsa, OK
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | High quality for the price, breathable, Body Geometry actually works just fine, 3 velcro straps (most shoes for this price only 2 straps), sizes available in half steps... | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper Pro 120 2005, Roland ElTorro XC 2002, MT Racing 1995... | | Bottom Line: | I used Shimano shoes for the last 10 years and was happy with it. When I was lookiing for new shoes the Specialized MTB Comp 05 were much cheaper with the same (and even better) features. Because of the Body Geometry my knees hurt less compared to my old shimano shoes.
The quality of the material is great for the price and they are not too heavy!
My feet are wide and I have no problems at all.
I used them only about 1 month so I can't say anything about durability.
If you don't go for brand names (Sidi, Shimano...) and if you want to have good shoes for a fair price - go and get them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood,CO,USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Stiff sole at this price level. | | Weaknesses: | The '04 Body Geometry version of this shoe, with its "Varus Wedge" and "Metatarsal Button," is certain to be a poor choice for a large number of riders. | | Similar Products Used: | Various Specialized and Shimano shoes. | | Bike Setup: | '04 Specialized Allez Comp CR-MO. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is these shoes worked horribly for me. First, my feet felt like they were constantly slipping off the pedals during rides. Second, the "Varus Wedge" caused severe pain to my knees, even though I tried several different cleat positions. Unfortunately, no one at either of the bike shops where I looked at these shoes informed me of the wedge in the sole, so I was unaware of the dramatic differences between these shoes and "normal" flat-soled shoes until I rode with them. I think Specialized made a mistake when they applied this drastic modification to their entire line of shoes. I also believe Specialized should encourage dealers to inform customers of this modification since it's not noticeable when standing around in a shop while wearing the shoes. Specialized has been unwilling to provide me with any kind of satisfaction guarantee or exchange on this product, a product that I think will prove unsuitable for many riders. Two of their customer service reps even insisted that the modifications were contained entirely in the removable insole; if they would simply read the Specialized website, they would know this is not the case. Further, I was never allowed to speak to a customer service supervisor, even though I asked several times. Consequently, this is my recommendation: DO NOT BUY THESE SHOES UNLESS YOU NEED A BUILT-IN WEDGE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alf
a
from Macomb, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Strengths: | Durability both on shoe and especially velcro | | Weaknesses: | none so far, but maybe in shoe dementions, perhaps no options for a wider foot (i dont have this problem but I have heard this has been a problem for other riders) | | Similar Products Used: | old cheap pair of 97 shimano shoes | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Klein Attitude Comp all stock except for San marco saddle / 2003 Specialized Allez all stock | | Bottom Line: | So far this shoe is an excellent buy. It has lasted a good summer of abuse both offroad and road rides. Velcro is holding on great and so are seams and problem areas that usually will give way from wear and tear. Ventilation is pretty good as well. I have not put in the toe cleats so Im not sure how well they will hold but definately a good shoe and fits like a slipper for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Weaknesses: | Uhhh, finally starting to give out after about 3 years! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized El Gato Comp, Shimano | | Bike Setup: | 01 Jamis Dakota XC | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to my previous review below. Well, upon inspection of my shoes while replacing cleats, I discovered that the sole is starting to separate from the upper at the heels. Well it's about effen time! These have been great companions, always reliable, never a problem with the velcro going bad (at least until now, but just a bit), cleats coming loose, heel slippage. In fact, my LBS still has these exact shoes on sale, but they don't have my size anymore. I'd totally buy these again if I found them! I'm also going to invest in some Shoe Goo to see if I can bond the two shoe back together. Alas, I've just bought a pair of Sidi Dominators--so a new era begins... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Race Track | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclery | | Strengths: | Roomy toe box and overall fit, have lasted soooooo long. | | Weaknesses: | Gave me no reason to shell out for new shoes for more than 2 years. If anything, the toe spikes gave up after about 2 rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized El Gato Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Sugar 3. Time Attack Carbon pedals. | | Bottom Line: | These shoes haven't given up on me yet. They take a lot of abuse and, after a good soak in the bucket, still look sweet (racy red on black)! I the time I've owned these shoes, I thik I've gone thru 2-3 pairs of road shoes. I do think the sole is starting to show some flex, but that's okay because I'm planning to try the new Body Geometry Comps soon anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Deich
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz,CA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | love 'em all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | my local shop | | Strengths: | Good looks, rather light, fits nicely. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Mesa GSX; Rockshox Judy XC; Shimano XT components. | | Bottom Line: | The Specialized Comp is good for the buy. It fits very nicely, and is good looking. If you have never tried cleats before and you want 'em, these are the things for you. The velcro lasts forever, and so do the shoes themselves.
I love the things!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Albert Osorio
a Cross Country Rider
from Zurich, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | A bunch in Switzerland | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Universalcycles.com | | Strengths: | Fairly light, Good Looks, Good fit, the velcro lasts through
all conditions | | Weaknesses: | Spikes do rip off easily. Not for the Hiker Biker (which I am not)A little shouldering on the rough terrain is the limit | | Similar Products Used: | Older Specialized model and my first pair of clipless shoes from Vittoria way back when which were not as comfortable | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar 2000 frame with SRAM 9.0 Breaks/XT Shifters and gears/Mich.Grn Tires/Shimano 737/Manitou "98" Simple Elasto. | | Bottom Line: | Great shoe for the Money. I got it through mail order and saved over 15% which was why. I ride in wet conditions a lot and after two seasons I am going to change the cleats and try and go one more. Just some minor seperation from the sole where my foot bends on the. No big deal it remains solid on a whole. Yes it is a thin fit but I have long and skinny feet. (size 12/Euro47-48) It is a little mean but since things are more expensive in Switzerland, I went to the local specialized dealer and tried the shoe then order over the net and had it delivered to a US address for picking up later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KitKat
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Strengths: | - Price (well I did get them on special)
- Good fit
- Stiff sole
- Good ventilation | | Weaknesses: | - Toe spikes falls out
No others to report so far - & yes I've been tightening my cleats every so often . . . | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale C-Soles | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale 2000 F700 | | Bottom Line: | Good shoe - got it cheaply & so for the price it's good. The quality seems alright. Can't justify paying full retail for this though.
Toe spikes fell out on the first ride no matter how hard you tighten them, the others end up falling out too. But the toe spikes served little purpose - if you walk on wet rocks / concrete they make you slip more than anything else!!!!!
The fit is good - I don't have wide feet so it's not constrictive at all. Ventilation is also good - at least the toes get cooled going downhill!!! The stiff sole is really really good.
No idea about longevity yet, but it looks solid enough. My Cannondale C-Soles died after 8 months (along with the useless Wellgo Coda pedals), hope this lasts a little longer.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mason Convey
a Cross Country Rider
from Laveen, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | National Trail - South Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Landis Cyclery, Tempe, AZ | | Strengths: | Light-weight, narrow | | Weaknesses: | narrow | | Bike Setup: | 1995 Rigid Trek 6500 with newly added Judy XC fork, Time A.T.A.C. clipless pedals, single 32t chainring, 7-speed cassette | | Bottom Line: | These being my very first shoes for clipless pedals, I don't really know any different. But here is what is important: I haven't noticed my shoes during the ride. If you don't notice them, they're not bad, right? They're narrow shoes, which is good for clearance, but bad for wide feet. They seem light compared to the boot-type biking shoes. And if you ever need to flag down an emergency vehicle, the bright yellow will help! :) The price of these shoes compared to other legitimate shoes made for clipless pedals makes these quite attractive. You may notice after a while that chunks of plastic will tear off the bottom of the shoe. No worries, because it's a useless chunk that shouldn't have even been put there! The worst thing about these shoes is their traction when hike-a-biking. Even with the toe spikes screwed in, traction for climbing rocks is hard to come by compared to the boot-type clipless shoes. But I don't often step off my bike, so I'm not all that worried about this aspect of a shoe! Give me a shoes that behaves well ON the bike! And this has done that...
opossum. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jer
a Cross Country Rider
from Venice Beach Ca./Park City Ut.
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sweeney's | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Purchased At: | REI/Salt Lake City Ut. | | Strengths: | Great Beginer shoe(Which I was)Solid,Respondsive,light,Velcro closures.Look's(choice colors,Black with red) | | Weaknesses: | Pretty narrow fit,(I thought I was gonna need to have my dog's(feet)removed,They've givin some thank God!)When you get of your bike,Do yourself a favor and take the shoes of as well. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale 802's{I think)Their those duel purpose kind of things,look like hiking boots(Over the ankle type)with cleats hidden in the soels.thier cool for cruising and bar scenes,where my SPECILIZED Comps have no buisness treading.The Comps(Specilized)are 10 fold the shoe on the peddals as the were designed to be | | Bike Setup: | Which one?Better Question,What type of Cleats?Girvin titaniam on the real one,Shimano's on the other's.and shimano cleats on all shoe's.(All Shoes on all bikes!) | | Bottom Line: | When I want to act like a "Gorrilla On Crack"I Suit up in my Specilized Comps and ride!I've vested in the to differant kind of shoes for theese reasons. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Yellow River, Conyers, GA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good overall shoe for the beginner, which I was. Good traction in mud, when the cleats stay in. | | Weaknesses: | Lost a cleat first time I took them offroad. Pretty narrow, but it feels good on wet days. | | Similar Products Used: | New Balance 803 with my toeclips......not a good choice | | Bike Setup: | 99 TREK 7000, all stock besides bar ends, and hopefully getting a new seat soon :-) | | Bottom Line: | This was a really good shoe for my beginner butt, I mean for 100 bucks, that was about the safest shoe I could find. I didn't see the point in spending a 180 dollars on a pair of mountain biking shoes, until now :-). I have graduated from beginner stage and have learned the value of a good shoe. I'm upgrading to the Sidi Dominator2, great shoe very comfortable, I've done my homework. So if you are just starting out...drop the tennis shoe trick and buy a good pair of shoes...you could find a better shoe for your money, but don't go spend 200 bucks on your first pair of shoes, you will not appreciate them as much. Be patient with some low end shoes, then after a year or two or riding, (if your still alive from learning how to get in and out of your pedals) then go and invest in a better pair of shoes. With that said, lets keep hammering away, and having fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Flat Creek, Austin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Stiff soles...so far. | | Weaknesses: | Cleats drop out easily. Not for riders with narrow feet. Treads come off with aggressive riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Performance ??? | | Bike Setup: | '98 FSR Elite | | Bottom Line: | They fit me terribly which is effecting my technical riding. If I tighten them enough to fit snug around the front of my foot, they cut off circulation around my ankles. If I leave them more loose, my feet swim.
Not very durable. I lost the cleats out of one shoe after only a couple rides. I lost the tread at the front of my left shoe over this past weekend. The thread is coming out of the seam on one of the neoprene liners/socks.
Bottom line, I should have spent the money for the Sidi. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross-Country Rider
from Apex
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Laurel Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Stiff
Durable
Velcro straps (Thankfully) | | Weaknesses: |
Too narrow for most feet
Cleat plate strips VERY easily
Toe spikes fall out easily
A little expensive IMHO | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Shimano 535 pedals (ugghh) | | Bottom Line: | These were my first set of shoes when I got a bike with clipless pedals, and overall they have served me well. But do not expect these shoes to last much longer than a year or two. To me, any bike shoe that cost $100 or more should last for a lot longer, if not forever. They might start looking and smelling pretty bad, but they should still work regardless. It took me awhile to get used to the tight fit (i.e feet actually hurt for the first couple rides), but once I did it was no problem - in fact, a tight fit is desirable in a bike shoe so that your foot doesn't slide around when your're trying to unclip; but it shouldn't be constrictive. Lost two toe spikes almost immediately, but replaced them with cheap screw-in soccer cleats found at any sporting goods store. Looked strange, but worked fine. It takes awhile to put these suckers on with the velcro straps and laces, but it's not that big of a deal to me (and well worth not having to fool with those miserable wratching [sp?] mechanisms). Also be sure to stuff the laces under the shoe tongue before your secure the top velcro strap, as they are prone to getting caught in your chain ring. Liked stiff toe guard material, they also breathed very well - although not very waterproof. Finally, the main knock against these shoes was the cleat plate stripping out. Also tried loctight and superglue on the screws to keep the plate in place, but to no avail. Towards the end, I had to tighten the screws before every ride. Obviously, if the cleat get real loose (e.g. on a long, bumby ride), it becomes fairly dangerous as it hinders your ability to unclip from the pedal. In fact, the cleat moved around so much, it eventually ate through the plastic sole and was basically beyond repair. They still look pretty decent (although it looks like the toe of one shoe is getting ready to sepearte from the sole) and never completely failed me during their two years of hard service, so I'll giv'em 3 peps...(As a side note, I now have some Diadora Chilis and have been pleased as punch so far) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from columbia,mo
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
they were comfertable at first but after they broke in the arch support was gone | | Weaknesses: |
after about a year i went to replace the toe spikes and only found that they were striped out the guys at the shop tried and told me that there was no hope of using the studs again | | Similar Products Used: |
exus ? | | Bike Setup: |
cannondale custom build w/roccwerks pedeaals | | Bottom Line: | they were decent shoes i have heard of simmiler priced shoes that have performed better but these werent bad shoes they just didnt last all that long. there a good shoe for a beginer. After about six mounths i blew out one of the seems in the heal but it was for some decretive flare so it didint really matter but its not like anybody sees it any way | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Dolezalek
a Weekend Warrior
from Aurora, CO
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very comfortable! Lightweight, and have an internal sock in them which keeps the foot securely in place. Both laces and velcro. | | Weaknesses: |
Depends; if they don't come in black and yellow (I only saw them in black and red at the store) then I guess that would count as a weakness../ | | Similar Products Used: |
My last pair was garbage; not even sure what it was... | | Bike Setup: |
1997 Gary Fisher Mamba, stock except for Bontrager handlebar guards and Trico seat | | Bottom Line: | Great shoe! I didn't find the exact model number of this shoe in the list of reviewed shoes, though, which may prove confusing for the user. This is the Comp ATB shoe, for around $100. They also make the Team ATB shoe, for around $145 or so; those are PRIMO! I coudn't spend that much for a shoe that day or I would have. Basically, go Specialized with about any shoe and you probably can't go wrong. Seems like Specialized, Shimano and Bontrager are the brands to beat theses days for just about ANYTHING bike-related. Shop for these shoes at any bike shop; you'll probably get a killer deal it being the end of the season and all. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brutacus
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bluff Creek (Warda) | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Very rugged shoe. It has held up against some really tough terrain. | | Weaknesses: |
These shoes are *extremely* uncomfortable! I have had them for about 6 months and they still make my feet hurt after wearing them. I've never had trouble with any kind of shoe in the past.As mentioned in another post, the cleats do strip easily.The cleats for clipping in are also designed poorly. I had to file down some of the plastic on the shoe to make the cleat fit--and I am using Specialized pedals. | | Similar Products Used: |
Sidi Dominator 2
Diadora Jalapeno 2
Specialized Sport (MTB) | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized FSR (FS) | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike but hate these shoes.I paid $90 for the shoes and after trying to use them for 6 months, I gave up on them. I'd recommend getting the Sidi's instead. They cost twice as much but they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. You're better off paying more now than having to buy a second pair of shoes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
City park | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Wider than previous generations
Very comfortable
Durable
Very stiff sole | | Weaknesses: |
Cleat plate strips easily | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Ground Control
Specialized El Gato comp | | Bike Setup: |
Spec. Rockhopper (mostly XT now...), 96 Manitou SX | | Bottom Line: | Nice shoes - they have held up well in the really rocky terrain here in Austin - no tears at all - the scuff pad on the toe works well. Screw-in cleats got messed up pretty early, but they aren't really supposed to be used on rock, I suppose. Only complaint I have is that the cleat insert which came with the shoes stripped out quickly - replaced it with the ones which came with the cleats, and all was well, though.Highly recommend these shoes - esp. since they widened up the toe area so that people other than those with really narrow feet can wear them!You can't go wrong for the price! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HPDIII
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond Virginia
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Poor Farm Park | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
durable looking construction
price
comfort | | Weaknesses: |
tread plastic too hard
heel slip | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano mid level | | Bike Setup: |
GF Paragon HT w/thudbuster & s545 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a decent looking and well made shoe for $$ but sole is too narrow
in middle and too hard- bounces off pedals rocks roots etc -the feel and function l on bike is good but off is definately not , maybe good shoe for experts but I would expect they would buy higher end shoe The black soled silmilar Specialized is a better bet | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jono
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria, Melbourne
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
The fit of the shoe
Price | | Bike Setup: |
Giant ATX 880, Judy xc | | Bottom Line: | A very good shoe for the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bingo
a Weekend Warrior
from Meriden, CT
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
nice stiff, solid sole | | Weaknesses: |
no traction on rocks | | Similar Products Used: |
first pair | | Bike Setup: |
97 GT Karakoram, judy xc | | Bottom Line: | I'm in the process of trying to get these shoes replaced...used them about 2 months...probably 6 or 7 times offroad. I have a couple small tears in the right shoe. I've put locktite on all the cleat screws, so now they stay in, but the left cleat slides back even though the screws don't come loose. Guy at the shop said it's the first time he's ever seen that, so I guess I'm just lucky :(. I'm going to try to get this year's el gato comp as a replacement. Not a bad shoe, just not what I expected for $100. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross-Country Rider
from NH
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Fit
Durability
Styling
Price | | Bike Setup: |
'98 Cannondale F900, Fatty D Headshok | | Bottom Line: | For the money these shoes are great. They fit my feet snugly and are very comfortable. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an intermediate level mtb shoe. | | Overall Rating: |
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