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.
Submitted by
Mitch Guthrie
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$119.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Held up well. Has laces as well as straps.
Weaknesses:
Cannot replace the cleat plates. The cleat mounting plates are not replaceable with out tearing up the shoe. Bummer.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Custom Oswald with Campy Chorus and Rolf wheels.
Bottom Line:
Liked the shoes and would have kept them if I could have fixed them. No more Answers for me until they change the design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennington, New Jersey Date Reviewed: January 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
6 mile loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
Look cool(bright red), came with free Crank Brothers Candy C pedals
Weaknesses:
Toe too wide, tongue bunches up and cuts off circulation when tightened, heel moves too much, toe spikes wore out really really fast
Similar Products Used:
Diadora shoes
Bike Setup:
2001 pre-Pacific Schwinn Moab 2
Bottom Line:
I don't like these shoes, but if you have wide feet these will be good for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Ho
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: January 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sprain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
New design with the ratchet strap. Good shoes historically.
Weaknesses:
Not too crazy about the color
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.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Neal
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford, OH, USA Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Heuston Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
bikerbob.com
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.
Don't buy them for durability, would make a good race shoe though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Derry, New Hampshire Date Reviewed: November 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
Stiff, comfortable, durability, good for my flat feet.
Weaknesses:
Could use a third strap.
Similar Products Used:
pricey if not on sale
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren Ulrich
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, TX Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cedar Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Bluebonnet Bikes
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
Similar Products Used:
Old pair of Specialized, Shimano (ouch!)
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000, pretty much stock
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!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Koslowski
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Little Bald Hills (Redwood NP)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
cambriabike.com
Strengths:
Comfort, stiffness, durability, traction, heal catch. Great value.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MossLager
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington Beach,Ca. Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
3 tree loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$59.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Feels good, looks good. Great sole. Comfortable for long periods.
Weaknesses:
Tread seems a bit soft. Imagine it won't last too long. But for the deal I got...thats fine.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
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.
Bottom Line:
If you can get the deal I got or even under a 100.00, buy'em. They are good for it. Over 120.00, check your options.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Coeur d'Alene, ID Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cave Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
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.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M-032
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STP
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ave P Land
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS
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.
Weaknesses:
The straps are a little short.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Sport Mountain
Bottom Line:
Great shoe
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc Peot
a Cross Country Rider
from Arvada, Colorado Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
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!
Similar Products Used:
Nike Yuha+, Answer Accelerator, various Carnacs and Sidi's.
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer-X with all the bells and whistles.
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!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shaggy
a Racer
from Rockhill,SC Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
BeachSprings(poplar tent)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$160.00
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.
Similar Products Used:
answer accelerator, diadora chile's
Bike Setup:
Fisher hardtail, race face, thompson, cane creek, xtr, time, serface, crossrides, pythons, and manitou
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIKE
a
from San Jose, CA USA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
www.pricepoint.com
Strengths:
It's not narrow... fits wider feet Nice traction... got spikes
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Nike, Answer Accelerator, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Slick AEON Joker Nice Giant XTC1
Bottom Line:
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.
If you can get 'em cheap, then you'll like 'em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brien
a
from California Date Reviewed: August 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Romero Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$119.00
Strengths:
Great Fit (Wide toe box), siff soles and are great for warm weather riding
Weaknesses:
None, Atleast not yet
Similar Products Used:
Answer Accelator's, Various Nike's
Bike Setup:
N/A
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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