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Submitted by
litespeedchick
a Cross Country Rider
from greenville, sc
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | so comfortable, such great tread, nice and stiff, great neoprene liner | | Weaknesses: | falls apart | | Bottom Line: | See my review a couple down from last year. So after they fell apart and the shoe store said they couldn't stictch them, I found an exact replacement cheap on ebay.
They are great shoes, while they last, but this pair, which I have now had about another 18 months has both ratchets broken and 1 velcro strap delaminated. These have not come unstiched...i would like to keep wearing them if I could figure out how to replace the straps. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
buzzy248
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen, WA USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Mima-Porter #8 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Alki bike shop | | Strengths: | Durable and comfortable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Answer Accelerator | | Bike Setup: | Klein Pulse Pro w/Judy SL, XTR V-brakes, ESP 9.0 drive train from 1997.
New Cannondale Prophet 2-still stock. | | Bottom Line: | I bought these Carnac Dune's in 1998 I think and they are still in perfect condition. They were on closeout at the shop and they were 1 size too small but I got them anyway. I still think they are a little small but they have stretched a little and I still wear them for nearly every ride. They have thousands of miles on them on trails, roads, in snow, mud, rain, summer heat and dust and the leather is still perfect. I would like to buy another pair in a larger size for winter riding since I cannot get a heavy sock in the ones I have now. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The kangaroo leather just won't won't wear out! | | Weaknesses: | What weaknesses!! | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Time, Adidas etc. | | Bike Setup: | Couple of Santa Cruzs etc. | | Bottom Line: | I bought two pair of the Carnac Dunes around 12 years ago and with a little preventative maintenance care I'm still wearing them today! What else can I say...outstanding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danna
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, SC
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | wish I knew | | Strengths: | Fits my duck feet, comfortable, stiff, grippy tread | | Weaknesses: | falls apart | | Similar Products Used: | Northwave, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | 1996 Litespeed Obed (forever), SID, XTR, Chris King | | Bottom Line: | No reviews since 2003? These were the best shoes I ever wore...it's difficult to fit a wide foot and not have the heel slip up and down. The grippy tread let me walk over slick stuff in safety while my husband is ice skating in his Sidis.
BUT: the ratchet mech. is a POS, the velcro straps delaminated, and last month the whole stiching on the top of the shoe came apart ...in the middle of my first damn race in 6 years. Neither Carnac nor Sinclair will respond to my request for warranty. The shoes were about 18 months old. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Charlotte, FL
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | xxcycle.com | | Strengths: | stiff
3 straps
| | Weaknesses: | In less than 7 months, the sole of both shoes are coming off. After paying nearly 200 dollars I was expecting them to last a least one season. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Super/XTR,LX Co/Cross Max Wheels | | Bottom Line: | I'm an agressive cross country rider who expects to get a high quality product when I pay a high end price. YOU DO NOT GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR. I would not recommend to shoe to anyone. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Malcolm
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Very, very durable. Prior to buying my first pair of Carnac's I destroyed a couple of other manufacturer's "high end" shoes inside a season. My first pair of Carnac's lasted over 3 years! They are beat up, worn down and lookin a little crusty, but they still refuse to die. I recently bought a new pair and the quality seems just as good. | | Weaknesses: | Soles are very stiff - great for riding, not as great for walking, but hey, you bought 'em to ride. Pretty expensive, but in terms of overall value they're cheap if they last 3 times as long as the competition. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Specialized, Look. | | Bike Setup: | Turner XCE with full Gucci package. | | Bottom Line: | Great quality, great durability, GREAT shoes. Bite the bullet and shell out the cash. After a couple years of abuse you'll be happy you did. As others mention, you'll end up saving money in the long term. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr johnny Dangerous
a Cross Country Rider
from sydney
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | stiff and durable | | Weaknesses: | I seem to recall paying a few coind for them waaaay back then but hey | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | 2 wheels, handlebars that kinda thing, you may have seen one | | Bottom Line: | ok here is the definitive review. I bought a pair of carnar shoes in february of 1996. Since then i have had 3 full years of xc racing followed by regular weekend blasts with whoever wants a ride. My shoes are beaten senseless but still hold me feet secure and are stiff as the day i bought them. The external heel cup has started to come away and they are scratched to death. They outlasted my first pair of shimano spd pedals ( and bike ) I bought a new bike with time pedals switched the cleats and have ridden ever since. Ladies and gentlemen 5 years and counting in mud, dry, uphill and down dale. There is no reason to go for buckles or nasa colours as these are the goods. Pay for em and use the money you save over 5 YEARS to buy some new other gear......
out.....
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brandon smith
a Racer
from austin tx
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | emma long | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | biketown in abilene tx | | Strengths: | super comfy, hard leather toe box to protect from rocks and what not, carbon straps don't loosen up or loose velcro strength when wet, easy to walk up hills in because this shoes are not too stiff, stylin, just plain nice | | Weaknesses: | they have started to loose some stitching in places, but none of these places are important, like i said earlier they are not so stiff but that also makes them a little less efficient (they are MTB shoes so i don't really care) | | Similar Products Used: | all spec shoes | | Bike Setup: | who cares, i use the shoes with time pedals | | Bottom Line: | these are some damn nice shoes, i rode really hard in them this summer through all sorts of bog and water and they never slipped or loosened up. i am sort of disappointed by the stiching that i have started to loose, but i am sure that Carnac would take care of them if i ever decide to send them back. the price is pretty high but they are comfy. i usually don't bother taking them off until a few hours after i am done riding.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean O'Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | secret creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$195.00 | | Purchased At: | Marty's Reliable, Morristown NJ | | Strengths: | Sturdy construction, excellent fit, roomy toe box, laces + velcro, durable kangaroo leather that stays soft | | Weaknesses: | a wee bit expensive, but they last and last and last and last | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Performance, Nike | | Bike Setup: | Airborne Lucky Strike; Aeon Isis SL; Cannondale CAAD3 roadie | | Bottom Line: | I have bunions on both feet and need a very wide toe box. But my feet are narrow otherwise, and so I need a snug heel pocket. The Carnacs are just the ticket. I use the Carnac Legend with my roadie, and the Legend-equivalent Carnac mtb shoe (? Scirocco ?). I have been using these Carnac shoes for over 4 years now, and NEVER have had any durability problems. Everyone I know has had similar experience with Carnac shoes.
SuperDave, it sounds like you got a flawed pair -- get a warranty replacment!! All you have to say to the Carnac dealer is, "I paid $175 expecting top quality and I deserve a replacement." Also, I don't think Carnac stopped making mtb-specific shoes. I think the Alize was a failed attempt to make a "low-end" Carnac, and it's the only Carnac model that I've ever heard complaints about.
Expensive, but worth every penny. I'd give 'em 10 flaming chiles if I could. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Super Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver Spring, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | schaeffer farms | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$179.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike (web) | | Strengths: | Nice armored leather toe box, wide toe.
Looks cool? | | Weaknesses: | Condensed hot spot, falls apart. | | Similar Products Used: | Lake MX300's, Performance Comp ATB | | Bike Setup: | Specialized 99 rockhopper, freeride modified. | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the Carnac ALIZE mountain bike shoe.
You can go to their web site to see this shoe.
I have been trying for months to get them to add this shoe to the review section, but having given up, I am reviewing it under "Carnac shoes".
I am a 6 foot 185lbs cross country rider. I have a friend who rode his Carnacs for years, based on his testimonial I ordered their new "Alize" mtb shoe (which, strangely, looks just like their new road shoe...)
I absolutely love the armored box toe. It was great, I didn't have to worry about squishing my toes every time I timed jumping something wrong. I put my Time cleats in this shoe and took it racing the very first day I owned it.
After a 44 minute run in the race, these shoes had:
a) stripped all the stitching from the right heel cup, which was dangling.
b) peeled the velcro off the straps, at the corners
c) pulled a cleat screw through, shearing the cleat mooring
In addition the "hot spot", where you could feel the cleat pulling, was extremely noticeable the entire time. The shoe was not only not "stiff", it was so flexy I was afraid I would break it.
Apparently Carnac has decided to scrap it's MTB-only designs and just put MTB treads on their road shoes. Big mistake. I don't ride like a maniac, and I destroyed these new shoes in under an hour. I returned them for a full refund and bought some Lake MX300's for under half the price. The lakes are euro ugly, but man do they work.
I've heard a lot of good things about carnac, I hope mtbr opens up a section to review the Alize MTB shoe so I can move my flame over there where it belongs.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nardo
a Cross Country Rider
from nelson
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Bombproof quality, good sole durability, resistant to rock abrasion, velcro closure actually still work... | | Weaknesses: | Heel cups are a bit soft after a few years. Not your preferred shoe for any hike-a-bike sessions. Princely price. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, SIDI, Lake, Rivat, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | DC Hummer, Sandvik Roadie, 57 Schwinn Spliff Machine, 92 HeiHei One Speed | | Bottom Line: | If they survived 4 years of the So Cal desert, North Shore gnarl, the BC rough stuff and bad-ass 100lb chocolate lab chew sessions they're for me... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dardis tim
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder co
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | I'm talking Syrius here.
Super stiff sole. Light weight. Good heel cup grip. Excellent walking feel. | | Weaknesses: | Clown colors. Price. | | Similar Products Used: | Carnac Tahoe. Sidi cross shoes | | Bike Setup: | neato stylie whoopie swooshing supergofast | | Bottom Line: | Despite the price and the clown shoe motif these are great for the wider forefooted folk.
I liked my older Tahoes but when I walked they felt that they would slip off the at the heel and they were clodhoppers...no good feel for what you were walking, running, scrambling over.
The Syrius sole is super stiff and light like all good Carnacs. But these are better than the Tahoe. The heel cup grips. I can walk without feeling as if I'm going to lose the shoes. And despite the stiff sole the tread feel is exceelent--you can feel the terrain on which you walk. Very nice.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach
a Weekend Warrior
from Claremont, CA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very Stiff
Amazingly Comfortable
Breathable | | Weaknesses: |
Not much | | Bike Setup: |
KHS Montana Pro Fz
Mag 21 | | Bottom Line: | These shoes are great. They are comfortable and work great. They don't clip in and out as easily as others I've tried, but they are much more solid while cliped in.
Normally I wouldn't have bought such a nice shoe (out of my price range) but I guess since they were discontinued (Dunes) I got them on sale for $32 down from $199. For that price I couldn't pass them up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ProCal
a Cross-Country Rider
from Peoria, IL
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Jubilee State Park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Large toe box, Comfy lycra liner | | Weaknesses: |
One cinch strap | | Similar Products Used: |
C'soles, Sidi | | Bike Setup: |
Fisher ProCaliber, Manitou SX ti, Race Face, Titec, XT | | Bottom Line: | I shopped around for new shoes for over a month. It came down between the Answer Accelerator, the Sidi Dominator, the Specialized Team, and the Carnac Alpine (last years tahoe). The Carnacs won, hands down, the large toe box, and comfortable lycra liner mixed with the durable leather outer shell make these a great looking and solidly built shoe. I have only ridden in them once. But they connected me to the bike well and my feet were comfy the whole ride (not bad right out of the box). I hope that when they are fully broken in, they feel like old friendly slippers, if the first ride is any indication, I won't be disappointed. I only worry that the Lycra liner doesn't stretch out or break down or that the single velcro cinch strap does not fail (this year's model has two). If you have wide feet, and want a great shoe, this is it!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Baus
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tahoe, NV
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | I was out for a ride today and was thinking how much I really liked my shoes, and figured I'd share my thoughts. I've had the Cypress for over a year now and really dig'em. If you are looking for high quality, durable, ride all day comfortable shoe I'd recommend giving these a try. These french shoes don't quite cinch down as snug as
their Italian counterparts, which I think is a good thing if you are putting in some
miles. I like to be able to wiggle my toes to make sure they are still there after a few
hours in the saddle and the sizable toe box allows me to do this. I use 'em on my road bike too. Kindda screams -- look out mountain biker on road
bike! But they're so nice I don't mind lugging around a little extra traction... Speaking of traction, walking comfort is decent. I hiked about 2 miles through the
snow in the middle of my ride today to get to Echo Lake and didn't get blisters or
anything which I think is good for a cycling shoe as stiff as carnacs.
I really beat the begezus out of these things in the New England monsoon season
last spring and they still look and feel near new. Unlike my previous Shimano shoes
there is no restretch period after a wet ride. They hold their shape nicely. The bike
store guy claimed that the leather was actually kangaroo hide. Well if you are going to
kill something to make a shoe, I guess a kangaroo is as good as anything, and a
kangaroo makes for a comfy shoe. Anyway I experienced no quality problems as
others have.Only negative. There are only 2 shoelace eyelets on each side of the shoe. This is
pretty useless. 4 or 5 would allow a more controlled fit. The Delta is a similar design
with no laces and is kangaroo free... I like laces and kangaroos.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cha
a Weekend Warrior
from no. cal
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | the carnac sahara's are the booomb!!!.nice wide toe box.wanted the cairns , but my foots too wide. they were killin my feet just trying them on. the sahara's are a quality made shoe no doubt. all of you complaining about the front area wearing down and the cost of the cleats... i suggest going to your local sports store and buying a few pairs of soccer or football cleat. they'll set you back a couple of bucks and work just as good as the OEM from carnac. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Antoine Meijer
a racer
from Alice Springs, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
CARNAC
My Carnac's have lasted almost 2 years now and are still going strong. I bought Caranc and will continue to do so because I know they are the best.
Stiff, reliable, and confertable... CARNAC -> enough said! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Singletrack God
a cross-country rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
So, here's a funny story. I bought a pair of Carnacs, and they fit good, but weren't very secure on my foot. I could live with that, I guess. After 1 month the soles of both shoes began to come off. My LBS (Bicycle Authority in Baltimore) were nice enough to comp me a new pair, even though Carnac wanted me to PAY for a new pair, and IF they were deffective, they refund me. Yea, right. So I get my new pair, and they fit OK, but one of the straps with the name printed on it big as God was sewn on UPSIDEDOWN. I shit you not. I kept the shoes, thinking I'd better quit while I was ahead. Also, this could act as a billboard to Carnac's crappy quality. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Peterson
a cross-country rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Carnac Flights.Very comfortable shoes, but I have had a lot of trouble keeping the cleats from loosening up compared to other shoes. I ended up putting spare screws in the sub-plate to prevent turning as well as machined some bars to fill in the space down the adjustment slots. Then I finally Loktited all screws. Still an excellent shoe.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
danny
a cross-country rider
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a pair of Dunes, far from the top of the range. I have raced in them for two seasons and couriered in them for a little over two years and they are still totally solid. All I have done so far is replace the cleats three times due to all the walking I do in them. A fellow courier has had Evolutions for as long as I can remember and he got them resoled by a sports shoe repairer, in their life no stiching has come out or has the sole cracked. They deserve 10 chillies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from Truckee, Calif.
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Carnac Flight has a super stiff sole for great pedal power. Great lace/velcro combo system. Bomb-proof toe construction. However, watch out on the slickrock. These babies have super stiff rubber on the sole that is not the best off the bike. Overall, this is the best shoe I have ever ridden. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Mac Donald
a cross-country rider
from Chandler, AZ
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I wore Specialized Gatos, because they fit (size 48) and they were cheap. They died after a year, I decided to mortgage the farm on the Sahara, top of the line. What a change. These shoes are expensive like a car payment, and pretty heavy. But they look awesome, have great venting, fit very very well with just 2 quick velcro straps. Buy the cleats right away, they help to protect the plastic parts of the sole. A buddy of mine has used the same model for a year, and even though he crashes all the time, they shoes have held up very well. Except for the weight of the babies, they are perfect for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
koby-san
a weekend warrior
from TX
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Carnacs : Expensive. Durable. Light as air. I got the Dunes on sale a year ago. I used to go through a pair of shoes every 6 to 12 months. I mean totally trashed. I just changed out the bottom plate after a year and they are practically good as new. The only negative (besides the price) is that I'd recommend changing out the 3mm screws for 4mm so that you can get the wrench into them. The socket is just too amall. To the good, even though they are 2x the cost, they have lasted me about 2x as long; a price / payout. Go figure. I'll get a different shoe next time, though I can see coming back to them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Singletrack God
a cross-country rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is for the Deltas.
I must say, yes, these shoes are very comfortable. I have wide feet, and these shoes are the only ones that don't feel like my foot is being pinched off. Comfort does come at a price, however. I've seen flip-flops that were more secure to your foot then these shoes. On very steep climbs, if you walk, your foot will literally slip out of the shoe, no matter how tight they are sinched on. If you've got the extra $$$, and want your shoe to stay on your foot, go with the Flights. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TheRitz
a cross-country rider
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just a few things I would like to say about these shoes:
1) they are very good
2) they are even more expensive!
I payed like $600 for my pair of Carnac's which in US-terms probably is absurd. I guess you can buy a whole bike for that kinda money back in the USA. But still I like 'em a lot. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Higgins
a weekend warrior
from Long Branch, NJ
Date Reviewed: February 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These shoes are unbelievable. I have a wide foot and its hard for me to find a comfortable pair of shoes. These shoes are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, and I am not just including my bike shoes. They are more comfortable than my tennis sneakers or hiking boots. Hell, they are even more comfortable than my Reef sandals. It’s like riding in your slippers. I also notice a big difference from my last shoes when I’m climbing out of the saddle. I’m not sure if its the rigidity of the soles or the placement of the cleats but climbing out of the saddle seems to suck far less than it usually does with these shoes on. Get a pair. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a weekend warrior
from chatham, nj
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My shoe size is 13 - If you have big boat feet like myself and you want a clipless pedal system - It's Carnac or nothing - Fortunately they're well made as it makes the price easier to swallow - I have the lowest price-point shoes for both road and ATB (the Altitudes & Deltas respectively) My shoes are size 12 in Carnacs - The road shoes fit perfectly until I rode in the rain a few times and the drying leather tightened'em a touch (nothing my shoe trees couldn't fix) The ATB Deltas are very stiff - My 12 run big on me - I could've gotten 11 so order at least a size down maybe two.
My heels lift a touch, although I as I only got the Deltas recently that when I get them totally saturated and they dry - they will tighten - We'll see - Once More: Beautiful shoes for big footed riders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike hsu
a cross-country rider
from austin
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
its leather so making it fit takes a little saddletime...but then they fit great, better in the long run than synthetic construction. very stiff sole, it's hard to keep my heels from rising because there is no flex. the laces are overkill (i have the flight model) and i only lace the lower 3 eyelets. this is a quality shoe not flashy hype oriented fashion wear. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chr|s-
a downhiller
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've ridden with these shoes XC. I've broken the kork bottom on two of them. I like the fit very much, but that's very individual from person to person.I won't ride with Carnac shoes again, except if I got them thrown after me! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Tanasichuk
a racer
from B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the carnac delta shoe. They are beyond stiff and truely do make you go faster. The cleat bolts are a weird size and I have been with out spd's for the past few weeks. These shoes rule! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Heath
a weekend warrior
from Wilmington, NC
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the Dune model a couple of weeks ago @ LBS for $75. Was initially put-off by the elephant print look of the leather, but it sort of grows on ya' and at least it isn't NEON. After trying them on and examining the construction decided it was too good a deal to pass up. These shoes are comfortable although Biff from San Jose is right when he says the laces are useless. It really doesn't matter though b/c the fit is snug with just the velcro strap. I say buy if you can find them as this is a stiff, comfortable shoe which seems to be of excellent construction. If any durability problems surface I'll repost. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nate the great
a cross-country rider
from petaluma,california
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Carnac is the best shoe made to my knowledge.Got my 'dune'for 119.00 at local shop last pair happen to be in my size they originally sold for 190.00. Super rigid ,so durable road in thick rain and plenty of mud first day didn't even get my socks wet and they dried within an hour, looked brand new . Pretty light weight, stiff ass soles these shoes are the SSSSSHHITT!!!plus they have mad styles, maybe it's cause im part french but I love these shoes. I float nice airs plus look good. so, very comfortable perfect fit, good looks , very light especially 'delta'model ,well worth the money. last for years i'm sure .when it comes to moutain bikes we need more products like carnac.five little peppers on fire like these shoes, see you at the bottom! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a
from Taiwan
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The most confortable and stiff shoe I have had, good quality construction and funky design. Recommended | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biff
a weekend warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Frenchies finally got it right -- for once!I bought a pair of the Dunes last year. I guess they've since been discontinued, but overall, they're a pretty good shoe.One problem I've had is that the eyelets for the laces immediately began pulling out. (A very stupid design!) I junked the laces and just rely on the one big Velcro strap. The laces were pretty much useless anyhow.Other than that, they're very well made -- and comfy! (unlike most other shoes on the market).Kind of expensive, but worth the extra money. (Economics 101: It's less costly to spend $175.00 on a top quality shoe that will last a couple of years than it is to spend $75.00 on a shoe that will last only 3 rides. Work the numbers for yourself). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick-o
a cross-country rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive had the Tahoes for two years or so and love em. They are as or even more comfortable than my street shoes. Real stiff and have survived tons of would be trashings. You know, the usual trail abuse, mud, rocks, trees, ect. and still look reasonably good. I look kinda Dutch Boy like wearing these pups but I don't care, the woods ain't no beauty contest. FIve chilies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rick
a racer
from PA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Update on my March 10th review. The Sahara's are great shoes !!! The fit, the performance, what more could you ask for ??? I've ridden in them exclusively since I got them. They seem to be holding up well in spite of the fact that the race promoters here in PA must be watching too much x-treme tv and have been designing billy-goat hike-a-bike sections into most courses lately !!!! I've rode in them, walked, ran, went creek exploring (on foot !!!) and they have taken everything in stride. (PS, the budget as finally allowed me to pick up a pair of Diagonals for the road. The same great fit and performance)They're pricey, but I was on my second pair of Shimano MTB shoes by this time last year, so..................... so far so good.Ride hard, ride fast, tread lightlyRickRick | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike West
a cross-country rider
from Palmdale,CA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am reviewing my Carnacs which are the least expensive Delta models. Although they list for $139.00, I got mine for 25% off at my local bike shop. After using them I would have paid full list for them because they really are a superior shoe. First of all, they use real suede and leather unlike the Sidi shoe which uses Lorica, a synthetic leather. Secondly, they fit like a glove in contrast to the Korean-made products out there (i.e. Shimano, Look, et al) which seem too narrow and constrictive of the toes. Thirdly, the quality of construction, such as the stitching and interface of materials is practically perfect.
If you can scrape-up the extra $50 or so I would recommend getting these. Their web-site will show you their nearest dealer to you or you can get them from Aarvark if you don't need to try them on first. I would recommend trying them on for fit because they come in so many Euro half sizes. Good Luck... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
celly
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought these shoes about 3 months ago and have really put them through their paces this summer in everything from creek crossings, to mud to 25 mile hike and bike rides up some of the steep mountain trails we have here in Alberta. While they're a tad pricy, you get what you pay for. They're a bit scuffed and all but think about it, they're mtb shoes! When (if?) I clean then, they look like new. I'll have these shoes for many years to come so the extra $$$ can be thought of as an investment. Btw, I have the '97 Flight model. Very comfy too once they break in.Awesome pair of shoes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M.R.
a cross-country rider
from Portland, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I Bought The Carnac Delta Shoes With The UCS-4 MTB Insert.
The Fit Is Very Nice.....The Wide Toe Box Feels Great And
Allows You To Drop Down A 1\2 Size. (In My Case) I Think
The Construction Is The Best I Have Seen At This Price Point.
(I Paid $140.00) And I Do Not Know Of Any Other Shoes That I Would
Have Paid More For.....5 Stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M.R.
a cross-country rider
from Portland, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm Looking At The Carnac Delta\Sahara Shoes For Use With Bebop Clipless
Pedals.....Any Thoughts\Ideas? (Respond Here Or E-Mail) Thanx. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Cornell
a
from Amherst, MA USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought these shoes after trying the Shimano 55 shoes, which I ended up returning because they started falling apart after six rides (see my review for that shoe). I tried a number of other shoes in the Cypress price range (Duege, Lake, Specialized, etc.) and the Carnacs stood out, partly because I found them on sale at a local store for $138 including the SPD mounting hardware. (They are usually ~$180 including SPD.)PROS:
+ Comfortable
+ Very sturdy sole
+ Well built, including good toe protection
+ Quick to put on
+ Very little float when clipped in
+ Sole sealed against waterCONS:
- Traction not good (slips) on rocks
- Somewhat hard to clip into and out of (compared to Shimano 55's I had)
- Expensive (for my budget, even when on sale)
- Leather toe starting to wear after two rides (oh well...)
- Little ankle protectionOverall I'm *very* happy with these shoes, and give them a 5.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howie
a weekend warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Finally found a high end shoe to fit my 13 4E foot. I use the speacialized Rockhoppers for off rd, They are heavy and lace only, but untill now the only shoe I found to fit by big paws. I heard the Carnacs ran wide..ordered the top-of-line Saharas (mountain bike shoe) and was disapointed....way too narrow...I do alot of road training and ordered the Carnac Legends (road shoe)....YES! Awsome shoe, perfect fit...very wide and like butter.
What a difference the stiff sole and light weight makes on my road training runs verses the Rockhoppers. For this purpose these shoes are a dream come true, espeasialy if you got wide feet. There is indeed no hot spot as was previosly mentioned in a prior post. Thank you, Thank you Carnac....only off road Im stuck with the rockhoppers. If any body has any sugestions for an awsome mountain-bike shoe that runs very wide (I dont think it exists yet) please let me know...it certainly isn't the Carnac mountain bike shoes....maybe they are listening?????!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a racer
from PA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great shoes so far !!! I just purchased a pair of Saharas from Aardvark on-line. These things fit great !!! (Order one size smaller than normal) I've only had two rides (about 5 hours total) on them, but once I got the cleats set up, they are excellent !! Stiff and comfortable. I had two pairs of Shimano's last year that I really liked and that I thought fit well. Once you get a pair of Carnacs, you'll know why people spend the extra money. I will be replacing my 6 year old Shimano road shoes (which I dearly love) with new Carnacs as soon as the budget allows. (The Carnacs are thicker (about 1/4) through the soles than the Shimanos. Check your seat height after adjusting the cleats) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a weekend warrior
from Mtn. View, CA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Strange looking, expensive, but effective. Large toe box, super stiff soul, excellent quality. I've had mine for a full season, mud, water, etc., and they still look like new. Easy to install cleats. A little strange to walk in (stiff), but your not supposed to be walkin', your supposed to be ridin'. Right!
Their new shoes are even stranger looking (to many bright colors), but use the basically the same soul. Toe box is still large and comfortable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a cross-country rider
from Plainsboro, NJ
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Absolutely the stiffest, most comfortable shoes I have ever used. After trying Lake, Answer, Shimano, Scott and Nike, these are the ones! I hae never owned a pair of shoes for ANY purpose that were this comfortable. Yes, they are expensive, but they are the last pair of shoes you'll ever buy. Super durable, and Carnac's customer service is world-class. If you can find them anywhere (they have very limited distribution) and you're serious about mountain biking, you owe it to yourself to try these. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Nelson
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my third pair of SPD-compatible shoes. I first had the cheap
Shimano M55's, and really didn't like them at all... the sole was way too
flexy, and they didn't provide much support. Next came a pair of Scott
OverRocks. They were a big improvement over the Shimanos, and I used them
for several months, but found a real problem... again, the soles weren't
stiff enough, and the toe box was too small, causing my feet to go numb
after about a half hour of pedaling. I started looking at high end shoes at
this point.
I looked at the Sidi Dominator II, and although they were nicely made,
comfortable, and looked like they'd do the job fine with their ultra stiff
soles, I just couldn't handle the garish blue, yellow, and orange color
schemes. I'm not a flash kinda guy, and I felt like a circus clown wearing
those things. I looked at the Shimano M110's, but they didn't really appear
to be very well constructed, and they again were tight in the toe box.
Next I found the Carnac Tahoe shoes. Having used Carnac Roadracing boots
when I rode motorcycles, I was confident of their quality, although they
were quite pricey ($199, plus another $9.95 for the UCS-2 cleat adapter
assembly). But when I put 'em on, laced 'em up, and tightened the two wide
velcro straps, my feet said we're home!. They're a bit strange looking...
made in France with dark grey ostrich looking leather uppers and a grey
and black patterned mesh for air circulation, a large white reflective strip
on the heel and heavy black lugged soles. However, they have a classy,
conservative look about them (at least compared to the Italian clown shoes)
that's growing on my the more I look at them.
The sole is ULTRA stiff (I can't bend it at ALL with anything less than
considerable pressure on the ends), aggressively lugged, and has a huge
cutout where the UCS-2 cleat adapter fits. The UCS-2 screws onto the bottom
of the shoe with four allen head countersunk screws and holds the SPD nut
in a channel that allows it to slide fore and aft about an inch for cleat
adjustment. Then the SPD cleats screw onto the nut. One advantage of this
over some of the other systems is that you can actually remove the entire
insert and replace it with a walking insert, which might be nice if you
were mountain biking and camping. You could put in the walking insert when
not riding and use them as hiking shoes, or just leave the cleats on. The
cleats are recessed enough below the lugs that they don't touch the pavement
when walking, yet the large clear area around the cleats makes it super easy
to clip in to my Shimano M535 pedals.
Putting 'em on is easy... the laces are covered by a leather cover that just
lays down over them, and then you bring the wide leather/velcro straps
across (and the right way, ie: on the left shoe, the strap is attached on
the left, so you bring it across to the right, under the buckle, then back
across to the left and smooth the velcro down, very fast). There's a
plastic heel cup insert which firms up the rear, and they are lined with a
synthetic padded black liner that feels like flannel. They also have
contoured foam insole inserts.
Riding these shoes is great. As I said before, clip-in and clip-out are
both real easy, and the stiff sole finally does away with the hot spot I
felt on my previous shoes. The roomy, reinforced toe box gives my toes some
much needed room. The super stiff sole really helps with power transfer to
the pedals, too. I haven't had them long yet, so it's too soon to tell
about long term reliability, but if they are anything like the Carnac
Roadracing boots I used on motorcycles, they'll hold up just fine.
You can see a photo of the shoes at:
http://www.synclair.com/graphics/tahoe96.gif
A five pepper shoe if ever there was one! | | Overall Rating: |
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