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Submitted by
mystyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great fit, tough construction, great quality uppers. 8 months in them and from the soles up they look like new. | | Weaknesses: | Poor midsole/outsole design. Midsole is a separate plate in the center of the footbed. The outsole is glued to the midsole with no apparent alternate means of attachment. Carbon fiber midsole in an area prone to impact with sharp metal parts of SPD pedals. Requirement to cut the "removeable" pad from the SPD cleat attachment point thereby compromising the overall sole integrity. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano MT-50, MT-51 | | Bike Setup: | Dirtbag, 66RC2X, ZTR Flows on King Hubs | | Bottom Line: | So having done the same thing to two pairs of shoes in the "category" these seem to fall in, I contacted Specialized via their "store" to determine how the outsole/midsole union was made. I should have known to go in a different direction when finding ANY contact information for Specialized was like trying to get a phone number for the Air Force 1. After quite a bit of digging I found a contact point and received an e-mail assuring me the Buzzsaw was the answer.
Off to the LBS I go. $110 later I've got them in hand and was initially impressed. As indicated, the upper construction looked good, soles looked like they would survive the granite debris of the local mountains, all was well. First few rides were great until I had to come out of the pedals in a hurry only to feel that 'tell-tale' roll of the rubber on the ball of the foot. Quick inspection revealed the same thing starting to happen that caused the ultimate destruction of my MT-50's and MT-51's. The outsole peeling away from the midsole on the ball-side of the SPD cleat hole. Fast forward 6-7 months and this past Sunday's ride may be their last as the rubber sole has proceeded to tear up to the toe of the shoe with the midsole nearly coming out of the shoe at one point in the ride.
After doing the same thing to 3 pairs of shoes in this category one would begin to think it's something with my riding style or otherwise. Believe me, I started analyzing this. When one of the guys in our group voiced complaint with the same thing happening to a pair of Adidas he wears, I knew it wasn't just me.
If you're going to use these w/o cleats, you may have better luck as leaving the "removable" pad in the sole may lend to its integrity and longevity. If you're going to use these with cleats, don't ever push off on the ball of your foot.. or buy something else. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Badly Wired Dog
a Cross Country Rider
from Peak District, UK
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Cut Gate | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | wiggle.co.uk | | Strengths: | Comfortable on and off the bike, look nice, ankle protection. | | Weaknesses: | The outsoles rip away from the mid-sole from around the cleat recess with heavy use / abuse. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Trail 110, Specialized Defroster, Axo Pony, North Wave Celcius. | | Bike Setup: | Various, all with Shimano SPD pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I've owned two pairs of these boots which tells you something, but they've both ultimately failed in the same way with the rubber of the outsole coming away from the mid-sole around the cleat recess and eventually just ripping off, even after being repaired. The bonding between the sole components just doesn't seem to be strong enough, though both have been used a lot, both in the UK including wet conditions and southern Spain - very hot.
Otherwise a brilliant boot, comfortable enough for walking when needed but with enough forefoot stiffness to stay comfy on the boot. For some reason the laces supplied are ridiculously long and need cutting down. If it weren't for the sole issue, I'd happily buy another pair, as it is I've gone for some Specialized Trail 110s, which have a different sole unit. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
maheoway
a Cross Country Rider
from Dripping Springs, TX
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | home | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$115.00 | | Purchased At: | Specialized | | Strengths: | comfortable walking or riding, support, look, true to size | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Addidas | | Bike Setup: | Lenz Leviathan, all XTR, king, Rock Shox, | | Bottom Line: | I'm 60+ in central TX, it's hilly and rocky, I use clips, these are great shoes, easy in and out, all day comfort, durable. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Manhattan
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Fancy Creek MTB Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet Retailer | | Strengths: | Durability, weight, looks, functionality | | Weaknesses: | A little warm in 125 degree weather ;) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized BG Taho MTB Shoe | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8500 - generally stock except pedals, and bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I bought these shoes to use while I was deployed with the Army to Iraq where I rode at least 15 miles a day on sand, rock and pavement. From the time I purchased them, I have enjoyed well over 100 hours of use without complaint. My last shoes were below the ankle and uncomfortable - these are awesome. I have ridden intense rock/sand, deep sand, and singletrack since my return; all without complaint. I recommend these shoes to any rider who wants the support and protection of a high top shoe. By the way - these shoes are very comfortable for hours on end. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a Weekend Warrior
from Rapid City SD USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Dealer | | Strengths: | Man where to start. Comfort, style, able to walk in them, like the ankle support. | | Weaknesses: | My cleats just about didn't fit in cut out, Frog pedals, but they made it. A little hard to unclip sometimes. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Kado | | Bike Setup: | Faith Three Stock | | Bottom Line: | Nice shoe, I like the ankle support and protection as well. Very nice set up. But 3 chillis for the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MADMIKE33
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, California
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock & Road Cycle | | Strengths: | Good looks, very stable platform, comfortable for all around walking, hiking, biking. Cleats don't scratch the floor when walking. Good ankle support! Oh yeah, there is this little elastic strap on the shoe tounges that is very handy for securing the laces in tight, so as not to tangle in the gears! Very nice little touch. | | Weaknesses: | None noted | | Similar Products Used: | Oakly SI boots | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR comp | | Bottom Line: | Great mountain bike shoe for really getting out there and tearing it up! The shoe is built very well and seems like it will take a pounding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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