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Pearl Izumi X-Road Fuel women's shoes review

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$109.99

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Pearl Izumi X-Road Fuel shoes

BikeRadar verdict

2.5 out of 5 stars

"Hybrid clipless/running/gym shoe which does no one thing particularly well and feels like a compromise"

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Thu 7 Apr 2011, 5:00 pm BSTBy

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This schizophrenic trainer-alike is a conundrum. While it’s comfortable enough, it suffers from the same overly flexible upper and poor power transfer as most recreational riding shoes and lacks enough tread to make it suitable for wet weather ride/hike use.

Acres of mesh across the toes keep things cool and the trainer-style lacing pattern is effective at keeping the foot hugged snugly into the heel cup as long as you’re not putting in major effort. Minimal sole tread means it’s only suitable for off-road use on the driest, most hard-packed of trails, though.

The sole has excellent shock absorption and flexibility, but trying to run anywhere in shoes with cleats bolted to the bottom is an exercise in frustration. The Fuel is more suited to fitness riders and gym bunnies than adventure racers – fab for spinning classes or commuters who feel more comfortable wearing a trainer rather than ratchets and Velcro that scream cyclist.

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Specification

Name:
X-Road Fuel shoes (11)
Built by:
Pearl Izumi
Price:
$109.99

Weight (g):
680 g
Shoe Sizes Available:
36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 UK

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