Bontrager’s RXXXL Limited Edition Road shoe is clearly influenced by Mavic’s Huez, but the American company appear to have made good on the concept, and for about US$100 less than their French rivals. First impressions of the new shoe are good, especially in two key areas: weight and fit.
On our scales the shoes weigh 207g each – up 16g (for the pair) from Bontrager’s claimed weight but superlight, nonetheless. Weight is only half the story, though; more important is fit. Obviously that's a personal thing, but on our feet, Bontrager’s all-new inForm Pro last fits almost perfectly, like a slipper, right out of the box.
The original inForm Pro last had more volume and left us slightly between sizes. Now called inForm Pro SV (standard volume), it's offered along with another option called inForm Pro LV on the RXL shoe. Bontrager's two new models, the RXXXL Road and Limited Edition Road, both upgrade to the new Pro last.
ZeroXS three-strap upper
The ZeroXS three-strap upper holds its shape well, yet is comfortably pliable. We're not sure how breathable it will prove since it looks to basically be a TPU coated nylon mesh and only has ventilation on the toe and through the carbon sole.
Despite the lightweight directive, the RXXXL LTD has an amply padded wraparound foam tongue. The whole of the upper features a single seam between the main part of the shoe and the plastic heel cup. The toe is finished with a ‘patent’ (as in patent leather) microfiber scuff guard.
The carbon sole features a structural 'Power Wave' to increase stiffness
The sole of the shoe is made from uni-directional ‘Platinum Series’ carbon fiber and features three structural stiffening channels, dubbed ‘Power Wave’, that run from the cleat mounting area to the heel. The carbon sole has three mesh-lined ventilation ports and rubber toe and heel pieces to make walking easier.
The shoe is finished with a simple foam insole with molded metatarsal support; the insole isn't from eSoles, whose premium footbed is found in the RXL Road model. Bontrager offer 13 sizes, from Euro 40 to 47.
The RXXXL Limited Edition Road shoe costs US$299.99 / £219.99 / €259.99. Look for a comprehensive review on BikeRadar soon.
