Shimano have introduced new top-end road racing and mountain bike shoes that combine head mouldable Custom-Fit technology and carbon fibre soles with uppers made of Rovenica synthetic leather.
This lightweight material is said to stretch like fine natural leather for an amazing fit yet, according to Shimano, has "a remarkable memory and strength that always brings the shoe back to its original shape".
The SH-R315 is Shimano’s new top-tier SPD-SL shoe. Features include a lightweight hollow channel sole made of woven carbon fibre, a multi-layer moisture control mesh and a metal fibre anti-slip heel lining. up top, there's a low-profile micro-adjust buckle and dual offset straps.
Claimed weight is 523g/pair. Yauheni Hutarovich (Francaise des Jeux) won the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana using this new model. It should hit shops in October (November in the UK).
On the mountain bike side, the SH-M315 is the new top model SPD shoe, with an ultra-rigid, long-fibre carbon shank sole with tuned heel flex. It has the same anti-slip heel lining and strap system as the R315, along with optional toe spikes for improved traction in sand, mud or loose dirt.
Claimed weight is 686g/pair. Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) and Sven Nijs (Landbouwkrediet) will be using these shoes in the upcoming cyclo-cross season. Availability is slated for November. Both shoes will cost £269.99 in the UK.
Campagnolo 11 Speed autumn/winter clothing
Campagnolo have unveiled the key products in their autumn/winter 2010/11 clothing line, the 11 Speed tights, jersey and jacket. The 10-panel Hollow Core bib tights are made of Artica winter Lycra, which is said to offer excellent warmth, wicking and temperature regulation.
The Tri-Propad synthetic chamois has enhanced protection for the ischial and perineal areas, with ultra high density inserts for better shock distribution and absorption. Other features include zipped ankle closures plus subtle gold-coloured IQseen reflective logos and accents, which can be seen from 160m away. The tights come in black only, in sizes S to 3XL.
The 11 Speed long-sleeve full-zip jersey uses soft-touch Naturatec fabric with a windproof and water-resistant 3XDRY treatment. Anti-bacterial Silver Aid inserts improve breathability and heat regulation, while IQSeen accents ensure you'll be seen at night. The jersey is available in black only, in sizes S to 3XL.
Finally, the 11 Speed jacket is made of Schoeller Soft Shell 3XDRY fabric, which is said to be windproof and water-resistant, as well as offering good heat regulation, breathability and sweat wicking. Features include microfibre cuff and collar lining for added comfort, four back pockets (one with zip) and IQSeen accents. Again, it's available in black, in sizes S to 3XL. Prices for all these Campagnolo items are TBC.
RRP
The latest product from RRP, the people behind the NeoGuard mudguard and PunctureGuard tubeless sealant, is this Bearing Press & Extraction Tool, aimed at the home mechanic who wants to service their full-suspension bike.
While it's primarily designed for linkage bearings, RRP say it can also be used on many hubs and pivot bearings due to the wide range of bearing kits available. The tool costs £48.99 and comes in a box with room for your bearing kits, which are sold separately for £19.99. Stocks will be arriving in January.
Mission Workshop
We gave you a sneak peek at Mission Workshop's casual SPD shoe earlier in this summer, and now a pair have arrived in the office for testing. It looks like the perfect thing for smart-casual urban commutes or riding to the pub without swapping pedals, and the deep cleat recess means no tap-dancing soundtrack when you're off the bike. We'll keep you posted on how the Rondel performs. RRP is £120.
Crud Racepac
There are no major changes to Crud's Racepac mountain bike mudguard twinpack for this winter – the big news is the new Roadracer Mk2 – but it's now available with red highlights as well as the standard black and white colourways. RRP is £19.99.
