These are lighter than a padded leisure shoe (710g for size 44), but more practical than an out-and-out performance road shoe. The only downside is the slightly shallow tread, which exposes the cleats to snagging on the ground.
Build quality is good, with three simple Velcro straps for a snug fit. The sole has more give than a dedicated road shoe and its rubber finish makes it less prone to sliding off the pedals, as well as being more grippy when you walk.
The RT51s use standard mountain bike-style recessed cleats, but given the practical aspirations of these shoes the tread pattern could have been a couple of millimetres deeper, as the cleats catch the ground more than some other sports touring models that we’ve tried.
Reflective dots at the back add visibility and the nylon mesh is quick to dry and breathable.