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TECH NEWS: BONTRAGER RXL ROAD SHOES
Philip Booth
June 19, 2009
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STORY
After years of being know as Trek’s in-house parts supplier, Bontrager has began to develop an image of their own. In the last couple of years they have been releasing high end products that rival or surpass the industries best. For 2009 Bontrager released the RXL road shoes that feature a three-strap closure system, external molded InForm heel cup, vented carbon sole and a customizable eSoles inserts. The RXL is available in either black or white and features Bontrager's “gold” level carbon in the soles.
TECH
The first thing we noticed was the bright white color scheme with black and gold accents. The second was that the mesh tops of the RXLs look more like running shoes than something you would find in the professional peloton. The full mesh tops are reinforced with Lorica bands running the length of toe box. This creates a very lightweight and breathable top that also supports the foot and increases stability. To further aid in stability the heel cup is molded with its leading edge extending forward past the ankle. Up front the toe box is also reinforced for increased support and durability. For a snug fit the Bontrager RXL uses a top ratcheting buckle and two Velcro straps. The buckle system is simple with a large, easy to find tightening buckle and an inset gold colored release button. For a “custom” fit the RXL come with two-piece eSoles that allow fit adjustment through the switching out of the insoles arch pieces. The light and stiff theme of the RXLs is carried through to the soles, which are constructed using Trek’s “gold” level carbon. This is the same grade carbon that is used in the construction of their Tour de France winning Madone bicycles. Bontrager finishes off the RXLs with vents in front of and behind the ball of the foot to keep the riders feet cool during warm weather.
RBA SAYS
The Bontrager RXLs are well-balanced shoes that offer the high level of performance that we have come to expect from Bontrager in recent years. The shoes are reasonably light at 375-grams a pair and provide solid power transfer through the carbon soles. Despite the stiff soles none of the RBA test riders experienced hot foot or numbness in the toes. The RXLs have a wide toe box and a narrow heel cup. Most riders liked this as it made for a comfortable fit without producing heel slip. The top ratchet and Velcro closure system worked well and didn’t create any pressure points. Another area that RBA testers enjoyed was the airflow within the RXLs. The mesh tops, vented carbon soles and heel cup did a good job of keeping the riders feet cool. Surprisingly no testers mentioned the eSoles.
The only complaint that came in about the RXL shoes was the lack of sufficient texture in the cleat area of the sole. This causes more than one cleat to shift positions. A piece of sticky backed grip tape quickly solved the problem. Overall the Bontrager RXL shoes offered top of the line performance in a bold, stylish package.
PRICE: $230.00
INFO: www.bontrager.com
BOUNS POINTS: Styling, stiff soles, and comfortable
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