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With the new S-Phyre RX910 gravel shoe, Shimano aims to offer improved power transfer to the pedals and more comfort when walking. We have already ridden the new shoe with Pontoon-Cleat-System.
What characterises the Pontoon Cleat system?
Shimano's new premium shoe for gravel use is primarily focussed on racers and comes with a new cleat system. The so-called Pontoon Cleat System is SPD-compatible (Shimano Pedalling Dynamics) and is designed to improve stability and power transmission, as well as enabling replacement in the event of wear. The rows of cleats to the right and left of the cleat are connected with a thin metal bar and are mounted under the normal SPD cleat. When the cleat is aligned, the rows of cleats always move with it, ensuring optimum support and contact surface on the pedal body.
How does the new shoe perform in practice?
Due to the TPU cleat rows to the right and left of the cleat, the RX910 sits very tightly on the pedal and requires a little more effort when clicking in. This minimally reduces the ease of entry. Once engaged, the stiff shoe impresses with a very high force connection to the pedal. The large, play-free contact surface with the pedal feels very similar to a road pedal. Lateral tipping of the shoe is completely prevented by the wide support of the TPU blocks. However, the larger contact surface makes it harder to twist the foot and you also need more force to unclip. Attempts to clip into older SPD pedals (e.g. PD-M8000) fail because the contact surface of the pedal is slightly higher. The shoe could only be clicked into the older pedals with extreme force. We therefore cannot really confirm Shimano's promise that all SPD pedals are compatible. Shimano recommends the following for the S-Phyre RX910 therefore the current series XTR PD-M9200 or XT PD-M8100.
What about the fit and walking comfort?
The fit of the RX910 is beyond reproach. Even narrow feet find a perfect fit and can be held firmly in place without pressure points. The carbon sole is also very thin and extremely stiff. Only the walking comfort could be better. Although the tread lugs are placed far apart and prevent tipping, the lug material used is very hard, not very cushioning and somewhat slippery. The upper material of the new race shoe is much more supple than that of the comparable, cheaper RX801 model and offers very good comfort. The two cut-outs in the carbon sole also provide noticeable ventilation, but quickly cause cold feet in cold weather.
The advantages and disadvantages of the Shimano S-Phyre RX910:
- Well ventilated, but gives cold feet from about 8 degrees outside temperature
- Sole feels thinner than the Shimano RX801, you stand nice and close to the pedal axle
- Pontoon TPU bumps reduce the step-in comfort somewhat. You need more force to click in and to twist the foot.
- Very high traction. Feels almost like a road pedal. Due to the high friction, significantly more force is also required when unclicking.
- Wide support of the TPU tread blocks very good. Less tipping than the RX801. But tread blocks are very hard, could offer more grip/damping on firm ground.
- 26 g per shoe heavier than RX801
- Upper material significantly softer, moulds better to the foot than the RX801
- Absolutely no pedal wobble. First and foremost, replaceable pontoons always ensure optimum traction because they can be changed quickly when worn
The key data of the Shimano S-Phyre RX910
- Price: 389,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight in size 44: 694 grams incl. cleats (52 g) and pontoon (30 g)
