Clothing and Accessories
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Parent Category: Clothing and Accessories
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Category: Mavic
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Published on Wednesday, 14 April 2010 08:22
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Written by Luca Salvatelli
Slight, with rigid soles and well ventilated
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The model Mavic Zxellium Ultimate has been designed with a careful study to the containment of the weight. The sole is made of high modulus carbon only 5.5 mm thick and provided with a rib improves the rigidity. The area of attachment of the cleat is wrinkled so as to improve the anchorage of the studs to the sole; standard set of screws for the cleats very short, given the reduced thickness of the soil and also a pocket shoes’ bag. As always there are points of reference for the positioning of the cleats. To protect the soil are provided two heels, one front and one rear, not interchangeable; absent on the sole, ventilation holes. The upper, very thin, is fitted with large areas in the network to improve the ventilation of the foot. Tip is an area in plastic which helps to contain the foot. The heel is made of plastic, reinforced with a carbon fiber structure called the Energy Carbon Lock Hell. This is a containment system of the heel, carbon fiber, which allows a weight saving of 30% compared to more traditional solutions. The sole is anatomically thermoformed and perforated. Are then provided three traps, two with velcro closure, while the third, at the instep, has closed ratchet. All the sealing system has been designed with the objective to have a maximum weight. The tongue is padded. The shoes are available in yellow or black, in sizes from 4.5 to 12 UK including half sizes. Has a declared weight 270 grams in size 8.5 UK (a shoe), we have found in size 42 weighing 272 grams each.
Road test
Ultimate Zxellium Mavic shoes are well made, welcomes the adoption of the pocket bag shoes and special screws for fastening the cleats. The excellent weight, good interior, well laid out although the consistency minimal limit the weight of the shoe. Excellent sole carbon, really rigid and shame for the lack of interchangeable heels plus a reduced thickness. Good and useful reference points on the sole for the positioning of cleats. Good also the upper, although compared to other products seems to be of lower quality. The ratchet has compact dimensions and constructive system simplified, again to minimize the weight, as well as the realization of two traps with Velcro. Good padded tongue and insole anatomically. The positioning of the cleat is easy and precise because of good references on the sole. The fit is good, but partly hampered by the choice of fixing the tab laterally with elastic inserts, and this solution one part makes it more stable and precise positioning of the tongue, but the other just makes it harder to fit. The weir of the shoe is easy, even if the desire to minimize the burden imposed choices, so the ratchet is so easy to operate, but not as enjoyable as other products in its action, it closes, but the opening is more difficult and less fluent, and the two straps in velcro are well operated, but are difficult to forge strong and when he reached the goal you find that after a few hours of use with which the strings are made of giving a little discomfort on instep, despite the good padded tongue. As mentioned the desire to create a very light shoe has imposed choices. On the move shows immediately on the great stiffness of the sole that allows a better power transfer from foot to foot; good also the containment of the foot with a heel that remains firmly and only a lateral containment of the foot than perfect, but good in absolute terms . Only the most powerful sprinters, risers often standing on the pedals, they can seek a better lateral support of the foot, while the vertical is more than good, so that even those who workout very round, with good traction on the pedals. Is reported, then, that the foot and the heel remains firmly in the shoe without excessive and counterproductive straps closure of the shoe. The lightness of the same and there is much to appreciate, up as in continuous variations of pace. Enjoy the insole and breathability of the shoe, facilitated by wide area of the upper network, while it is good but not exceptional, comfort over long distances. In this case, the upper very fine and the inside do a minimal negative action, even if not leaders, however, comfort is good, lower than many rivals from the upper weight, but good. This shoe is so well-defined characteristics and suitable, of course, the agony more attentive to detail. Has a great rigidity of the sole and truly limited weight, a good control of weight and comfort. Does not shine on this last point, but remains on a higher than acceptable. For this is a shoe dedicated to competitions where the values of stiffness and low weight are more important than other aspects. This shoe is perfect for the climber, but also for a fast amateur. For the lover instead is to assess whether or not the comfort is the main criterion for selection of the shoe, to avoid disappointment. In any case the benefits in terms of power transfer from foot to the pedal is at the absolute. The price is 270 Euro, partly justified by the weight record and overall performance of the product.
Positive aspects
Weight
Stiffness of the sole
Containment of the foot
Benchmarks for effective positioning of cleats
Bag shoes series
Aeration
Negative aspects
Best amenities
Price
To learn more:
Mavic
Website: www.mavic.com
