Clothing and Accessories
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Parent Category: Clothing and Accessories
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Category: Northwave
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Published on Wednesday, 12 May 2010 08:22
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Written by Luca Salvatelli
Good containment of the foot, good vibration isolation and good ventilation, its main characteristics
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The model Aerlite SBS is the flagship model of the collection Northwave. Always been its main characteristic is the wooden sole, a technical aspect, while not patented, has never been copied by competitors. Available in three different colour combinations, black, red/white and white/silver, the uppers have breathable microfiber, with a series of micro metal inserts for better ventilation of the foot and places in the area of the toe and sides. The heel is plastic injected and produced on the inside with a fabric insert anti-slide. The tongue is padded. The closure is performed by two straps Velcro and a third with ratchet. This system has S.B.S. (Step By Step), which allows the opening of strap is immediately and completely or "step by step." Furthermore, the same strap is adjustable so that it is always at the center of the instep through the regulation system called ASR. The sole is made of 5 layers of carbon fiber and equipped with ventilation holes. Two studs, of which the rear interchangeable. The sole has a series of benchmarks for the positioning of the cleat and screw to the memory of Look cleats. The insole is made of beech wood, thermoformed, made in order to have a more flexible to fit the shape of the foot and soul stiffer for more effective transmission of power to the pedal. The insole is made of thermoformed and anatomy. It's available in sizes from 39 to 48, with half sizes from 39.5 to 45.5. The company does not declare the weight in us size 42 we found 340 grams per shoe.
The road test
Northwave Aerlite SBS are not new, but remain among the best high-end shoes, some innovative aspects. The design details is generally good, although lacking some finishing touches typical of other products, but overall the shoe is well made. Among the best things we point out the landmarks for the positioning of the cleat, the ratchet and the unique wooden insole. The positioning of the cleats is easier and facilitated by the provision of good reference points on the sole. The cleat, interchangeable, is not very high, has a good grip, but you should be careful so as not to scratch the soles when walking on the gravel below. The fit is excellent, careful, however, buying online, because the same number the fit is wider than its competitors and many may find the ideal size in half in less number, if not as numerous less, to verify "foot to foot." Too bad that the weight is high and among the highest ever among high-end shoes. The closure of the shoe is excellent, perfect maneuverability of the ratchet, easily manoeuvrable in a bike. Excellent solution to the issue of strap one click at a time, but especially the very nice smooth operation of the ratchet. The comfort of the shoe is good, thanks to the upper soft and good inside, free from thermoformed parts in contact with the foot. Very good, in this sense, the shape of the heel. Even with the closed shoe has a maximum foot comfort and good fit to stay on a bike very hour. The ventilation of the foot is more than excellent at the top, while the sole of the foot does not seem to take advantage of holes on the sole and remains distant from the air of other products with perforated soles. In this case, rather than the size of the holes is the exclusive wooden insole to impede air circulation on the foot. In motion, however, appreciate the technical characteristics of the insole of wood, better able to isolate the vibration and shock foot of the ground, giving more comfort to the foot, while improving the rigidity of the sole of the shoe. Moreover, if even partially hampers the ventilation of the foot, its ability to absorb sweat and allow, even in this respect, a performance better than many competitors, especially compared to those not ventilated soles. Then the ventilation insole is midway between the soles and between those with no ventilation provided ventilation. As anticipated, also excellent is the rigidity of the sole, to meet the most demanding athletes. The containment of the foot is another of the strengths of this model. The heel is very restrained in his seat, maybe not like those models with several more invasive systems for the containment of the same, but remains far from perfect and take full advantage of an excellent long-distance comfort. Perfect containment side of the foot due to the closure of perfect and excellent shoe uppers, which leads to a review rather than just the ability to keep the shoe firmly on the foot, is being thrust under traction on the pedals. Thus, all athletes will be more than satisfied with this aspect, even those who have a powerful ride and round. Perfect for the sprinters, as the long, flat stages. Only aspect where, in a direct comparison with other competitors, this model is lower in height, mostly for weight content, which leads to sell to competitors more than 150 grams a pair, even with excellent containment of the foot. But overall the shoe is that without excel in certain aspects, is very competitive in every respect, are the complex almost perfect. It's hard, well ventilated, with better containment of the foot and a good comfort in every single way we can be better competitors, but this model is able to be more competitive which often fails to others excelling in certain things and lacking in other. That is a perfect shoe for the agonist as well as tourists. The price of about 249 Euro is aligned to direct competition and proportionate to the technical characteristics, as in other cases, however, point out that being produced in a country with a low cost of labor (China) could cost even less than other products entirely Made in Italy.
Positive aspects
Overall quality of the product
Vibration Isolation
Containment of the foot
Comfort
Aeration
Stiffness of the sole
Negative aspects
Weight
To learn more:
Northwave
Internet site: www.northwave.it
