Fizik has added mountain bike shoes to their lineup, offering two models, one with a women’s version.
The M1 (all black) has replaceable clear section treads and heel treads. Treads run all the way through the midsole for better total traction, particularly over wet roots. There are creases behind the toe spokes for slightly easier hiking. It’s still a pretty stiff carbon sole, but also pretty thin, which is why the tread plate covers the sole at the cleat mount.
Upper is a mix of mesh, kangaroo leather and sail cloth straps with their dual release plastic buckle. The toes are covered in an abrasion resistant rubber, similar to rock climbing shoes. Retail is $375.
The M5 is the “lower” level shoe shown on the left, and the M1 is their top of the line off road kick. While we all love high end stuff, the M5 is arguably the more interesting model…
The M5 looks to double as a good cyclocross show with a more flexible sole, the same rubber toe cover and a price that’s more privateer friendly. It keeps the full length tread and gets a nylon outsole with more pronounced creases for better walkability. It switches to the single-release alloy buckle.
The M5’s retail is $200, and there’s a women’s version (silver), too.
The Fizik Arione R3 gets updated team color editions, all including either white or black handlebar tape. Teams represented are: Cannondale Pro Cycling, BMC Racing Team, Sky Pro Cycling, Garmin-Sharp, Blanco Pro Cycling Team, Pro Team Astana, AG2R La Mondiale, Team Androni Giocattoli, Francaise Des Jeux.
The uppers are Microtex with bonded panels so there are no seams between color transitions. Shell is a fiberglass thermoplastic composite with WingFlex panels. Claimed weight is 185g. Retail is $239 and they should be available at retail mid-May.
