Specialized has released a more casual version of their most casual flat pedal mountain bike shoe, the 2FO Roost Canvas. Rocking the same super sticky, low rebound 3rd Gen SlipNot rubber seen on the original 2FO Roost, the Roost DH, and the Rime, the 2FO Roost Canvas is still a great performer on the trail despite the disarming aesthetic; it wouldn’t look out of place at the post ride watering hole paired with jeans and a shirt.
Review: Specialized 2FO Roost Canvas
The suede and leather upper of the original 2FO roost is replaced here with canvas, meant to be more breathable for hot laps at the bike park. It’s hard to comment on how breathable these are given that the weather has recently become rather cold and wet in Scotland. Though we’ve seen nothing to suggest a lack of durability so far, we prefer the Specialized Rime for muddy UK trail conditions due to its EXPEL mesh liner, a lightweight water-repellent fabric.
The Specialized 2FO Roost Canvas performs just as well as the original 2FO Roost thanks to the SlipNot rubber sole, now in its 3rd generation. We’ve tested this sole with a range of flat pedals, including OneUp Aluminium pedals, Crankbrothers Stamp 3 Pedals and PINND CS2 Pedals, rating the grip best when paired with the latter. Grip is excellent in both wet and dry conditions.
Fit of the 2FO Roost Canvas is good. The heel portion feels deep enough such that the heel feels secure. The mid-sole is cushioned with EVA foam for a bit of added comfort on and off the bike. The sole offers a decent bit of flex to allow the wearer’s foot to sink into the pedal’s concavity, also offering good feedback on the bike’s ride feel. I prefer this more flexible sole over the stiffer sole on the 2FO DH shoe tested previously.
The 2FO Roost Canvas is offered in a lace closure version only; there is an elasticated tab on the tongue handy for tucking excess lace into.
Pricing & Availability
The Specialized 2FO Roost Canvas is available now from Specialized dealers worldwide in sizes 36-49, retailing at $120 USD. The shoes are shown here in the Slate colorway but there is aslo a Taupe/Oasis version to be had.
