This weeks special offer is on these Time Ulteam RS shoes.
 Time Ulteam RS Shoe |
It seems nowadays that you can get a carbon sole shoe for the same price you used to get an injected plastic sole shoe for – which is nice. If changing from a ‘plastic’ sole to carbon, things that you will notice are: the increased stiffness when pedalling, the funny waddle you develop when walking and the lighter weight of the shoe. The only downsides I can think of are the scratches you soon get in the sole from stones which can look a mess, but if you can stop yourself from obsessing about this minor point, you’ve nothing to worry about.
These shoes are the 2008/9 model with the one ratchet buckle and two Velcro straps providing all the security you need. The straps are carbon effect and have small tabs for easy adjustment when riding. The top strap is nice and wide with soft edges to keep it comfortable when fastened tight and the tongue also has padding and vents in it for a good fit. The thin light sole gives a good power transfer and flex isn’t noticed even under harder efforts.
To give you an idea of how well regarded this shoe is, we received them in the office two days ago and at the latest count, 5 pairs have gone to staff and visitors who saw them. There are plenty of tortured souls also at PBK who are trying to convince themselves into not buying them and failing miserably! I fitted the cleats to mine on the turbo last night and loved the feel of them. They scored 4/5 in a BikeRadar test for their “classic Time build quality with underlying performance”.
On first wearing the shoe you notice the comfortable snug fit, the internal padding and lining is of high quality as well and once fastened up tight they don’t seem likely to pinch or rub. The (vented) soles have a 3 bolt pattern and have markings on so fitting and setting cleats up is relatively easy. There are also proper grippy heel and toe tread pads which although not replaceable should help to protect the sole from the scrapes and scratches when putting a foot down in traffic. The heel cup is nicely reinforced with tough plastic to reduce heel lift when ‘going for it’.
[rating:4/5]
Some pictures:
|
Vent detail |
Weight: 357g |
|
Vented sole and treads |
Rear treads and heel cup |
|
Front tongue detail |
Top buckle |
