Skip to main content

Lake MX237 Shoes


Although pricey, these sit in the middle of the price spectrum when it comes to carbon race shoes. At under 800g a pair (size 45.5) they’re nice and light, but the sole feels more rigid than any of the non-carbon shoes here.

They are easily rigid enough to spread the load of cage-less pedals around the foot, but when really stamping on the pedals, it is just detectable that they’re are not quite as stiff as the Gaernes. Not all carbon soles are created equal. Fortunately, the rest of the shoe is good. Twin Boa dials secure it onto the foot quickly, eliminating heel lift without pressure points or discomfort. The insole provides a healthy amount of arch support, keeping foot pain at bay. The thin faux leather upper is extremely comfortable; it’s well ventilated, if not very weatherproof. A pair of vents in the sole act as under-foot ventilation, but they either clogged with mud or let water in. Not a UK friendly feature. The rubbery outsole offers good traction on hard surfaces, but the tread is not particularly aggressive meaning walking in mud is tricky. Studs can be installed if need be. Fortunately, the cleat channel is nice and wide, which clears mud better than most and allowed for easy engagement with all of the pedals we tested with.

Weight 794g

Price 300$

Popular posts from this blog

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

Scott Scale 950

The Scale 950 uses the now traditional-for-cross-country 29er wheels to excellent effect, with a fast but fun character that's happy racing or railing.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

Formula CR3 brakes

The CR3 features a cartridge-type master, which improves power and modulation, plus it is super simple to service: The self-enclosed unit threads directly into the lever body. I took apart our test set and had it back together and bled in 10 minutes with no special tools. Like Formula’s RO brakes, the caliper pistons are actually oval, making more surface area–and thus, more power–than round pistons, but simpler than a four-piston system. The CR3 is best suited for aggressive trail riding.