Super-stiff, comfortable for all foot types and easy to slip on and off.
FLR is the cycling shoe manufacturing division of the French cycling apparel manufacturer Funkier. FLR has come up with a whole new line of shoes starting from the entry-level range all the way to a full-carbon soled version that someone competing at the pro level would find good enough. We got an opportunity to review FLR’s top-end shoe, the F-XX full carbon sole version, and here’s what we think.
Features
The F-XX is perfect for the rider who does not want to miss out on power transfer and pedalling efficiency
The FLR F-XX is the brand’s highest level Road Race shoes that are lightweight, fit snugly over all feet types, and have FLR's elite-level R500 carbon fiber sole which makes them perfect for the rider who does not want to miss out on power transfer and pedalling efficiency that these shoes bring into play. But on the downside, we also felt that the full carbon sole might be a tad too stiff for the recreational riders and the weekend warriors, and also the ones who spend long hours on the saddle.
Design and Compatibility
The Atop dials do an excellent job in securely fastening the shoes and are easy to use
The F-XX offers two color variants, a full black that offers a sleek, stealth look and a full white that gives a posh, neat look. The ones that we tested was the full white, which was aesthetically very impressive in all light conditions. The upper is built out of a micro-fiber material that offers a snug fit and is also very breathable, and the base is sculpt out of a solid carbon fiber layer. The carbon sole is ruthlessly stiff to give maximum benefit while drilling down some serious watts, but the stiffness also sends some vibrations through the feet and into the legs while riding over bumpy patches. The carbon sole comes with markings for adjusting the cleat position and is compatible with all types of 3-bolt cleat systems.
A pair of Atop dials are used to tighten the lacing system in the F-XX. They have a similar system to the famous Boa dials, and do an excellent job in securely fastening the shoelace and keeping them in their place. This lacing system also means that you can tighten or loosen the shoe to exactly fit your foot without having to compromise on comfort. There are air vents cut out into the shoes near the toes, at the sides, one at the foot and one more at the heel. These vents keep the air circulating within the shoe and allow any heat to dissipate easily.
Overall Rating
- Stiff carbon fiber sole
- Easy-to-use Atop dials for fastening
- Fits all foot types
- The carbon sole might be too stiff for recreational and amateur riders
With a price tag of Rs.14,995(As on 25th March 2019), these shoes aren’t exactly cheap, but they are still less expensive than many other full carbon soled shoes in the market and also deliver top notch performance, which is not seen even in a few shoes that are more expensive. If you are looking for a super-stiff, no-nonsense racing shoes, this is ideal for you.
Prices are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.
