Van Rysel RR 900 carbon bike shoes review
Do these carbon road bike shoes from Decathlon deliver? James Witts puts them to the test
A pair of cycling shoes breaking the £100 barrier at Decathlon is unheard of. But thoroughly justified with this cracking pair of cycling shoes. Let’s start with the rather dashing iridescent-silver looks that sparkle in the spring sun. They also come in red (£10 extra); blue; black; and black and white. Nice.
The other visual standout is the closure system, which resembles Boa’s – seen on an increasing number of bike and run shoes – but is brandless. Decathlon call them ‘micrometric wheels’. They work by clamping on rotation but, unlike Boa’s, they unclamp on rotation (Boa’s requires a gentle lift of the dial). They tug on nylon laces that ensure your feet don’t sleep, and it’s a very comfortable fit, but check the sizing. Our UK 10.5s were on the small end so, in an ideal world, try before you buy. As for power transfer between shoe and pedal, you can’t go far wrong with a full carbon outsole. At this price, most are composite, so full carbon is impressive. Just remember that total stiffness isn’t for everyone, especially beginners.
- What to look for in a pair of road bike shoes
- What’s the difference between road bike shoes and tri bike shoes?
- How to choose triathlon bike shoes
Although not billed as tri-specific shoes, mesh vents in the outsole lend breathability and water dispersion from the swim. That airy feel flows throughout due to the vented upper and tongue. Toe and heel stiffeners add durability, especially if running in T2 (the only tri feature lacking is a heel loop). It’s compatible with Look and Shimano but not SPD-type cleats.
Verdict: A cracking pair of bike shoes at a cracking price; stylish, too. 89%
Buy from decathlon.co.uk
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Debbie Graham
Senior digital editor 
