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2009 TAHOE MTB SHOES FROM SPECIALIZED                       Product Review   by Dale Garvey 

I AM STILL RAVING ABOUT SPECIALIZED “TAHOE” MTB SHOES

Because they are so good

My endorsement of these shoes comes from a long history of involvement with them from the early development of the Rockhopper (the first Specialized comfortable bike/hike shoe) to the latest 2008 incarnation of the “Tahoe”. All of these have been efficient, comfortable and affordable bike shoes eminently suitable for any MTB activity

Stick with what works

I have previously suggested that should promptly buy a second pair of any bicycle shoes that you are totally happy with – on the basis that really comfortable bike shoes can be hard to come by (fondly- remembered shoes can go out of production, producers can change their suppliers/lasts, etc.)  Potentially bad news when the time comes for replacement. 

I have followed my own advice to the point that I now have three pairs of the same shoe – the Specialized “Tahoe.”  Am I crazy? Is there a pending world crisis? Are we at peak oil? Should I be worried? 

The test

No, none of these things apply.  I’m just so happy that Howard from Pro-Am Cyclery offered me a pair of the new model “Tahoes” to thoroughly test over a month-long trip to Western Australia, which included the arduous 350 km Munda Biddi trail from Perth to Collie. 

And now I’m not giving them back – ha! ha! 

As this trip was to include bushwalking and rock scrambling and other vigorous outdoor pursuits, I took along hiking boots. These were quickly abandoned in favour of the “Tahoes” – they were the most comfortable footwear for all these pursuits. This included the climb up the famous “Gloucester Tree” – 61 metre fire-lookout accessed by steel spikes spiralling round the tree to the platform at the top (cleat/spike interface was a worry, but a death-grip with the hands did the trick). 

I’m a big fan of Specialized

There may well be other cycling shoes out there that are equally as comfortable and versatile. My experience with Specialized “Tahoes” has been so good that I have had no need to experiment with other brands. As they fulfil my needs perfectly, why look elsewhere?  They are comfortable, they look good, they last for years, they work well on the bike and as a general purpose travelling shoe – what else can I say? 

A little flex goes a long way

Their versatility lies in the minor toe-flex built in ahead of the cleats. Hence you can walk comfortably in these shoes, yet the shoe pedals well from the solid base surrounding the cleat area. 

Horses for courses

I do own a pair of very lightweight competition cycling shoes with full carbon fibre base. These give the unmistakable feeling of pedalling efficiency because of their stiffness and lightweight, but after about an hour or so I want to take them off because that “hard as charity” stiff feeling becomes uncomfortable. It’s no doubt a case of horses for courses – stiff shoe for short-haul racing, bit of flex for general riding. 

The Look

The latest “Tahoe” looks a bit more conservative than the predecessors – it’s basically black/grey with tiny flashes of red at the lace loops. This means that they look OK for any occasion (less shoes to carry on trips). They are decidedly uncool for dancing but acceptable for the Latte strip in downtown Wellington – to see and be seen. They do have a much larger “S” reflector on the heel. 

The Body Geometry approach is meaningful

Whilst there have been some improved ventilation and cosmetic changes to the looks, all the important aspects remain the same. The body geometry espoused in Specialized products really does mean something if you take the time to read the rationale that comes with the shoes and examine each modification on the shoe. It is not idle hype but a scientific attempt to address specific issues unique to cycling. 

Big foot/Slim foot

In previous reports on “Tahoes” I have mentioned that they are designed for the generally wider feet of the USA market (even you Daisy Duck) and presumably us Aussies. The latest ones have the same wide toe box (it may be a bit more formed and defined) which is supremely comfortable for me. Others may prefer the slimmer designs of other brands – ergo, try before you buy. 

Light weight, comfort and finish

The size 45 that fits me weighs 1160gram for the pair – this is light. The heel box is sufficiently convex and comfortably supportive to resist any possibility of your heel pulling out of the shoe on walking the bike on extreme uphills (this does happen with some stiff cycling shoes) The shoes are very well padded and give the comforting feeling of well-loved slippers. The overall finish is impeccable suggesting a high level of quality control by Specialized (no missed stitches or threads to nip off). 

What most of us are doing

Mountain bikes are a huge source of fun and relaxation for all sorts of people with widely different expectations and preferences. Currently, long distance trail exploration and endurance events seem to be the growth area for the sport, with full-suspension the bike of choice. As this involves long hours in the saddle, a bit of hike-a-bike, or lifting over downed trees, so comfort becomes a priority.  As the overwhelming impression of these shoes is comfort, that, coupled with their proven longevity and efficiency, would make them an admirable choice for the vast majority of mountain bikers. 

The RRP is $159.95 and they come with cleats (anything from $25 to $45) included in the price – a bargain for a shoe with such pedigree. 

The case now rests. See ya on ya bike. 

Dale “guru” Garvey