Thanks Tridesign for explaining the ankle thing with a more scientific approach, I am also learning a lot along the way.
Also, im just pointing out the obvious here, but has everyone noticed the similarities in equipment between inline speed skating and cycling? Both use the same helmets, same eye shades, sometimes the same gloves, lycra suits, etc…
I have trained in both sports, and cyclists cross-discipline with inline speed skating to get stronger and exercise different muscles that usually don’t get used in one sport alone. It really improves your cycling performance.
Since both sports focus on rigid and lightweight soles for efficient power transfer (usually carbon fiber) and similar closure systems for the uppers, I think that a great place to research for this challenge would be to look at the other sport’s boots:
With tbaker’s comments, and the fact that every other show on TV is a judging competition where fans text in their favorite artist, should there be a “Fan Favorite” pick of the litter, via responses?
I agree this could be a cool way to go about it. With it being forum based at the moment, I don’t see that happening. If we could ever get around to creating a specific website for this gig, that would be a very cool feature.
As a cyclist, I thought ewhewell’s design of a customizable shoe that uses epoxy was really intriguing. I don’t know how feasible it would really be, but I’d be interested in trying it out. I have seen “custom” shoe insoles that firm up only after you inject a chemical into a small port on the side of the insole that mixes with the gel layer that’s already in there. If it fit snug to your individual foot, maybe you wouldn’t need so much padding and heavy closure devices.
For the CF over the top, I was thinking it could be something like the full carbon soccer shoes that Nike came out with recently. Unless it was custom made, it would probably have to have some flex in it to adjust to your foot. Plus I was just having some fun.
As for the ankle brace discussion, cyclists need to have some natural movement in the heel area, especially when standing and rocking back and forth. However, to say that a cyclist doesn’t want any ankle support is a bit excessive. Most cycling shoes have a hard plastic cup on the heel to prevent too much lateral movement. You could replace this with a CF cup that is lighter, but allows just as much natural flex for the ankle. It would just depend on how thick you make it.
Oh, i got what you were doing - it looks farkin’ hot! I’d have to see what these nike boots are like to get the idea. Being a cyclist, my idea of CF is stiff with sharp edges! Not what i want on the top of a shoe…
Congrats fede21us!!! You’re the winner of this month’s 1HDC!
Bill Cass has added his comments:
To start off there are too many good choices. As a rider and racer with many years under my belt and 10 odd bikes in my basement I can see reasons for all of these. I will have to base my decision on those I can actually see folks spinning down the road in. The most important thing I think about when designing product for an athlete is that it actually works. Styling is important but it needs to work exceptionally well first and foremost. My esthetic decisions start there. If it looks good but there is only a vague reference to function I won’t pick it. That being said here are my choices.
Garmin-Chipotle American team shoe:
I can imagine this shoe, once the closure system and fit are worked out, flying down the roads at the Tour de France. I like the thought of using Flywire technology although the rendering doesn’t really show that. I would try to keep the bulk down and make sure there is enough support at the top of the foot. Good team color possibilities too.
Classic International Bike Shoe:
I could have used this shoe this morning. Perfect for all the fixed gear riders weaving there way through a downtown near you. Simple, Stylish and Functional.
Watch out for those laces. A place to tuck them under a flap or tongue top would be a nice touch.
Padilla Shoe:
Believe it or not, some folks do stop for ice cream or actually need to walk once they get where they are going. This would be a great shoe to have in French Alpes while following the Tour. At some point on your way to find the perfect viewing spot the Gendarmes are going to make you get off your bike and walk. As long as this is a light shoe you can ride 140 kms in you have something, Points off for putting the swoosh on backwards. Leave the swoosh alone. It just isn’t “cheeky†anymore and everyone with a pencil, pencil or mouse thinks it is a new idea. Plus the swoosh police wouldn’t let it fly. (they exist)
Barloworld Cycling Shoe and Crampon:
Made me laugh out loud. I would have moved up on the list if it had mentioned that the fangs only come out once the rider disconnects from his bike or that it had a surfboard like leash that keeps your bike from pinwheeling a km down the mountain. No 25 minute wait for the team car either.
I would’ve never thought that I would that my quick photoshop rendering would win this challenge!
I am freaking out! I did focus on function and the possibility of this product being produced.
I guess that many years of cycling experience did help when coming up with what works and what doesn’t when it comes to comfort and performance in a cycling shoe.
Thanks a lot Bill and ip_wirelessly for this awesome chance
