Cyclist

Quoc Mono II shoes

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Since its launch in 2009, Londonbase­d brand Quoc has always prided itself on classic, stylish designs, but the new Mono II shoes claim to be Quoc’s ‘most advanced road shoe to date’. Certainly they look racier than the outgoing, all-velcro enclosure

Mono shoes these replace.

Starting from the bottom, the Mono II is based around a unidirecti­onal carbon fibre sole to maximise power transfer, with a vibrationa­bsorbing insole on the other side to help dampen the road vibrations super-stiff soles are liable to transmit. There’s also padding around the heel and a choice of three inserts for customised arch support.

The new two-piece upper has been borrowed from Quoc’s Gran Tourer gravel shoe and selected for its weather-resistant durability, albeit here it gets a highly perforated treatment to increase breathabil­tity.

There’s also a new closure system, with Quoc’s own dual dials debuting alongside a custommoul­ded lace guide to spread pressure, as well as a dovetail padded tongue for better circulatio­n.

All of this comes in at a claimed 249g per shoe (size 43), which while not class-topping (that would be the 99g-claimed Specialize­d Exos) still makes the Mono IIS some of the lightest shoes on the market.

Body Geometry is Specialize­d’s ongoing project to create products that help riders to fit better to bicycles, and the latest innovation to emerge from its laboratory is the S-works Romin Evo saddle, featuring

Mirror technology.

It’s the same wizardry as used in the S-works Power saddle that cradled Mark Cavendish’s posterior while he rode to those stage victories in France earlier this year. Mirror technology means the saddle is built from a 3D-printed liquid polymer matrix, effectivel­y a honeycomb structure that can be more precisely tuned than regular foam. This in turn is bonded to a flexible carbon shell and carbon rails.

What this means for the rider is that pressure is more evenly distribute­d across the saddle, importantl­y taking pressure away from the sit bones while still ensuring unrestrict­ed blood flow to soft tissue while in an aero position.

The Romin Evo is 2cm longer than its sister saddle, the 24cm Power, and features a slight ramp at the back that’s designed to allow riders to shift between a tuck position at the front and a more climbing-suitable position at the rear.

 ?? ?? Unidirecti­onal carbon sole aids power transfer, while inside there’s an insole to help dampen vibrations
Unidirecti­onal carbon sole aids power transfer, while inside there’s an insole to help dampen vibrations
 ?? ?? Honeycomb structure distribute­s pressure more evenly across the saddle
Honeycomb structure distribute­s pressure more evenly across the saddle

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