Mavic 2012 Zxellium Ultimate Men's Road Cycling Shoe (Black - 11.5) Review
Mavic 2012 Zxellium Ultimate Men's Road Cycling Shoe (Black - 11.5) Feature
- Upper Material: [vents] mesh; [body] Energy Frame Carbon (carbon fiber/synthetic bland); [heel] Energy Lock (carbon fiber); [seams] Ergo Lite Upper
Lining: mesh, foam
Closure: Ergo Lite Ratchet, Ergo Strap Carbon, Ergo Strap Custom
Sole: Energy Full Carbon SLR
Cleat Compatibility: 3-hole road
Midsole:
Arch Support:
Footbed: Ergo Fit 3D
Weight: [9.5 US] 270 g - Recommended Use: road cycling in ultimate comfort
Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years
Mavic 2012 Zxellium Ultimate Men's Road Cycling Shoe (Black - 11.5) Overview
The pro-issue yellow Mavic Zxellium Ultimate Shoe is one you can't help but notice. It stands out even in a field of shiny 'look at me' pro-level footwear. And the updated version will get you to look twice. Not only is it a screaming shiny yellow that stretches even less than the older micro fiber, but it also wraps a flexible carbon-fiber frame around your foot for better fit and strength. The Energy Frame Carbon is a new feature and one that was created to better hold in place the feet of riders who push down and pull up with all their might for hours at a time. It is carbon-fiber cloth finished with a flexible polymer so that it can comfortably wrap around any foot, conforming without stretching and anchoring said foot to the sole. It starts at the sole by the arch and wraps around to the ratchet buckle. The ratchet buckle and strap have been upgraded as well. Mavic made the buckle larger, so it's easier to get large or gloved fingers underneath and grasp. The strap has deeper valleys between the teeth for better, more confident grip. And the Ergo Strap Carbon runs through integrated, two-position nylon lace guides for both better fit and smoother action. The Energy Lock Carbon heel remains the same, as does the integrated, wrap-around Ergo Tongue. They've also upgraded the insole. They call it Ergo Fit 3D. It means two things. One is that the insole is three-dimensional, rather than two, and there are three different density materials giving some cushion on the top layer, a crushable bottom layer, and shaping from the heel cup through the arch. The bottom of the shoe has been tweaked a bit. The sole is still 5.5mm thick above the three-hole cleat mounting area and under the ball of the foot, but there is a big cut-out in front of the cleat area to better ventilate the shoe and ridges have been built up running from behind the cleat area to the back of the shoe to add stiffness.
