Shimano's newly released RC902 S-Phyre road shoe has already proven itself as a winning race shoe
(Image credit: Shimano)
Shimano has updated its extremely popular RC9 S-Phyre road shoe range with a new RC902 version, using new materials, construction and closure system which is said to optimise power transfer while improving comfort.
We reviewed the previous generation of Shimano RC9 S-Phyres where they earned an impressive 4.5/5 and subsequently found a place on our best cycling shoes guide. The old shoes impressed with their fit, stiffness and weight yet the new 2021 S-Phyres look to build further of these strengths.
Shimano says it has made these improvements using function-specific zones which have been identified by studying pedalling dynamics and foot movement of professional-level riders. This has led Shimano to look at the construction of the shoe with layering-reinforced mesh and leather upper materials that claim to offer a better fit and increased support.
The sole still holds a rating of 12 on the Shimano stiffness chart but a newly shaped heel cup has been designed that should reduce twisting and increase heel stability during high-wattage sprint efforts.
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New uppers are claimed to offer a better fit across all sizes and versions of the shoe(Image credit: Shimano)
The heel cup has been redesigned to increase stability(Image credit: Shimano)
Perforations across the frontal areas of the shoe and intakes in the sole provide ventilation(Image credit: Shimano)
The Boa Fit System Li2 dials with two-way adjustments, Shimano's Dynalast fit and micro-fibre leather are carried over but the way the upper support mechanism has been reworked. The new 360-degree Surround Wrapping Upper should give improved and even closure across the entire foot and provide a comfortable method of retention for all regular sizes, half sizes, wide sizes and women’s sizes.
The RC902 has a claimed weight of 235g (16g lighter than the RC901) and comes in sizes 36 to 48 and four colour variations: blue, black, white and red premium S-Phyre dealer version. The women’s-specific RC902-W only comes in white and features a narrower last and upper, available in sizes 36 to 44.
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The Shimano RC902 shoe will be available in stores from mid-October and will retail for £319.99.
Graham has been part of the Cyclingnews team since January 2020. He has mountain biking at his core and can mostly be found bikepacking around Scotland or exploring the steep trails around the Tweed Valley. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has gained a reputation for riding fixed gear bikes both too far and often in inappropriate places.
