Test: In addition to the saddle, the choice of the right shoe for cyclists is of crucial importance for power transmission and riding comfort. Velomotion has extensively tested Shimano's top model for the road.
For eight months, the SH-R321 - that's the somewhat unwieldy model name of Shimano's top pedals - was in continuous use: kilometer after kilometer in wind and weather, in heat as well as freezing cold, in racing and in everyday training. The result: Shimano's number one convinces with a pleasantly light wearing comfort, impeccable power transmission and amazing robustness.
With the SH-R321, Shimano does without a shoe tongue. Instead, the inner material is pulled far over and fixed at the side with an elastic band, the outer material is placed over it in the opposite direction. With two Velcro fasteners and a ratchet fastener, this results in a connection that is as firm as it is comfortable to wear. The folds that so many shoe tongues bring with them are a thing of the past. The upper, which Shimano Teijin calls Avail100, is thin but very robust. It adapts flexibly to the foot, but is so stable that you always have a very firm hold in the shoe and can pedal efficiently.
The stiff carbon sole contributes significantly to the good power transmission, which also proved to be robust and put away smaller footpaths as well as one or the other slipping off the pedal when clipping in. Openings on the front ensure good ventilation of the shoe. However, cyclists who like to keep their feet warm should not do without overshoes or at least toe warmers on cooler days.
The ratchet system is turned on its head: the ratchet is tightened with the upper lever and loosened again with the lower lever, i.e. exactly the opposite way around than with most other suppliers. However, after a short period of getting used to it, this is easily done. The ratchet system can be offset using a second thread and thus adapted to different foot heights and shapes.
In general, Shimano offers various options for individually matching shoes and wearers. In addition to the ergonomic sole, wedges are included in the scope of delivery, with which the position of the foot in the shoe can be changed. For a surcharge, selected Shimano dealers even offer a process in which the shoe and insoles are heated and individually adapted to the wearer's foot using a vacuum. In view of the already pleasant wearing comfort, this is only recommended if persistent complaints on the soles of the feet or joints spoil the fun of driving.
The riding impression was extremely positive: The foot can be firmly fixed in Shimano's SH-R321 without it getting tight. The shoe is noticeably light and also well ventilated. The power transmission was convincing, without the stiffness of the sole or upper impairing the wearing comfort. In addition, after eight months of intensive use, the shoe presents itself optically and technically in almost new condition.
But does all this justify the rather high price? On the Internet, the Shimano SH-R321 is traded from around 260 euros, in stores it should be a little more expensive. Basically, it makes little sense to cut corners at the neuralgic contact points between rider and bike - saddle, cycling shorts, shoes and gloves. Everyone has to answer for themselves whether it has to be the top shoe. But compared to simpler cycling shoes - also from Shimano - an added value in terms of comfort and power transmission is clearly noticeable.
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