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Submitted by
Ogof Diver
a Road Racer
from Date Reviewed: August 1, 2010
Strengths: Fit perfectly. Ultra comfortable. Super stiff. They are everything I need in a shoe.Weaknesses: None really. Once I'd trimmed the inside edge of the plastic strip that extends into the top buckle, there was no rubbing on the cranks. The kangaroo leather is scuffing at the underside tip of the right toe where I put my foot down. Having to buy an extra adaptor plate is a bit of an irritation but no more.Bottom Line: I got an amazing deal on these as they were the last pair available in the store and were heavily reduced. Due to the dollar:euro rate, Carnacs are getting more expensive to import so not so many US shops carry them anymore. Finding the necessary adapter plates for the sole can be a bind but a good LBS or Google search should find them. I added my usual leg-length shims and Superfeet and haven't looked back (or down) since.
Favorite Ride: North Shore
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At: Marblehead Cycle
Similar Products Used: Northwave Typhoon
Bike Setup: Time Edge Pro Racer, Campag Chorus, DT Swiss Mon Chasseral wheelset
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
zdpn03
a Road Racer
from Date Reviewed: August 30, 2005
Strengths: Extremely comfortable. Very sturdy. Placement of straps well designed. Nice looking (I have the black, red and silver version). Very stiff soles. Good ventilation.Weaknesses: Don't like plastic arch support on insoles. Adaptor plate needs to be harder. A little on the heavy side as compared to other top racing/performance cycling shoes.Bottom Line: I am very picky about shoes, particularly where all the pressure points contact my feet, where all the plastic pieces are mounted, where the straps are placed, etc. I am like the "Princess and the Pea" in that I can feel every imperfection.
With that being said, the uppers of these shoes fit very well and are extremely comfortable. I have no spots of discomfort. The upper is designed so that the pressure from tightening the straps is spread out across the top of the foot. The bottom strap is also located high enough that there is nothing that can rub against my toes. The neoprene tougue and ankle pading are extremely comfortable. The shoe is well ventilated. And the soles are very stiff. I can ride these for miles and miles without any problems or discomfort.
The only minor problems with these shoes are that the insoles had a hard plastic arch support, the end of the plastic strip used to tighten the top strap can rub against your crankarms, and the cleat adaptor is poorly designed. the first two can be easily fixed. I used a heat gun to soften the glue and remove the plactic arch support from the bottom of the insole, and I trimmed the plastic strap all the way down so that it won't rub. (In reference to the review below. Carnac is not the only shoe manufacturer who puts the loose strap on the inside. I know for a fact that Sidi does the same thing, although it's thinner. If you trim the excess all the way down to where it inserts into the buckle, then it won't rub.)
As for the adaptor, you have to use one regardless of what cleat you use. The problem with the adaptor is that the plasic used is so soft that you can't use too much force when tightening the screws that hold the plate on. Overtightening will pull the screw heads right through the adaptor plate. Carnac should use harder plastic. WIth that being said, I have have not had any problems with the adaptor or any screws coming loose even with the reduced torque used to attach them.
NOTE: The Matrix runs about a half size smaller than other Carnac shoes like the Ellipse and the Platinum.
Favorite Ride: Enchanted Circle, NM
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At: Ebay
Similar Products Used: Time Equipe Pro, Time Equipe Profile, Sidi Genius 5 mesh (didn't like), Carnac Ellipse (didn't like either). Carnac Platinum.
Bike Setup: Compact and traditional framed road bikes.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
ti_litespeed
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: March 14, 2005
Strengths: Quite comfortable.Weaknesses: High cost, no touch-up polish available in the correct color, and the poor job they did with the buckle. The strap's loose end rubs against the crank arms! I can't figure out why Carnac designed the strap opposite that of every other manufacturer, and placed the strap's loose end to the outside instead of the inside. The shoes are a bit heavier than comparable Sidis.Bottom Line: I bought these shoes because they were on sale and because of Carnac's reputation. They are indeed comfortable, and fit well on my feet. The buckle design is poor. Even when I cut down the buckle straps, the straps still rub against the crank arms.
Favorite Ride: Liberty Hill Loops, near Austin
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At: ColoradoCyclist
Similar Products Used: Sidi Titan, Shimano
Bike Setup: Litespeed Tuscany, Bontrager Race-Lite wheels, Brooks saddle.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
ti_litespeed
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: March 14, 2005
Strengths: Quite comfortable.Weaknesses: High cost, no touch-up polish available in the correct color, and the poor job they did with the buckle. The strap's loose end rubs against the crank arms! I can't figure out why Carnac designed the strap opposite that of every other manufacturer, and placed the strap's loose end to the outside instead of the inside. The shoes are a bit heavier than comparable Sidis.Bottom Line: I bought these shoes because they were on sale and because of Carnac's reputation. They are indeed comfortable, and fit well on my feet. The buckle design is poor. Even when I cut down the buckle straps, the straps still rub against the crank arms.
Favorite Ride: Liberty Hill Loops, near Austin
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At: ColoradoCyclist
Similar Products Used: Sidi Titan, Shimano
Bike Setup: Litespeed Tuscany, Bontrager Race-Lite wheels, Brooks saddle.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
slobiker88
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: March 12, 2005
Strengths: lightnessWeaknesses: compact geometry can be a negative for larger framed ridersBottom Line: Excellent. I have full dura ace, the thing is light as a feather and is still smooth.
Favorite Ride: Gian TCR 2
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At: Friend
Similar Products Used: none
Bike Setup: Full Dura Ace
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