DMT Ultimax RSX Road

Price Paid:  $85.00 at ebay

Bike Setup:
Coppi Genius; Centaur, Look pedals

Summary:
This review is for the DMT Spirit Ultimax RSX. This is the same shoe but with a nylon/fiberglass sole. I have used Diadora shoes for the last 12 years and was comfortable with their narrow width. The DMTs are noticeably wider. Whether that is good or bad depends on your feet. With some inserts and ratcheting down the buckle I got a decent fit. While probably not as stiff as a carbon sole, the sole was plenty stiff for me and more so than my old Diadora Ergo. The ratcheting buckle has a good range of adjustment. However, the strap has zero give to it so getting an adjustment that isn't too loose or digs into your foot can be tough. Racers may love this feature for sprints but I would prefer a bit of give for comfort. Strangely my right shoe fit perfectly and the left was either too tight or too loose. On a recent century I experimented with the tightness and found that running than tight did not cause any noticeable discomfort even with many miles. Overall, the shoe appears to be high-quality and reasonably light

Strengths:
stiff sole
quality construction

Weaknesses:
strap has little give (good for sprints; maybe not so good for comfort)
only supports Look bolt pattern

Similar Products Used:
Diadora Ergo, Classico

Price Paid:  $289.00 at sids

Favorite Ride:
anythiing without autos

Bike Setup:
Ti CJ, Record, Mavic, D/A pedals

Summary:
I use these only for racing - why? well the great carbon sole has no replacable toe or heel pads (like Sidi) so if you walk around at all, the little carbon points wear down, then that's it. But they're very light and the stiffest shoes you can get. Perfect for sprinting. the best part is the power strap that completely holds your instep in place with no movement whatsoever, so you lose no power at all when you sprint. However, I have wide feet, and these run a bit narrow, so my feet ache after an hour or so - which ruins the whole experience.

Strengths:
Light, Very stiff, great powerstrap/ratchet system, look cool, durable (been down on them hard and they're fine). Petacchi uses them.

Weaknesses:
Narrow (I don't even tighten the two velcro straps) and no protection on the carbon sole for walking/putting your foot down at stoplights, etc.

Similar Products Used:
Sidi Genious 4

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Speedplay pedals.

Summary:
This is a great shoe, well built, comfortable, stiff and light. It is the same shoe as Sheryl Crow's boyfriend wears, but in different colors and $20 less. Just do it, try a pair.

Strengths:
Stiff light comfortable

Weaknesses:
They look a bit cheezy.

Similar Products Used:
Sidi Genius