SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

There’s nothing particularly exotic here but it’s very solid and in keeping with the price point. Reinforced nylon does the power transfer and EVA foam the compliance. The external STK grip rubberised tread is designed to offer excellent grip in all conditions, the twin bolt cleat drillings will accommodate SPD and Time ATAC. The soles feature a circular guard, which theoretically reduces cleat contact with the ground and extends cleat life.  The sole is less aggressive than a cross country mountain bike pattern but gravel and touring don’t require this and, detailing such as spikes.

​

Standards of construction seem uniformly good throughout- no frayed stitching, or dodgy bonding to be found anywhere, which is pleasing.

​

Sizing/Fit 3.5/5

​

These are a longer and slightly narrower profile than photos might suggest and came as a pleasant surprise. Sizing is bang on-44 equates to 43 in street shoes, so the “lazy” one size up rule didn’t present any surprises. I found the toe-box sufficiently roomy and the heel cup suitably supportive. 

 

However, unlike a natural upper, there’s no give over time, so worth trying for size, especially if you are going for thicker, season specific socks-whether these be Merino, or waterproof. About fit. The cleat guard will require cleats are moved a millimetre or so back or packed out with washers (thus defeating the guard’s purpose). I chose the former. More about that shortly.

 

Power Transfer/Sole 3.5/5

​

Coming from my Quoc Pham Tourer, there was more discernable flex, which wasn’t a complete surprise, nor a deal breaker, for the most part. I could cruise along at 80 odd rpm and a steady 18-20mph on my tubby tourer for hours at a time. No issues with hot spots, or similar discomfort.

​

Things were more obvious on my fixed, given the need for out-of-the-saddle efforts-climbing and accelerating. Not enough to irk me on a short commute (5/6miles or so) but I was very pleased to switch back to the Quoc Pham for more general, faster-paced riding and training. No great surprise there and fair enough, given the design brief. The blocky tread is more compact than the Quoc Pham, which meant I was less prone to picking up pea gravel and larger stones.

​

Predictably, they will collect moderate amounts of mud, but I haven’t clogged ours, just yet. Away from the bike the compound has offered a decent amount of grip too, which isn’t always the case (I’ve found Vibram soles phenomenally tough but slightly slippery). Walking around for extended periods, there’s plenty of support to the metatarsal and arch area. Sufficient compliance too, so fatigue shouldn’t be a problem, if you like to potter around, or haven’t brought a change of shoes to work.

   

Breathability/Water Resistance 3/5 

​

I weas a little sceptical as to how well they’d breathe, being synthetic. However, worn with high quality synthetic and merino blends things have remained temperate, whiff free and largely dry, even when the mercury’s been 25-26degrees C (and I’m blessed with sweaty feet).