Shimano are announcing the release of a whole stack of new shoes: SH-AM901, AM701, GR900, GR700, and GR700-WOMEN
The flagship All-Mountain AM901 shoe is designed for Downhill and Enduro riding and, with a revised Upper, offers reduced water ingress, quicker drying times and greater protection over previous models. The added moulded toe cover offers protection and the quick lacing cord further reduces water ingress and improves adjustability in all weather conditions.
The ultra-grippy, high traction rubber sole makes walking easier and improves contact with the pedals. A handy pedal channel on the sole behind the cleat creates a stable pedal connection when clipped out. At 400g (size 42) the shoes are best paired with the 546g SAINT M820 SPD pedals.
Below the AM9 is the AM701 (408g), which is now also an SPD shoe. Unlike the AM9, the AM7 removes the lace shield, offers a harder sole and uses an ankle gaiter to offer protection and keep out debris. The AM701 has a stiffer midsole (stiffness rating: 6) than the AM9 (rating: 5) for trail riding. It also comes in a super loud lime green option to stand out on the trail.
Completely new for 2018 are two dedicated Gravity shoes. The top-level GR900 shoe shares many of the outstanding protection attributes of the AM901, such as the asymmetric raised ankle collar, armoured lace shield and molded toe cap, but the difference comes with the GR9’s simplified sole construction. Not only do you get superb grip and improved walkability from the Michelin rubber outsole but the GR900 is 35g lighter than the AM901, weighing in at 365g (size 42). The GR9 is best paired with the SAINT M828 493g at pedals.
Much like the All-Mountain line-up, the gray/green or blue GR700 (366g) ditches the armoured lace shield for increased heat ventilation and a more multi-purpose looking shoe. The GR7 is also available in a dedicated women’s version.
NEW PEDALS: PD-M820, M828, M8040, and GR500
SHIMANO’s revised Gravity pedals feature one SAINT-level SPD option, three at pedal options at SAINT and DEORE XT-levels, and a non-series option, all designed to t perfectly and offer the optimum pedalling connection with Shimano’s Gravity and All-Mountain shoes.
The SAINT-level PD-M820 is one half of Shimano’s most advanced Downhill and Enduro-specific pedals offering ultimate bike control, contact, grip and durability with SPD efficiency and stability.
YOUR CHOICE: PEDALING DYNAMICS OR PEDALING PLATFORMS?
The M820’s wide alloy body is system engineered to match perfectly with the AM901 shoe providing a very solid pedal/shoe interface. The double-sided durable alloy pedal body protects the SPD mechanism from impacts whilst the low pro le design lowers the stack height and the weight (546g). Four adjustable pins per side offer grip when you’re not clipped in.
Its compatriot, the SAINT-level strong and durable PD-M828, is an eight-sided concave platform pedal offering excellent grip and support. Twelve stainless steel pins per side (optional 3mm or 5mm) deliver the aggressive downhill or free-rider the ideal balance of connection to the bike and pedalling stability, with the best balance of weight and durability across riding conditions.
“I’ve been testing the PD-M828 at pedal with the GR900 at shoe and I’m really happy with the developments. These pedals are bombproof. The support under foot is excellent due to the large platform and my feet feel really well connected to the pedals. They’ve handled everything I can throw at them and really live up to the SAINT name.”
“The GR900 shoe is a perfect match. The new sticky rubber compound from Michelin provides a tonne of grip and we worked a lot on the sole stiffness to nd the right balance of support and pedal feel. Additionally, Shimano incorporated some nice features like a rubber toe cap for added protection and quick drying construction so that you don’t wake up to wet shoes!” Thomas Vanderham, freeridee athlete and Shimano test rider.
The DEORE XT-level PD-M8040 comes in small-to-medium (shoe size recommendation 36-44) or medium-to-large options (shoe size recommendation 43-48) for optimized support and rider-tuned performance. With 10 pins either side and a slight concave design for comfort and efficiency, these Trail and Enduro pedals offer the legendary off-road performance associated with Deore XT. Sold with optional 3mm pins or 5mm pins. Weights: 460g (S/M) or 503g (M/L)
Finally, the PD-GR500 builds on the strong reputation of its predecessor (PD-MX80) as a Shimano-branded durable at pedal for entry-level Trail and All-Mountain riding. The PD-500 features height-adjustable pins and low- maintenance sealed cartridge bearing chromoly axles, available in black or silver options at a weight of 533g.