Nobody
wants to hear it, but there's a limit to the power you can put out in a
day. You can't avoid hitting that threshold when you're going all out,
but you can move it back by wearing light, aerodynamic gear like the
Mavic CXR Ultimate Men's Cycling Shoes. Their sleek construction reduces
air resistance, and while that won't increase your watt output, it will
make you more efficient so you'll get to the finish with more left in
the tank. The CXR Ultimate weighs 70g more than the Huez, Mavic's
lightest shoe, but is far more slippery, thanks to the CXR Aero zip-up
cover that provides a slick, smooth surface for the air to flow over.
Underneath, an Ergo Dial ratcheting strap provides a snug, pinch-free
fit and the Ergo 3D tongue creates maximum foot hold while maintaining
comfort and breathability. The Energy Lock Carbon Comp heel counter
keeps your heel from slipping, too, and the Ergo Fit 3D+ Ortholite
footbed provides heel and arch support, not to mention superior power
transfer into the sole. A too-soft sole will compromise your power
output, while an incredibly stiff one will hurt your feet and make
walking nearly impossible. Mavic's Energy Full Carbon SLR outsole is a
powerful platform that won't flex too much under serious force, but also
doesn't feel like an iron plate. It 's just 5. 5mm thick, so you'll
have a great feel for your pedals, and is compatible with all standard
3-hole road cleats. The soles also offer up to 6mm of fore/aft cleat
adjustment, so you can fine tune your setup to your preferences.