After extensive scientific research and testing with its top professional athletes, Shimano introduces its redesigned flagship S-PHYRE RC902 road racing shoe for the 2021 model year. An ambitious undertaking – to make the best race shoe even better – Shimano engineers studied pedaling dynamics while examining different rider types and pedaling styles to create its most technologically advanced cycling shoe.
Shimano Advances Its Ultimate Road Racing Shoe With New S-PHYRE RC902
The pinnacle of road race performance, every aspect of the S-PHYRE shoe is designed to maximize power transmission, comfort, and performance.
Function-specific zones maximize power transfer
Utilizing its Bikefitting.com pedal analyzer, Shimano engineers took a 3D look at pedaling dynamics to better understand how pressure is applied throughout the pedal stroke. The engineers discovered distinct zones where force is exerted differently across the shoe and optimized the new RC902 shape and materials to maximize power transfer while maintaining a comfortable and lightweight design.
The RC902’s upper construction features ultra-breathable, reinforced mesh and micro-fiber leather materials that are layered in different regions to maximize fit, flexibility, rigidity, and ventilation. The RC902's upper construction is more rigid toward the rear of the shoe to hold the foot securely in place while more flexible and elastic materials are used up front to increase comfort.
Engineered fit for unmatched comfort and control
The S-PHYRE RC902 shoe debuts the new 360-Degree Surround Upper design, the newest evolution of Shimano’s surround wrapping upper technology. The enhanced design completely wraps the shoe upper, including across the base of the RC902, for the most comfortable and secure fit ever.
“The new design delivers a surreal connect to the pedals,” explains Jessie Gascon, Shimano's Lifestyle Gear Product Manager. "The RC902s have remarkable holding power and provide the sensation that power is being 100% transferred with every pedal stroke."
Amplifying this slipper-like fit is the sleek new BOA Fit System Li2 closure system with two lightweight dials that deliver precise micro-adjustments and exceptional grip. The new RC902 also features a refined Dynalast shape with an expanded fit to accommodate a wider range of foot shapes and sizes. The transformed toe box delivers more room in targeted areas for added comfort while maintaining a secure and stable fit.
Optimized power transfer for the hardest efforts
Also utilizing findings from the Bikefitting.com pedal analyzer and exploring additional movement studies, Shimano redesigned the RC902 heel cup to optimize fit and foot stability. With Shimano’s new anti-twist stabilizer heel cup technology, the RC902 is built to handle intense twisting forces caused by the most explosive accelerations. It features a mix of rigid and flexible materials that stabilize the top section of the heel cup to reduce foot movement and increase power transfer.
The only aspect of the new S-PHYRE shoe that remains unchanged is Shimano’s rigid and responsive level-12 carbon sole. Built to maximize power transfer and speed, Shimano's S-PHYRE shoe lineup has been part of countless victories in the world's highest level races since first introduced in 2017. Now, for 2021, the new Shimano S-PHYRE experience is even faster.
Weight: 235g
Men’s Colors: White, Blue, Red, Black
Men’s Sizes: 36-48 (half sizes available 37-47)
Women’s Colors: White
Women’s Sizes: 36-44 full sizes
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