Shimano M240C Carbon SPD Shoe

The Shimano M240 shoes are a top-end mountain bike offering from Shimano with a super-stiff carbon composite sole designed for maximum efficiency and minimal flex. Combining the durability and comfort of an MTB shoe with the lightweight rigidity of a road cycling shoe, the M240 will be for fast-paced riders that demand performance not only from their bike, but also from their riding gear. Shimano revolutionised the cycling world when it brought out the very first shoe/pedal clipping system, SPD, back in 1990. Designed to integrate shoes with a clip-in pedal system, SPD or Shimano Pedalling Dynamics brought in a new era of performance by drastically increasing riders efficiency by allowing much more power throughout the pedal stroke and not just in the downward push. Fast-foward over 20 years later, and Shimano is still leading the market with it's wide-range of performance and recreational shoes for cyclists of all disciplines.

All the Bells & Whistles

As far as high-end mountain bike shoes go, we reckon Shimano has it stitched up with the M240's. Combining a Carbon Fiber outer sole with a beautiful Rovenica Synthetic Leather upper, Shimano have reached a balance between functional performance and comfort. Details like the Anti-Slip heel liner with metal fiber knitted into the material, the low-profile Micro Adjust buckle and Dual Offset Velcro straps, show Shimano's dedication to minimising movement of your feet inside the shoe. Also big news with the new M240 is the Heat-moldable technology that Shimano dubs "Custom-Fit". With both the removable inner sole and the heel of the shoe featuring the special material, you are able to fine tune the fit or your shoes to the exact shape of your foot for improved comfort and foot retention. The same heat moldable technology is used in other high-end Shimano Road shoes and the M315 shoe, but to get this feature in a shoe for under $300 is quite impressive. True to its XC racing potential, the M240 uses ultra-stiff long carbon fibers through its outer sole to provide a stiffer and more stable platform than previous models. While racers will notice the direct power transfer and responsive feel, trail riders are likely to appreciate the stability the M240 provides between your pedal and cleat. Having said that, too much stiffness on the sole can be detrimental to comfort, and so Shimano have built in a specific amount of tuned heel flex to the sole to allow for flexibility at the back of your foot. The Rovenica Synthetic Leather is a new feature for 2012, providing improved suppleness and memory thanks to the high elasticity of the material. This means your feet will wear into the shoes and combined with the heat-moldable technology, provide a snug, stable and comfortable fit. Don't go thinking that these are just rebadged roadie shoes however, as the M240 comes fitted out with low-profile armour to protect the upper and your feet from the rigours of mountain biking. Optional toe spikes also allow for all-condition performance.