SPECIALIZED TORCH 1.0 CYCLING SHOES

When it comes to cycling shoes, Specialized is a global leader. The American firm is best known for its S-Works 7 shoes, which sell for a whopping £370. The Torch 1.0 is an attempt by the makers of the huge red 'S' branded gear and bikes to bring the essentials of Specialized's shoe offering to a much more affordable pricing point: £99. The Torch 1.0 benefits from trickle-down technologies, such as data and research from the company's Body Geometry division, which studies the human body and how it interacts with the bike.

The sole, on the other hand, is not as rigid, and a few corners have been cut along the way to reduce the price. They put these shoes up against four other sub-£100 kicks, and the only pair the Torch 1.0s couldn't beat were the dhb Doricas, which Wiggle's in-house brand could offer with a carbon sole for the same price. If you prefer a Boa dial to laces and want a bit more flex from a nylon plate, these are a great option.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Sizes: 36-49
• Colours: 6
• Weight: 242g (size 40)

REASONS TO BUY

• Stiff sole
• Good looking aesthetics
• Boa closure

REASONS TO AVOID

• Heel support lacking
• Low support insole

BUY NOW: bike24.com/p2361347.html