Mark Adams It’s easy to see why the Ksyrium Elite is Mavic’s most popular road shoe. With a versatility that will suit virtually every rider out there, the Ksyrium Elite II provides comfort that will last throughout your ride as well as a stiffness that delivers incredible power transfer.
The Energy Carbon Comp outsole is constructed of a lightweight composite glass fibre and Nylon insert with carbon, for increased stiffness. The sole is only 6mm thick and with the low stack height of 7.5mm, your foot will be closer to the pedal for improved power transfer. With 5mm front/rear adjustment, you can customise the fit of your cleats.
Designed with comfort in mind, an Ergo Fit 3D Ortholite dual density insole provides excellent support and stability for the heel and arch. The Endofit tongue is an internal sleeve that’s designed to hug the foot for maximum comfort. Finally, an Ergo Ratchet closure system allows precise adjustment, for a customised fit.
Features:
- Stiff, comfortable and versatile
- Energy Carbon Comp sole provides stiffness for optimal power transfer
- Ergo Fit 3D Ortholite dual density insole provides excellent support and stability
- Ergo Ratchet closure allows precision adjustment for a customised fit
- Weight: 560g (pair, size 8.5)
Mavic Ksyrium Elite Shoe Review:
How they felt out-the-box
My very first impression was that they looked a little more streamlined and slightly thinner than any other pair of Mavics I’d ever used. The red highlight on the outside of the sole didn’t seem quite as striking either, however the deeper, bolder red inner sole surrounded by black conformed to my feet like a glove after a few rides. I wore these for the first time on a fast training loop followed by an 80km road race (they were impromptu purchases). Worn in from the get go, they fit perfectly.
How they felt after 50km
After 50km of riding I had no tenderness or discomfort, however I was aware that it was a little wet and slippery (as it was first rides of the season). I was mostly impressed with the comfort of the shoe, so much so that I didn’t have to adjust my cleats from the out-of-the-box setting, nor apply any additional glue.
The chunky tread isn’t slippery when the going is dry and the fit is very comfortable from the get go. My feet were in perfect alignment with the pedal spindle (using the 2nd slot) so had no issues with getting a quick and efficient pedal stroke from the very first ride.
How they felt after 100km
At 100km, my feet felt the same as they did immediately out-the-box. I’d ridden on a variety of terrains and conditions. I’d ridden 14km on a rough gorse and heather covered trail and a drop of approx. 10m. I’d ridden up and down steep, mountain roads, I’d ridden in the wet, I’d ridden in the hot sun and I’d put in a solid 40km in a local criterium. Under each scenario, the shoe performed seamlessly, so much so that I began to appreciate the full versatility of the shoe.
How they felt after 200km
After 200km over a variety of surfaces and conditions I was still comfortable in the shoe. I’d ridden over the course of 80km in 30degrees heat and humidity and the shoe had kept my feet cool, allowing me to push the pace when the ‘hit’ came.
There is absolutely nothing about the shoe that would make me want to replace it (apart from the inevitable issue that my bike wheels will disintegrate before the shoe wears out). These felt so good that I would not hesitate to take the shoe on a very long distance ride, event or race. They’re that comfortable and that comfortable after 200km on average roads and surfaces makes them a phenomenal choice.
The Ergo Fit 3D Ortholite heel and arch support are easily moulded to the shape of your foot, this is important in the construction of the shoe and the resulting ride quality. The shoe is completely seamless and second skin like.
As far as protection, where there should be a few bones there are none. If you’re going to put down the power, then you need a certain amount of stiffness for sure. The shoe has a rigid feel, but this is a very impressive shoe in that it’s quite comfortable as it is stiff. The power transfer is smooth, efficient and the shoe feels in harmony with your foot rather than shoving you around.
These shoes are some of the best you’ll find on the market. They just seem to do everything you would expect them to do and more.
With plenty of life in them yet, there’s still time to get out and enjoy riding in comfort, power transfer and control.
Mavic Ksyrium Elite Shoe Review:
Pros:
- Well constructed, comfortable and effective shoe
- Great power transfer with or without straps
- Looks smart
- Versatile: Road, gravel, cyclo-cross
Cons:
- A little expensive (but not for what you get ! )
Overall Rating: 9.5/10 (approximately)
Weight: 560g (pair, size 8.5)
Price: $355 – Mavic.com.au
Overall Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
Quality Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
Value-for-Money Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
Innovation: 2.8 out of 5
Performance: 4.4 out of 5
Style: 4.9 out of 5
Ease of Use: 4.8 out of 5
I’ve never been much of a person into tech details, but there’s only so far that your mind can help you justify the purchase of new kit for any any occasion, whatsoever.
I’ve been using a pair of Ksyriums in the Elite model for over a year now. I love them. So much that I’m still using them! They are so comfortable, so versatile. Never really thought about it, but they’ve been used for almost all conditions. I’m convinced I’ve tried them out on everything. That’s why they are my default choice of bike shoes. I love them.
The most amazing thing for me is what these shoes have done for my “super-comfy” pedal-less flip-flops. The sole is so stiff that it’s a world of difference compared to any other shoe (including some of the best brands in the world). They changed my world.
