A quick review for anyone who might be looking at these gravel shoes. A while back, I bought a pair of Shimano RX8 and made a few comments here. I was not happy with the RX8 and returned them.
As I mentioned in that review, I was keen to find a pair that would be lighter than my current Giro Code Techlace, and would match reasonably well with the reflective silver Ekoi Corsa Light 'BikingMan' special edition helmet (purchased after an enormous amount of research into minimising the mushroom effect for my tall, large head). I did not want black or grey shoes and although I'd have liked white it seems stupid for a winter/gravel shoe.
My foot size is generally UK10 in non-cycling shoes. I wear size EU44.5 in Fizik Vento Infinito Knit; size EU45 in Giro Code Techlace; size EU46 in Adidas indoor cycling shoes. Measured length of my larger foot is 286mm. Measured width 104mm.
I found the RX8 to be a poor fit generally. The XC7 feels much better on the foot and the double Boa system is far, far better than the single Boa and (pointless) velcro tab on the RX8. The XC7 feels marginally more constricted around the toes than the Fizik Vento Infinito Knit, but I note that the Fizik has taken the shape of my foot slightly, probably doe to the knit textile upper being quite soft. I have seen a couple of reviews saying the standard XC7 is quite a wide fit. I would not agree with that.
The shoes weigh 345 and 341 g respectively in size 45 so about 40g heavier per shoe than the RX8, but considerably lighter than the Giro Code Techlace which I re-weighed for this little piece, at 500g per shoe (with SPD cleat attached). That said, the Giros seem utterly bombproof. I have had them for about six years and there is no discernible wear or damage to them. Conversely, the XC7 feels like a light and nimble shoe, almost certainly a bit less robust with little protection from bumps and scrapes (although not none at all). The upper textile is smooth and looks like it will wipe clean easily. The rubber tread seems great, especially the 'ULTREAD' textured section in the midfoot, which would slip terrible on a slick-soled road shoe if you missed a clip in and had to pedal away.
The 'carbon stiffness' rating printed on the sole of these shows is 9. I'll look forward to seeing if I can discern any difference between these and the EC70 sole on the Giros.
Price paid: £165.00 from Sigma Sports, UK.
ps I have just realised that I bought a pair of XC701 at the same time as I bought my Giro Codes in 2019, but for whatever reason, returned the XC701 and kept the Giros. I paid £152.99 for the XC701s back then, and £168.99 for the Giros. I suspect the RRP for the Giros was higher and probably affected my decision!
by CornwallJon