While having a stiff bottom bracket, crankset, and pedals are important to maximize transmission of power through your bike's drivetrain, your choice of shoes also plays an important role. You need a comfortable platform that supports your foot for hours and hours of training, while at the same time being stiff enough to effectively transfer power from your legs and feet directly to the pedals. And, you want something lightweight so you don't feel like you're riding with weights around your ankles. The Mavic Zxellium Ultimate was developed by professional riders to those specifications.Mavic's Zxellium Ultimate Shoes build upon the foundation laid down by its former top-end Zxellium Shoes. Mavic's reasoning for the Ultimate was that many of their Pro riders asked for a more stable, stiffer upper than what it had previously offered. This more substantial upper is the result of the addition of its Energy Frame +, an injection molded thermoplastic truss that wraps from the full carbon sole over the forefoot on the medial side. It complements the Energy Frame that does the same thing, but on the lateral side of the foot. This complete system holds your foot firmly and comfortably in place with the Ergo Lite Ratcheting buckle.Mavic's Energy Full Carbon SL sole is the stiffest sole it offers. It resists flexing during even the most brutal efforts against the pedals. And, since you'll lift each shoe 90 times a minute while you ride, you'll be glad to know that it's also Mavic's lightest sole. While it doesn't get discussed much, sole thickness, or rather thinness, is also important. The carbon sole of the Zxellium is merely 5. 5mm thick. That puts your foot 7mm from the top of the cleat. The closer you are to the pedal, the less energy you lose to "rocking torque."Mavic ensures that your heel is as secure as your forefoot with the Energy Lock carbon heel counter. It keeps your hindfoot in place by cradling the calcaneous bone. Up front the two Velcro Ergo SL Straps c...
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