Shimano RC7 (701)

Shimano's highly impressive race-orientated RC7 shoes have had a significant redesign for 2019, gaining dials and losing Velcro completely. They're still a very comfortable, secure and well-vented option (with a great fit), but while the carbon soles are stiff and vibe-free, they could be stiffer still without sacrificing comfort.

• Pros: Easy adjustment, excellent comfort, good looks
• Cons: Could be a tad stiffer still, might be vulnerable in crashes

The new RC7s – technically RC701s – are easily distinguished by their twin dials. The mid-foot one allows you to tune security very precisely, creating a fit that's both firm and unconstricted in seconds. I never missed the ability to cinch the toebox with a Velcro strap, which the older style had, and I appreciated the extra room it leaves around my toes for thick socks.

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The uppers and tongue are heavily perforated, and while I've only used these in winter, I can confirm that cooling is effective despite the sole offering just a single toe vent... the RC7s got cold noticeably quicker than my various other shoes, even underneath toe covers. They're likely to prove a good hot-climate choice.

That sole is carbon and rates a 10 on Shimano's stiffness index, but before you get too excited, note that the scale goes up to 12 (because of course) to accommodate its top-end RC9s. It's also not comparable to other manufacturers' scales. Handy.

According to Shimano, stiffness isn't everything, however, which is why the RC7's Dynalast design engineers in a certain amount of toe flex. This helps, it claims, with power transfer efficiency and smooth pedalling.

While the RC7s are certainly stiff enough to resist significant flex whether you're pushing or pulling hard at the pedals, they're not so stiff that it really stands out. They're definitely not bendy, they just have an edge of compliance. Doubtless that helps reduce fatigue over really long rides, but for me they could be just a little stiffer without sacrificing comfort.

And they are very comfortable indeed. The sizing is spot on, and the initial cleat setup is made easy by the newly expanded range of adjustment and clear alignment markings. Walking is aided by the rubber heel and there's a toe bumper to protect the carbon sole there, too.

The strap where the upper Boa L6 dial sits is broad enough to spread pressure, while a deep notch in the tongue stops it digging in as your ankle flexes (position the notch wrongly and you quickly discover it's effective). I never suffered with hotspots, while the midsole dial worked perfectly to prevent my least-favourite thing – toes jamming into the front of the shoe, losing blood and going numb – from ever being an issue.

Even the standard insoles are impressive, with firm cushioning and well-judged arch support, while the heel cup is deep and secure... Basically, you just do up the RC7s, forget about them and ride. Lush.

The pricing is firmly mid-level, but quality is high. Inevitably this white pair shows dirt rapidly, and the slick synthetic leather marks where they rub the crank, though just a cloth and water gets heavy black marks down to mere shadows. Dirt wipes away very easily. They're quite easy to care for.

Look closely and you'll see there's a pattern embossed in the entire surface, too – subtle. If you don't like the 80s disco hero look, there's a dramatic metallic red fade option or a more conservative matt black version too.

Despite terrible weather conditions, the RC7s seem durable (and dry quickly), though they have lost a chuck of heel leather to some impact I never even noticed, so they may be a little vulnerable to crashes (I've not tested this yet... uh, sorry?).

Perhaps the most obvious competition comes from the original RC7 design, which is still available for as little as £120. Of the current models, Bontrager's Velocis is very similar to the outgoing RC7 – if potentially a lot more bright orange – while price (£180) is also mid-range.

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If you do want more stiffness, the unforgettably named FLR F-XX.II Strawweights offer twin dials and super-rigid carbon soles for £180, though sadly the only legible part of the name is wrong: they're barely lighter than the RC7s. Specialized's new Torch 3.0s, meanwhile, are also very stiff but otherwise match the RC7s in every area, and come in an even brighter yellow than Bontrager's orange.

The Shimano RC7s are very easy to recommend, as they do everything you want for the price and arguably look even better. Slip them on, give them a twiddle and you're free to enjoy anything from an epic to a sprint to a race. Ideal.

Verdict

Updated mid-range road shoes get a tidier design – and hold firmly to excellent comfort and performance