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Decathlon Replica 700 road shoeDecathlon Replica 700 road shoe

Decathlon Replica 700 road shoe

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Apr 19, 2009

3
£59.95

VERDICT:

8
10
Competent race shoes with a wallet friendly price
Weight: 
520g
Contact: 
www.decathlon.co.uk
How we test

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Decathlon’s R700 are ideal for wallet conscious racers or those looking for a high performance training shoes. Compared with the latest generation of shoes dripping in carbon composites, they seem technologically modest with their mesh and faux leather uppers but this is largely forgotten aboard the bike, where the performance outstrips the price.

The super-stiff soles are drilled for Look, Time and SPD SL cleats and deliver excellent power transfer. The R700s feature supple uppers secured using three Velcro straps which provide a very tailored fit for day-long comfort. Sizing – especially the toe box – is more generous than their profile suggests while acres of mesh and ventilation in the soles provides excellent climate control whether enduring the slavery of the indoor trainer or on long spring rides.

Despite the mesh they’ve been surprisingly comfortable on chilly early season rides and they seem pretty shower proof, although submerged in a puddle they take on water pretty fast so overshoes are a must in winter. Graphics are racy but tasteful and the brilliant white gives a bit of presence after dark. Care couldn’t be simpler and consists of periodic wiping using a damp cloth. Weighing a respectable 520g, they feel reassuringly solid and are backed by a two- year warrantee.

Verdict

The R700s offer an amazing amount of bang for very modest buck, although availability is limited to Decathlon stores which might not be convenient for everyone. They're a competent race shoes with a wallet friendly price tag

road.cc test report

Make and model: Decathlon Replica 700 road shoe

Size tested: 44

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The R700 are a replica road shoe aimed at racers on a budget or those looking for a high performance training shoe. It will serve both groups admirably.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Man made faux leather upper with acres of mesh for ventilation. Super-stiff sole is cut for Look, Time and SPD SL cleats

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

No gimmicks here but super stiff sole delivers excellent power transfer. Easily on a par with models costing £20 more.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Quality of construction seems good with no obvious weakness, although I would reccomend overshoes both to protect the rider and footwear during the wetter months.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

520g pair in size 44 is pretty reasonable, striking an excellent balance between low weight and durability.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

Extremely comfortable-even on day outings and cool enough for long sessions on the trainer. Resists showers but heavier, more persistant rain sees the mesh absorb water.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very competently and better than the price tag suggests.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Soft, tactile uppers with good ventilation paired to a very efficient sole.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Detailing might've been a touch sharper.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Unreservedly

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Shoe
road bike
road
R700
Decathlon
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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3 comments

Avatar
jezzzer | 15 years ago
0 likes

if you had to describe the sole in two words, both beginning with "s", what would they be?

Avatar
purplecup replied to jezzzer | 15 years ago
0 likes
jezzzer wrote:

if you had to describe the sole in two words, both beginning with "s", what would they be?

1

Avatar
SteveAustin | 15 years ago
0 likes

Two Year Warantee? 39

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