CONCORD, MA (BRAIN)—Collaborating with the best in the business, Vibram has designed a wide range of cycling shoe soles as well as saddle components for Selle Italia. Vibram partnered with Selle Italia to develop a mountain bike/freeride bike seat and has also joined up with Gaerne, Lake, Northwave, Shimano and Timberland to develop cycling shoes.
"We continue to deliver performance outside of the sole arena with the Selle Italia saddle," said Tony Post, president of Vibram USA. "In addition, this partnership, combined with Gaerne , Lake, Northwave, Shimano and Timberland furthers our goal of reaching a wider audience."
Available now in two styles: Yutaak Genuine Gel and Yutaak Gel Flow, the saddles feature patterned Vibram rubber under the nose of the saddle for grip when shouldering the bike; flexible Vibram rubber tabs on the wings of the saddle for a firm hold when descending out of the saddle; and Vibram rubber on the tail of the saddle providing shock absorption. Selle Italia saddles are sold through 14 distributors in North America to the more than 5000 independent bicycle retailers."
Vibram’s environmentally-friendly EcoStep sole with Trek compound is featured on Timberland’s Steerfree, a casual bike shoe that is part of the new Bike Life line, available in spring 2008. A "pedal pod" on the sole provides extra padding and durability for contact with the bike pedal. Other features include reflectivity in the sole for safety against traffic and a forefoot engineered to flex while running and remain stiff while pedaling for more power.
Lake is offering two all-mountain cycling shoes: the MX 190 and the MX 165 feature Vibram’s Mountain V sole with removable metal and composite Mudstuds in the toe for added traction enhancing off-the-bike mud performance. Also in the line are two adventure, trail and touring shoes, the MX265 and MX101, with removable cleat plate covers suitable for SPD, toe clips, or platform pedals. The stylish Lake I/O Lace-up, Lake I/0-1 and the I/0-3 are indoor/outdoor cycling shoes, road lasted with high revolution toes and heel lifts for high performance indoor and outdoor use.
Shimano will showcase a Vibram sole in the MP90, a multipurpose cycling sneaker ideal for freeriders and downhillers who ride platform pedals. Its Vibram sole is made with an all-new Vibram moldable sticky rubber, "GM100", providing maximum grip, flexibility and pedal feel. Shimano’s MT70 is a high performance shoe for off-road cycling. The custom Vibram outsole is lightweight and offers the high traction of rubber where most competitors use slippery TPU soles. Both Lake and Shimano shoes are available now.
Northwave’s spring ‘08 Frontier mountain biking shoe features an exclusive Vibram sole for sure footing on extreme terrain, and is compatible with all major pedal systems. A versatile shoe, the Frontier features the X Power Cage system stabilizing the foot through the heel and Velcro closures for a custom fit.
The Lapo and Nemy are 2 new mountain bike shoes by Gaerne built on the VibramMtnBike rubber outsole. Researched and developed in collaboration with Vibram, and optimized for both hiking and pedaling, the outsole features reinforced lateral lugs in the heel and forefoot, for traction and stability on the rough terrain where riding is impossible. Vibram Trek multipurpose rubber compound provides superior grip and durability to TPU outsoles. The Lapo, for men, features an upper in nubuck and mesh for lightweight breath-ability; with reflective inserts on the heel. Velcro and lace closure system and thermomoldable footbed. Both Gaerne models are available in spring 08.
