Triathlon - Carbon Shoes

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PeteLoftsgordon
01-23-06, 11:57 AM
Is one carbon sole the same as the next? One can spend $85 for a Chineese carbon shoe, or $300+ for a nice Italian. I'm wondering if there is a difference in the power transfer. (Uppers are definitely different, but it's the carbon I'm not so sure about)

merlinextraligh
01-24-06, 04:17 PM
Velonews did a stiffness test a year or so ago. There was a difference, but I don't remember the particularities of the results
Mo'Phat
01-25-06, 02:19 PM
Yes there's a difference. Carbon fiber is a layering process. The more layers added, the more pressure applied, and other factors affect the overall stiffness. Like anything else, the more layers you add, the more weight you add. But, carbon fiber can be molded into stronger shapes (much like fiberglass) to cut down on weight while still maintaining strength.

It all depends on the shoe manufacturer whether one sole is stiffer than another. There will always be companies that make a cheap and weak sole and market it as "a carbon soled shoe"...and people will buy it because of that. There are other companies that will be competing for the high-end buyer, and must develop better, stronger and lighter carbon soles to earn the discriminating buyer's dollar.