This review dives into the Giro Trans Boa cycling shoes, exploring whether they live up to the hype. Purchased as a winter riding backup, these mid-range shoes offer a compelling blend of features and affordability. The author compares them to their existing, more durable City shoes, highlighting key differences in design, materials, and performance characteristics. Expect a detailed analysis of the Boa closure system, the Easton EC70 carbon sole, and an assessment of comfort, weight, and overall value for money. This review aims to provide a balanced perspective, weighing the Giro Trans Boa's strengths against potential drawbacks.The comparison between the Giro Trans Boa and the author's well-worn City shoes forms the backbone of this review. We'll examine the trade-offs between weight, durability, and ventilation, considering the impact of using these shoes in varying weather conditions, especially during colder months. Discover whether the superior adjustability of the Boa dial system justifies any compromises in other areas, and ultimately, whether the Giro Trans Boa shoes are a worthy investment for riders seeking a reliable and comfortable cycling experience.
Pros And Cons
- Mid-price shoe.
- High quality.
- Easy adjustability.
- Simple and reliable.
- Good sole (Easton EC70 full carbon sole).
- Replaceable heel.
- Vent for autumn/winter/spring use.
- Not as vented as other shoes.
- Front is not replaceable.
- Boa dial can be tricky to use on the fly with gloves.
Read more: 5 Best Vibram Cycling Shoes: A Buyer's Guide
Introducing the Giro Trans Boa Cycling Shoes
I recently purchased a pair of Giro Trans Boa cycling shoes as a backup for my winter riding. My current City shoes are showing wear and tear from the wet and muddy conditions, making them unsuitable for the colder months.
The Giro Trans Boa shoes are a mid-range option, offering a good balance of quality and price. They're not specifically designed for winter, but I plan to use them with overshoes when the temperatures drop.
One of the key features that attracted me to these shoes was the Boa dial closure system. I’ve heard it offers superior adjustability compared to traditional systems.
Boa Dial and Design Features
The Giro Trans Boa shoes feature a Boa dial and Velcro strap combination. The Boa dial allows for micro-adjustments, while the Velcro offers additional security.
Unlike my previous City shoes with their double-strap system, the Boa system is easier to adjust while on the bike, even when wearing gloves.
The shoes are a matte black and red color combination, offering a stylish look with added visibility.
Performance and Features
The shoes boast a high-quality Easton EC70 full carbon sole, providing excellent stiffness and power transfer. This is a feature typically found in more expensive cycling shoes.
They feature a replaceable heel, but the front is a hard plastic, unlike the fully replaceable City shoes. Ventilation is less than the Cities, but sufficient for autumn, winter, and spring riding with overshoes.
Included are cleat fixings; it's crucial to keep these in good condition and replace them with your new cleats, adding grease to prevent corrosion.
Weight Comparison and Final Thoughts
A key point of comparison was weight. The Giro Trans Boa shoes weighed in at 274 grams (per shoe) – a lighter option than the City shoes.
While the City shoes are heavier, they are known for their exceptional durability, having been used by some for eight years. This highlights a trade-off between weight and longevity.
Overall, the Giro Trans Boa shoes offer a great combination of performance, style, and adjustability at a more accessible price point than the City shoes.
