For 2024 Shimano once again tweaks their top-tier S-Phyre shoe line-up, with a SH-903 series across road, triathlon, and XC mountain biking. On the road, the new RC9 PWR once again reshapes the Boa dial closure configuration in a bid to improve fine adjustment and power transfer. Off-road, the latest XC9 gets the refined upper introduced as road-only last year. And now, triathlon joins the top-tier Shimano S-Phyre family for the first time with a closure combination designed to get in and out of faster in the transition zone…

All-new Shimano S-Phyre triathlon racing shoe

The real novelty in the 2024 Shimano S-Phyre shoe family is the TR9. The first ever top-tier S-Phyre triathlon racing shoe. Adapted from the popular RC903 mashed up with the TR901 in theory, the new SH-TR903 is actually a completely new design.

It features a more ventilated upper, a lower cut, and a new strap & Boa retention combination optimized for faster transitions on and off the bike.

Tech details

The new tri shoe keeps a large mid-foot velcro strap for the main retention since it can be quickly opened widely. But uses a newer quick drying woven strap material. The overall upper is a similar smooth synthetic microfiber like other 903-series shoes. But it gets larger perforations like the 902 shoes, and a heat welded in mesh toe vent like the old 901 shoes did.

Newly, a single side-mounted Boa Li2 dial and laces cross the midfoot 3 times. That offers fine micro adjustment control once you are pedaling out of the transition.

It also features a significantly lower plastic heel cup that Shimano claims will smooth transitioning onto the bike out of the water. As well as a barefoot liner of course. The shoe also rotates its heel loop 90° to make it easier to get the shoes on. And it retains the trusted triathlon toe bumper to keep the shoes looking good even with the occasional transition stumble.

The TR9 comes in whole sizes 36-48, plus halves 41-46, in team blue or matte gunmetal gray. A hollow carbon composite road sole construction is designed to drain water away as you pedal. It rates a 10 out of 12 for stiffness, with a claimed shoe weight of 250g (size 42).

Shimano S-Phyre road shoes add RC9 PWR power

Shimano’s top-tier S-Phyre road & XC shoes have gone back-and-forth with the fine details of how they arrange Boa dial retention over the past few years. And they return to a single alloy Boa Li2 dial on the shoe’s side to deliver the best power transfer. That paired with a maze of plastic wire guides and a velcro toe strap

This ‘new’ RC9 PWR shoe – or in Shimano speak, SH-RC903PWR – isn’t really all that ‘new’, just a new combination. This is the exact same configuration you would have found on the previous generation RC9 T track shoe – SH-RC902T – with the previous generation upper.

The RC903PWR does use the same 903-series micro-perforated synthetic upper. And it gets the same 12/12 stiffness low-stack, full carbon sole. Just 5g heavier than the standard RC9, Shimano says the S-Phyre RC9 PWR is the ideal road shoe for time trial racers, and powerful sprinters on the road or track, at a claimed 230g (per shoe, size 42). And they come only in white, because it’s faster, right?

XC903 cross-country mountain bike & CX update

Shimano S-Phyre XC shoes have been the mainstay of many top cross-country and cyclocross racers for year. And one of the places we’ve spotted mid-development prototypes along the way. Now in their 3rd official iteration of the XC9, Shimano gives mountain bikers the same latest S-Phyre 903 series perforated upper. Now, paired to the same proven grippy Ultread outsole as the 902-series.

Even less has changed here on the SH-XC903 over the previous generation. Honestly, making the XC903 shoe look more like the previous XC 901 generation, just with better dials and sole.

The latest generation XC9 is still a 11/12 stiffness with a carbon sole & removable toe spikes. Claimed weight is 290g per shoe (42) , available in black, white, or team blue.

bike.Shimano.com

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Ergon just released its first triathlon-specific saddle, the SR Triathlon Men, and it’s race-ready. The new saddle took two years to design in collaboration with muti-time World Champ Jan Frodeno. 

What is it? Ergon SR Triathlon Saddle 

Ergon’s SR Triathlon saddle is a race-oriented triathlon saddle designed with muti-time World Champ Jan Frodeno. The design allows riders to comfortably churn the watts while not stressing the muscle groups they will use in the run portion of the event. 

How? The saddle design features a flattened nose, so the rider can make micro-adjustments while riding. This ability to move slightly can help with varying the pressure distribution and help the rider stay in an aero position for longer without pain. 

The nose of the Ergon SR Triathlon Saddle is slightly narrower than most of its competition. This narrow nose is another freedom of movement update. The narrower nose opens to a relief channel in the center. This cut-out is typical in many saddles, and the SR Triathlon Saddle is wide but densely padded. 

The SR Triathalon was initially designed for Jan Frodeno, and after rounds of testing and power analysis, the team landed on this final shape. The Ergon SR Triathalon was quietly released alongside the Limited Edition Canyon Speedmax CFR again in collaboration with Jan Frodeno.

Ergon claims Frodeno comfortably produces his best, sustainable power with this SR Triathlon Men saddle, and they have the data to prove it.

Jan Frodeno is excited about the saddle, adding:

“Throughout my career, it has been particularly important to me to optimize all the components on my bike, down to the last detail. Sitting was one of the last imperfect points. My collaboration with Ergon over the last two years has alleviated any discomfort in the saddle. Thanks to the Ergon SR Triathlon Men saddle, I can consistently push harder in the aero position while minimizing fatigue to have a better transition to running.”

Details — Ergon SR Triathlon Men

• Shell: Carbon Composite 
• Rails: TiNox 
• Gender: Men Specific 
• Length: 232mm 
• Width at nose: 47mm 
• Weight: 212g
• Price:

Ergon SR Triathlon Mens Availlibltly 

The SR Triathlon Series will be widely available in Spring 2024. Initially, though, the SR Triathlon Men saddle will only be available on the Limited Edition Canyon Speedmax.

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