Shimano S-PHYRE RC902 Shoe Review - feat. Dual BOA Li2 Dials + Wraparound Upper + Replaceable Pad

[@drsus0]

One feature i love about this shoe is that the lower boa can be re routed through the lower channels to make the toe box narrower and tighter, thats what the empty routing channels are on the toes :) and the rc901 in this video is actually routed with the tighter tow box set up. I have skinny feet and this was the #1 reason i git them, only shoe that truly fits like a glove outside of lace ups.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Nice! I didn't realize the laces could be re-routed but now that you point it out it seems very obvious.

[@drsus0]

@@TheSweetCyclists I saw a video that showed this and it was the perfect solution to my lose toe box on all my shoes. Your other shoe is routed w the tighter channels , the older rc9 you pulled up to compare new vs old ;)

[@TheSweetCyclists]

@@drsus0 Thanks for sharing. I wonder if Shimano decided to change the default routing with the RC9 shoes - we received the RC901 shoes with the tighter lacing.

[@drsus0]

@@TheSweetCyclists yeah, I wonder if it was by design that they sent them like that, the 902 have a wider toe box so you’d think it would viceversa on how they ship them

[@syedfirdaus4085]

Excellent review. Appreciate if you could add up another comparison of RC 902 with Lake CX 403. Thanks!

[@TheSweetCyclists]

That's a comparison we'd love to do. If we can get our hands on the Lake CX 403 shoes we'll definitely a do a comparison with the RC9 and the Bont Cycling Vaypor S shoes too.

[@MatiSmudini]

Hi, I am going to buy one of shimano S phyre shoes. I am thinking about sh 900,901 or 902. Is there any difference in sizing or they fit nearly the same? Also I would like to know which size should I get. My foot is 27.8 cm long but I heard that when buying Shimano shoes I should buy bigger shoe than my size of foot. Also can I ask what is you length of foot? Because I will chose between size 44 and 45 but I am not sure which one will be better. I can add that I have Shimano xc501 shoes for MTB and I bought size 45 which is a bit too long for me but I will keep them cuz 44 can be too small.

[@timmatthews187]

With Lake's shoes I can use their shoe fit guide and have a great understanding of length and width I'd need with an easy foot measurement. I hear folks review these new RC902 shoes and speak on the new toe box being wider, but I never hear anyone talk about the actually width of their foot and why they choose the shoes they do. I also, never hear any numbers from Shimano on how much wider their wide shoes are than the standard RC902's. I know with Lake's there is a 15mm difference in standard vs. wide. Based on the width measurement from your first metatarsal bone to your 5th across the bottom of your foot how to you select wide or standard? Cheers, Tim

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Tim, you bring up some great points. Shimano doesn't offer as many sizing charts or sizing wizards like Bont Cycling or other companies. I'd highly recommend trying the shoes on for yourself though, you should be able to at least find the RC5/RC7 variations in a lot of local shops. Otherwise if you want any specific measurements from our EUR 44 (standard width, non-wide version) we're happy to help - send us an email through thesweetcyclists.com contact us page.

[@valiantabello]

Sexy shoes but damn expensive. Great review, thanks as always!

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Thanks for the support. Yes, $425 isn't cheap but the shoes should last you a number of years. Note you can also get similar colors and design elements as the RC9 in Shimano's more affordable shoes like the RC5 or RC7.

[@jkpisces]

those red grommets , are they needed when i install my cleats? the shop i bought it from say it is not necessary when it is locked on tight?

[@TheSweetCyclists]

No, the red spacers are just there to help keep the cleat position. You can pry them out with something small and re-install them in a different position. Your shop is correct - just make sure you have your cleats torqued down and you should be set. After your first ride or two - I recommend rechecking the cleats as they can sometimes shift.

[@jkpisces]

@@TheSweetCyclists thanks for the info . i thought it should be installed in together when the cleats are being installed .

[@JFomo]

Can I put Look KEO cleats on these?

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Yes, the RC9 have a standard 3-bolt cleat pattern so you can do Look Keo or SPD-SL cleats.

[@Check-it-out]

No cleats in the box ? Not even for that price ??? Gnarly !

[@TheSweetCyclists]

I don't think I've seen cycling shoes that come with cleats. Unless the company assumes you use SPD-SL or Look Keo, it wouldn't make sense to include them. You do get the fancy carrying bag, arch support attachments and very pretty shoes!