Tech review - January 13, 2004

Pearl Izumi Viper Boa

A flaming good shoe

The Pearl Izumi Viper Boa, complete with Super Happy Fun Style graphics Photo ©: Clay Lundgren

The retention system up close. Photo ©: Clay Lundgren

Looking down on the funky graphics Photo ©: Clay Lundgren

A side-on view of the Viper Boa Photo ©: Clay Lundgren

Looking down at the carbon I-Beam sole Photo ©: Clay Lundgren

Pearl Izumi, the company best known for making professional quality clothing, has recently added footwear to their line of pro quality cycling accessories. Riders such as Ivan Basso and Joseba Beloki, among others, used the predecessor to the Viper Boa in '03, and as Clay Lundgren* writes, the 2004 model is even better.

For a company with so much experience in bike apparel, a line of footwear is not a great surprise. However, the new Boa system used in their two new top end shoes is. Both the new off road shoe and the Viper road model get this new retention system, which uses a ratchet mechanism as it's primary means of adjustment.

There are several benefits from this design, which become most noticeable after actually riding with these shoes. First, the spectra cable used to tension the shoes is entirely free to move. This allows for completely even pressure on the foot no matter how tight you crank down the ratchet. The straps themselves, and the Boa attachment points, are wide enough to provide excellent support with no pinching. This comfort feature complements the rest of the shoe's appointments such as the cork insole, lined heel and neoprene tongue. All this combined with a very generous toe box makes for one of the most comfortable high performance shoes out there.

A second appealing quality of the Boa system is the ease of use. Getting the tension correct is merely a matter of turning the ratchet until it feels right. If you decide during the ride to tighten up for the next climb or sprint, just a click or two more will do just fine. For triathletes needing a quick exit, all you need to do is push the little red tab above the ratchet and the strap releases.

Being that this is a high-end shoe, one would expect it to be light. The Viper does not disappoint. The pre-production version I tested weighed in at 355g. According to Pearl Izumi the production version will be trimmed to 328g. The off road version with it's lugged sole gains a few grams to bring it to 419g. For comparison my scale weighed the Nike Poggio at 275g and the Carnac Ellipse with adapter plate at 385g.

Pro quality shoes also need to be stiff, and carbon seems to be decidedly the way to do that. Pearl has come up with a different form of carbon stiffener. The I-Beam design uses a specifically shaped carbon insert to give extra stiffness in critical areas. And it works. Even using a very minimalist pedal system. There was no noticeable flex at all. The I- beam sole is slightly thicker at the mount area than some other carbon models, but still far thinner than most shoes using adapter plates. More sole thickness translates to greater distance from the pedal spindle and the Viper has achieved stiffness without excess height. Pedal manufacturers have addressed the height issue for years and Pearl's I-Beam design has done a great job of making an ultra stiff shoe that allows the foot to stay close to the pedals rotation.

I am always concerned about durability and serviceability of equipment and here again Pearl's Boa system does not disappoint. Both the Spectra cable and the ratchet can be easily replaced if damaged and the whole mechanism is guaranteed for life. That, and the moulded outer sole that wraps around the toe and heel, should make for an extremely sturdy and very attractive shoe.

Overall, this is a very well thought out shoe, and the moulded outsole helps create the roomy toe box. The Boa system works great with the wide straps, and the carbon I-beam stiffener integrates very nicely to complete the package. I also appreciated the attention to detail on the Viper. Every stitch on my sample was perfect, the cleat placement put my foot just the right distance from the crank and the straps had plenty of room for adjustment; the production version will actually have more, since the ratchet will be slightly lower. All this combines for an exceptional, if slightly heavy, race level shoe. No word yet on whether Basso's '04 shoes will get red flames to go with the CSC colours.

Weight (each): 355g
Pros: Comfort, stiffness, flame design looks cool
Cons: It could be lighter
Recommended retail price: US$190.00
More information: Pearl Izumi's website
Cyclingnews Rating:

* Clay Lundgren works for Burley Design Cooperative and is a serious gear geek