LakeCycling has quietly been outfitting a number of pro riders over the years but got a big jump in visibility with Carlos Sastre's Tour de France win in 2008. At the time, Sastre's CX401 shoes were slightly modified team-only editions of the stock shoe but Lake will now offer them to the public.
Differences between this new version and last year's CX401 are minor. In fact, the only change is an additional Velcro strap across the top of the foot but even Lake admits that it doesn't affect the fit or feel of the shoe – it's mainly just a conspicuous logo placement for finish line photos (seriously).
Otherwise, the 2010 CX401 carries on with its range of high-tech features, including a full-length bathtub-style carbon fibre sole with heat moldable carbon heel counter, supple Klite kangaroo leather and mesh upper, temperature regulating heel and tongue liner, and Boa closure system with adjustable zone-specific tightness levels.
The trick Boa lacing hardware allows for zone-specific tightness just by doubling up the cable loops.
Lake will offer the CX401 in standard and wide men's versions plus a women's-specific version.
Also new for 2010 is a mid-range CX236 road shoe, which pairs a full-length carbon outsole with a more traditional heel counter.
The rear-mounted Boa cable system pulls the rider's foot both down and into the back of the shoe for better heel hold and the mostly exposed cable (the rear-mounted system on the CX330C is more concealed) should make for easier replacement if needed.
The season of bad weather is quickly approaching and Lake's range of inclement weather footwear for 2010 should hopefully keep you warm and dry.
Lake's CX140 (left) and MX140 foul-weather shoes are meant for 0-20° C temperatures and feature waterproof, breathable eVent construction.
For moderately nasty conditions, the MX140 mountain bike and CX140 road shoes are rated for 0-20°C (32-68°F) and feature a waterproof eVent upper plus a novel exoskeleton construction and Boa closure for support.
For truly ugly days, there's also the MXZ302 and CXZ302, both rated for -15-5°C (5-41°F) with water-resistant Pittards leather uppers, Outlast temperature-regulating liners, 3M Thinsulate insulation, a Thermosol insulating insole, plus a full Vibram lugged outsole for good purchase in snow and ice.
For all of BikeRadar's Interbike coverage, click here.
You can follow BikeRadar on Twitter at twitter.com/bikeradar.