One of four variations of the Ride Concepts Tallac line-up, this flat, lace-up mountain bike shoe is intended to bring off-road footwear concepts found on light-to-medium weight walking shoes to the MTB market.
Available in three colours and UK sizes 6 to 12 (US 7 to 13) including half sizes, the Tallacs combine high-performance materials with innovative ideas and interesting construction.
Ride Concepts Tallac flat shoe details and specifications
A Cordura upper lowers the weight and increases breathability, while keeping the shoes tough and protective. The seamless construction uses welded joints, and D3O pads in the heel and forefoot are intended to reduce riding-induced impact forces.
The lace eyelets are reinforced and a lace tidy strap sits under the flat laces. Significant rubber bumpers protect the toe and heel areas.
The variable-size hexagon-pattern sole, with Ride Concepts’ own Max Grip rubber, provides extra coverage at the toe and heel areas. This also offers added traction while walking.
Ride Concepts Tallac flat shoe performance
The Tallacs have been put through their paces on a range of South Wales’ finest trails, as well as racing in Yorkshire. The range of conditions they were subjected to was very varied – possibly only excluding snow.
From the questionable traction of dusty trails that hadn’t seen rain in weeks to absolute quagmires, these shoes didn’t put a foot wrong in testing.
Having been used for several weeks of riding with a variety of different mountain bike pedals, the sole is holding up remarkably well, suggesting good durability.
That would often be expected from a harder-compound outsole with lower grip, but the Tallacs offer impressive sure-footedness.
Rattling through rock gardens or root carpets doesn’t appear to faze these shoes at all, with any adjustment in foot position having to be deliberate.
Even missing the ideal foot placement after 'tripoding' through a corner doesn’t cause too much concern – it was impressive how little shoe-to-pedal contact was necessary to maintain a secure footing.
The rubber bumpers around the toe area were a welcome feature. Numerous rock strikes were batted off, barely being felt, and certainly came nowhere near knocking my feet out of position. The elastic lace tidies are a good addition too.
The tread pattern is intended to aid walking, and it performs well, adding plenty of traction. Scrambling up and down features to scope lines or pushing back up for more runs feels confident, with the range and positioning of lugs reaching up the toe and heel parts of the sole.
Ride Concepts has extended the elastic retaining the tongue to form a gaiter. This both keeps dirt out of the shoes and makes your feet feel as if they’re being hugged gently.
The Tallacs are true to size and very comfortable. While they don’t soak up puddle splash easily, they do dry slowly if ridden in the wet.
Ride Concepts Tallac flat shoe bottom line
With features keeping both comfort and performance high on the agenda, the Tallacs will be of interest to anyone who likes tough all-day rides.
The aggressive sole pattern and soft, yet durable material will suit hike-a-bikes as well as pushing back up for another run, while the comfort will keep them going all day.
Product
| Brand | rideconcepts |
| Price | 251.00 AUD,169.00 EUR,150.00 GBP,164.00 USD |
Features
| Closure | laces |
| Sole | Max Grip rubber, hexagon pattern |
| Features | Available sizes: UK: Men's - 4-14 (inc half size); Women's - 3-8 (inc half size); Youth - 1.5-5.5 (in full size increments) |
