agleck7 profile

Props to those SRAM dudes. Intentionally running low tire pressure in order to get a red blinky to distract from the AXS! Genius!

We can always hope for a comeback! haha #FreetheGravel

Yeah, I ride those in the winter too :)  In a perfect world I'd like a tiny bit less sticky for the reasons Cam brings up: I hate having my foot in the wrong position. I think a waffle sole gives you more room for error there. But more than that, I'd trade less pure rubber grip for durability. Since my foot is usually in almost the same exact place and I twist my foot like you say, I wear deep holes through the soles of my 510s way too often.

My preference has evolved to be based around a sticky enough sole, but with more importance being on having a good amount of sole flexibility and having a really direct pedal feel (ie, not much 'stack' between the pedal and my foot) of course with a nicely concave pedal. If I have all those things, the rubber doesn't need to be super sticky because those lock me in. That said, the only shoe I've tried that is flexible/thin enough is the OG freerider. I used to LOVE the Freerider Pro, but now find them too tall and stiff (ironically after I started wearing an old pair of Freeriders I had for dirt jumping more on my trail bike in order to preserve the sole on my FR Pros because they wear out so fast).  I totally do the same technique of torqueing the pedals as AJ described and the flexibility and thin-ness of the sole with a concave pedal really allow that more comfortably without having to rely just on pins and rubber.  My ideal shoe would be a waffle sole like the Leatts with decently sticky rubber, but with the flexibility and thinness of the Freeriders. That would last longer and allow a little bit more room for error on re-positioning and give me the stability I need.  Or if Vans made a slightly more robust shoe for mtb (i've heard amazing things about the Gravel, but never got a chance to ride them).

If anyone identifies an equivalent alternative to the now defunct MM snakeskin let us all know!

Keep in mind that Patagonia is fantastic with warranty/repair and taking care of customers. So if I'm investing in an expensive piece of riding kit that's going to take a beating, that's an important consideration.

Interesting.  I guess I haven't tried sustained rugged hiking in the Freeriders, so can't speak to that.

My theory is the waffle should last longer than 510 soles since you’re getting some grip from the pattern rather than fully depending on digging into the rubber. But that’s just theory. 510s wear so darn fast I’d love an alternative

The regular freeriders are very flexible. That and the “stack” on the sole is really minimal so you’re right on top of the pedal. I almost think this is what I’m into as much or more than the flexibility. I think if the 2.0 insole was slightly less tall I’d have got on with them. 

I haven’t had any issues hike a biking with them on long days, but I’m pretty used to low support shoes and spend a fair amount of time on my feet so it could be a foot conditioning thing.

Great review. I tried these and really liked them. Ran them with the Chromag Daggas and didn’t feel like I gave up much grip compared to 5 10s. I’m the opposite though, between a couple pairs of Freerider Pros I went back to the regular Freeriders and got addicted to the very thin and super flexible sole. So much so that I couldn’t get down with these or go back to the Pros. But, I’d definitely recommend these for folks who like the feel of Freerider Pros.

You gotta try the Tannus tubeless AJ.