This newest evolution Quoc Gran Tourer XC Lace is one thing of a ‘best hits’ of Quoc gravel bike sneakers. Pairing the race-ready carbon sole of their GT XC and the adventure-proof laces of the unique Gran Tourer – the brand new GT XC is the cheaper, lighter, and easier off-road racing shoe. I’ve spent the final two months driving the brand new GT XC Lace sneakers arduous out of a moist winter right into a drier spring. And so they’ve develop into considered one of my go-to gravel, all-road, and cross-country favorites.
Quoc Gran Tourer XC Lace carbon gravel racing sneakers
What’s to say in regards to the new Quoc Gran Tourer XC Lace?
It’s a lace-up Gran Tourer Lace, so that you get that basic look. Plus, the powerful Quoc artificial microfiber higher backed by a mesh interior layer with loads of small perforations for affordable breathability. The sneakers are constructed to be fairly rugged and shielded from the weather. So there’s additionally the total warp-around TPU band that additionally makes them relatively water resistant if you step right into a muddy puddle.
We see you Peppa.
But it surely’s additionally a GT XC shoe, so that you get the a lot stiffer carbon-reinforced composite sole for improved pedaling effectivity. But with a knobby TPU AL_TERRAIN mountain bike sole that’s grippy-enough with out being too smooth to put on rapidly. After which it provides replaceable toe spikes to provide further chew with out sporting out the common toe lugs.
Tech particulars
The brand new Gran Tourer XC Lace get a “carbon composite outsole and TPU tread”, plus “replaceable TPU spikes for wonderful grip on and off the bike”.
Additionally they options Quoc’s “double lock, anti-slip” lacing sample. These double lace eyelets on the high and backside of the shoe permit you to independently regulate how tight the sneakers are, with the laces staying in place with out having to overtighten at your remaining bow. Inside a slightly-padded, gusseted tongue even distributes that strain, and padded inserts across the high of the heel guarantee a safe and comfy match.
The sneakers are 2-bolt SPD MTB cleat suitable with a fairly customary vary of adjustment, and include 3 heights of arch assist inserts for the dense foam insoles.
Quoc claims a weight of 320g per shoe (measurement 42, possible with out insoles since manufacturers compete on weight.) My measurement 43s weigh a bit greater than that at 341g with insoles, the low arch assist insert, plus a tiny little bit of filth however a shade much less TPU that I’ve scraped off the toe spikes from loads of rocky unhealthy climate early season hike-a-bikes.
Driving Assessment
Having ridden so much within the unique Gran Tourers (now Lace), I’ve gone arduous from the beginning on the brand new Gran Tourer XC Lace, driving a number of powerful winter situations with the brand new sneakers to rapidly see how they are going to stand as much as common use and abuse.
Belief me, it wasn’t all sunshine and severe post-ride product discussions.
And I can fortunately say they’ve matched my expectations.
I used to be a bit of hesitant at first, because the 2nd era dial-adjust Gran Tourer II modified the facet lower of the (black) interior liner barely additional behind the tongue creating an annoying strain level for me.
However the fringe of that liner is now smaller, thinner & smoother (vs. the GTII, Escape Off-Street, and to a lesser extent the GTXC), and I fortunately haven’t any extra strain points.
The TPU sole shouldn’t be ultra-soft and sticky. But it surely provides loads of traction on all however the wettest slippery rocks. The usual brief replaceable plastic toe spikes have fortunately taken the brunt of my rocky mountaineering within the sneakers. (See Tech Particulars picture, above.)
However I’d most likely advocate choosing up an additional set of spikes if you purchase the sneakers, should you do a number of hike-a-bike. Fortunately, Quoc’s $21 / 19€ spike equipment consists of each brief & tall spikes, so that they’ll possible final a number of seasons.
What would I modify?
My solely caveat to the sneakers is that the wrap-around TPU safety band is skinny. And the rubber toe bumper is a bit decrease than the unique Gran Tourer. I take advantage of my XC & gravel sneakers for numerous gnarly mountain biking trails. And I positively find yourself carrying my bike up rocky crap, too.
So, inevitably I’m gonna kick my toes towards one thing arduous and unyielding. And I actually would like to have a full-height toe bumper. Not simply on these however on all gravel and XC race sneakers.
Quoc Gran Tourer XC Lace – Pricing, choices & availability
The brand new Quoc Gran Tourer XC Lace gravel racing sneakers retail for £220 / $290 / 260€. Obtainable now direct from Quoc. The brand new lace-up carbon-soled gravel & cross-country sneakers are available in complete EU sizes 38-47.
And as of but, solely on this single Chalk colorway. That’s a lightweight tan higher, off-white sole and wrap-around safety, and low-key wine purple detailing that’s barely reflective.
