Interbike Tech: Giro, Northwave, Shimano, Sidi and Vittoria unveil new kicks

Carbon sole, SBS micro-adjustable retention, microfiber uppers and some flashy graphics on the Northwave Typhoon EVO. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Many of Northwave's soles are both Speedplay and three-bolt cleat compatible, including the Typhoon. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

For 2013, Northwave will offer its lightweight Nero in 20th anniversay edition livery. Retail price will be $375. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Nero uses a micro-adjustable buckle and "Speed Lace" winch to enclose the foot securely. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Northwave Extreme Tech MTB relies on many of the same technologies as the road version, but goes with a nylon sole reinforced with carbon fiber for improved walkability and, obviously, adds big lugs to the sole. The Speed Lace winch remains, as does the micro-adjust buckle. MSRP is $280. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Northwave Extreme Tech MTB's Speed Winch uses super tough, unstretchable cord rather than wire. The cord can be replaced easily as well. Rubber bumpers on the toe add durability to the microfiber upper. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Northwave Tribute Terrae uses a triathlon-ready upper with a mountain sole, making it somewhat unique. It's a good option for the Xterra crowd with an MSRP of $170. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

A bit stiffer in the sole and equally bomproof in the uppers, Chrome's new Truk should prove attractive to the short-to-medium-length commuter crowd and urban cyclists everywhere. The cleat mount is recessed, and the sole features an integrated nylon shank for increased stiffness. MSRP: $75. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Hora Evo from Vittoria (not the same as the tire company, in fact slightly older) is completely new for 2013 and uses a mech upper with an "auto shaping carbon fiber insert" that conforms to your foot. A carbon sole keeps weight down and is available in a unidirectional finish. MSRP is $490 and, like all Vittoria shoes, the Hora EVO is available in an incredible array of widths and can even be ordered in two different lengths for your left and right feet. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The new Vittoria Hora EVO. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Vittoria Hora EVO's heel cup is covered with grippy material. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Vittoria Rock is based on the Hora EVO upper, but with a mountain bike sole. It has a replaceable ratchet strap and reinforced toebox for added durability. It is available with two different soles depending on the desired level of stiffness. MSRP is $495. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Carbon sole with sticky lugs and toe spikes on the Vittoria Rock. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Vittoria was the first to bring out a cable closure, and retains the design on both the Hora and Rock. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Sidi Genius 5 gets a hybrid carbon/nylon sole for 2013, upgraded from a full nylon sole. MSRP is $289. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

No fancy heel cup on the Sidi Genius 5. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Hybrid carbon/nylon sole on the Sidi Genius 5. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Side Wire Vent replaces the venerable Ergo 3, and features a full lorica upper (no mesh like on the Ergo), a Tecno-3 dial buckle, and flashy updated looks. Those buckles allow impressive micro adjustability in just .5mm increments. The foot beds use a sort of super dense memory foam, and are vented to match the vents on the base of the shoe's sole. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

A full lorica upper graces the Side Wire Vent. No more mesh. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The adjustable heel cup on the Side Wire Vent now uses stainless steel screws after customers had problems with stripping the old bronze screws on the Ergo 3. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The updated carbon sole on the Sidi Wire Vent is stiffer and lighter, and the toe bumper is replaceable. MSRP is $495. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Sidi Genius 6.6 is still kicking, and gets a full carbon sole for 2013. MSRP is now $375, so it's about $75 cheaper than the 2012 model, too. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Sidi Genius 6.6 retains its two velcro, one buckle strap arrangement. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Side Genius 6.6 gets the update to steel heel cup screws as well. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Sidi Genius 6.6 buckle design hasn't changed. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Genius 6.6 gets the update to steel heel cup screws as well. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Shimano R320 will retail for $380. Longer slots in the new SPD-SL cleats and on the sole itself allow for 11mm more for/aft cleat adjustment. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Heat moldable insoles on the Shimano R320. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The big story behind Shimano's latest shoe offerings is its Dynalast fit system. Using a combination of heat moldable footbeds, increased cleat adjustability, and a special sole curve under the forefoot, Shimano claims it has measurably increased pedaling efficiency. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Shimano's new SPD-compatible Click'R pedals require 60 percent less engagement and release force, making them perfect for new clipless users. $70 and $120 models are available. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Recessed cleats in the Shimano Click'R shoes make for easy walking. Prices range from $90 to $120 for the shoes. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The $100 R078 gets the same Shimano Pedaling Dynamics Dynalast tech, but at a much lower price. It also gets some nifty sole features like the ability to run two-bolt SPD or three-bolt road cleats. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Why don't more manufacturers build in the ability to run two-bolt SPD or three-bolt road cleats on mid-to-entry level shoes? Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Shimano R078 isn't a bad looking shoe for $100. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Designed in conjunction with Taylor Phinney, and shown on the world stage at the Giro d'Italia this year after he crashed and broke his regular Giro shoes, the Empire is certainly unique. We originally thought they were some sort of track shoe that Phinney had simply started using on the road (with his track background it wouldn't have been surprising), but oh, were we wrong. These are designed from the ground up to be road shoes, and feature a comfortable Teijin one-piece upper and the same Easton EC90 sole used elsewhere in the line. At 225 grams for a size 42.5, they aren't exactly porkers. MSRP is $275, and they'll be available very soon. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Perforated uppers on the Giro Empire. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

We are not wholly unlike magpies. The Giro Empire is shiny! Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The one-piece upper comes together at the back of the Giro Empire. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Easton EC90 carbon sole on the Giro Empire. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

Laces are not exactly common on cycling shoes, at least not in the last few decades. But might we see a resurgence? Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Empire will come in black and silver/gray, as well as a third color to be chosen on Giro's Facebook page. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The Giro Empire, more muted in black. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com