Bont Sub-9 Triathlon Shoe: Getting the right fit is essential for comfort and performance. You have heard terms like 'custom fit' but what do they mean? Most manufacturers define custom fit as a shoe with a small amount of mold-ability in the upper. Some also have a very small degree of heat mold-ability in the base. When we say this shoe is heat moldable, we really mean it. You can mold the sub-9 in any home oven and the amount of mold-ability is outrageous. If a shoe doesn't fit properly, you can't train or race at your optimum.
The sub-9 has a two piece tongue that opens the shoe right up making it very easy for you to slip your foot in for a fast transition. Add to that, Bonts' patent pending built in shoe horn lets you put your shoe on with just one finger. This shoe also has a shoe protector for the heel which protects the shoe during the transition.
The Sub-9 is available in Silver Shiny Microfiber.
Design
The Bont Teams first and foremost priority in designing new products is functionality & performance. In order to achieve the greatest possible standards, Bont continues to manufacture its cycling shoes based on an inside out philosophy to form a monocoque. In short, functionality and performance has never been the result of the best looking shoe, but the best designed and made shoe. Aesthetics is still considered important, but never to the detriment of functionality and performance. In addition to an ongoing dedication to function & performance, Bont’s success during the past 33+ years, has been our total commitment to innovation. Not satisfied to simply re-invent the same core product with a slightly altered look, Bont continues to develop products that set industry standards.
Manufacturing
Bont’s method of producing Bont shoes by hand inside out is a process that is far more skill intensive, time consuming and thus resulting in far greater costs than the current mainstream methods, but one that allows the Bont range of cycling shoes to lead the market in performance. The Bont production line has been engineered by founder Inze Bont to allow for our shoes to be hand made in the most time effective manner possible. This is a process which continues to be developed and refined. The manufacturing process of the shoes has been specifically designed with up to two inventions per station to increase productivity. Inadequate processes such as using generic vacuum boxes for curing the carbon have been replaced by methods such as pressure wrapping which provides four atmospheres of pressure rather than the traditional one atmosphere from vacuum forming. Bont’s drive for design innovation is matched by its innovation in manufacturing processes, further setting it apart from other brands.
The Making Of The Shoe
Bont cycle shoes are made unlike any other racing shoe. Most shoes use a pre made base and a pre made upper and the two parts are glued together. The result is a shoe that feels like it was made in two parts. We makes our shoes from the inside out. Everything is laminated together by the epoxy resin so it forms a one piece shoe.
The Last
Bont shoes start with the last (plastic foot) which has been crafted by a combination of the latest technology and good ‘ol fashioned experience. On the one hand, we used data from 20,000 laser foot scans to develop a standard last, we then merged that with Mr. Inze Bont’s 33 years of making custom speed skates. The result is possibly the finest cycle last ever created.
The Footbed
The footbed is the first part of the shoe added to the last. It is made in-house from a heat moldable EVA. The footbed is 65A hardness and only 3mm thick which makes it extremely light weight and heat moldable.
The Liner
The liner is then added which has been chosen out of hundreds of liners. This liner is not only light weight and strong, but it fights odour and is not easily broken down by sweat.
Memory Foam
Next, the memory foam. Bont’s memory foam has been rigorously tested in a vice for a period of 6 months and it will still retain its shape. It is also tested for days with impact testing equipment. The foam is closed cell so it will not absorb moisture and is also extremely light weight.
Anti-Stretch Tapes
Anti stretch tapes are then added. These tapes are similar to seatbelt material and ensure the boot does not stretch over time.
Carbon Fiber
Bont hand lay the carbon paying particular attention to the stress it will need to bear whilst cycling. Each and every layer is laid with a purpose. Bont use cross weave 3K 198 gram aircraft grade carbon on the outside and unidirectional carbon on the inside. The uni directional carbon has only half the strands of cross weave carbon. It gives strength in one direction so it saves weight by using less carbon and absorbing less resin.
The Upper
Rubber carbon protectors are added front and rear and covered with the final layer of carbon. We do not add a gloss coat as it adds unnecessary weight. A Torsion bar is added to the base for additional strength.
The light weight upper is then glued and sewn onto the shoe. Holes are hand punched through the uppers and the liner for ventilation. The buckles and straps are attached. The location of the straps is such that they pull the foot down and into the back of the shoe. The excess glue is cleaned off and the shoe is ready to be ridden in. The shoe has passed through 16 independent stages of quality control for it to be deemed ready for action. The result is a shoe with the best strength to weight ratio on the market.
|
