Source : Biketo.com|美運网 Author : Avalon
Since the S-WORKS series of road shoes changed to the Torch series, the two advanced cycling shoes, the Torch 2.0 and Torch 3.0, have also been updated to form the "Carbon Torch Trio", whether you are a beginner or a rider, there is something for everyone.
Among them, the Torch 3.0 has received the most S-Works-level technology decentralization, so let's take a look at how this pair of carbon soles for advanced riders performs and whether it's worth buying.
Specialized has always been very clear about the grading of packaging, with the top-of-the-line product grade being black packaging, and the rest being the classic lightning red kraft cartons.
The internal packaging is naturally missing the very exaggerated three-dimensional shoe bag.
BODY GEOMETRY图解已经是多年来闪电鞋盒的标配。
The color scheme of the Torch 3.0 is also almost directly benchmarked against the SW level, providing four colors, but only black and white are currently available on the official website.
If you just look at the front and middle, the shape of the Torch 3.0 is almost exactly the same as the SW class, so much so that once when I went out for a ride, a rider asked me how I changed to a double-white SW Torch......
The Torch 3.0 uses the same TPU+ mesh upper as the SW Torch, and trust me, they just look similar, and the Torch 3.0's upper is noticeably stiffer to the touch, not as soft as the SW Torch. Since the upper is stiff and stronger, there is no need to use zone reinforcement like the SW Torch.
Ventilation holes are all over the mesh upper to enhance ventilation.
The Torch 3.0 also has a very "chicken thief" on the toe cap to make an upper shape, which looks like a toe "bumper", but in fact it is just an upper, and users with overlapping toes in the frame need to pay attention. But fortunately, the insole anti-slip pad covers the toe cap, which can protect it a little.
The opening shape of the upper and the layout of the fastening structure are exactly the same as those of the SW Torch.
The aluminum alloy S3 knob has always been exclusive to the SW class, so the Torch 3.0 is equipped with the current mainstream Li2 knob. One thing to say, although it doesn't look as delicate as S3, Li2 with more quick-release function is much more convenient to use than S3.
The standard production Li2 knob is made of reinforced plastic, and the direct-molded anti-slip pattern feels stiff to the hand but feels more durable than the soft-clad style.
The BOA cable on the high level also goes through the strap on the tongue, in line with the SW level.
From the side, you can still see the difference between the Torch 3.0 and the SW level.
The Torch 3.0 uses built-in reinforcements instead of external heel cups for a cleaner look.
While there's no new asymmetrical heel cup design, the Torch 3.0 gives you an asymmetrical stitching.
▲鞋舌造型与SW Torch如出一辙
The Torch 3.0 also follows the wider last shape of the SW Torch, with a more rounded toe cap and greater tolerance for the foot shape, which is more friendly to users with wide feet.
The Torch 3.0 shares the same newly developed carbon fiber outsole as the 2.0.
▲The lock nut and the ruler are also protected by adhesive stickers
The new carbon fiber outsole has a very unique shape, and the hollow groove runs through almost the entire sole, which I personally think is quite good-looking.
In order to make it easier for novices to cope with repeated stops and toes during city riding, the Torch 3.0 sole has an increased toe toe anti-slip glue to make the toe support more stable and better protect the carbon sole.
The missing steel seal lightning bolt logo on the SW Torch is back!reminds me of the days when I wore the SW7 VENT, ah no, I'm still wearing this shoe.
The cleat nut is naturally made of stainless steel, and the sliding slot screw hole on the SW level is eliminated, and the cleat adjustment range will be smaller.
▲The range of the cleat ruler is very large......
The sole of the arch of the foot is upturned relatively high, which can form a certain amount of arch support.
The oversized heel block fits perfectly into the shape of the sole. Considering that there may be more walking in the usage scenarios for beginner and advanced users, the lightning has enlarged the heel pad of the Torch 3.0 to provide better anti-slip results. Since the spacer is already large enough, the durability will be better, so it is simply made irreplaceable.
In terms of shoe cage, the shape of the heel lining is the same as that of the SW level, which can have a good heel fixing effect.
Due to the large enveloping area of the upper, the BOA cable does not cause large areas of pressure on the instep, and only a thin padding is required on the back of the tongue to provide sufficient comfort.
On the inside of the upper, there are also a lot of circular cutouts, which can relieve the pressure of the area and improve the breathability of the upper.
The standard insole is well done, with its own metatarsal support, and the area of support is relatively large.
The official claim is that the size 42 Torch 3.0 weighs 288 grams, but it is actually said to be 278 grams, which is 10 grams lighter. This is a relatively normal weight for a shoe in this class.
Wearing experience
As a SW Torch user, as soon as you put on the Torch 3.0, you can clearly feel the difference in the hardness of the upper. Since the upper of the Torch 3.0 is much stiffer, the fit and comfort are not as good as the SW level, and the foot feel is slightly inferior. The internal space of the shoes is very abundant, and the wide Roman foot shape does not have any squeezing and regional compression, which is relatively fitting.
The tongue shape and length are just right, which is friendly to high insteps, and there is basically no feeling of top feet.
In terms of putting on and taking off experience, the Torch 3.0 can be said to be guilty of the following. Since the S3 knob of the SW torch does not have a quick release function, the BOA cable must be pulled out of the fixed slot when taking off the shoes, so that it can be put on and taken off quickly and easily. Since the Li2 knob of Torch 3.0 has a quick release function, you can omit the step of pulling the cable, and it is much easier and faster to put on and take off.
Riding experience
After getting on the car, I found that the upper may be thicker, and the entire silhouette of the Toech 3.0 is wider than that of the SW class. In the case that the cleats have been set relatively inward, if the pedal Q-FACTOR is relatively small or the difference shape is thicker, the distance between the toe and the heel and the crank is still a little close, so you need to pay attention.
The lightning does not clearly state the hardness of the sole of the Torch 3.0, and if you bend the sole on your toes, you can find that there is indeed a gap between the stiffness of the sole and the SW level, but in the actual riding process, it is completely enough for those of us who are ordinary riders. The support of the upper is also relatively good, and the overall pedaling efficiency is very good.
The built-in heel cup is actually very stiff, and the inner lining is well configured. The heel stability performance is good when pedaling hard, and it is not inferior to the SW-level external heel cup at all.
Since the shape of the inside of the sole can provide arch support, the medium arch height of the editor already has good support in the case of the original insole, and there is no need to replace the insole with arch support.
Since there are no ventilation holes in the sole or insoles, the upper is responsible for ventilation and heat dissipation. The mesh upper is quite breathable, so there will be a feeling that the instep temperature is just right, but the soles of the feet are slightly stuffy. In the cooler weather of spring and autumn at the time of testing, the Torch 3.0 performed just right.
The design of the large area cushion block on the sole is very good, which is very suitable for frequent stop-and-go in the city, parking on the ground or the need to walk, and the anti-slip performance when going up and down the stairs is also very good, so I will use it as my daily commuting shoes.
To sum up, the Torch 3.0 has similar styling, lasts, and pedaling performance to the SW Torch, but with a compromise on comfort and breathability. But considering that it is a full 1400 yuan cheaper than the SW Torch, a little concession in comfort is still acceptable.
If you happen to have a budget of 2,000 yuan and are looking for a pair of cycling shoes with excellent pedaling performance, then you can consider this pair of Torch 3.0.