SANTA CRUZ, CA (BRAIN) — A new company, Retrofitz, will convert nearly any street shoe into an SPD cleat-compatible cycling shoe. Among its standard offerings is a cross-country running shoe converted into a super light "race day" shoe for cyclocross or mountain biking (shown).
Retrofitz says the cross country shoe conversion yields a shoe that weighs just 200 grams (in a size 45) and offers a balance of power transfer and running performance.
The patented Retrofitz system consists of an impact modified nylon cleat attach plate. The material maintains its properties at the below freezing temperatures that occur in some cyclocross races. The system is compatible with SPD, Crankbrothers, Time Offroad, Ritchey and Speedplay Frog cleat systems.
Retrofitz will convert an Adidas XCS running shoe for $160 MSRP. The company also offers conversions of other sneakers and shoes and sells a do-it-yourself kit for $50 retail or will do the conversion for $90. Retrofitz says most shoes with removable insoles can be converted.
