Volume is generous for comfort, though the roomy fit won’t suit everyone, while the stiff heel cup aids stability.

It’s debatable whether there’s such a thing as a specific e-bike saddle, but I’m open-minded, and was keen to give this one a try. First thing to note is that this saddle is stubby in length, which apparently puts the e-biker ‘in a more planted position, making for greater stability and control when riding heavier pedal-assisted bikes.’ Underneath, there is a stiff carbon sole, which we found avoided hotspots and was still forgiving on long rides. There are three main sections of rubber to provide a reasonable level of grip. But however you choose to define gravel riding, it is more likely than not that your gravel shoes will need to balance stiffness and efficient power transfer with comfort for longer rides and walkability for rugged terrain or off-the-bike use. The Specialized S-Works Recon Lace is closely related to the S-Works Recon shoe, but trades Boa dials for laces. This won’t suit everyone, but the laces do give the shoes a classy look and provide more points of tension control. Sidi’s microfibre uppers are tough with decent weather protection, and there’s still good ventilation from the laser-cut pinhole vents.A camp by the Linn of Dee was lovely, beautiful sunshine at sunset and a few whiskies were had, it also is in the middle of a figure of eight route wise so you have options. Old-school laces have their fans, though. If you have a high instep, you probably find that they allow for the differentiation in tension that gives a snug forefoot fit combined with ease over the instep that you need for best comfort. The first thing you’ll learn if you test a lot of shoes is that simply flexing them between your hands is no indicator of how comfortable the shoe will be to walk in. The second is that fit is more important than how stiff the sole is.

As with many premium saddles it also comes in two widths – 145mm and 160mm to match different sit bone measurements. Fizik says you spend more time in a seated position on an e-bike, which is true, so has included an ergonomic cut-out, to relieve pressure. There’s also a mud flap in the bottom of the channel to stop splatter, while also allowing water to drain away. Clever. You get two of Sidi’s Tecno 3 Push dials for retention, with the top one working in tandem with a strap across the instep. We don’t find Sidi’s dials quite as simple as the two-way micro-adjustment of the latest Boa dials, but they are still easy to use and hold firm over long rides. The downside of laces is that they have a habit of working loose over the course of a ride, especially if walking is involved, which is likely on more technical gravel rides.In practice, on rougher terrain an all-over lug pattern is best for stability. The question of whether or not to add studs is a personal one, though for us it’s not crucial unless we’re racing cyclocross, where the extra grip could make or break a race. Fit Synthetic uppers are common across the price spectrum. Often, synthetic uppers rely on perforation and mesh inserts for breathability. They don’t mould to the shape of your foot in the same way that leather does, but they don’t cost as much either, and fastening paired with other factors such as insole choice can practically circumvent this issue. Giro’s Sector is an undemanding shoe to wear, and its comfort from the off allows you to get on with the job of bother-free riding. David Caudery / Immediate Media With an almost air-like feel, the micro-adjustable Boa L6 Dial fastens the asymmetric opening with a non-restrictive closure, dialling your feet inline with the Fizik Cycling sole for the ultimate ride performance. Fitting an array of foot shapes, this ingenious securing system utilises a steel-coated lace through lightweight yet tough plastic guides for long-lasting strength and versatile comfort. Bridging the link between rider and bike, the Fizik X5 Terra MTB Shoes provide a durable construction suited to all-terrain rides. With protective materials and an adaptive fit, these shoes prove to be an excellent choice for the trail rider wanting a lightweight upgrade.