Shimano has long dominated the bicycle component marketplace and has increasingly gained prominence in areas other than brakes and shifters. The banner example is their fantastic shoes, and their SH-R131 is a fine example of what happens when Shimano converges their technology with a pursuit for maximum bang-for-the-buck. The SH-R131 is easily the most advanced sub-$200 road shoe in the marketplace. No other shoe is even remotely close.

Just like its more expensive siblings this shoe features a carbon composite sole for peak power transfer, two Velcro straps and a micro-adjust buckle. The key to the SH-R131 is its carbon sole: It makes the shoe substantially lighter than other sub-$200 shoes, and its molded in air vents cool your feet and eliminate hot spots on hot summer rides. You also get a molded heel cup to help stabilize your foot as you power up your local berg as well as anti skid pads front and rear so you can walk around at the coffee shop once the riding's done.

The R131 is made in sizes 36-50 and is compatible with SPD-SL and Look bolt patterns which means that your Speedplay cleats will bolt on just fine. Weight is 600g in size 40.