Shimano

This new shoe has a larger toe box with stiffer rubber to protect your toes. The older version was lacking in that area dramatically. It also offers a velcro strap/boa closing system. This if far superior to the older shoes by a mile. The sole is stiffer and allows for more padding which is also welcome. Overall a much improved mountain shoe for all riders. I would have preferred some ankle protection on the crank side but didn't get that.

I used this to replace an XTR bottom bracket in an older Cannondale that was once the pinnacle of the bike world, but now, like it's owner, is happy to just plonk along on the trails and take it easy. This new 105 bottom bracket is silky smooth and strong, but it does not have that teflon-coated zero resistance feel of the old XTR bracket before it wore out. While I don't expect it to be as good as the XTR or Dura-Ace versions, it is not much of a cost savings to use the 105 version. But if you can't find those higher grade options, the 105 is plenty good enough.

I've been using these for about a month. I pretty much bought these for the Butterfly colorway. The fit is true for me - I wear a size 43 and it feels great with thicker wool socks. Comfort is good overall. I get numbing on the outside of my feet/little toes on longer rides so I'll be swapping the insoles out soon. The Boa system is great for micro adjustments and the upper feel around my ankles is fantastic. I've done some hike-a-bike and even with the stiffer soles, walking in them was fine. I got these on discount for $195 and think their worth it at that price.

I have been a fan of Shimano shoes for decades for both road and off road. While the 903s are indeed the "Mac Daddy' of cycling shoes, for less than half the price these are about 90 percent there. The fit is nearly identical, and the weight is only a few grams heavier. My only gripe is that they could be ventilated a bit better. While the outer skin is perforated, the holes don't all penetrate all the way through. Still a great shoe for the money, especially if you catch them on sale.