Ride Concepts, based out of Reno, Nevada, launched in 2018 with the goal of meeting the footwear needs of aggressive riders. The Flume Clip is Ride Concepts women’s-specific, high-performing clip-in mountain bike shoe. I tested the traditional lace-up version but Ride Concepts offers a BOA Fit System option as well. Welded rather than stitched, the Cordura upper provides durability with the breathability of mesh. The outsole is made with Ride Concepts’ MAX GRIP rubber, their softest, grippiest compound. The shoe features deep lugs and a reverse hex pattern along the toe and heel. Additional toe and heel protection are built into the upper. The EVA midsole is supportive, and the heel’s pull tab aids with shoe entry.
The Flume Clip comes in black, sizes 35 to 41.5 (4 half sizes are available). Retail is $180 for the Flume Clip lace-up version and $210 for the Flume Clip BOA.
For those that prefer a flat pedal, Ride Concepts offers the Flume Flat in lace-up ($160 retail, Black/Tahoe Blue) as well as Flume BOA ($190 retail, Black/Tahoe Blue, and Rose).
Impressions
Having spent many years racing in stiff-soled mountain and road bike shoes, I have found it difficult to transition to shoes designed for the occasional hike-a-bike. I’m accustomed to the very efficient transfer of power from the shoe to the pedal and into the bike that carbon-soled shoes provide. A softer sole seems unable to send the pedal power to the bike without some loss in energy. But, now that I avoid race courses at all costs and spend my time riding fun and challenging technical terrain, I’ve been on the hunt for a shoe that can withstand the rigors of time spent off the bike while still giving me that strong power transfer. The Flume meets my needs with its efficient power transferring sole as well as its ability to provide a solid grip on rugged terrain when off the bike.
The deep lugs and reverse hex pattern provide a secure grip on rubbly, ball-bearing terrain, but the shoe shank is stiff enough that I felt no slop in my pedal stroke. I live in Fruita, Colorado, and I tested the shoes in the Grand Junction Lunch Loops area, the North Fruita Desert Recreation Area (aka 18 Road), and the Kokopelli trail system. I use Time pedals and found no issue in transitioning to these new shoes–clipping in and out felt seamless.
Ride Concepts reports that they are using impact-absorbing materials (D30) in their insoles intended to reduce trail impact to the foot and lessen foot fatigue. I did find that sharp rocks seemed less penetrating to my feet, yet I still had a kinetic sense of the terrain needed for solid foot placement. My rides were around the 2-hour range, but I can imagine a full day on the bike may not leave my feet angry and sore (my legs will have to keep quiet). I weighed one of the shoes since they felt heavy to me, and it came in at just under 17 ounces while my previous shoe weighed just under 15 ounces; so honestly not a huge difference in weight, but I think the durability of the Flume makes that extra weight totally worth it. No more replacing shoes every two years.
The Flume fit true to size. I wear a women’s size 10 or 41 to 42. These shoes are marked 41.5. There are likely women with feet bigger than mine who will have to move to the men’s version in order to get the right fit. Having not tried on the men’s version, I can’t speak to the fit of that shoe for a woman, but the Flume I tested hugged my heel appropriately for a no-slip experience but still afforded my toes ample room to breathe.
Initially, getting in and out of the shoes felt awkward and time-consuming. I’ve grown accustomed to the BOA system and, before that, a ratchet/velcro shoe, but I’ll confess that at first, those systems felt foreign too. After a few rides, shoe entry seemed more intuitive, and managing the traditional laces felt natural. The velcro tab protects the laces, so they don’t catch on rocks or inconveniently loosen. For my foot size, the velcro tab seemed too long at first, but now I can see that it lays flat and out of the way. Should it prove to be an issue catching on rocks, I may have to trim it.
The tongue is nicely centered and secured along the base and sides of the shoe, so it doesn’t move around or allow extra dust to enter. And I live in a dusty place.
Bottom Line
The Flume is specifically designed for women, but Ride Concepts didn’t just pink it and shrink it. Tough enough for gnarly terrain, beefy enough to last more than a few seasons, fitted enough for the more narrow heel of a woman, the Flume stands up to challenging terrain and rugged environments. The shoe is able to transfer power efficiently, protect your feet from sharp rocks, and feel comfortable and grippy, pushing your bike through unrideable terrain. Although the Flume is a bit heavier than some shoes, that weight won’t transfer to tired feet. With a roomy toe box and thick sole, your feet should stay happy.
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