Cobra9 Semi Pro

Whilst the white and red finish looks fairly ‘bling’ the future release will most likely be in black/red to separate the Cobra9 Pro and Semi Pro variants.  I’m sure all the Cobra9 Pro users are breathing a sigh of relief.

Cobra9 Semi Pro

The final internal carbon fibre shell comes in at a very similar weight to the Pro device (few grams heavier) but has a different weave/glass structure that generates more flex.  This was a crucial design element to provide the comfort flex needed in a semi custom device without sacrificing the minimalist shape and having to turn to heavier thicker EVA foam like most off the shelf options.  The finished weight will still be around half that of most commonly used ‘off the shelfers’.

And to finish with something different.  One of our most ardent and emphatic Cobra9 Pro users recently requested some standards for work.  Whilst we at Cobra9 are focused on delivering the highest quality cycling devices possible, we couldn’t turn down an opportunity to have a bit of a play.  Seeing as though he liked the graphics of the Semi Pro we finished off his 2mm carbon dress-fit standards with the white Semi Pro covers.  Pretty sweet!

Bespoke bling

A big well done must also go out to Cobra9 cyclists who have been performing admirably lately.  Cobra9 sponsored rider Jay Bourke (Search2retain) for finishing 2nd on a very tough 3rd stage in the Tour of Tassie.  A classy ride by the hardworking Victorian.

Last Sunday also saw another huge ride from Cobra9 rider Tom Collier (Tineli racing) in the Ipswich open to solo to victory in Division 1. Locally, Scott Nolan from Cobra9 racing destroyed the field in the Longford to Campbelltown Classic.  Both guys are looking especially lean these days.

In other news, a hastily organised casting session in Brisbane has been scheduled due to significant demand.  I have one spot at 9:45am still available if anyone from the local region requires our Cobra9 Pro devices.  A casting session in Sydney is online for early November.  Click the link to the right of this page to access a casting session time.

In other news, the Cobra9 Semi Pro is in the final stages of testing and manufacture.  The artwork and cover design is almost completed.  Some photos of the new product will be available soon.

As per usual we field a large array of queries regarding our products.  We love hearing feedback and answering questions relating to what we do.  If you have any queries regarding the Cobra9 range, our service, sponsorship for elite riders or underlying technical specifics, send us and email and we will endeavour to response in a timely fashion.

I term it a challenge because it is eminently solvable.  The custom nature of the Cobra9 Pro enables us to shape a shell profile within the confines of any cycling shoe.  (A damn site easier than fitting to any device to women’s dress shoe).  The first process after the cast is taken is to ensure a perfect fit to the foot.  This includes allowances for individual variations often seen between high and low arched feet.  Once the contact surface has been established, the device can then be ‘shaped’ to fit different last shapes and more importantly, widths.  As a consequence, the finished product sits neatly (low bulk) in the shoe, and still provides an important contact area for pressure distribution.

The greater challenge for us at Cobra9 is to enable the same type of suitability of fit to the Cobra9 Semi Pro device.  Whilst we can guarantee the same low bulk lightweight design, adaptability poses a greater challenge.  To prevent orthotic/shoe conflict, we have chosen a thinner more flexible/pliable carbon fibre with a different weave to maintain strength but increased flex crucial to comfort and varying shoe fit.  This is not an issue with the fully customised Cobra9 Pro as its bespoke nature eliminates these issues.

The soon to be available Cobra9 Semi Pro will enable a large portion of cyclists to get the most from their cycling shoes without needing the full Cobra9 Pro experience.  Obviously many will still choose the more customised version, and many cyclists who have particularly unusual or asymmetrical feet will still need or insist on the top tier device.  Who can blame them!

One of the most frequent requests to our site pertains to the availability of an ‘off the shelf’ Cobra9 to rival the Esoles and Footpro/Formthotics that are out there.  Some of these products are often described at ‘custom’ which I feel is a little misleading.  Ultimately, unless the individuals foot profiles are used as a mould or scanned, then at best the orthotic solution should be described as semi – custom or modified prefabricated.  A discussion relating to the comparison of this level of orthotic customisation can be found in a previous post here.

At Cobra9 we have been working on our Cobra9 Semi Pro orthotic for some time.  We have looked into this option for those who would prefer a cheaper, less time invasive cycling orthotic with the cycling credentials relating to the Cobra9 brand.  This device will remain cycling specific, not for other ambulatory activities.  A quick glance at rivals off the shelf devices shows a remarkable likeness between their running, walking and cycling orthotics.  The Cobra9 will remain true to the crucial elements of cycling – minimal weight, bulk and flex.

The basis for this product takes a lot of the best bits from the Cobra9 (may soon be rebranded Cobra9 Pro) and integrates them into an off the shelf semi-customised device.  Based on some important anatomical measurements each rider can ascertain quite easily in their living room, we will be able to provide a medium flex carbon / eva combination Cobra9 to satisfy most regular riders.  The level of flex in the orthotic will be more supple to allow for some individual variances and to prevent shell irritation.  The weight will remain remarkably similar to a standard device (around 37 grams for a size 43)  and the bulk will also remain non existent.  The level of custom stiffness will not rival the Cobra9 Pro, but those riders wishing for that performance will always require the full personalised treatment.  Some unusual tricky feet will  fall outside the parameters of the Cobra9 Semi Pro and will as such require the full Cobra9 Pro.

We are reaching the final stages of testing currently so keep your eyes on the site for the release.  If you have any queries regarding this product – contact us.

A quick reminder that Sydney casting is fast approaching.  Get your names in if you wish to be cast on the 2nd of September.  All those on the list will be contacted shortly regarding arrangements.  A Brisbane casting session will be held soon.

As it eventuated, positioning in the last km was crucial and the Cobra9 train were right in the mix.  Unfortunatley we went wide on the ultimate corner and with that, any chance of a race win were over.  It was nice to finish a race without cramp for a change, and also nice to be in the mix.

Div 1 was taken in a monster performance by Tom Collier from Tinelli racing who soloed that last 50kms to win by around a minute.  All Tom’s time trialling skills obviously came to the fore there.  Tom is a recent convert to Cobra9 and has recently been going strong with both his speed play pedals and Cobra9 Custom Orthotics.

In other news, we now have a trained Cobra9 casting podiatrist in Newcastle.  Anyone wanting to be cast in the Hunter region should contact us or the Newcastle Foot & Ankle Clinic directly.

Undressed Cobra9

Thankfully for me, these duties involve Cobra9 casting and fabrication. It certainly helps the motivation to be immersed in the cycling industry working on devices for cyclists of all levels. The next sessions are confirmed for Brisbane and Melbourne. A casting session in Sydney is in the pipeline as well. All those on the waiting lists will be contacted shortly. Anyone keen to get in on the action, contact us.

We are still trying to organise a session in Perth and Adelaide when time and numbers allow. Anyone from those cycling meccas keen to have the Cobra9 treatment, let us know.

Casting Session Dates

Brisbane - Friday 22nd July (Morning)

Melbourne – Friday 12th August (Morning)

Contact us ASAP if you have yet to confirm your spot.  A few cast request enquiries have yet to provide confirmation.  It may be prudent to check your junk email in case the reply ended up being shelved in there.

Dates

Melbourne 18th June – Citadines Hotel Bourke St

Sydney 19th June – Marroitt Hotel College St

Don’t forget your shoes!

Next weekend, the 18th and 19th of June sees Cobra9 rip into Melbourne then Sydney.  Looking forward to some milder weather and casting some new ‘team’ members.  If you’re keen to get in on the action, let us know ASAP.

Winter Training in Queensland, Balmy

New Products update

We have been continuing to work on some new products within the Cobra9 stable.  The mountain bike specific Cobra9 is currently in testing (rigorously) and is performing well.  Some very muddy devices out there!  The 2nd tier Cobra9 semi-custom EVA device is also going through the process of production then hopefully onto testing later on this year.  Still some tinkering involved here but it looks like an exciting lower cost, less customised option.  Both of these products are being developed in our lab and are being tested on the road by a legion of loyal Cobra9 cyclists.  Bless their hearts!

Looking forward to the weekend and getting out on the road rather than the indoor trainer.  It’s a sea of arm and leg warmers around the coffee shop at the moment and there are plenty of missing faces now that the weather separates the wheat from the chaff.  I still love getting out there, seeing your breath in the frigid air whilst the rain drips off the cap all the while slowly climbing up and around my favourite hills.  Makes you forget work and immerse yourself in the spirit what cycling is all about.

Enjoy your weekend.

Winter is coming, and so is Cobra9!

It has been a little while coming (sorry Sydney) but we are back on the road for another Cobra9 Casting road trip.  I’m excited!  As an extra bonus to all those on our waiting lists, there will be two Cobra9 podiatrists attending.  Twice the expertise, and twice the coffee consumed.  So bring your shoes, shaved legs and all your questions.

Anyone who has yet to enquire, do so very soon so we can finalise our numbers.

Dates:

Melbourne – Saturday 18th June (Morning)

Sydney – Sunday 19th June (Morning)

Contact us here to book a time.

Melbourne – Tues 26th April – Fri 29th April by appointment.   Cobra9 member Chris is calling all those registered to give definite times very soon.  Contact us ASAP to be involved.

Brisbane – Mon 25th April (possible)  Tue 26th April (definite).  Spots available on both days.  Contact us to organise a time.

Gold Coast – Fri 29th April – Sun 1st May.  Nathan and Adam will be in town to enjoy some punishment in the Battle of the Border.  We will have team kit or Cobra9 T-shirts on so introduce yourself and have a chat about cycling and our product.  We will have casting kits with us and will be able to take a limited number of impressions.

Cobra9 out and about