Firstly I was very impressed with the depth and underlying biomechanical content of the piece. Tom Barry obviously knows a lot about  feet and cycling biomechanics.  I get the impression that his level of understanding on this issue would shade many podiatrists working in Australia.  The basis for this I would assume relates to his love and dedication to cycling and bike fitting.  This is important, as anyone can issue you with a cycling orthotic, but not everyone has the same level of applicable biomechanical aptitude and cycling specific knowledge.

If I had to choose someone to fit me with cycling orthotics, the first thing I’d like to see is some shaved legs.  Well, maybe not to that extent, but someone who holds cycling dear to their heart.  This is not for any irrational cycling love factor but because there is a lot to know and understand about the role your feet play when cycling.  When you want the right product, you go to the people who understand the domain and are able to pass on that knowledge and experience to you.

Secondly, you want someone who understands cycling specific orthotic fit and the relevant anatomy and biomechanics.  This is not specific to the cycling industry.  Working in the podiatry field for many years has clearly revealed that each clinician has a focus of expertise.  It is simply not possible to be an expert on everything.  We at Cobra9 make cycling orthotics.  We also practise some general podiatry and focus largely on biomechanics but we spend much our time developing and making cycling orthotics.  MOST podiatrists do not know a lot about cycling.  I would hazard a guess that most osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors also have a limited understanding of cycling and it’s pedal demands. If you want a good result, go somewhere where they deal with this field regularly.

As a relevant side note, I have been asked many times to make other types of orthotics over the years, especially skiing devices when I worked in New Zealand.  In each instance I have always steered clients to professionals who specialise in that field.  My ski boots were fitted by a sensational technician in Darfield, New Zealand and I have never had cause to complain.

Our journey in this field at Cobra9 has spanned many years and the current product is the result of a number of iterations. It takes time, experience and most importantly, an open mind to new research and developments in technology to make a cycling orthotic to a high standard. Going for a ride with your customers to discuss and incorporate feedback is the other important component of product development.

This brings me to Solestar.  I kind of like this product.  When Solestar first appeared on the radar I was interested in the ‘custom’ nature of the product.  Once the product became available, it became clear that it lay more in the highly customised end of the semi custom orthotics.  Not a full custom device but from what I have seen so far, probably the best mass produced cycling orthotic available (   Semi Pro available soon  ).  I think from this point of view it takes the mantle from ESoles.  I also like it’s cycling specific nature as opposed to the other devices including Esoles that all look very similar to their running/walking counterparts.

The key to the success of the device lies in the capability of the technician who performs the fit. Based on the evidence I have seen in mass franchise clinics in capital cities, your Solestar devices may be fitted by an authorised dealer without a great understanding of cycling.

We at Cobra9 are about to release our cycling specific Semi Pro device.  In 2012 we will be rolling out these devices and ‘training’ clinicians in prescribing this device and casting of our Cobra9 pro devices.  These clinicians will include podiatrists, physiotherapists and bike fitters.  The main reason why this has not occurred up until now has been our desire to keep our casting/impression process and subsequent products at the highest standard.  We are committed to only using technicians who hold the same level of commitment to our product as we do.  We will also continue to study cycling biomechanics, seek out new technology in the footwear and orthotic arena and ride as much as our wives and bodies can tolerate (in that order!)

Send any other queries and we will attempt to answer promptly.

Cobra9 is cycling

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

New Cobra9 with new covers and graphics

All new orders will receive the updated version. A special deal for all existing cobra9 users will be announced in the new year.

Another week, more cobra9 podiums. This time it was all round strong man Adam taking second place in b grade at Ipswich. A strong final lap leading out paid off when he nearly took the win.

Ipswich Synergy park crits

Any cobra9 rider competing in road or mountain bike races who contacts us with their results will go into a draw to win a cobra9 jersey. Send them in!!

The carbon shell now sits neatly between the Eva foam reducing carbon wear and potential shell/shoe interface issues.

Of course we had to allow a window to show off the internal carbon shell.

Contact us if you want more information on the new cobra9 Pro.

A full tech update will follow shortly.

The top cover design of the Semi Pro is nearing completion.  The funky white remains on top with the red eva base enclosing the carbon fibre shell.  Another feature for those purchasing from the web site will be the ability to purchase different sizes and arch heights for differently shaped feet.

Cobra9 Semi Pro Sneak Peek

Some more race results from Cobra9 members have been rolling in.  Jay Bourke (Search2Retain) managed an impressive top 20 in the Melbourne – Warrnambool.   Must be time for a rest now Jay.

Brisbane Cobra9 rider Allan Uhlmann managed an impressive 2nd in the Oceania Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships.  A very strong effort on an undulating course.

In a more low key race, I managed to finally get over the line 1st with some serious lead out help from Cobra9 rider Adam to take out the B grade Synergy criterion on the weekend.  Felt strange to be across the line in front for the first time in over a year.  Never get tired of that rush though.

Enjoy the weekend rides..

How not to rest your hands for a podium photo

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.

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.

Reduced Heel/Toe step (with the expected cobra9 stiffness)

After discussion with some riders, we started to develop a different device aimed at increased rearfoot and forefoot cushioning, greater foam memory combined with the reknown cobra9 customised carbon stiffness.  The end device still has to be incredibly hard wearing due to frequent water immersion and occasional loose impediments in the shoes.

Increased cushioning and memory

The outcome results in a slight weight gain at this stage (a few grams) however this is practically insignificant with respect to the average weight of your mountain bike shoe.  The shell tapering drops to close to 0 degrees due to the lack of heel-toe step in the mountain bike shoe (look at you mtb shoe compared to your road shoe from side on). This enables a stable shell surface to rest against the shoe.  This small change makes a large difference in terms shell/shoe stability which is important for power distribution.  The mountain bike specific top cover remains dual density eva foam but bumps up on memory and cushioning.

The testing phase is ongoing and we hope to release the MTB Cobra9 in a few months.  We would expect that some MTB riders will remain in their comfortable road cobra9′s.  Can’t blame them if its working.

Cobra9 Bibs

The design gurus at Cobra9 are at it again, this time improving the look and feel of the Cobra9 team bibs.  With the help of Champion System’s new stitch and chamois design and a healthy dose artistic flare, the new patterning looks and feels fantastic.

Luckily I was able to give it a work out in the annual Longford to Campbelltown Classic.  Even a broken spoke 30kms from the finish couldn’t dampen my spirits on a beautiful day (it helps to be oblivious to the noise of your own bike!).  The plusher chamois was an obvious improvement, as was better fabric stretch with the new stitch design.  You can grab a pair from the online store or order a pair when getting fitted for your Cobra9′s.  Riding never looked so bling!

Send us your photos looking styled in Cobra9 and we’ll post it.  We might even be tempted to send some free socks for your troubles.

Cobra9 Hard Man Jimmy came along for the smashfest