BEHIND THE BRAND
BLOWN AWAY BY BOA
INSIDE BOA FIT SYSTEMS LABORATORY AND HQ
We recently had the opportunity to travel to Denver, Colorado and visit BOA Fit Systems headquarters for a behind-the-scenes look at their testing facility and laboratory. We also got to learn about all the studies conducted, how their technology can improve performance by 10% while also offering a more comfortable and repeatable fit. We admit, before heading to BOA’s HQ, we just thought the product made it faster to get in and out of shoes. What we learned and saw in terms of performance enhancements, studies conducted, and the depth of their knowledge blew us all away. As riders, we’re willing to spend some serious money to get a 10% improvement in performance, yet with BOA-equipped shoes, we were able to watch gains in real-time in their performance lab with some impressive data acquisition technologies.
Come along as we check out BOA Fit Systems and be sure to stay tuned for some cool new shoes coming soon.
BOA’s Performance Fit Lab boasts a more sophisticated image capturing system than most Hollywood studios. They’re able to watch the body, skeleton and joints move and track pressure through special insoles. In the lab they measure reaction time, speed, efficiency, power and lots more. We can’t share much from in this space, but trust that it was mind-blowing.
Testing in the lab and in the field are extremely important to BOA. We were surprised to learn that their warranty rate is under 1% and most failures come from people accidentally cutting their laces while removing the tags from their new shoes.
First Ride in Ride Concepts’ new Tallac Mid Clip
Of course, checking out all the tech and testing that goes into the shoes is cool and all, but, the whole reason we’re in this game is because we love riding bikes! So, it only made sense that we take a field trip to lay some first tracks at a new bike park – trail network that wasn’t too far away. The crew loaded up and we drove to Idaho Springs to ride the trails at Virginia Canyon Mountain Park. It was a chance to see the new Ride Concepts Tallac Mid Clip shoes, which feature BOA’s new PerformFit Wrap technology.
PerformFit Wrap is BOA Fit Systems’ latest development in improving comfort, performance and a precise fit. The wrap allows for the shoe to pull across the top of the foot and “Lock” the heel into the back of the shoe. It also allows for the shoe to be snugged down tighter without hot spots or pressure as each “wing” or tab of the wrap can flex and conform with the wearer’s foot better.
The trails at Virginia Canyon were still under construction, but we did get the opportunity to ride a couple of the trails that had been finished, and all we can say is, we’re excited to go back and ride there more!
LEAVE A COMMENT, WIN FREE SWAG!
Want to win some free schwag? Leave a comment and vote up the most thoughtful comments and each month we’ll pick a winner. The person with the smartest and most helpful replies will earn some sweet new gear. Join the Pack and get the latest news and read the latest reviews on the top mountain and electric mountain bikes.