In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Quoc has developed the Grand Tourer XC for off-road adventures, whether on gravel or mountain bikes.
The Quoc Grand Tourer
- Sizes: 38 - 47
- Weight: 662 grams (size 39.5, with cleats)
- Price: 279 Euro >> available here
Quoc Grand Tourer XC endurance test
For the test, we were provided with a pair of Quoc Grand Tourer XC in size 43 and a pair in size 39.5. During the test, we covered kilometres on mountain bikes and gravel bikes.
Fit and wearing comfort
The Grand Tourer XC encloses the midfoot well and offers sufficient support. The upper material is firm enough so that the thin lacing of the twist fasteners does not press uncomfortably on the instep. Speaking of the instep: the wide tongue should provide enough material so that the shoe will also fit feet with a high instep. And while we're on the subject of the tongue, in our test it stayed where it belonged and didn't slip uncomfortably. The gravel shoe comes with three arch inserts for a customised feel. This allows the Grand Tourer XC to be customised to your own foot. We recommend the shoe for normal feet. For very narrow feet, the upper material wrinkles slightly at the base of the lacing. In the forefoot area, the fit is comparable to the Specialised Recon ADV. One of our testers complained that the shoe pinched the outside of the ankle. The others felt nothing of the sort. This shows once again how different we are and that a shoe that fits one person well is not necessarily good for another.
Lacing system
The Quoc Grand Tourer is opened and closed with a double twist fastener. This ensures a good hold in the shoe without unpleasant pressure on the instep.
Sole
The carbon sole allows good power transmission and, thanks to the TPU coating, provides grip when the bike needs to be pushed. Spikes, also made of TPU, provide support. However, they quickly show the strain. You also notice the stiff and unyielding sole when walking and pushing. If you plan to do a lot of hike-a-bike sections, you might be happier with other, less stiff shoes.
Test conclusion
Robust shoe that not only looks good. The scope of delivery is relatively extensive with two different cleat lengths, a transport bag and arch inserts. The shoe is designed for long-distance races where the terrain can also be technically demanding. The stiff sole transfers power well to the pedals. Although the high level of stiffness can be a hindrance in pushing sections, the tread and TPU coating offer plenty of grip for travelling safely even on rough terrain.
Advantages
- Coated carbon sole protects carbon and provides grip
- Customisable insole
- Reflective elements
- Abrasion-resistant upper material
Disadvantages
- Small size range
- Can press on the ankle
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
