Road bike shoes with Boa fasteners: Which Boa fasteners are available and how does the service work?

Function: The Boa fastener is a twist lock system that allows precise adjustment of the racing shoe to the foot. The fastener consists of a rotary knob that is connected to a thin, coated steel cable that runs through eyelets on the shoe. By turning the knob, the cable is pulled tighter or looser, depending on whether you want to tighten or loosen the shoe.

Various designs, friendly service

Four different versions with different designs and functions are used for road and gravel shoes. The two top fasteners are called "Li2" and "IP1". Both fasteners allow the latching width adjustment in both directions, so that the fasteners can be easily fine-tuned while riding. The steel cable is completely released by pulling up on the fastener head, which makes it easier to remove the boot.

The basic "L6" and "S3" fasteners only offer limited width adjustment. With the former, you can open the fastener completely, but you cannot adjust it step by step on the move. The latter, on the other hand, offers this option, but takes longer to open as it cannot be released with a single pull on the rotary knob.

In general, the Boa fastener impresses with its ease of use and robust design, which works reliably even on dirty roads in autumn and winter. If the fasteners do break, Boa offers suitable repair kits that can be used to completely replace the fasteners. And because the manufacturer is convinced of its fasteners and their longevity, it offers free replacement parts if a twist lock does break. To do this, a form must be filled out on their website boafit.com under Support and a photo of the defective fastener uploaded. Fellow cyclists report that Boa employees are very accommodating when asked nicely and also replace fasteners that have been broken in a fall.

If you are planning a long tour in remote regions, you can buy a repair kit from 9 euros as a precaution. This will ensure that even a Boa twist lock that has been demolished by a fall or similar does not mean that the tour with the shoe is now over.

Each repair kit comes with detailed illustrated instructions, including small tools such as a screwdriver or lever to open the respective fastener. As additional tools, we recommend a side cutter for shortening the steel cable and a Pointed pliers for knotting the ends