23rd February 2013
Just had an amazing time mountain biking in Rotorua. Friday saw a group of friends hire the shuttle for the day for 7 hours of top to bottom exhilirating fun. Its not the first time 16 mates have done this and each time its always the same. Thank you, the beautiful Redwood Forest... Thank you Southstar Shuttles...Thanks Rotorua you are a World Class Mountain Biking Facility for all New Zealanders.
21st February 2013
We have just reviewed the new Asics 2000. Take a read!
The GT 2000 series has been a world leader for many years and is the bench mark for other global brands to compare against. It has transcended generations similar to the Nike Pegasus which began in 1983, for its consistency and reliability. Runners and shoe retailers have felt secure knowing the new models will have minimal changes and therefore perform just as well as their previous models. For more than a decade, Asics have achieved this through subtle changes to reduce weight,whilst maintaining its renowned support and ride (feel from heel to toe).
The 2013 release is a major evolutionary change and has some of the boldest changes in the GT-2000’s history. The Asics Research and Development team will not make changes lightly to a shoe that has been a world beater for many years. For this reason a few of the key changes have been tested in the Kayano 18 and 19 with great success before being tooled into the GT-2000.The key improvements from its predecessor (GT-2170) are significant improvements in ride and comfort whilst only having a small change in weight.
One of the biggest changes is the return in name to the GT-2000. It was last used in 1995 and Asics have decided to rename the shoe for simplicity with future versions being called V2, V3 etc. The second biggest change has been in the midsole tooling and Trussic system that enhances the comfort and ride. One millimetre has been stripped off the shoe to give it a 21mm-11mm platform (heel-toe heights) from the previous models 22m-12mm. This maintains an unchanged 10mm pitch angle but reduces weight and improves efficiency through more flexibility because there is less foam to resist the deep flexors and calves during propulsion. The Guidance Line remains from the GT-2170 and the Space Trussic has been replaced with a NEW lighter Guidance Trussic that was used in the Kayano 18. Guidance line is a groove running from heel to toe providing less surface tension, making it easier to plantarflex the foot and reach propulsion quicker. This assists in moving the foot from midstance to propulsion, unloading muscles and improving gait efficiency. The new Guidance Trussic links into the Guidance Line and with the lower forefoot platform this improves forefoot flex creating a better runner experience that’s noticeable at propulsion. These are great new additions to get the runner out of pronation and off the ground faster.
Comfort and Support has been enhanced with the Dynamic Duomax that was introduced to Kayano in 2011. Solyte Dynamic Duomax is a duel layered system using ASICS best cushioning materials. A firmer layer for support and a soft top layer from heel to toe gives the shoe a plush feel underfoot that was missing in previous models. The softer layer does not intrude on flexion in the forefoot to maintain the ride from heel to toe. This is an excellent method of reducing weight whilst significantly improving comfort and ride. The new upper configuration has less stitching for an improved fit. The upper hugs the midfoot giving the runner important sensory feedback whilst there is ample space to accommodate most foot widths. Combined with PHF (Personal Heel Fit) the fit of the new GT-2000 from heel to toe has never been better.
The GT-2000 is noticeably different to its predecessors. Asics have achieved major advances in transition from heel to toe (ride) and comfort with only a 15gram loss in weight. Quite remarkable when other brands are stripping much more off there midsole heights to achieve a similar feel. It is a testament in good design that small changes when applied in the right areas can have profound effects on function. The new GT-2000 has achieved this for 2013 with the sensibility to use features of the Kayano range and introduce them to the iconic 2000 series. Previous 2000 wearers may find the lighter more softer ride an adjustment but after a few runs will adapt and wonder why these changes had not been introduced sooner. GT-2000 has made it easier to unload muscles by moving from midstance to propulsion with less muscle expenditure. The net effect is a lighter, more comfortable shoe that helps prevent injury.The 15gram reduction in weight feels like its 40grams with the improved upper, midsole tooling and Trussic system. The GT-2000 sits in the moderate stability level designed to support the foot and leg as the runner fatigues especially during endurance events when the strain on muscles, tendons and bone is the greatest. Runners who spend greater time in midstance overpronation, with greater knee flexion and a slow resupination or “too many toes signs” at propulsion will function well in the GT-2000. When Asics mentioned the 2000 was changing, it was with skepticism on how they could improve a shoe so many runners enjoyed but it has outperformed all expectations. Past 2000 series runners will transition to the new generation GT-2000 with confidence.
