TCX X-Desert: these boots were made for ridin’….
Rugged good looks and a high spec…They talk the talk but can they walk the walk?
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Dave has been looking forward to the arrival of his new TCX boots like he looks forward to a really good pie…. with keen appetite and a certain amount of drooling anticipation. Two weeks ago they arrived, smelling leathery fresh fresh from the factory in Italy, and they didn’t disappoint. Nestling in a box wrapped in tissue, they looked like quality from the off. The X-Desert is top of the TCX range for touring boots and comes packed with features, not least of which is a genuine Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane. But we’ve seen impressive spec sheets before and products don’t always live up to the hype. So, as with everything we test, we start with an open mind and base our conclusions on actual performance in the field; not only our experiences, but also feedback from numerous bike forums. That way we hope to get an accurate and unbiased picture that should help others make informed buying decisions. |
Design
We could start by telling you that the boot is a full length boot with an upper in full grain leather. We could add that it has a guaranteed-for-life Gore Tex liner that runs almost to the top of the boot and that it has a range of PU armour to protect your shin, ankle and foot. Closure is via three tasty-looking alloy cam buckles with a Velcro top tab. The enduro sole is reinforced and is replaceable, the inner leg is heat shielded and the top has an elasticated gusset that allows a snug and comfy fit to the leg. The X-Desert is top of the TCX tour range and costs around £260 in the UK.
Who is it for?
However, those are just features. The real story behind the design is that X-Desert is a tough all-season adventure-touring boot that can also be worn off-road and well as on. As such it’s aimed to provide a level of protection somewhere between the TCX Infinity and a full off road boot like the Pro 2.1. Since there’s always a trade off between protection and flexibility, it comes as no surprise to find that the X-Desert is a bit stiffer than the Infinity, but more flexible than the full off-road boot.
So, the X-Desert is really aimed at the rider who tours and might spend some time in non-extreme off-road situations. But equally it suits someone who just wants a general touring boot with a very high level of protection. It’s not as easy to walk around in as the Infinity, but since that’s as comfy as a pair of old slippers, its not much of a condemnation. Once worn in, the X-Desert will be fine for most completely road-based touring and urban riders as well as those who like a bit of light weekend off-road fun. First Impressions
First impressions are good – the boot reeks of quality. If you want to treat yourself to the best then you won’t be disappointed in opening the box.
The X Desert has a macho, ‘technical’ look, with the rugged engineering and hard core protection very much on show, from chunky aluminium cam buckles to PU shin plate and super-reinforced heel. 
Slipping into them is easy as the boot leg to opens up along most of its length; no need to bother with a sticky zip, just pop the buckles and in you go. Once in though things get snug very quickly; set the adjuster length to a close fit and, when you pop the buckles shut, the cams pull the material in to fit you perfectly. Set and forget – its like having boots with memory.
Fit is slightly on the small side, so if you’re, say, size 9 (Euro 43/44) you’ll need a 10.0 ( Euro 45) and so on. However its worth saying that the boots will still feel a little tight and stiff to begin with, but they wear in fast – a couple of days use transforms them, especially if you walk in them. Road Test
Pic: Wikipedia
Dave wore the boots for two days of general road riding, about town and on some rural B road trips. Despite continual rain they remained dry. Initial stiffness eased after day one, but the remaining rigidity gave a pleasant feeling of security.
It wasn’t a problem in operating the rear brake, as plenty of feel remains. However, the X-Desert is fairly tall in section at the toe, so gear changes needed more effort than with the thinner and more flexible Infinity. Some guys on the forums indicated that they have had to adjust the gear lever upwards or the left foot pedal downwards to compensate. |
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