Atlas Terra
Slikk Huisenga
The Fizik Terra Atlas represents an entry-level option in the growing best gravel bike shoes segment. While it blurs the line between cross-country and gravel use, they're not the cheapest option around and the overall performance is lacking in a number of areas. The sole is flexible, which may aid walking but certain other areas can't quite match the competition.
The Terra Atlas has a slightly wider last (the mechanical form used to create the shoes) than the brand's standard road shoes, which are generally regarded as narrow. In terms of dimensions, it sits between the standard and wide-fit models with a generous toe box, giving plenty of wiggle room, not to mention space for thicker socks during the colder months.
The shoe is available in a wide range of sizes ranging from EU36 to 47, while also catering for half sizes from 38.5 to 46.5. This generous spread allows for a more precise fit - especially if you find yourself between sizes.
Fizik has a size guide online and this proved to be accurate. Compared to other brands, I found them to be slightly longer, so I'd suggest potential buyers check out the size guide before pulling the trigger on a new pair.
This pair, in size 41, weighed in at 710g without cleats. Considering many options in this highly competitive category weigh upwards of 800g, the Fizik Terra Atlas are reasonably light for a cross-country/gravel shoe.
The Atlas features a single Boa dial, which is the basic L6 version complete with incremental adjustment for tightening - there is no reverse adjustment. To decrease, or remove the shoe, the Boa needs to be pulled upwards which releases the tension. A single Boa is not uncommon with entry-level shoes but there are many brands that offer more adjustment at the same or lesser price point.
The first thing I noticed with the fitment was a pronounced ridge that is on the outer edge within the mid-foot area. While not uncommon for Fizik, there is no noticeable arch support and the insole is very basic with little padding and no profiling.
The sole is fabricated from nylon and is rated at 5 on the Fizik stiffness index scale which goes up to 10. To put this in context, it translates to a lot of flex and is particularly noticeable within the forefoot area. This may be of use in hike-a-bike scenarios but, for a shoe that will almost certainly be used with a dedicated clipless pedal, the lack stiffness is apparent and, in some instances, can make things very uncomfortable.
The heel area has several silicone gripper spots that aim to hold the heel in place, but they are nowhere near as effective as Shimano's cat-tongue-like fabric heel area. The Boa dials and area that fastens everything in place are positioned quite forward on the shoe, which at times, gives the sensation that your foot is slipping out.This is especially noticeable when pedalling out of the saddle and climbing steeper terrain. I simply found I was not able to pull upwards for tougher climbs or outwards through the shoe to maximise cornering speed.
Some areas of the fit may be personal but I found I needed to run the Boa quite loose while riding to ease discomfort on the ridged area towards the outside of the foot - something that might be exacerbated should you require third-party insoles or orthotics.
If sole stiffness is not a priority, the dhb Troika are 70. There are multiple options around the same price, including the Bont Riot+ MTB which are among my favourites and have a similar wide fit, but they are significantly stiffer which won't suit all. The Shimano XC7 and Gaerne Hurricane are both within 10 with Rachael and Jim rating them highly.
Shoe fit is very personal and what might be perfect for one rider is simply uncomfortable for another. Even with that being said, the Fizik Terra Atlas have elements that don't match the price. Stiffness is poor and, while some flex can aid in hike-a-bike situations, other areas such as the basic and low-positioned Boa dial and retention, not to mention lack of heel support ultimately impacts the overall impression in a negative way.
Matt is an endurance nut who loves big rides and big events. Former full time racer and 24hr event specialist but now happy riding off-road on gravel bikes or XC mountain bikes and exploring the mountains and hills of Mid Wales.
The Miller Atlas is a set of hand-drawn maps made in Portugal around 1519 and currently kept at the National Library (Bibliothque Nationale) in France. An inscription on the back of one of the maps says it was made by the cosmographer Lopo Homem, on the order of King Manuel I of Portugal. However, it is believed that the cartographers Pedro Reinel and his son Jorge Reinel, as well as the illustrator Antonio de Holanda, also had a hand in creating the atlas.
The world map that opens the Miller Atlas reflects a view of the world as an enormous and continuous continental landmass that encircles the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, making a western route to the Indies impossible. It is suggested that, in the run-up to Magellan's departure, this error and the reduced size of Africa could have been a propaganda tool, designed to discourage King Charles I of Spain in his plans to sail to the Maluku (formerly the Moluccas or Spice) Islands.
As possibly the most versatile shoe in our entire range, the new Atlas is designed to efficiently spin pedals off-road, equally capable of handling fast and fun downcountry laps, epic all-mountain rides, long-distance backcountry adventures and drop bar gravel grinding.
Atlas marks the latest addition to our Terra line-up and is the result of countless refinements based on thousands of miles of feedback from riders taking on every possible type of terrain and condition-from survivors of the toughest ultra bikepacking races to those enjoying local trails.
Long-wearing comfort with a more generous fit than before, Atlas is well-ventilated without sacrificing protection thanks to a TPU overlay that reinforces the toecap. Easily adjusted with a practical, single-BOA closure to dial in your fit and go wherever the day may lead.
Now more versatile than ever before, weve redesigned our X5 outsole for better grip and more traction. Equipped with generous studs and a rubber coating that covers the entire surface, including the mid-foot, the X5 outsole provides sure footing when steep, rough tracks require you to hike your bike.
However, pushing pedals and punishing miles of off-road riding is what these shoes were truly made for-thats why the hidden nylon foot plate is there to deliver balanced stiffness for pedalling efficiency, and the low-cut uppers allow for smooth, rub-free ankle movement throughout every pedal stroke.
The former Childs Restaurant in Coney Island was featured on the website Atlas Obscura that discusses the legacy of the landmarked building and its relevance for travelers today. In 2016, Boston Valley Terra Cotta worked with Kaese Architecture on the restoration of Seaside Park and Community Arts Center / Ford Amphitheater.
In order to bring the historic building back to its original state, Boston Valley uses digital scanning and 3-d modeling during the Pre-Design phase to facilitate accurate duplication of the original masonry. Through the course of the manufacturing process, 32 different custom glazes were developed to match the original surface treatment of the 1923 building. Though the scope of the glazing was extensive, the Boston Valley Glaze Lab worked with glaze artist, Christine Jetten, to bring the depth and vibrant colors to the glazed masonry units.
A team of top architects and artists worked on the building, which was built in the resort style that was common for seaside architecture at the time, but with a strong Spanish colonial revival influence. The building was large and included three floors and a rooftop lounge. What was even more marvelous was the detailed terra cotta artwork that decorated the exterior. Colorful depictions of aquatic creatures as well as ships and the sea god Poseidon populate the outside of the building.
In Latin, terra incognita means "unknown land," but this song, the first single from Parallax, the new album from Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox's Atlas Sound project, is familiar territory. It's based around a repeating acoustic guitar figure and then blossoms into something more spacious and astral, which brings to mind "Attic Lights", from 2009's prismatic Logos. And like many Atlas Sound (and Deerhunter) songs, too, the first word sung in this one is "I", reinforcing the project's typical inward focus. But this one is far from Logos' dusty, homespun intimacy; "Terra Incognita" sounds roomy and widescreen, the improved production making room for a disorienting, wobbly bassline that runs through the six-minute stunner's first half. There's more space, but Cox has no one to share it with: "I know a place called 'love'/ No one bothered me there/ No, I was all alone." Then the floor drops out, letting "ba"s roam free into the night sky and producing an aural effect that recalls a line uttered earlier in the song: "Celestial crops/ Carry me home."
Designed to take on a variety of off-road terrain, the Terra Atlas handles everything from fast down-country laps and epic all-mountain rides to back-country adventures, overnight bikepacking trips and cross-continent endurance races.
Born from rider feedback and based on the ultra-popular, prize-winning Terra X5, fizik has balanced comfort and performance in this new addition to the line-up. Coupling a redesigned outsole with a more generous overall fit, it features a single micro-adjustable Boa closure, whilst a hidden nylon footplate ensures efficient pedalling. The rubber-coated outsole with deep-set lugs and removable toe studs also provides solid grip when hiking with a fully loaded bike, or chilling with a post-ride brew.
The Green Link has now evolved and expanded into a new project: Life Terra. Its goal is to continue the work of The Green Link, and plant an incredible 500 million trees across Europe over five years, some of which will use the Cocoon. An online platform will allow people from any walk of life to plant trees and monitor their growth and survival. And landowners will also be able to offer land for planting, to give more trees more space to grow.
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