Strengths: Following my knee operation earlier this year, I decided to have my gait analysed again before running again. I had always worn "stability" shoes (i.e. Asics 2000 series), and on this occasion was "prescribed" a pair of Asics 1120s. Having worn them on three runs, my knee and shins were in pain so I took them back and we looked at other options. I tested the Asics Gel Cumulus 9 on a treadmill and they we decided they looked a good bet despite being "neutral" trainers. I am very pleased I bought these and I can now run quite freely in these without any pain in my knees or shins now. There is a high level of cushioning so it is akin to running on air or more realistically, a comfortable pair of slippers, whilst still providing a reasonable level of support.
I am really pleased to have made the switch.
Weaknesses: They are very open at the front so expect to get wet feet...
Overall: A really good pair of neutral shoes, offering high levels of cushioning and sufficient support.
Overall: The shoes fit well - they are comfortable without feeling like there is a lot of spare room in them, the materials feel and look better than my last pair of Asics 2100s - the sole in particular is hardly showing any wear at all after 100 miles. A minor point but the laces are good and are just the right length.
They offer good support and my knee pain has diminished significantly since wearing them.
The only downside is the price tag - I am waiting until the price drops to buy a second pair!
Finally, this is my first time wearing non-Asics trainers in 5 years and am happy I have made the break. The Trance 5 is a decent alternative to the Asics 2110s or Kayano.
Strengths: The 201 allows you to measure how far you have run to about 97%/98% accuracy - this should be more than enough for everyone bar the most pernickety runners.
I am very impressed by the accuracy of the 201 - I ran the Maidstone Half Marathon in October 2005 with it and recorded a distance of 13.21 miles (just a fraction over the 13.10 miles course).
I also like the PC connectivity which allows you to build a log of times/distances and even provides altitude information.
Weaknesses: Not that great at coping with high buildings or where there is plenty of tree cover.
The 201 can take some time to "connect" to the satellites when you switch it on.
It is a bit on the bulky side (although the large readout is a positive effect from this) and took some getting used to when I first wore it.
You may find that some other runners come out with such original comments like "it won't make you run any faster"...!
Overall: This is my first SDM (bought in October 2005) and overall I am very pleased with it on the open road but would note that it is not that great where there are high buildings/tree cover.
I bought mine from www.treadbear.co.uk - a lot cheaper than the RRP.
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