MTB Shoes

[Cerps]

Looking to upgrade shoes this year and I have been looking at Specialized or Sidi. I know they both make good products and I am wondering about peoples preferences and experiences. I think specialized products are good quality and the price is ok. I was looking at the spec comps or pros but the release lever looks like it is not very sturdy. I have had great luck with my epic and stumpy for reliability so I was leaning toward the spec shoes. Now I am not sure because of the ratchet and release. I liked the s-works with the BOA system, but it seems like a lot of money to get the boa. Any drawbacks to Sidis?

Also, do carbon soles make that much difference?

Thanks

[col200]

Specialized shoes have really nice support inside. They're one of the few shoes my foot doesn't fall asleep in. I've never used Sidi shoes though so I can't compare them. Really, just go try them on and whatever feels the best is the one for you. I'm 200lbs and never had any 'flexing' problems so if it's a newer model, you should be fine for stiffness.

[bpblondie]

http://www.specialized.com/media/equip/07ShoeCompMTB_All_d.jpg
I've wear last year's model of these shoes (Specialized BG Comp MTB) w/ the strap/buckle. They work well and I am happy w/ the purchase. Previously I had used the same shoe but w/ all velcro. The ratchet strap holds a lot better than the velcro and the buckle and the strap are both replaceable.

For me carbon soles were not that important as I was trying to stay w/in a price point. Carbon is more stiff and energy efficient than the nylon soles pictured above. If you were into racing you might want to consider the benefits of carbon soles.

Sidi's get a lot of love on forums too, so you can't really go wrong either way. Try on a bunch of different brands and go w/ what's most comfortable.

[Rocky Mountain]

If ya get a chance then check out Shimano shoes. Freewheel, www.freewheelbike.com (http://www.freewheelbike.com) ,has some closeouts left when I was there last week. Shimano's are comparable to Specialized.

Sidis are overrated IMHO. I have owned two pairs and after many years of use and cannot say they are any better for that extra $$. The only good thing is they offer extra wide toe box sizes.

Key is to find a pair that fit tight.

[dvo1]

Sidi Dragons, next on the shoe list.

And they are available in white this year.

http://www2.psy.ohio-state.edu/NPSA/photogallery/2005.11.11-14%20Neuroscience/homer%20drool.gif

[Cars-R-Coffins]

http://www.specialized.com/media/equip/07ShoeCompMTB_All_d.jpg
I've wear last year's model of these shoes (Specialized BG Comp MTB) w/ the strap/buckle. They work well and I am happy w/ the purchase. Previously I had used the same shoe but w/ all velcro. The ratchet strap holds a lot better than the velcro and the buckle and the strap are both replaceable.

For me carbon soles were not that important as I was trying to stay w/in a price point. Carbon is more stiff and energy efficient than the nylon soles pictured above. If you were into racing you might want to consider the benefits of carbon soles.

Sidi's get a lot of love on forums too, so you can't really go wrong either way. Try on a bunch of different brands and go w/ what's most comfortable.
I have these also, and they are the best shoes I have used.

[ahikiran]

Does anyone know how to troubleshoot the incite 9i wireless computer? It doesn't show speed no matter how much I adjust the magnet and sensor and reset the computer. Also I couldn't find a spot where I could post questions. So, I had to select a thread and reply to it. Any help will be much appreciated.

[Ish]

Sidi's have great fit. I have a pair of road shoes and my first dominators lasted 10 years and held up to serious beatings. Only downside is price. I replaced the dominators last year with a new pair using my REI 20% coupon that is going on right now.

[tedsti]

Does anyone know how to troubleshoot the incite 9i wireless computer? It doesn't show speed no matter how much I adjust the magnet and sensor and reset the computer. Also I couldn't find a spot where I could post questions. So, I had to select a thread and reply to it. Any help will be much appreciated.

Go into the gear forum and hit the 'New Thread' button. I tried to move this post to a new thread, but failed.... Once you create the new thread, I will delete this post.

[Cerps]

Thanks for the responses, looks like it is time to try on a few pairs to see what fits best.

[brhody]

I'm doing the Sidi - Specialized comparison too and I'm going with the Specialized Expert - no ratchet system makes it quick and easy and one less thing that could break. It's basically the same shoe as the Pro (carbon sole) without the ratchet system.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[jms]

i've gone with Sidi for the past 10 years and never have had a problem.
i purchased to dragon 2's last year, and am very happy with my purchase!!! i've broken straps and latches, (mind you, none of the brakes have been the shoes fault :banghead:), but everything is replaceable.
IMHO you get what you pay for.

Peace,
Joe

[Nuget]

I've worn a pair of Sidi Dominators for the past 5 years give or take and haven't had a single problem and they're still up for a beating. I've also worn them in winter with booties and they worked well. Very glad I have a pair of Lakes for winter now though.

The wife wears the Specialized shoes and likes them alot. She says they're a pain to get into and out of because of the tight fitting built in sock like thing but otherwise they work very well.

Can't go wrong with Sidi in my opinion

[bobbkr]

Sidi Dominators are the best! I have used them both on and off road for years. Very comfortable and durable. I make my own insoles out of Plastizote material (heat formable).

[Paul Swenson]

I make my own insoles out of Plastizote material (heat formable).

Tell me more please. This sounds very intresting. Any chance of a how-to?

[bobbkr]

Paul,
I'll look up the supplier of the material and post the specifics when I find it. The stuff comes in squares. What I do is trace the insole that comes with the shoe and cut out that shape. I then put it on an aluminum cookie sheet and heated them with a heat lamp, then stood on the insoles to form them to my (odd shaped) feet. Makes your shoes fit like a glove. No hot spots on long summer road rides.

[bobbkr]

Here is the link to the Plastazote insole material. Enough for 5 pairs of shoes. A little pricey, but much cheaper than a visit to a professional.
http://www.allegromedical.com/orthopedics-orthotics-c528/plastazote-laminates-for-the-diabetic-foot-p197212.html

[Paul Swenson]

Awesome Thanks!!!

I've got Mcdonald like arches.

[Pandl]

Hey, those are for my diabetic feet....

[Paul Swenson]

Here is the link to the Plastazote insole material. Enough for 5 pairs of shoes. A little pricey, but much cheaper than a visit to a professional.
http://www.allegromedical.com/orthopedics-orthotics-c528/plastazote-laminates-for-the-diabetic-foot-p197212.html

Group buy anyone?

[batjerk]

Hmmm.... perhaps.

[manual63]

Group buy anyone?

Shad being possessed by mara:


I am interested.

[bobbkr]

The insoles that I made did wonders for my feet. I have a high arch in my left foot and an extremely high arch in my right foot. I had a minor case of polio in my right lower leg and foot when I was 3, just before the vaccine came out. Luckily I can ride bike fairly well, but running is out of the question.
By the way, you can make a heat lamp by buying a clamp on light fixture and reflector and an 200-250w infer-red lamp at your local home or hardware store.