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New shoes - info wanted
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
I'm toying with the idea of getting some lightweight shoes for XC to replace my everyday Shimano DX shoes (which are great but heavy) for racing in. I figure weight saved on the end of the cranks has to be the most efficient place to save it out of the whole bike.
I like the look of the SIDI dominators but they are expensive, can anyone recommend anything else, priced under $200 if possible?
Thanks.
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I just got a pair of Shimano M182s
http://www.shimano.com.au/publish/content/global...
Very stiff sole and fit in just about right to your budget.
I also have them and think they are awesome.
i think they were $220 from my LBS.
I just got a pair of Sidi Dominators from CRC. Only been for a ride but they are very nice. My choice in the Sidi range was limited as I needed the Mega sizing as I have wide feet.
I think any shoe geared towards pedalling efficiency is going to be improvement on the DX's (in terms of XC).
As already mentioned, the Shimano M-series range are pretty good vale for money, so see what your LBS can do otherwise look online...
Whichever option you choose, make sure the shoe fits! Consistent sizing (among brands) is pretty dismal, so depending on you feet make-up, you may need to try a few different brands.
http://www.99bikes.com/browse/details.asp?ProdID...
Cheers guys
Does you know what the Shimano M182 shoes weigh? Can't find that info anywhere.
Buck, how do you find them do far?
Hey Dylan
So far so good. I had a pair of Shimano M122 before.
The M182s are much stiffer than the M122s. This is good for pedalling but it can be an issue when you have to walk. They do have a pair of studs in the front to help you get some grip when walking uphill. I almost had an embarrasing moment in the tile floored foyer of my office. Those metal studs are slippery as on tiles
I also like the buckle. The M122s only have velcro. The M182s make it a little easier to make little adjusments to the strap tension by just pulling the lever up 2-3 clicks.
The fit on the Shimano's seems a bit narrow. I had to go up to a size 45 for both models....one size bigger than normal I believe.
So overall they are great for riding....just minimise the amount of walking you do! I can go home and weigh them tonight.
Dylan, try Specialized shoes (Specialized do make good accessories). I have a pair I keep for racing, carbon soled, 2 velro straps, a ratchet buckle, mesh upper to breath, and toe studs. I like a wider fit and these are the most comfortable MTB shoes I have ever had (walking and riding).
I got them from Supreme Cycles about $185
Same for me I have Shimano M122 and I got one size bigger than usual. But it's always good to have extra room in front of the toes. The only problem with those shoes is that being white they get dirty very easily. Is that why you got new ones Buck?
Tom
I've had 2 pairs of Specialized MTB shoes and although they are comfy the rubber grip part of the sole came unstuck from the solid section where the cleat attaches and let in dirt and rocks and wet stuff. Yerch!
Then I started to use Shimano which are good and have lasted a very long time. These take a beating as they are my 'all mountain' shoes. Have one pair for use on the Yeti and another pair I commute in but that will replace the others when they wear out.
Then I bought some carbon Northwave shoes from CBD for XC racing in. Very comfy as they are a wider fitting. Sadly not in the price range discussed here though
On this showing will get some cheaper Northwave ones for AM riding when the Shimanos time comes though.
Yes the M122s get dirty very quickly. Ask Bruce to see how he keeps his so clean!?
But no the real reason I got new shoes is due to the sole wearing out due to rubbing on the pedals. Pedals which have narrow bars such as Time Atacs and Eggbeaters tend to wear out the sole quite quickly. I now have a pair of the Eggbeater sole protectors on my Time cleats so hopefully that will extend the life of the shoes.
I have just recently purchased the scott mtb pro's from cranks in North Sydney and they feel awesome. They are a little over 200.00 but well worth it in my opinion.
Interesting those sole protectors (any carbon ones?
). I must get some too as I just looked at the soles of my shoes for the first time in months and OMG they are so damaged 
Tom
I think they are made of stainless steel.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
Although I'm sure you could easily cut a sheet of metal and drill two holes in it. That's what I plan to do for my old M122s
Dylan, I have the pair of shoes with Time cleats and Shoe Shields coming in at 1kg. Weighed on kitchen scales so can't be more precise than that.
http://www.lifecycles.net.au/content/index.php?o...
I have recently bought some mtb shoes from Bontrager and love them.
http://bontrager.com/model/07821/en
They are more than what you want to spend, but absolutely worth the money and very comfy with interchangeable arch inserts (good for bad knees).
Men's range:
http://www.bontrager.com/model/07814/en
Thanks for all of your comments, I know it's a bit of a can of worms. Buck,
I thought your shoes would be a bit lighter for some reason, mine weigh in at 1.1 Kilos which is only a tiny bit more. I guess the difference is the stiffness of the sole and how that transfers to the pedals, I just need to convince myself that I would be getting $200 extra performance over what I have I guess
From my weights sheet:
Northwave Aerator Carbon (Eur 43) 847g (No cleats or studs. 421+426)
Shimano SH-M181B (Eur 44) 829g (No cleats but inc. studs & internal metal pads.)
Shimano M122 (Eur 46) 906g (Inc cleats)
Yes I was surprised at how heavy the shoe was. There was an article in an AMB magazine a month or two ago comparing trail shoes. It had weights in them too.
The top of the line heat mouldable Shimano M230 shoe is actually not that light either. It came in at over 900g a pair.
http://www.shimano.com.au/publish/content/global...
So in the end there's probably 100g or so difference between shoes. It's not going to get me on the podium either way
I put my Sidi's (including cleats) on the bathroom scales and they come in at 0.9kg. As they are only to one decimal point I wouldn't know if it is low or high 900's.
Maybe for ultimate lightweight and airflow get a pair of cycling sandals
http://www.shimano.com.au/publish/content/global...
Cycling sandals - add some black socks and these would be the cycling footwear of choice for some of my German friends.
Oh yes, just ask a few girls about socks and sandals. Nothin' sexier than a man in sandals and black socks, I'm sure.
One hell of a fashion statement that is!
about the logic - the main part of the pedal "stroke" is the push down, thus, does the additional weight not assist in that push.
although, you are then pushing and lifting it up the other side.
all in all - is there any difference where the weight is, other than in wheels?
also, if you jump up just before a detatched lift hits the floor, will you feel the impact?
Hi valierm,
I'm assuming weight is important, otherwise pedals wouldn't cost a bomb for lightweight models.
As you know a proper pedalling technique isn't just push down, it's a complete rotation involving pretty much every muscle in your leg. Moving that extra weight around has to have an effect.
Adding to that, removing rotating weight is the most effective way to improve efficiency, especially at high cadence.
A quick google found this: http://www.leelikesbikes.com/large-platform-spds...
Gaffa tape a brick to each pedal
And see if it makes pedaling harder
Have tried Specialised and Northwave Mtn bike shoes before
Had no real joy over summer w feet swelling up or freezing in winter
Brought a pair of these and they're the best by far
http://tbsm.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_i...
http://search.live.com/images/results.aspx?q=sid...
ooo - SIDI Dominator 5's on special at CRC - $186, anyone got a CRC order coming up
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Brands.aspx?B...
great shoes!
Dylan. Dont be fooled by the CRC tricks. Click for the detail and there not $189 unless you are a 48 or 52. The price the rest are at are still way better then OZ though.
PS. If you are doing an order I forgot to get some studs.
I'm not sure these are under $200 - but they are unique
http://mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2008/07/07/...
Roger Roger
should have coffee's with Beany and Liam!!!!
Bernd
Bernd I'm very socialable and a big fan of a Long White.
PM me when you, Beanie and Liam are available and I'll be there with the Friands.
Roger Roger