General Cycling Discussion - Shimano Sandal revised for 2006

I recently noted my favorite cycling shoe, the Shimano SH-SD60 has been revised for 2006. It is now the SH-SD65 and from pictures the main change appears to be it has three straps instead of two. The sole looks different as well:
http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycle/products/shoe.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441780343&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302040275&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181419&bmUID=1144094823086

I love the SD60 and it is always comfortable, the right stiffness and great for walking too.

I need to buy a new pair very soon (my old sandals have >10k miles on them). Has anyone who likes the SD60 tried the SD65. Are they better? Do they fit differently? Do I need to run out and quickly buy up an SD60 remaining in my size? Any other comments?

Al

I saw the new ones as well and think they will probably work better with regard to cleat release because of the increased rigidity possible with three straps versus two.

Bleh
Too much strap, why even call it a sandal now, call it a toeless shoe !

The only problem i ever encountered was that the toe strap didnt have the velcro placed correctly for wearing with 4 layers of socks in the winter :)

Guess I need to go scour the city for a closing out 2005 model

Bleh
Too much strap, why even call it a sandal now, call it a toeless shoe !
Guess I need to go scour the city for a closing out 2005 model
That was my first reaction too. I wear them year round, but most importantly in the summer months which are >100deg late April thru early Oct. Every bit of ventilation helps.
Then again three straps may be even more comfortable and transfer power better, but I don't have a comfort or power transfer concern.

Al

Wonder if they make them in a 14 this year.

I got a pair of Lake sandals courtesy of Jeff, they have the identical sole as the Shimano ones, but light on the straps, just 2. I initially thought that the light-looking straps were not going to give much go, but the main strain is on the heel strap when one is pulling back on the pedal near the bottom. And the heel strap is beefy, so the Lakes do a full job.

I still prefer the Lake sandals. The construction seems better than the Shimano, they're more open and they also seem to provide better frontal toe protection.

http://bike.shimano.com/media/images/cycling/products/actionsports/SH/SH-SD65_popup_v1_m56577569830573179.jpg
http://www.lakecycling.com/images/products/large/lxsdl_blk_gry.jpghttp://www.lakecycling.com/images/products/large/lxsole.jpg

I have not tried the lake, i'll definatly look for a pair to try on before my next sandal purchase. I think I'll be taking an x-acto knife to either pair though, one for straps and one for the fortress wall in front of the toes :)

Here is the Shimano SD-60:
http://www.eshop-gorgona.com/catalog/images/SH-SD60%20sandals.jpg
This is the new Shimano SD-65:
http://bike.shimano.com/media/images/cycling/products/actionsports/SH/SH-SD65_popup_v1_m56577569830573179.jpg

Note how the newer model has fewer ventillation holes. Too bad.

Al

Look on the bright side: less sunscreen required for '06 model!

I like the way they spin. http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/global/shoe_pictoview_flash.jsp?JSESSIONID=G3TSjrfGNcZy12n6C2XtvVGCG29tJxXRFQWhY7Fh8Ch732RN02LL!277256560&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673266199&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441780343&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302040275&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181419&bmUID=1144508114946'

Make it stop!

I really don't like the new sandals. I like the venting from the last shoe. :(

Koffee

I just cleaned out my LBS of their last two pairs in my size. And they were on sale for $50.

Thanks for the tip guys.

Damn they look sweet..i wish I could wear them.

I just got a pair. They make their debut tomorrow, with a pair of neoprene booties as a sock layer.

I (and my original sandals with >12k miles on them ;) ) broke down and ordered the revised Shimano SD65 sandals, which arrived yesterday.
Out of the box I was disapointed (relative to the original SD60 model)
There is much less exposed skin, fewer ventilation gaps
The back of heel surround is wider and less comfortable.
It no longer has the reflective patch on the heel strap either (now I need glue one on)
The sole is also a bit thicker, putting ones foot further from the cleat mount
The sole feels squishier too
And while I didn't weigh them they feel heavier too (which makes sense given the thicker sole and extra surround material. They feel more like a boot (with exposed toes) than a sandal now
And while I ordered the same size, the footbed is a bit longer and the straps need to be chinched tighter, and there is the elastic material under the front straps that bunches up.

I am tempted to return them and check out the Lake sandals.

Al

I've been using the SD65 since I got them fall last year.
The were OK thru the winter with thick socks.
I did not like them as much as the original SD60. They seemed bulkier and held my foot less well (despite having three straps.)

Now with warmer weather I find they are terrible (relative to SD60) without socks. The smooth compliant footbed feels slimy with a bit of sweat. They feel hot. The SD60 had a textured and thinner footbed.

I want to order a differerent brand. I am considering the Lake (pictured above). The other option is the Nashbar Ragster.

Can anyone tell me if either of these is preferred. I read of the SS/FG forum that the Nashbar has a stiffer sole than the Lake.

But am I leaning toward the Lake. I'll keep the SD65 for winter use.

Al

You know a thread is old when Koffee is replying.