Road Cycling - Sidi, Energy2 or genius?

Hi all,

I need new shoes and have narrowed down my choices to these two.

here is the energy:
http://www.sidisport.com/img/energynew.jpg

and the genius 4:
http://www.sidiusa.com/rbs/images/rbs-big/genius4_silversteel.jpg

Anyone have either or both of these?

My main concern about the energy model is how easy or hard the ratchet circle deals (tecno II system) are to operate? Also, if the sole stiffness adjuster is worth it. I dont want to get the energy because it is the "better" model and be frustrated by gadgets that don't work.

the difference in price isn't that great, so i'll probably buy whichever seems more suitable, but i'd hate to go with the genius to get velcro because its what I know and miss out on a bettter mousetrap.

take care,

Jester

thanks,

Steve

I have not used the Energy shoes, I have the Genius 3 (If I remember correctly), they have been a great set of shoes. Honestly what I would suggest go to your LBS if they carry them and try them on see what feels the best. Shoes are extremely personal, and the sidi's seem to run a bit narrow.

Originally posted by Kev
I have not used the Energy shoes, I have the Genius 3 (If I remember correctly), they have been a great set of shoes. Honestly what I would suggest go to your LBS if they carry them and try them on see what feels the best. Shoes are extremely personal, and the sidi's seem to run a bit narrow.

I did try on the Sidi genius at the LBS, and found the fit to be superb, but they dont have the energy. The shoes look to be made on the same last just with different fastenings, so both should fit well.

Since I would have to order the energy, I have no way of knowing how the ratchet deals would work... So I ask here.

thanks a lot for the input on the genius though :)

take care,

Jester

i have a pair of energy IIs. they're incredibly comfortable and fit the same as the genius. the only differences are the round ratcheting buckles instead of velcro and the sole stiffening dial on the sole.

as much as i like wearing these shoes, i will never buy shoes like this again, and i wish i had bought the genius 4s. the sole stiffening dials fell out of my shoes within two weeks. no big deal, since the shoes without the dials are as stiff as the other sidis.

the other problem is that the round buckles have a habit of losing their hinge pins and falling off. i have lost two buckles in the last year. they are replaceable, but a pair of replacement buckles costs C$45.

the bottom line is that there is simply too much technology in these shoes. get the genius 4s. they fit just as well and are built just as well. they just don't have the buckles.

I have energy 2's my wife has Genius 3's (I think)
She hasn't had any problem with the techno 2 buckle
arrangement, but I can say that after time the Velcro
does wear out (ok, its a long time but it does).
One thing you should know is that every fastener
that Sidi uses is replacable, you can get spares and
have a shoemaker replace it if you need.
My wife feels no discernable difference using the
sole stiffening dial, Velocipedio do you notice a
big difference?

those ice blue shoes are "stylin"

Marty

I ride with Genius 4 megas and my wife has Genius 3s from a couple of years back. Both are great shoes.

I've used the Energy2 style buckles on a pair of SRS mountain shoes and really liked them but find the velcro on the Genius just as good for me.

I've heard of issues with the Energy2's sole stiffener rod coming out.

I have a pair of Sidi Energy and I like them a lot. However, given the choice between Energy and Genius at US prices (I got mine in Italy on a business trip so only paid half), I would have just bought the Genius. My sole-stiffening dial also did come loose and threatened to fall out but I caught it in time. The problem was that I had turned the dial all the way out and this caused the pusher-plate to come out of its recess. There is a small spring at one end that provides a bit of compression to keep the assembly from falling out but if the plate is unrecessed and you happen to catch the dial on something while moving your foot forwards, you will compress the spring enough and the dial will fall out. You need to be careful not to back the dial all the way out unless you're intending to clean or replace it. Another "fix" is to take apart a retractable pen with a stiffer spring and install that in place of the stock spring.

a big difference? no. there was a slight difference that i noticed hammering out of teh saddle in a 53x14 sprint, or grinding up a steep climb, but the difference was very slight, and not worth going out of my way to replace the missing harware.

of course, i'm not the kind of guy who'll remember to dial-in the stiffer sole setting just before a sprint, it's enough for me to remember to jump into the big ring... ;)

Originally posted by velocipedio
a big difference? no. there was a slight difference that i noticed hammering out of teh saddle in a 53x14 sprint, or grinding up a steep climb, but the difference was very slight, and not worth going out of my way to replace the missing harware.

of course, i'm not the kind of guy who'll remember to dial-in the stiffer sole setting just before a sprint, it's enough for me to remember to jump into the big ring... ;)

If you look at the way the shoe is designed, you'll notice that the soles inherently flex very little without the stiffener rod. Thus, the dial is only effective fully torqued in (providing the most stiffness). If you back the dial off much more than a turn you get no more compliance in the sole because it just won't flex that much more. I only back off the stiffness if I'm going to be off the bike for more than a couple of minutes and need to walk around. I agree that it's a neat piece of technology but has limited usefulness. Like I said, I would not have paid full US prices for the shoes.

Thanks for the heads-up reviews. I like the looks of the energy's. I would have bought those had I known about them. I have Genius 4's and they seem to be doing the job. I had to oil my buckle as soon as I got them...it simply would not open without the oil...and it takes a few moments to figure out just how the buckle opens...I would have liked to have had better instructions enclosed. I can see how Sidi would need to make the buckle replaceable. Frustration could make one tear it right off or break it. :crash:

Steve

Anyone have any model of Look Shoes. One cyclist I met has a pair that she bought back East. I have not seen a pair in any local bike shop anywhere in this area.
She really liked them.. Anyone have a pair. Do you like them.?

one of my buddies rides looks and likes them a lot...and that's about all i know. :)

First, as you already realize, Sidi's are an excellent choice. I've heard that they are careful to keep cleat bolt positions consistant from year to year, and between models, so that positioning is easier when you replace them. (Cleat placement is always a battle for me.)

I have Genius 4s, and do have a nit to pick. On the middle strap, the loop that the velcro strap runs through is situated exactly on top of a bone on the top of my left foot (which is a good bit smaller than my right). If I snug the strap down much, it digs right into the bone and hurts. I wish the loops for the middle straps were further down the side of the shoe. I mention it as something to be aware of when you try the shoes. It's the kind of thing that you don't tend to notice stomping around the shop, but after an hour on the bike will annoy you.

Well, I know this post is old, but I do take my time to make my mind up. I bought the genius 4's from the UK @ 109.00 for the pair plus $16 shipping. Same colors as higher in the thread.

I finally decided that the twisty buckles and "sole stiffener" on the energys were more gimmick than useful to me.

now once I pick a gruppo and pedals i'll be getting somewhere ;)

take care,

Jester

i got the genius 4 over the energy a year ago. both fit great, but you don't have to do any maintenence on velcro straps. also, i've heard some ppl have problems with the ratchet closures cutting off circulation.

Which UK website sells genius 4's for 109???????

Originally posted by phat bahsturd
Which UK website sells genius 4's for 109???????

http://www.totalcycling.com

Other than this order, I've no prior experience with them, but my shoes showed up on time & as described (new) so i'd order again. They don't pay me or anything, i'm just a satisfied customer.

They have some package deals with Energy's and Looks, but I wanted the genius, the gadgets on the energy scared me off. That and i've heard of some QC problems with the Look PP396's on roadbikereview.com.

take care,

Jester

EDIT: I went and checked my CC statement and they were a tad optimistic with the exchange rate on the site, but not too bad. they ended up costing me $131.57 total. Just the shoes being $115.00 assuming that the shipping quote was consistent at $16.00. In any event, an extra $6 when dealing internationally & with fluctuating exchange rates isn't bad at all.

I have two pair Genius 4 Mega (Wide) 431/2 and 44 - Great shoes
Ride Comfy
Pat

Yeah, last time i looked at totalcycling.com their quote of 335 for veloce gruppo was pretty low. THis was about 2 weeks ago. According to actual exchange rates, it was about 350 or more. Maybe they should update their site more often? It is a bit misleading.

AARGH

they were the comfiest shoes ever the first half of the ride, then my feet got bigger or something and the middle toe on my left foot fell asleep. Looks like that toe is pressing on the side and I guess that means the shoes are too tight. Bummer.

I'll try riding them a few more times but if it doesn't get better soon, I may have to buy a bigger pair.

*sigh*

take care,

Jester