Bikey Mikey

Okay, I went to several shops to see what they have. At my LBS, I tried on both Shimano XC50N(43) and Specialized MTB Comp(43) and the Specialized Road Comp(42, as they didn't have 42 in stock for the MTB Comp). I went for the Specialized MTB Comp and the Shimano M530 pedals(in black). I may be thinking about returning the shoes and having them order the same shoe in a size 42.5--toe velcro strap on the left foot is pulled all the way, and the ratchet to secure the ankle seems to only have one or two more clicks to end...I think they may be a tad bit big. My foot doesn't slop around, but I think there may be a spit too much room between the end of the shoe and the big toe(the right foot--the larger foot). I haven't done a real ride yet and plan to do one tomorrow morning. I decided to just do the trainer this am as I had a Sub job and didn't want to chance a fall(Tombay) just before reporting for a position. Below are some Pics I took with my phone at the LBS.







Interesting note. While on the trainer, the mech stated I was reaching way forward and we adjusted the seat forward nearly an inch(½" at first and then nearly another). He triple checked my knee position and the crank shaft and all seemed well know. I haven't messed with the seat position one iota since getting the saddle I'm using now and we did a fit then. I have no idea how the saddle got moved back. I practiced at the LBS and for 30 minutes last night clipping/unclipping and road on the trainer this morning for 60 minutes with some practicing engaging and disengaging also. Tomorrow, I plan on doing an actual road test.

marmot

It's worth repeating.

Bikey Mikey

Umm, I did buy them at the store. I tried them on at the store. They didn't have 42 in the MTB Comp, but in the road comp. I tried the road version but was unsure of the toe room. I decided the 43s were going to work. At home, I realized that the ratchet grip was near the last ratchet and I could get it to the last ratchet without extreme tightness(but probably a shade too tight)and that the velcro, especially at the toe was pulled almost if not(on the left foot) at the stitching where the cloth part meets the "leather" tab. If there is any stretch to the shoe as I wear them they would definitely be not right. I am going back to the LBS and then have the LBS order the 42½ version to purchase from them. I will be letting them just keep the funds as prepayment for the order and not have them refund me and then pay them again.

If you mean the other stores where I tried on shoes, if they had been right I would've bought them at that store. I don't know where anyone got the impression I was going to try on shoes at a store and then order them online.

I bought the pedals at the store(even though I could easily order them online and save some $$$). I want to, and do, support my LBS.

Maybe I am misinterpreting the meaning of your post marmot.

marmot

Yes, you are. I was just agreeing with a general point expressed by a previous poster: It is sleazy to use a local store as a free fitting room and then buy online. No one suggested that you were guilty of it.

Bikey Mikey

Thanks. One of the problems with text only, and the internet, is that what's written can sometimes be interpreted in several ways and many of the interpretations can be incorrect.

John_V 

Good choice! I think you will really like those shoes once you get the right size. I wear a 42 and they fit perfect. However, I'm curious as to why they are now making them with less vented material along the tops of the shoes. Three years ago, the Sport and the Comp were almost identical except for the ratcheting closure on the ankle strap. I got the Sport because the ratchet on the Comp bothered the sides of my feet.

bhchdh 

Sandals and wool socks are good for moderate low temps. When it gets cold, I ride in Keen Austins and wool socks. They seem to have a wider toe box than the Shimanos I used to use.
https://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/pr...0pedal/****ake

Bikey Mikey

John, what size in a regular shoe do you usually wear, 8½, 9, ?

Possibly to compete with the Shimano XC50N(an all season shoe) and make them more multi seasonal.

John_V 

I wear an 8½ but I don't have a wide foot. I think that is one reason why I like to wear the cotton socks as they make the shoe nice and snug without over tightening the Velcro straps. If I remember correctly, a 41 was too tight around the heel and a 43 was just a little too big.

Bikey Mikey

Depending on the shoe, I'm an 8½ or a 9. I don't have a really wide foot, but not narrow either--probably a shade on the wide side of "average." And since I need a roomy toe box(diabetes) and after trying the 42 in the Road Comp again, I'm having the LBS order me 42.5 in the MTB Comp(Black/Red). The LBS had zero issues with the return and ordering the right shoe for me. They are great. BTW, I walked out of the shop, after returning the shoes and having them order the right ones, buying a pedal wrench. It seems I can never go in without buying something.

climberguy

Good luck with shoes when they come in, Mikey. Let us know how it goes.

Nothing wrong with buying a pedal wrench. It's one of the bike tools I use most often.

Bikey Mikey

I actually have an old pedal wrench from the late 70s--short, thin handle. I figured the Park Tool wrench with a far longer handle, and rubberized, would offer more torque power and be more comfortable to use.

Bikey Mikey

Picked up the shoes(Speicialized MTB Comp, size 42.5) yesterday and rode about 6 miles after dialing them in on the LBS' trainer--no tombay and the shoes felt fine. This AM, I did 35 miles--shoes and feet felt great. I'm sure I could easily go 50+ without issues, but want to take it in baby steps to see how the shoes and feet feel--I don't see issues arising. Tonight and tomorrow there's rain in the forecast so the next ride will be Tuesday.

bruce19

That would be my recommendation too. I don't know how well they would work for you but that's where I'd start my quest.

Dudelsack 

FWIW, I rode my Shimano sandals and M520s for the first time today. The first 20 miles were fine, but by the end of the ride I think I would have been more comfortable in tennis shoes and platforms. Maybe they just take some getting used to.

prathmann

I also use Shimano sandals and when it's cold I cover them with some Performance full-cover booties to keep off the wind. Since the front strap on the sandals can be adjusted to be quite loose it lets me wear heavier than normal socks and still have lots of room. And the booties I got were a few sizes larger than my usual shoe size.

Bikey Mikey

Thanks for the input, but it's all academic now since I purchased and am now using Specialized MTB Comp shoes.


The pic is of the 43s which I returned and got the 42.5s.