Carbon Unit

I wear Shimano mega shoes. The cheapest Shimano shoe that fits me is the SH-R240 at $254.00. The Sidi Zephyr Mega shoe is $190.00. However, when I look at the sole of Sidi, they look like they are made of black plastic even though the specs say carbon fiber. The soles of most carbon fiber shoes look like carbon fiber in that the fibers are visable. Sidis looks like plastic.

I look for stiff soles and Shimano has them. Anyone know anything about these Sidi Zephyr shoes?

Menel

Carbon can look like anything, smooth plastic, yes, if it's made to look that way. Many carbon frames forgo the raw weave appearance for a smooth finished appearance.

Their website lists it as having the Millennium Carbon Composite 3 sole, the same as the Genius 5 PRO which is highly acclaimed on these boards.

Lenaxia

It is not carbon fibre. It is a carbon injected mold, something a long the lines of, its plastic reinforced with carbon.

The shoes are great, I ride the Genius 5.5 Pro megas. The soles are fine. They are very popular shoes out here where I live and I can honestly say nearly 40% of the people I see on the street wear Sidi's in some form or fashion.

You can find cheaper deals online. I picked up my Genius 5.5's for 170$ shipped from an ebay retailer, new.

bellweatherman

No. It actually IS plastic, not carbon fiber. Side has a very, very non-conservative marketing approach. It's not total deception, but it's kinda shady. Carbon is in plastic. It is just an element. They might advertise their plastic as carbon because it is, but it isn't carbon fiber. Shady.

jonathanb715

I think this will answer most of the OP's questions: https://autobus.cyclingnews.com/tech..../sidi_genius08

Different model, but same sole. FWIW I have the Genius's and find them to be more than stiff enough for my riding.

JB

Edit - the other nice thing aboust Sidi's is that most of the stuff that wears out, like the rubber heel counter or the latches, is easily replaceable, so the shoes last a good long time

Carbon Unit

Yes, this is a big help. I think I would rather have the 5.5s if I could find them in the same price range as the Zephyrs but either one would probably work for me and they are cheaper than Shimanos.

I have been told in the past that stiffer is better, but as long as there are no hotspots then these will work for me.