Originally Posted by
spcialzdspksman
I'm wondering, in what way would have the Shimano shoes (as ugly as they are) perform better? I thought it was all in the stiffness of the sole, and I don't believe that has been compromised in these yet.
Also the new heel pads are only about $10/pair
Uh-oh, SPD won't work? Good thing I haven't bought my pedals yet. I was about to go get some cheap used SPDs from some guy on CL in an hour, but looks like that's not going to happen.
So what would actually work guys? SPD sl, Look...?
All soles break in and give over time. I would guess that these shoes have several thousands of miles on them.
This sole isn't carbon fiber, just a hard plastic composite, just like the Shimanos. A new plastic composite sole will undoubtedly be stiffer and "fresher" than one with thousands of miles on it.
Sidis are expensive because of the Lorica (fake leather) upper which is really soft and supple. I have some Sidi Genius 5s and I actually prefer my Bont A2s which have a very stiff upper. Not as plush, but waaaay better for getting rid of the flex that shoes have during the upstroke.
SPD is a MTB standard. These are road shoes. Road shoes are built to a LOOK standard. Interestingly enough, the entry level Shimano Road shoes are drilled for 3-bolt (LOOK, SPD-SL) and 2-bolt (SPD). Probably because of guys in your situation, just getting into the game.
Did you know that SPD =
Shimano Pedaling Dynamics?
Yes, the heel pads are $10, but I think the ratchet tongues are also another $10+. Then if you need new ratchets...