Thanks to all for your great and divergent points of view. Letting go of the weight factor as even my LBS didn't try to push that as a selling point, I got the Spesh comp shoes with BOA tightening system, and Shimano 105 carbon SPD-SL's and had my first good test ride today, 36m.Was I faster, or simply more efficient, heck I don't know but perhaps due to the "new" factor it sure felt that way. Still the same engine. The shoes were noticeably more comfortable than my old Tahoes and being able to reach over and adjust tightness with ease on the fly is a big plus for me. Clipping in and out is also noticeably easier for me as well. Walking around was also way less a problem than I thought it would be. So far, a very happy camper!