Guinness

I was advised to get a ratcheted (clipless) shoe because the velcro would allow too much movement while riding. The shop that gave me the tip propsed a Perl Izumi Vortex but did not have my size (48). The wanted $100 for the shoe which included a discount for buying a bike from them. I have since moved and found a new bike shop which carried Specialized shoes. The guy here told me that he actually preferred velcro and made me a deal on the Comp Carbon Rd for $110. I think this is good value for the shoe but would like to hear some opinions on velcro vs ratchet on the top strap.

roadfix

Other than being able to make fine adjustments with the ratchets while on the bike which is not important to me, I prefer the trouble-free velcro straps.

el twe

Some of us can't stand Velcro...

khuon

I really like the on-the-fly micro-adjustment capability of the ratchets on my Sidis. That said, I've never really had a problem with velcro other than them sometimes picking up lots dirt and mud and thus need to be regularly cleaned (which can be a pain to do). This was more a problem with my old MTB shoes.

jnbacon

I have some Diadora Ergos, and the placement of the ratchets caused an uncomfortable fold in the shoe when I tightened them up. But I liked being able to adjust on the fly. So, I would try ratchets, but I would make sure that the shoe fits really well, even with the ratchets tightened way up.

[edit] I also have sandals and a pair of Sidi mtb shoes that are velcro only, and they get tight enough for me.

roadfix

iovnow

Get what ever you like. I picked up the vortex shoes and overall I like them. I find I have a tendancy to tighten the velcro part more than the ratchet. Yesterday I was having foot pains during my ride because I tightened the velcro too much. The ratchet is much easier to adjust while Im on a easy riding surface.

Around here most of the off road locations are very rocky. The vortex gets terrible traction on rocks. I kinda wish I had gone with a shoe with more contact to the ground. Definately something to consider. I dont have any trouble walking around anywhere else though.

On the plus side the mesh on the top around the toes is awsome. Nothing better than actually feeling air blowing across my feet while I ride.

If I didnt already have the shoes I prolly would have looked around more. At the time I thought they would give me better traction since I thought nothing of all the rocks and fallen trees. Also another major factor was they were the only shoes on sale at the LBS I like.

samp02

Agree with the last poster get what you like and can afford but IMO I will never go back to all velcro.

Guinness

Thanks for the replies guys. I bought the Comp Carbon Rd's for 2 reasons. I got good value....$110 for a $150 pair of shoes and now forged a relationship with a bike shop in my area that does weekly rides. I am new in town and don't know where to ride. Not a great position for someone completely new to the sport. The do a 25 mile ride and a 100+ each week.

Have any of you tried the Comp Carbon road shoes from Specialized? They have no tongue, it is replaced with a sock type upper inside of the shoe that makes for a great fit.

GP

Those are great reasons for buying shoes, as long as they're comfortable.

I have the model below the Comp Carbons. I like them a lot. They're comfortable with or without socks.

vantassell

I dug up this thread rather than starting a new one. What problems have people had with 3 velcro straps rather than the (now) traditional 1 ratchet and 2 velcro straps?

(reason is i'm looking at some Northwave aerators that have 3 velcro straps)

It seems to me that a velco strap would almost be more comfortable than a quantified ratcheting system. What are your thoughts?

Also, a secondary question, I once heard something about a hair dryer trick for fixing velcro...anyone know about this?

John Wilke

Had both.

No problems with either.

tspoon

Definitely velcro
Reason: ZZ-Top never made a song about ratchets...

dekindy

The two velcro straps generally should not be tightened that much so you will not cut off circulation to your toes. I curl my toes and just lay the strap over without pulling it tight, so it will not be restrict my foot when it swells after I start riding. The velcro straps make it easier to loosen while on the bike if I feel they are too tight.

The ratcheted strap is the one that you really need to tighten down to keep your shoes from slipping. I think the ratchet works better than velcro for that.

Having said that, if shoe with all velcro straps were significantly more comfortable than anything else I tried, I would buy them.