Boa or not Boa?
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Boas for me: S-Works. I'm on my second pair and when these die, I'll get the newest version.
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times
in
36 Posts
With due respect, Boa is mechanical. Mechanics can break. Full disclosure: I had a pair of Mavics with Boa for about a week that turned out to be too small and were returned. Frankly, I thought the Boa was fantastic. Simple, secure. But I can't get past the unknown longevity issue. Returned them for a pair of all velcro Giro's.
Bottom line is this: if the longevity issue does not worry you, then go for it.
Bottom line is this: if the longevity issue does not worry you, then go for it.
#28
Senior Member
With due respect, Boa is mechanical. Mechanics can break. Full disclosure: I had a pair of Mavics with Boa for about a week that turned out to be too small and were returned. Frankly, I thought the Boa was fantastic. Simple, secure. But I can't get past the unknown longevity issue. Returned them for a pair of all velcro Giro's.
Bottom line is this: if the longevity issue does not worry you, then go for it.
Bottom line is this: if the longevity issue does not worry you, then go for it.
In both cases where my BOA's "failed" it was that they started slipping a little - wouldn't get as tight as I wanted. It wasn't catastrophic and was easily able to use them until the new one's arrived in the mail. You can tell when they start getting worn & need replacing.
#29
Cycliste sérieux
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 466
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 64 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Can't think of a good reason to not consider boa. It's a good system.
Brand? Just make sure you buy a quality shoe. Generally, more bucks gets you more bangs.
My shoes with boas are S-Works. Can't complain.
Brand? Just make sure you buy a quality shoe. Generally, more bucks gets you more bangs.
My shoes with boas are S-Works. Can't complain.
#30
Senior Member
Once you go Boa is hard to go back.
I like them so much I found a pair of lake sneakers with single boa closure.
If they sell a retro fit system I will start converting most of my foot wear
I like them so much I found a pair of lake sneakers with single boa closure.
If they sell a retro fit system I will start converting most of my foot wear
#31
Senior Member
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 261
Bikes: 2015 Ridley Fenix Ultegra, 2016 Ridley X-Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I actually have mtb style (Pearl Izumi X-Project 1.0) shoes that have 2 Boas and absolutely LOVE them. They're by fair the most comfortable shoes I've owned and can be adjusted on the fly which is handy. Regardless of what shoe you're looking at, I highly recommend Boa enclosures.
I do however not look forward when they wear out and I have to replace them. Helped a mechanic at the shop do it and it was annoying but not horrible.
I do however not look forward when they wear out and I have to replace them. Helped a mechanic at the shop do it and it was annoying but not horrible.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
That's a good question. The first pair probably had 10k. Still wear them on the trainer or under booties. The second pair probably have close to 15K. Replaced the knobs and cables (free from Boa) after 10 or 11k..
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 192
Bikes: Spooky Mulholland
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
12 Posts
I absolutely love my BOA system on my SIDI shoes. I had some from a pair of S-Works and liked them, then went to Bont without BOA and missed them so much
#36
Senior Member
With due respect, Boa is mechanical. Mechanics can break. Full disclosure: I had a pair of Mavics with Boa for about a week that turned out to be too small and were returned. Frankly, I thought the Boa was fantastic. Simple, secure. But I can't get past the unknown longevity issue. Returned them for a pair of all velcro Giro's.
Bottom line is this: if the longevity issue does not worry you, then go for it.
Bottom line is this: if the longevity issue does not worry you, then go for it.
FWIW, the two pair of dead BOA shoes that I've seen at my shop were the result of operator error. Specifically customers that didn't realize that you're not supposed to cut the laces. (Yes, really.)
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 56
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Shimano RC7
I have a pair of Shimano RC7s, which have 1 Boa (lP1) on each shoe. They're comfortable and quick to put on and take off. Would definitely get Boa when the time comes to get new shoes.
#39
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,636
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4735 Post(s)
Liked 1,532 Times
in
1,003 Posts
I'm sure BOA are fine and work. However, I don't personally understand the need for speed when it comes to how fast you can get your shoes on/off, unless those speaking about this benefit perhaps need for triathlon usage? Laces seem perfectly fine, and can be adjusted all the way up the shoe (not just in 1 or 2 places).
#41
Vain, But Lacking Talent
Probably not adding much here, but: I would definitely vote Boa over clunky plastic buckles and straps. Laces and Velcro work fine for me and are trouble free, but the ease of use while on the bike certainly makes the Boa system a strong candidate.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,905
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4806 Post(s)
Liked 3,928 Times
in
2,553 Posts
Laces here for a sublime fit. On my cheap Lakes that I pulled the straps of and put in grommets. Now some of the most comfortable shoes I've worn. I love that there is a good range of acceptable tightness; that if I take reasonable care lacing tying the shoes, I don't need to do anything later in the day. Also that the system is cheap and as reliable as anything out there. (Yes, the key element must be replaced; I'm guessing at less than half the life of a BOA but being able to source good OEM replacements is a plus. So is not having to go to single source. And the replacements are available anywhere on short notice.
($15 will buy the tool, enough grommets for one pair of shoes and laces. Someone is going to have to explain to me why I have only seen them on $300 shoes recently.)
Ben
($15 will buy the tool, enough grommets for one pair of shoes and laces. Someone is going to have to explain to me why I have only seen them on $300 shoes recently.)
Ben
#44
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 50
Bikes: Merlin Works Cr
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I also use Gaerne's with the Boa system and as Xherion said above, they are the highest quality Italian shoe you will find.
#46
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 803
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You have convince me!!!! I am buying those shoes:
https://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/s...0052_593416_-1
Could not find anything better priced. All start with $250
https://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/s...0052_593416_-1
Could not find anything better priced. All start with $250
#47
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 6
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Agreed. I have tried at least 12 pairs of BOA shoes but always get heel slip that I dont get with a ratchet. Getting tougher to find a higher end shoe with a ratchet. I've tried the SIDI with the bucklet....still sloppy in the heel.
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 707
Bikes: Specialized Diverge E5 Comp, Specialized AWOL Comp, Scott Solace 10
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times
in
20 Posts
I’m another who has tried Boa and don’t like it. Perhaps it’s the individual shoe, but I’ve got them on a pair of Specialized Defroster cycling boots and I find it near impossible to get them to fit my foot comfortably.
I don’t actually find them “faster” to get on and off than Velcro, nor do I find they have the flexibility to match my foot in all dimensions. Conceptually it seems like a great idea, but they don’t seem to work for me.
I don’t actually find them “faster” to get on and off than Velcro, nor do I find they have the flexibility to match my foot in all dimensions. Conceptually it seems like a great idea, but they don’t seem to work for me.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 2,181
Bikes: 2017 Specilized Roubaix, 2012 Scott CR1 Team, Felt Z85
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
BOA on my Sworks 6, love them. Just have to keep them in a cabinet so the damn kitten doesn't chew through the loops...
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,957
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 878 Post(s)
Liked 726 Times
in
436 Posts
Piling on the semi-zombie thread, I just got my first BOA shoes and love them. Then again, the only other cycling shoes I have use laces, so the leap in fit and comfort is unsurprisingly huge. I've already started looking into other BOA shoes. I saw a review that the Shimano RC9s are so snug around the heel that the reviewer didn't even engage the BOA dial to keep them on.