v1k1ng1001

You can cut corners on a number of things and come out ahead, but cycling shoes isn't one of them.

I dropped $170 for Sidis. Sounds like a lot right? But they've lasted 11 years and still fit like a glove. In that time my average budget-minded friend has gone through 3-4 pairs of shoes ranging from $70$140, shoes that didn't quite work well or were painful because they didn't fit right.

Who got the better deal?

brianallan

<3 my sidi Genius 4's. I can't imagine ever replacing them.

thejanitor

That's a really good perspective. It's sounding more and more like sidi's are where it's at for shoes.

Gerrylightning

I forgot Forte pro kevlar tires 700 x 23 I love mine so far.

johnny99

The "made in Japan" Forte tires are pretty good. The "made in Korea" tires are not so good. However, name brand Euro tires from PBK are so cheap that Forte tires are not good values.

superdex

+4

JPradun

I have forte road shoes that should have been thrown away after the first year, but i'm on year two with them and they still look the same as the first year...i just can't afford new shoes. I wouldn't buy them again, but they were good for the money.

Don't skimp on the 3 contact points: gloves, saddle, and shoes.

TCR

I bought a Forte Axis carbon fork recently but haven't built up the bike yet that it's going on. Looks nice enough, though.

v1k1ng1001

That's what I'm sayin!

battery guy

I like their bar tape, it's good and cheap

fujibike

This has become my tire of choice as well. Very durable tire. Ideal for those who put in non-competitive miles. Reasonably priced and relatively light.

Az B

Forte (and Cat1, E3, etc) are all made by other manufacturers. Some are good, some ok, some really suck.

I have a Performance store really near me, so I don't mind buying some Forte stuff. If it doesn't work out, I take it back.

From my experience, I stay away from helmets, gloves, shoes, and the cheap shorts. The Ultra bibs are pretty good for the price, but I had to get three pair to find one that didn't unravel after just one ride. That one is still going strong and my favorite pair for really long rides.

They always take stuff back, even if it's been well used, and will replace it or refund your money.

Az

Walter

I bought one with a Forte stem in a package deal a few years ago to upgrade the front end of a late 90s Univega. No complaints at all. I ride it at the in-laws place in TX on roads that are far from ideal.

I've bought and still have in rotation some of their better shorts though I'm switching more to Voler. I like their basic jerseys. I have no idea about their shoes but add to the chorus that you need to try shoes on before buying. Otherwise finding the right fit becomes expensive even if you're shopping sales. Trust me on this.

rayfrady

I own their Performance Century Gel Shorts. I absolutely love them. I can ride all day and my butt doesn't get the least bit sore.

RoboCheme

I have the Performance Cat 1 shoes and I like them; they actually fit better than the Sidi 5's.

RichmondRider

Sounds like you really want the Sidis. Great, if they fit.
I went to Performance 6 months ago fully intending to pick up the Sidi shoes. They simply didn't fit my foot. The Forte's fit well, so I got 'em (and pocketed the $150 or so difference). I've been happy with them. They are a bit bigger than my PIs, but that's good for colder riding where I wear a heavier sock. For me, the bottom line is to get what fits and feels comfortable -- and I can't imagine buying shoes without trying them on.

thejanitor

Yeah, I only wish stores around me stocked shoes in my size (13). Nobody seems to stock them, or if they do, they aren't the shoes that I want. So pretty much I just have to blindly purchase something and hope that it fits.

woodboy

Saddle, stem, pedals, frame and fork (Scattante), shorts, and jerseys are all fine. The only regrettable purchase was the shoes (the road versionof the ones you're considering), which are too big. I'll never buy shoes without trying them on again. If you do order the shoes, be warned that they run a little big so if your between sizes, round down.

songfta

Bits of Performance gear that have worked well for me:

- Shoes (circa 2003, made by Lake, fit like gloves and lasted three seasons without incident - very comfy, to boot)
- Chains (made by KMC, high quality stuff)
- Tubes
- Shorts (I, too, avoid the gel stuff - but their shorts are really good for the money)
- Jerseys (many made be Voler - decent stuff)
- LED lights (just the simple, non-primary lighting - all works well and is durable)
- Seatpost (Forté unit works well for the $$$)
- Arm & leg warmers
- Tools (not the best, but the basics work just fine)

Bits that have been more inconsistent:

- Gloves (this is hit-or-miss, depending on who their supplier is for the year. I had one pair of their gel gloves that fell apart on the first ride. The next year's version of the same model, however, was a lovely glove and still wears well.)
- Tires (the Japanese-made tires are from Panaracer, and are really good. The Korean made ones are not nearly as good.)
- Socks (Team socks = good. Kevlar socks = crap that lost its elasticity after a few washings.)
- Biodegradable degreaser (simply put: doesn't work)

Just my own experience here....

Psimet2001 

+1 on just about 100% of this. I would say as for the tires I buy Forte tires to run on my trainer during the winter. They work great fo this and are super cheap.