Sidi Genius 5 v Louis Garneau CFS 150
 

Had a search but couldn't find anything of this nature so thought i should start this thread. I'm looking at new road shoes and have narrowed it down to either the Sidi Genius 5 or Louis Garneau CFS 150. I'm just looking for some advice about which one to go for, if anyone has experience with either of them.
The main differences are:
Louis Garneau: RRP $350 NZD
Carbon sole, custom moldable, interchangeable liners for hot and cold.

Sidi: RRP $350 NZD
Plastic sole, no interchangeable liners or custom molding, replaceable heel.

Theres probably some other feature differences as well. Both have two velcro straps and a ratchet to secure, and both cost the same in New Zealand, and I have heard a lot of good things about the Sidis. However the Louis' seem to have better features and IMO look cooler. Thanks for any input.

Have you tried them both on? Size is pretty important.

I think I'd rather have the one with a carbon sole, but that's probably me playing sheep(although I ride an AL frame... *shrug*).

Do you have wide or narrow feet? Sidis come in narrow, regular, and wide widths.
I have wide feet and have the Sidi Mega Genius 5. Fit is great. :thumb:
Don't know about the LG.

if fit does not matter... (which it DOES)... sidi.

although i know absolutely nothing about how either shoe fits, i just figure that if the shoe fits (haha), you can't go wrong with sidi.

Just bought SIDI Genius 6.6 delivered at under $310 from Colorado Cyclist. I have B width feet.
http://www.coloradocyclist.com

hmmm...the carbon soles are nice bling for sure...and might be stiffer/lighter than the sidi's. but the sidi's have such an outstanding reputation. if they both fit you comfortably...i think i'd get the sidi...

but what you should really do is find something on discount...i got sidi genius 6.6 at competitive cyclist for $190. they're even cheaper now...$170...BUT they have like no sizes left unless you have small feet. try looking around...there's a lot of stuff on sale...

I've had the Genius 5 for a little over a month and have no regrets. They're comfortable, stiff, breathe well, and fit my small, wide feet very well.

I had the LG and they made my feet hurt.. really they sucked. then i got some SIDI and its was over.. best shoe ever.. end of thread

The Genius 5 is an awesome shoe, I love mine. And as someone who sells Sidi's, about 4 days a week, I can tell you that most people find them to be more comfortable than just about anything else out there (such is their reputation). If I have someone try on all of the shoes, and leave the Sidi for last, they are usually amazed at how much better the Sidi fits.

Also remember that Sidi shoes have replaceable everything. That compression strap along with the buckle just rips right off, and a few bucks later you can have a brand new shoe.

Sidi also makes this thing for the winter. http://www.sidiusa.com/toaster.html

Sorry if I sounded like a fanboy or was oversimplifing things.

Hope this helps.

j

Looks like it's settled. The Sidis it will be, and I have found a website where they are $50 cheaper. Living in New Zealand I can't use most of the sites recommended above, but helpful advice all the same. Now I just have to save the cash...

Sidi

Sidi

Went for the Sidis today. Probably shouldn't have but hey, had to take my mind off exam stress somehow. They are extremely comfortable. Feels like putting my foot into a... I don't know, something good. Real Good.

You can go wrong with the Sidis, I have them in mountain bike (Dominator 2) and road (Genius 5 Mega) versions and are great. You can for sure get a price a lot better than $350, if you shop around they are very often in sale and places like Nashbar and Performance Bike (Imagine you can buy overseas from them), I get mine for $152 from Nasbar learlier this year.

Sidis are good shoes. Theyre a little narrow for my feet and they dont really offer up much for wide feet. I went with the Shimano R300s and Ive been very happy with them. Theyre heat moldable and available in wide versions.

Thanks for the help, just to clarify it's $350 NEW ZEALAND dollars, not US. I wouldn't want to pay $350 either :p

I have a wide foot and the Sidi's fit and felt awesome.
And then I tried on a pair of Specialized BG shoes and the fit was so much better (I dont understand because what I read on the Specialized is they are a narrower shoe). They are without question the best pair of shoes I've ever owned.

i've got a pair of LGs (carbon bottoms with the air vents in the sole). theyre actually really nice shoes, but i got them for $100 US (retail 200ish). that said, if i could have the sidi 5's for the same price as the LG's, i'd take the sidi's. the LG's are nice, but not a good option at retail.