Specialized Shoes Stiffness Index
#1
Specialized Shoes Stiffness Index
I just bought a pair of BG Comp Road Shoes to replace my Shimano R132L shoes, which are falling apart. I didn't think much of it, but then I decided to go to the website to check out where this shoe fit in the lineup, and saw that it has a stiffness rating of 8.5. For $100 more, I can get the BG Pro Road Shoe, which has an 11.0 rating.
I'm getting caught up in the numbers and perhaps the marketing, but I want to return the shoes and get the Pro Road shoes! Anyone with experience think that there's no real difference between the 8.5 and 11? I'm just a fredly weekend warrior, I'm sure I don't need super stiffness. I feel like I'm obsessing over a minor increase in stiffness when I probably don't even ride hard enough to flex a sandal.
Ok, there's not much point to this thread, other than me looking to hear what I want to hear, which is keep the damn shoes you bought. Ooh, I answered my own question, I think I'm getting the hang of this place.
I'm getting caught up in the numbers and perhaps the marketing, but I want to return the shoes and get the Pro Road shoes! Anyone with experience think that there's no real difference between the 8.5 and 11? I'm just a fredly weekend warrior, I'm sure I don't need super stiffness. I feel like I'm obsessing over a minor increase in stiffness when I probably don't even ride hard enough to flex a sandal.
Ok, there's not much point to this thread, other than me looking to hear what I want to hear, which is keep the damn shoes you bought. Ooh, I answered my own question, I think I'm getting the hang of this place.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 171
Bikes: 2010 Specialized Roubaix Comp - Rival Gary Fisher Marlin
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Well, I fell into the same shoes you have for a great price. I have been very happy with them. I ride for fitness/enjoyment and don't feel that these shoes are lacking in anything at all. Its my first pair FWIW but I really like them. I can't imagine the other ones are $100 nicer.
#3
Senior Member
For your needs the Comps are fine and you're probably not going to find any decernible difference between the 2.
I haven't ridden the Comps, but I did just pick up a pair of Pros to replace the ones I purchased 3 years ago. I wanted the 2010s in matte black, but Specialized is out of my size so I got the 2011s for the same price.
The shoe is total awesomeness, light and very stiff.
About the only thing not to like is the 2011s are a patent black leather which is a little too shiney for my taste. But it's a trade off I'll take.
Here's a not so great photo, it's difficult to tell just how shiney these are from the photo:
I haven't ridden the Comps, but I did just pick up a pair of Pros to replace the ones I purchased 3 years ago. I wanted the 2010s in matte black, but Specialized is out of my size so I got the 2011s for the same price.
The shoe is total awesomeness, light and very stiff.
About the only thing not to like is the 2011s are a patent black leather which is a little too shiney for my taste. But it's a trade off I'll take.
Here's a not so great photo, it's difficult to tell just how shiney these are from the photo: