I know this isn't fixed gear specific, but I didn't see a specific forum for apparel/gear discussion?

I'm looking to get my first pair of road shoes, and I was interested in the Shimano R105 and the Sidi Genius 5 Pros. They're both carbon-soled but the Geniuses have a ratcheting buckle. I've tried on both shoes and they both feel fine. I'm a 43 with the Shimano and a 42 with the Sidis. The Sidis are an extra $50-60 or so.

Is it worth an extra $60 for the ratcheting buckle and the supposed Sidi quality? The Sidis look a lot nicer as well, but for $60 I could get say, a new jersey or some tires. Which one would you guys go for?

I won't be racing in these, just doing long rides, charity rides, spinning/CycleFit in the winter, and honestly just to try out clipless. I'm getting a great deal on both shoes so if I don't like clipless I can see myself selling them for break even or even a slight profit.

Hey if you can sell em to break even, i would go with the Sidi. Racheting buckles seem so much more useful.

My diadora road shoes are velcro... they're okay.

They do!

I actually just found out that the Sidis don't have a carbon sole, but the Shimanos do.

At the moment it looks like I'm just paying an extra $60 for the brand name now.

But... I'll probably end up doing it. I'm getting a great deal either way.

I have Sidi Dominators (6) with a ratcheting buckle. I've had them for about 3 years, and just had to replace the buckles a month ago. It was easy to do. I like them a lot. I wear them probably 350 days out of the year for most of the day. They are so comfortable. And rebuildable.

Sidi!!
I tried on the same shoes as you did. I find I like the Sidi more than the Shimanos in terms of ease of buckling, comfort, and appearance. Get the sidi

7 years and probably 40k miles on my sidi energy. buckles/straps/insoles replaced once. still going strong. can't beat the ROI there...

I've never had Sidi road shoes, but I love my Sidi mountain bike shoes. I really like the buckle system.

My $.02 from experience;
Sidis are pricey but worth it.
Shims and Nikes are both good quality, comfortable and last.
Lakes will disintegrate before you know what hit you.

Enjoy

Having never tried out a shoe with a ratchet, I'd assume there's hard(er) material around the ankle area to prevent hot spots from the ratchet clamp down?

You want a ratchet system with clipless shoes.

I think I could deal without the ratchet system, as I tried on a Zephyr and Genius at the same time and couldn't tell that much difference, but I went ahead and ordered a Sidi Genius 5 Pro in the mega fit. Couldn't get the colourway I wanted, but I don't think I'll be complaining.

Thanks guys. I shall report back with my 0 km/h fall stories.

Definitely Sidi- for one thing my shoes are 10 years old but I can still readily get parts like the cleat modifiers and heal pads- all of which are easily replaceable. The racheting system is very nice but being able to keep your shoes in top shape for more than a decade is even better. I have the original Sidi Genius- one of the best purchases I've ever made. Very comfy and durable.