Cycling UK Forum

I'm after a pair of shoes.

I have been using :
Specialized Tahoe size 45 for commuting (cleat ripping out of sole - replacing with Shimano MT22 size 46)
&
Diadora MTB Ergo Carbon MTB size 46 for everything else non commuting (mtb'ing/bit of road sportive etc)

I'm looking to replace the diadora's as the screw holes have stripped a thread and I can't work out how to replace the threaded soleplate from inside the shoe - the cleats no longer remain tight - and also the shoes are a bit big for me - would have been better with 44.5 or 45 I think.

Anyway I was thinking of taking the step into Sidi's but am unsure what is best to go for.

As mentioned I want a light stiff shoe for spending time in the saddle whether it's with a mountain bike/audax bike/tourer (not competitive road racing).

Sidi Giau (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=29825) ...... size 45 ?
Diadora x-country 2 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=55915) ....size 44.5 ?
Gaerne G Wallaby (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=44760) ... size 45 ?

Leaning towards the Sidi range but not sure what size and not sure which model - if you go for Sidi's is it better to spend a bit more or are the lower level ones good too ?

Also use FiveTen freerunners in a size 44 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=32896)
Thanks
Ed

Can't speak for the particular shoes you are looking at but I am on my second pair of Sidi Genius Shoes. The first pair I got in 1990 and the second pair in 2004 and are still going strong. The thing I particularly like is you can replace all the mission critical bits like the heel and ratchet straps.

The Sidi ones you've lnked to are my summer shoes. I've had mine 5 years now and paid sixty something pounds in a sale. Usual Sidi advice is to buy 1 size above what you usually wear. My winter shoes are Sidi Dominators (not mesh you see), about 10 years old now and going strong. I bought the wide fitting (Mega) option as well as 1 size up to cope with build up of socks.

The summer shoes stink like trainers do after a while, so maybe once a year they go round the washing machine. The winter shoes have no such issue. I've been wearing Sidi almost exclusively for about 15 years now, mainly Dominators. Whether they are light enough or stiff enough for yoo I do not know. I don't suffer with any pressure points in the sole and they are not so stiff as to preclude walking.

Try before you buy.

Sidis are quite narrow. I had some and couldn't get on with them as they were too tight across the widest part of my foot. It caused aching when riding hard.

I now use Specialized shoes. They are a bit wider and give me no problems.

OK - I have wide feet and high instep/arches so have been reading and might try Specialized but having said that I found the Tahoe a little uncomfortable as they seem to lean outwards on the pedal (ie little toe lower than big toe on the horizontal plane) - not too comfortable.

Hmmm.... a mate got some Northwave shoes I think - or Mavic so might look at them.

Any more advice ?

(Will be trying by post as can only find Spesh here I think).