Carbon shoes - worth the extra money?
PhildB
Posts: 73
I've read that they transfer the power well, just wondering, for the extra co$t, are they worth it?
Never used clipless pedals before, just wondering if decide to save myself a few quid now, that i'll end up wishing I went for carbon spd-sl shoes in the first place?
Never used clipless pedals before, just wondering if decide to save myself a few quid now, that i'll end up wishing I went for carbon spd-sl shoes in the first place?
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No. Hoped that helped0
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Depends how much more you're paying ? I have CF shoes for road stuff and they're stiffer than my MTB shoes - but I'd not pay mega bucks for it.0
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I've no specific shoes in mind, and obviously, as always, would like to pay as little as possible
- i'm off to the local shop later on this week to try some on, just been reading around on the subject so I have a little knowledge before I walk in from off the street 0 -
Define "value".
I have carbon soled shoes and to me they're "worth it" because I like them When buying them carbons soles was not a criteria, nor would it be now - I tend to buy on design and looks as well as price (I prefer to pay more as I feel I get a better product).
There may be other shoes just as good at a fraction of the price but I wouldn't wear them - therefore - yes - to me they are worth it 0 -
As this is a 'beginners' section, it is unlikely that you are generating enough "power" to notice any difference from a standard cycling-specific shoe. However, if you fancy a bit of bling
The older I get the faster I was0 -
as stated, it depends on value for money really. They are certainly stiffer than plastic/other material shoes, but i wouldn't pay a stupid amount for them.
I got my carbon sole shoes off eBay for £40. Wasn't specifically looking for carbon, but they fit and ticked all the boxes so i'm happy.0 -
Like saddles, it's what works for you. Some people, including some pros, don't get on with carbon soles - they're too stiff for them. Other people love them.0
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Get whatever fits snugly enough to hold your foot in one place that's wide enough not to rub on your little toe. If they happen to be carbon (and in your price range) then so be it.
If you're me that will mean a small mortgage but shoes that fit are worth it.0 -
Good (?) review of shoes in last C+ 258 - discuss sole options a bit and how to choose. PS - I have Carbon as they were on sale but next pair will probably opt for something else as they tend to be a bit sore around 30+ miles0
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Your shoes need to be perfect for you and your feet.They take a lot of pressure and abuse over time so you need to choose them wisely.
I went for a plastic soled Shimano for my first road shoe as at the time i thought these were right for me.Yet after a few hundred miles I realised this wasn`t the case at all.
I Tried Sidi plastic soled shoes next and found them to be more suitable for my feet.
I liked them that much a year later I bought some Carbon lites and have been well suited.
Maybe looking back i should of gone beyond my local store and found somewhere that specialised in shoe fitment and saved in the blooming long run!0 -
Base your selection on comfort and fit - sole material is secondary. A stiffer, carbon sole is only really of benefit when riding near your maximum, i.e. racing. There are also quite a few people who don't get on with the uncompromising stiffness of some brands, so definitely try before you buy. What might be fine for a one hour blast could be a killer after 4 hours.Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..0
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Great information, - all posts read with interest, many thanks all.0
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Completely agree, I have both and I cannot feel any advantage with the carbon soles. However during the annual group trip abroad many of my mates complained how hot their feet became with carbon soles.Monty Dog wrote:Base your selection on comfort and fit - sole material is secondary. A stiffer, carbon sole is only really of benefit when riding near your maximum, i.e. racing. There are also quite a few people who don't get on with the uncompromising stiffness of some brands, so definitely try before you buy. What might be fine for a one hour blast could be a killer after 4 hours.0 -
I would suggest just going for the best pair you can afford.
Chain Reaction cycles have some very good deals on Shoes at the moment, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Sear ... s=335,1166
although if like me you have oddly shapped feet go to your LBS instead.0 -
for me its a comfort issue because i use spd cleats, the carbon soles prevent feeling the cleats underneath but i very much doubt they make any power difference.0
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I think so yes, but I bought these because they are bl##dy comfortable, not because they are carbon...
2013 Focus Izalco Pro 2.0 UDi2
1999 Sunn Vertik II MTB - old skool !0 -
I have some sidi ergo's, do they make a difference, no of course not, do i feel better in them - yes! but I suspect this is 'cos they cost a lotAll lies and jest..still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest....0
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Shop told me today that in years to come, other shoes will lose their stiffness somewhat, whereas carbon shoes will remain as stiff in years to come as they are brand new.
Anyway I tried on quite a few different pairs, - three different bike stores.
Most comfortable were the Shimano R087 - wide fit. Perfect fit around the heel, plenty of room for my toes, - the nearest shoe which felt like I didnt really have shoes on I tried on today. £79.
Close second were the Sidi 5-Pro offered at £155. Comfy, pretty good fit, although they were closer to my little toe, not uncomfortably so, but noticably narrower than the R087's... - not sure if that might become a problem on long rides, although my big toes had decent space.
I also tried on various Specialized & Northwave, neither bowled me over. The only other decent contender was the Shimano R064, the cheapest at £59, no rachet system, and a *slightly* squashed little right toe, but a suprising good and otherwise comfy fit for the money.
I would've gone for the R087 for definite, but I dont really want white!! They dont come in any other colour
- one's above do, but not in a wide fit. The Sidi's, colour wise, are perfect, but £155 was more than i was planning on spending, and I didnt feel they were much more comfortable than the R087.
Hmmmm - so not sure what to do, seems there's three factors, fit, price, look. And i'm gonna sacrifice one of those two from what i tried on today. I'm gonna try a few more out before making a decision.0 -
Yes0
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Only if they are made in a special factory in the Dolomites that also makes stuff for Ferrari.
http://roadbikeaction.com/Tech-and-New-Product-News/content/71/4886/Being-There-Sidi-Press-Camp,-Part-1.html0 -
I think that they are, have a really old pair of ugly Specialized carbon shoes that I've done thousands of miles in. Still going strong and show no sign of giving up, also really comfy.
Just don't expect to be faster.0
