Time for new shoes what would I notice between

nibby

current very old Specialized shoes are falling apart so need some new.

I would rather have decent pair that will last.

I'm not racing but still like decent performance. They will be worn from everything from commuting to sportives to long rides.

What would the real world difference be between the two below. I would probably look for the Spec ones on ebay 2nd hand but would they be worth it over the Bont ones?
Cheers

Bont rl road
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bontrager/rl-road-shoes-ec036057#features

spec sworks
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/s-works-road-shoe-ec043387

Thanks

mfin

It all depends how they fit you, you can only go by fit really. Even between models of the same make the fit varies.

If you're 44 by the way I have some boxed completely unused Bontrager RXL's in white.

nibby

I'm a 42!! shame.

Yes I know what you mean re size but generally will I notice a big difference say if the size in both were the same for me?

mfin

nibby wrote:

I'm a 42!! shame.

Yes I know what you mean re size but generally will I notice a big difference say if the size in both were the same for me?

You might, you might not. It's all so individual, you could get a load of people harking on about all sorts of personal experience but it won't match yours. If you mean performance-wise difference, I'd say you won't notice much as they are both pretty good shoes, a lesser shoe that fits dead on will always out-do a supposedly superior shoe that doesn't.

pippi_langsamer-2

I know it's always annoying when someone throws another option into the mix of two, but I'm really loving the Lake CX331s...

nibby

Ha ha.. know the more the better

well I'm probably going to order online and keep the best ones.

I think I will stick to the lower end of the budget and put the rest towards some bib shorts

Rizzio

I was recently having the same quandary.

I just felt that my B'Twin Race 9 shoes from Decathlon had done good service, and some shiny new Bontrager RXLs would make all the difference to my racing.

I think I paid €90 for the B'Twin shoes, and €135 (sale price) for the Bontragers. Whilst I'm very happy with the latter, and they do grip my heels more effectively, I was surprised to find that they weigh almost exactly the same as the Decathlon ones, and that build quality almost tends to favour the latter. Both have stiff carbon soles.

So, if you possibly can, do at least be sure to see the shoes 'in the flesh' - and weigh them, too, if that matters to you. (It's amazingly difficult, for example, to find published weights for Sidi shoes).

vimfuego

as above - all very personal and worth seeing them / trying on first.
Just bought a pair of Northwave Sonic SRS's - £76 on that Wiggle - first ride this morning & very pleased.