Shoes spd Shimano XC50

nibby

Hello

I'm after a pair of spd shoes for commuting/xc racing/general weekend riding on the cx bike and have come across the Shimano XC50 at £66

I was looking at the N model which seems a bit more waterproof but they don't have them anywhere in my size EU42

Will the XC50 be decent for what I want? I want something with a ratchet closing system ideally.

Any other suggestions very welcome
Cheers

andy9964

I love mine. Ratchet strap can sometimes snag when pulling on neoprene overshoes, but that's being very picky.
Comfortable to walk in too, I have a 0.4 mile walk once my bike is locked up at work, and never really think about what's on my feet. The soles, heel in particular, is wearing well after a year of this walking - all on road/pavement.
Can't suggest anything else, as my only other SPDs were Aldi's, and they didn't work out very well

£66 is a good price, I paid £79 ish, and was happy with that

nibby

Cheers, good to hear.

I'm not sure if the N version here is worth getting over the standard

bit more expensive as well

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/xc51n-cyclocross-shoe-narrow-fit-ec069332

apreading

I think the N version is the narrow fitting. The reason that last link is more expensive is because it is the XC51 rather than XC50. The XC51 seems to be marketed as a 'cyclocross' shoe as opposed to a mountain bike shoe (whatver that means!) and talks about using mesh in the upper so your feet will get wetter if that is the case.

The XC50 is fantastic but the buckle does stick up a bit and worries me that it might tear overshoes (hasnt yet).

andy9964

apreading wrote:

I think the N version is the narrow fitting. The reason that last link is more expensive is because it is the XC51 rather than XC50.

/\ This/\

It looks like its basically the same shoe, but with slightly different venting on the top compared to the XC50. In particular, the toe section and behind the upper Velcro strap

nibby

thanks for help, just ordered the XC50

Cheers

bendertherobot

The XC50N is the all weather version. So, no mesh on the shoes.

I have them. They are lovely. A better proposition for CX IMO But, if water gets in, it may struggle to get out.

nibby

Thanks BTR - thought I had read about them being a bit more weatherproof.

I've gone for the standard as with CRC voucher they come to £61 which did it.

will probably use them more for commuting but planning to do the odd race/event with the new bike so they will get well worn

Think I've found my perfect do it all bike with the new caadx!!

If someone said to me now I could only have one bike and had to choose then it would defo but the cx bike

Getting ready for me commute home through some woods

bendertherobot

Just wait till you have more than one bike in the garage, then thoughts turn to having a commuting CX, actual CX and posh CX for road duties

nibby

ha ha, bloody hell never thought of that. I had better extend the garage!!

andy9964

nibby wrote:

thanks for help, just ordered the XC50

Cheers

nibby wrote:

Think I've found my perfect do it all bike with the new caadx!!

So, you now have the same bike and shoes as me, can I reccomend an Altura Night Vision jacket in yellow

nibby

Ha ha.... Well I used to have that jacket a few years ago but it was like boil in the bag.

Let me recommend the Castelli Alpha Jersey or Jacket...

You can thank me later

nibby

Cracking bikes though would you agree?

I'm new to the CX bike scene but not to riding bikes and I wish I'd had one for a lot longer

andy9964

Love mine. Not quite as nimble as the Synapse I had, but I find it much more comfortable and versatile.

I think I'll sweat it out in the Altura, not quite a Castelli physique :oops: Maybe later this year if all goes to plan