Bike Setup: Speedplay X1 pedals the rest does nont matter for this review
Summary: Nice shoes. Well made with a good fit for my duck feet. The top half is great for spinning style riders.
Strengths: Really stiff. Mate well with Speedplay pedals. Nicely vented. Look cool.
Weaknesses: $$$ if you pay full price. Toes get scuffs but I'm GI and can polish shoes very well thank you.
Similar Products Used: Spec. Comps total crap.
Shimanos older designs that worked well after I broke them in but flexed to much after a couple of seasons
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Favorite Ride: Blue Ridge Parkway on a classic steel road bike
Bike Setup: Fondriest Status with Dura-Ace gruppo, Zipp 303 tubulars (racing) and Mavic Open 4 CD (training)
Summary: Carnac's French-made Ellipse is great to look at, but durability is another thing. With the exception of the comfortable wide-toe box, I found this shoe to be terribly overrated, and overpriced; there is no way I would pay close to the retail $ 229.00.
Strengths: Wide toe-box, and appealing looks; reasonably ventilated. Comfortable for long hauls.
Weaknesses: Durability: Within 2 years, the sole of the left shoe is seperating, and the upper material of the velcro straps is coming apart. I've had to buy replacement velcro fasteners at Home Depot to repair. Also, these are some of the heaviest shoes I've owned. Do yourself a favor, and buy Sidi's, or Time's.
Similar Products Used: Sidi Energy, Shimano-various models, Time Equipe Pro
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Bike Setup: Waterford 2200 w/ Reynolds Ouzo Pro (1"), Dura Ace Groupo, Velomax Circuit Comps, TTT Forgie XL, Selle Italia SLR
Summary: These are my first pair of cycling shoes and have been happy so far. I have taken good care of them so they are still in good shape. They have very good ventilation, great for warm days, not so great of cool days. I got mine plenty snug which I like but the toebox feels a little narrow. The combination of cool air and the inablility to move my toes much means that my toes go numb quite quickly without booties. This isn't a problem when it warms up though.
The kangaroo leather around the front scuffs really easy. Also the Carbon Composite (not 'carbon fiber') soles are easily gouged, simply if you step on a small rock on the road.
I got a good deal on mine and are pleased so far, I wouldn't however pay retail for them.
Bike Setup: Merlin Extralite's, Calfee Tetra Pro, Olmo Team, Pinarello Opera & Prince, Wilier Mortirolo.
Summary: Size 42 fit well but couldn't get my Speedplay cleats far enough back so it felt like I was riding on my toes, then went to 41 but the seams rub and cause blisters, the cleat adaptor is too bulky.
Strengths: Look great, velco closure works well.
Weaknesses: Loose ankle, difficult to get into and the sole is a bit thick compared to other shoes around.
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