Nike Hautacam

Price Paid:  $80.00 at online

Bike Setup:
Masi Gran Corsa with Camp Record Ultra and K-Force crankset.

Summary:
Bought these as an additional pair of shoes (like bikes, you can naver have too many bike shoes, right?) and LOVE them. L O V E oogly woogly LOVE them! I wear them more than my Poggios these days...at least I do for long rides. The fit is amazing - comfortable, lightweight and solid performance. I wish they still made them 'cause I'd by a new pair. Yes, I know the "Lance" is essentially the same shoe, but the Hautacam is more...how you say...subtle.

Strengths:
Fir, weight, comfort, power to the pedal.

Weaknesses:
Everyone wants mine!

Similar Products Used:
Nike Poggio I's, Carnac Quartz.

Price Paid:  $100.00 at some online store

Favorite Ride:
http://dianaelizabeth.tripod.com

Summary:
I purchased these after trying on a friends. I think they are amazing. They fit well, and I've never had sore spots on my feet from them at all. The ratcheting buckle allows me to get them nice and snug and the velcro shows no sign of wear after a full year of use. (I ride all winter on a trainer)

Strengths:
ratcheting buckle
comfy heel

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Before purchasing these, I tried on a ton of bike shoes, but the higher end ones were out of my price range and the lower end ones didn't fit as well. I believe they have been mostly discontinued, but if you can find them, I say go for it.

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Local Bike Store

Favorite Ride:
Retracing alot of the hills and backroads found in Breaking Away in Bloomington, IN

Bike Setup:
Trek 5900 with new 2004 Shimano Dura-Ace 10 speed throughout. Replaced almost all of the Bontrager stuff with Ritchey WCS components (stem, bars, headset, wheels). Vetta V100HR computer.

Summary:
Wanted to purchase a high-end road shoe because of the performance and comfort. I've tried some of the two and three velcro strap shoes, but I found that I quite couldn't get the real, nice tight fit that I was craving. The buckle is great....simple, quick and gets my ankle and heel tight and locked in. After months and years of use, the bottom of your shoes are going to get stratched....sorry. The stitching on the two velcro straps are very durable, and I've not noticed any tearing at the seams. I have no idea what kind of weight this shoe comes in at compared to other high-end SIDI, Shimano or the new Nike Lance, but I'm sure it's a little heavier because it's a few years older. I've also heard that the new Nike Lance is a little more comfortable because the new re-designed strap and split tongue. I cannot comment, but my Hautacams are very comfortable with no sore spots/blisters even when I decide to ride without socks for 2-3 hours. I use the Nike Hautacam with 2004 Shimano Dura-Ace 7800 pedals with 3-degree float......very good combo.

Strengths:
Easy to adjust and tighten. A very good buckle and strap road shoe. You might be able to find a good deal and clearance price on these since they are no longer made. Make sure to go and try some other Nike road shoes on so you know exactely what European size to purchase online or through the mail.

Weaknesses:
The only problem I've had with my Hautacam (which has been improved on the new Nike Lance) is in the heel area.....out of the heel area is now surrounded by a plastic heel cup/exterior. After a few spills, I have torn through the leather/nylon exterior on the inside of my left heel. The "skeleton" of the heel cup is just fine.....mainly cosmetic. I kinda fix it by using black Shoe Goo to cover the road burn. The plastic heel exterior goes a long way to protect the shoe, but it mark your cranks and frame a little more.....can't have the best of both worlds.

Similar Products Used:
None....other than just trying on other road shoes at the bike store. I really have not purchase and "road tested" other types and brands of shoes. Thinking of purchasing either the Nike Lance or the top-of-line Shimano (silver model), but cannot justify spending over $200.00 for a pair of shoes yet.