Sidi Genius 5 Carbon

Price Paid:  $270.00 at Guthries bikes

Favorite Ride:
Emigration canyon, wasatch blvd.

Bike Setup:
2003 Trek Postal service team issue, full Dura-Ace. Spinergy fcc wheels, xxx bontrager stem, xx light bontrager bars,Zero gravity brakes, speed play light action peddles,Schwalbe Ultremo R tires, FSA ceramic bottem bracket.

Summary:
Awesome shoe so far, After using Shimano's for almost 10 years. I knew after the first ride these were deffinently worth the price, I can actually put all the power into the peddles. The shimanos come to find out were not wide enough for my foot to expand when pushing on the peddles. I was always unsure about the reason until now. Also my feet no longer go numb after 20 miles or so.

Strengths:
light, stiff, comfortable, support, feet dont go numb. good looking.

Weaknesses:
none yet.

Similar Products Used:
none.

Price Paid:  $175.00 at totalcycling.com

Favorite Ride:
any

Bike Setup:
ScottUSA

Summary:
Comfort plus I could wear these all day. ratchet strap gives you a nice secure feel and can be adjusted on the ride. Super arch support.

Strengths:
Hand made Italian(my wife is jealous)
No breakin time

Weaknesses:
bit expensive I'm not sure it was worth the extra for the carbon sole

Similar Products Used:
Adidas

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Ultegra pedals with SPD-SL cleats (yellow, with float). Al/Carbon frame, and Ultegra components.

Summary:
I really like these new shoes. Overall, it's just a really good looking, well-made, solid, lightweight, and great-fitting pair. The whole Sidi line is known for having a good fit, especially these models having the molded heel and variable 3-strap ratchet design. The design of the new Genius 5.5 in black is very pleasing to the eye -- much moreso than the loud silver models of a prior generation. Like another poster, I just enjoy looking down at them while I ride. True, the carbon is slightly deceiving. If you look closely, the woven appearance is molded in, and is not actual woven carbon. Still, if you check the specs, the Genius 5.5 are 45 grams lighter than the $80 cheaper non-carb models. They are also slightly lighter than the more expensive Ergo model. And I think (not sure) that the carbon plates are replaceable, which could come in handy. Overall, I am happy spending an extra 80 bucks as compared with the regular 5s. Did you know Sidi are largely handmade? A lot of work goes into making a pair. Of course, as with any shoe, proper cleat positioning a HUGE factor in how happy you will be. I, for example, require a few wedges, and my left foot toes-out somewhat. Without a good setup by an experienced bike fitter (preferably using Fit Kit dummy pedals) then no shoe will work very well.

Strengths:
Great looks over previous model years; lightweight; solid; well-made shoes.

Weaknesses:
It's a fact of cycling life that you will pay more for specialty shoes than for general purpose athletic shoes. Buy the best level of shoe you can afford. Suck it up -- you can do it!

Similar Products Used:
Older Sidi Genius 5. And a forgettable assortment of cheaper SPD-based shoes going back 10 years.

Price Paid:  $260.00 at Local Store

Favorite Ride:
6 Gap

Bike Setup:
Litespeed Seina with Durace 9 speed.

Summary:
This shoe is not any stiffer in the sole than the regular Genius 5. I was very disappointed in the performance. I actually rode one of my current shoes (Genius 4) on one foot while riding the Hi Tech carbon fiber on the other. They felt like the same shoe! I certainly hope that Sidi has changed this for the new Genius 5.5.

Strengths:
Looks nice; seems to be good quality

Weaknesses:
No additional stiffness in the sole compared to the regular Genius 5.

Similar Products Used:
Carnac Legend; Time Profile

Price Paid:  $280.00 at online

Favorite Ride:
Mt Baker

Bike Setup:
Marinoni Omega, Campy Record/Chorus 10 mix, Time Impact or RXS pedals.

Summary:
The G5 Carbons are very nice shoes, classical Sidi build with some nice upgrades including the soft arch compression strap and the "secure" velcro closures (velcro with serrated teeth in it).

However, the carbon soles on this model are a bit of misnomer. They are as Sidi calls them "Hi-Tech Carbon" but really they are just thermoplastic with a small percentage of carbon fibers in the injection. Compared to the full carbon plates on the Ergo 1 or the 2004 Genius 4 Carbon, these are not as stiff (I have the Ergo 1s as well). The G5 Carbons are probably closer to the regular Genius 5 in stiffness, and I would suggest to most buyers that if you are considering this shoe it is probably better to save $60 and get the regular G5, or bite the bullet for the Ergo 1s.

Strengths:
Great Sidi design and closures, low stack height of sole, durable Lorica material, parts availability.

Weaknesses:
Carbon sole inserts are not really carbon and IMO don't contribute much to the design. Price is high, damn Euro.

Similar Products Used:
Sidi Tecno, Genius 3, Shadow, Energy 2, Ergo 1. Carnac Ellipse, Quartz. Time Equipe Pro, Equipe Pro CX. I always come back to Sidi!