Specialized BG Pro Road

Price Paid:  $260.00 at Markee's Cycling and

Favorite Ride:
Hilly roads in the Siuslaw Valley

Bike Setup:
I have a few different bikes.
Speedplay pedals.

Summary:
My main criteria for a great piece of equipment is that I don't think about it when I'm using it. I put these on and forget that I'm wearing them.

I actually bought these because I liked the Specialized BG comp mountain bike shoes so much and wanted the road version... and the decided to upgrade. These are great shoes. They vent well, are made well, nice and stiff, look cool, and are actually comfortable. I'm a big fan of the toe box that actually has room for a normal foot.

My only (very small) gripe is the top strap. It's nice and wide so it distributes pressure well. It's very adjustable (you can move the strap mount and the buckle mount) which should make this a versatile shoe. However, it's still the second best strap system I've seen. The best is, oddly enough, present on the comp version of this shoe. *shrug*

Strengths:
Comfortable! There is plenty of room room in the toe box and the shoe is still secure without being cinched down too hard.

Well ventilated. I like the vent through base of the shoe (but you have to cut/perforate the insert to benefit from it)

The insert is actually really nice. I probably will not replace it with an aftermarket insert.

Stiff & light

Less expensive than an equivalent Carnac or Sidi (but still kinda pricey)

Weaknesses:
I think there needs to be more padding bettween the inside (opposite the buckle) mount for the top strap. It hurts my foot when I *walk* in the shoes but is somehow fine when I'm riding. I imagine this might be a problem depending on your foot shape. Not exactly a "weakness" since everything works out in the end but I thought I'd mention it. Look out for it when you try the shoes on.

I've come to to accept that carbon fiber soles make sense but I can't get over the nice cosmetic layer of carbon weave on the bottom of the shoe. Showy and probably expensive. How 'bout a layer of heat-reflecting paint?

Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumis for years. Louis Garneaus for even longer. Specialized BG Comp.

Price Paid:  $260.00

Summary:
These shoes are fantastic. I compared these shoes to the new Pearl Izumis, Bontragers, and the 2008 model of this shoe.

The 09 Specialized has the most comfortable toe box of any shoe I have used. And, my heel doesn't slip. This is the only shoe that accomplishes both those things for me.

The insoles are high quality and don't need immediately replacing like with my Sidis.

In the cold weather, circulation is excellent and my feet stay warm (with toe covers).

There are no hot spots that I feel through the sole. I used to feel this all the time with my Sidis, and I have huge pedals (Times).

I hope they never stop making these.

Strengths:
Stiffness
Roomy toe box
No hot spots
No heel wiggle
Overall comfort
Replaceable heel pad
Heel pad that does not fall off (again, Sidi)

Weaknesses:
The ratchet mechanism is harder to use than the 2008 model. But it also hasn't broken yet, which is more than I can say for my Sidi's.

Similar Products Used:
Sidi Genius.

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