Following up on my earlier post, I've done some research into bunion surgery, and it does sound like quite a big deal, with up to a 3-6 month recovery period.
Given the fact that I am only really in pain while cycling (with some discomfort after a long walk), I think I should explore a change of cycling shoes before going down the more drastic (and no doubt considerably more expensive) route of surgery.
Lake or Bont shoes seem to have wide-fitting options, although availability in stores, where I live in Australia, seems to be limited. Mail order would be OK if the shoes can be returned (unused on the bike of course).
Has anyone with wide feet or bunions tried Lake or Bont? Any thoughts?