justinzane

NOTE: Question Answered, Shoes Ordered. Thanks @ThermionicScott

I live nowhere near a store with a reasonable inventory of bike shoes to try; so I generally must order online. I did, however, get the opportunity to try on a pair of Pearl Izumi 47s at a retailer in a city I was visiting. This was after about 20 miles ride and some walking, so my feet were partially expanded, though not what I'd experience on a long ride.

The 47s fit exactly -- that is, my feet fit in the shoe without painful pressure -- but there was no room left over at all. In an ideal world, a 47.5 would be perfect, giving the option of wearing heavier cold weather socks or allowing room for swelling at the end of a century. In the real world, I can get either EU 47 or EU 48 in the particular model I want.

Given the choice noted, what would the experienced among you recommend?

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Note: the model in question is the "All Road" for use on errands, sightseeing rides, etc. I ride road but need some walkables to use on the days when I'm not going from car/home to bike and back. The "All Road"s together with SPD cleats and pedals are affordable enough to justify their coexistance with Look or SPD-SL road shoes.

ThermionicScott 

I'd go for the 48s. No question about it.

justinzane

Thanks. That was my inclination, as well. Being a total newb, having never really ridden a bike before a year ago; I've learned to trust others' experience at least as much as my intuition.

ThermionicScott 

You bet. Sometimes I put on my shoes before a ride, wondering if I should pull the laces tighter since they feel loose. But they start to fit perfectly after a few miles. Conversely, I've had some really miserable stretches of riding when either the shoes were too small or the laces too tight, and I developed aches and blisters. Learn from my/our experience!

justinzane

That, to me, is one of the truly great things about the internet. Though there are probably only around 20-30 experienced roadies in a county larger than some states and probably European nations; the ability to have "mentors" from everywhere has made it so much easier for me to learn specific things. And, most importantly, to learn how much I have yet to really appreciate and understand.

Oh, and the 48s are on the way! Should arrive with about a week of break-in / practice time before the "Survival Century". Actually, it sounds rather manageable ride-wise -- the name refers to the Tulelake history of Japanese internment camps and of "Captain Jack's Stronghold".

Alleycatdad

I've never been up to tulelake/Klamath lake/Merrill area when it wasn't blowing about a hundred mph. My kid has a soccer tournament that weekend or I'd see you out there. Have fun!

sa

justinzane

Would the freaking volcano be Mount Shasta by any chance? And, yeah, the wind here in the flats is wicked on occassion. Somehow, though, most of the times I've been up in Tulelake working or watching the Eagles have been pretty moderate. Perhaps I've just had a string of good luck, but I'm hoping it will hold.

Alleycatdad

Yep. Mt. Shasta. Have fun on the ride!

sA