cleanupinaisle3

I know this isn't fixed gear specific, but I didn't see a specific forum for apparel/gear discussion?

I'm looking to get my first pair of road shoes, and I was interested in the Shimano R105 and the Sidi Genius 5 Pros. They're both carbon-soled but the Geniuses have a ratcheting buckle. I've tried on both shoes and they both feel fine. I'm a 43 with the Shimano and a 42 with the Sidis. The Sidis are an extra $50-60 or so.

Is it worth an extra $60 for the ratcheting buckle and the supposed Sidi quality? The Sidis look a lot nicer as well, but for $60 I could get say, a new jersey or some tires. Which one would you guys go for?

I won't be racing in these, just doing long rides, charity rides, spinning/CycleFit in the winter, and honestly just to try out clipless. I'm getting a great deal on both shoes so if I don't like clipless I can see myself selling them for break even or even a slight profit.

shubonker

Hey if you can sell em to break even, i would go with the Sidi. Racheting buckles seem so much more useful.

My diadora road shoes are velcro... they're okay.

cleanupinaisle3

They do!

I actually just found out that the Sidis don't have a carbon sole, but the Shimanos do.

At the moment it looks like I'm just paying an extra $60 for the brand name now.

But... I'll probably end up doing it. I'm getting a great deal either way.

LoRoK

I have Sidi Dominators (6) with a ratcheting buckle. I've had them for about 3 years, and just had to replace the buckles a month ago. It was easy to do. I like them a lot. I wear them probably 350 days out of the year for most of the day. They are so comfortable. And rebuildable.

ichitz

Sidi!!
I tried on the same shoes as you did. I find I like the Sidi more than the Shimanos in terms of ease of buckling, comfort, and appearance. Get the sidi

dookie

7 years and probably 40k miles on my sidi energy. buckles/straps/insoles replaced once. still going strong. can't beat the ROI there...

W!LL

I've never had Sidi road shoes, but I love my Sidi mountain bike shoes. I really like the buckle system.

powers2b

My $.02 from experience;
Sidis are pricey but worth it.
Shims and Nikes are both good quality, comfortable and last.
Lakes will disintegrate before you know what hit you.

Enjoy

mumblesmumbles

Having never tried out a shoe with a ratchet, I'd assume there's hard(er) material around the ankle area to prevent hot spots from the ratchet clamp down?

tgscordv6

You want a ratchet system with clipless shoes.

cleanupinaisle3

I think I could deal without the ratchet system, as I tried on a Zephyr and Genius at the same time and couldn't tell that much difference, but I went ahead and ordered a Sidi Genius 5 Pro in the mega fit. Couldn't get the colourway I wanted, but I don't think I'll be complaining.

Thanks guys. I shall report back with my 0 km/h fall stories.

guisar

Definitely Sidi- for one thing my shoes are 10 years old but I can still readily get parts like the cleat modifiers and heal pads- all of which are easily replaceable. The racheting system is very nice but being able to keep your shoes in top shape for more than a decade is even better. I have the original Sidi Genius- one of the best purchases I've ever made. Very comfy and durable.