Cycling shoe question

jws504

I'm not sure if I'm embarrassed or proud that I am still riding in the same Sidi cycling shoes I bought when I got into the sport a dozen years ago.  Wildy durable shoes, to say the very least.

However, they're at the end of the road and I need to get a new pair(s).  I liked the durability of these shoes, but what I didn't like is they were very straight and rigid and occasionally caused a "hot spot" on my middle toes.  I'm wondering what cycling shoes might be better for the triathlete and if there are any reccomendations for shoes that better help a run transition vis-a-vis foot angle, etc.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

kurshing

Do you have tri shoes? I have Pearl Izumi Carbon Flys and they are great.

robin sarner

Lots of variables of course. For full ironman, I feel road shoe is way to go.

John Withrow

I don't personally think foot angle or anything like that is any different between tri shoes or road shoes. The tri shoes are generally a bit quicker to get into and out of. They also usually have better drainage for wet feet and are lined with a soft material and have no sharp seams inside so you can easily wear them barefoot. I used to have a pair of sidi road shoes but the toe box was a bit tight for me. I bought a pair of Specialized Trivent tri shoes and absolutely love them! The toe box is a bit bigger, but they never feel loose on my foot. I liked them so much that I went out and bout a pair of Specialized road shoes, but I never wear them. Even in the winter I prefer to wear my Trivents with no socks by putting neoprene toe covers and then winter booties on... I used them all winter on my trainer even though I didn't need a faster entry or drainage, or any of the real benefits of a tri shoe.

GMAN 19030

x2 for Specialized Trivents. The only word of caution for the Trivents is they're designed for people who could use a varus correction (2/3rds of the population according to Specialized) as they have a built-in 1.5mm varus wedge.

The new S-Works Trivents with the boa closure looks pretty darn cool except the $400 price tag.

Scott Alexander

I have used Specialized trivent shoes for years, and have always used Speedplay pedals (cleats slammed all the way mid-foot as they can be). Love them.

However, the last few years I've had BAD hotspot issues. Now, I know I'm a little heavier at this time of year than usual, but last summer when training for IMAZ the hotspots were brutal - anything over 45 miles. Granted, it was the hottest summer on record here in Texas, but still.

I'm thinking my choice of speedplays might have to be questioned in the near future.

BUT, in order to be a true roadie for my trip to Majorca this weekend, I bought these. How euro pro, right?!?

Paul Hough

Interesting comment by Robin. I've done 4 IMs in tri-shoes, but last December after reading a similar comment by Chris Lieto I picked up a pair of Bonty RXL road shoes on a 50% sale and have been saving them for IM Cozumel later this year. I'll probably start riding in them late summer

jws504

Posted By John Withrow on 09 Apr 2012 04:28 AM

................... I bought a pair of Specialized Trivent tri shoes and absolutely love them! ...........

I'm actually getting a pair tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

 

Norton

This was mentioned twice, so I'll throw in my two cents: hot spots when cycling. Several causes, primarily not enough support under the met heads in the forefoot. Too-narrow shoes can be a real problem. Dehydration is often a factor. The fact is that hot foot is nerve damage and left unattended can lead to long-term problems.

I stumbled onto a temporary solution toward the end of my first 600k brevet. My feet were on fire and I had resorted to riding with my feet on top of my shoes! I rolled into the control at mile 270 and shared my difficulties with the volunteer there. He said that he'd heard that sometimes Tums helped with hot foot. I just happened to have a roll with me so I took two, skeptical in the extreme. It worked. The Tums effect seems to last about 45 minutes, then I need to reload.

Everyone that I've told this to has been equally doubtful, until they try it.

coop6

Bill, I've had trouble with hotfoot on longer rides with significant climbing. Is the Tums effect because you are stopping and clipping out while you take them, or do you take them as you roll and it still works? If this works, I would be thrilled!

Norton

Sarah,

I take the Tums on the fly. Give 'em a try and let us know how it works.

John Schneider

I had bad, bad hotspots when riding, once I got fitted on my bike and also bought a pair of these specialized footbeds hotspots went away, these footbeds have a metatarsual support which is soo nice, I buy a new pair each year
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=57994
Good luck

coop6

I finally had an opportunity to try the Tums for hotfoot. It worked!
I tried it twice this week during big bike week. The first time, I had to get off my bike to change a flat shortly after the hotfoot set in, so I wasn't sure if it was the Tums or the act of getting off my bike that helped. Then at the tail end of yesterday's long ride, I had it pretty bad. I took the Tums and it went away within a couple miles. I was able to pick my wattage up to .80 IF for the last 39 minutes of a 98 mile ride.
I am just so thrilled, and thank you so much for the tip!

Norton

Posted By Sarah Cooper on 05 May 2012 05:10 AM

I finally had an opportunity to try the Tums for hotfoot. It worked!

I tried it twice this week during big bike week. The first time, I had to get off my bike to change a flat shortly after the hotfoot set in, so I wasn't sure if it was the Tums or the act of getting off my bike that helped. Then at the tail end of yesterday's long ride, I had it pretty bad. I took the Tums and it went away within a couple miles. I was able to pick my wattage up to .80 IF for the last 39 minutes of a 98 mile ride.

I am just so thrilled, and thank you so much for the tip!

Glad to be of service!

Dino Sarti

Wow, Bill. First lantiseptic and now tums. You are like a cycling pharmacist!

Norton

Posted By Dino Sarti on 08 May 2012 12:13 AM

Wow, Bill. First lantiseptic and now tums. You are like a cycling pharmacist!

Given the distances I ride during the events I enter, it's no wonder!