The fit is the best we've experienced so far. Comfort is worth paying for.

As I get older, I have a tendency to become confused. When I say I’ve owned SIDIs for years, I have to remind myself those are for my cycle with a motor. I have been wearing SIDI motorcycle boots for over a decade, and when you find something that fits, you stick with it. The bonus has been in the durability of the boot. Needless to say, I was enthusiastic to test SIDIs using my other cycle (without a motor).

I was intrigued by the buckles, dials, straps and screwdriver (yes, screwdriver) on the premier SIDI Ergo 2 Carbon cycling shoes. Normally, lashing three Velcro straps is my process of putting on and fitting my current road shoes. Don’t let SIDI’s features intimidate you. I was grateful for the nearly infinite adjustments to achieve the best fit ever.

Closest to the toe box is a lone Velcro strap, which SIDI calls the fastener security system. Within the hook and pile of the Velcro are red plastic strip inserts with teeth. When you connect the two halves, the teeth mesh and prevent the strap from slipping. It stays put!

The center adjustment on the SIDI Ergo 2 Carbon is called the Techno II System. It allows precise tension on the instep area of the foot. I have always fussed with my other shoes being either too loose or too tight in this area. With the SIDIs, you lift a half moon tab that becomes the handle and turn clockwise to tighten. At first, I had to look to see what I was doing, but after some practice, I could keep my eyes on the road while performing this adjustment. During a three-hour ride, I simply pressed the unlock button and readjusted the tension easily. I also appreciated the thin pad on the inside of the tongue. It was the first time I never developed a hot spot in this area. I was most thankful for this feature.

The main buckle was just as easy to use and adjust. One tab incrementally ratchets to tighten, and another ratchets to loosen. Lift both levers on the side of the buckle to completely loosen the strap. As with the Tecno II lever, it was easy to adjust the main buckle system while riding. I suspect there would be difficulties with these adjustments with full-fingered gloves. Perhaps SIDI should develop a replacement buckle for winter use.

Wait, there’s more! Not only is there an adjustment for your heel, but both sides are independent of each other. This is where the screwdriver is used. The sensation of this adjustment was like cupping you hand over the top of your heal. I started my ride with the retention system open and then tightened it for comparison. It made a significant difference. My foot was held firm even during some spirited leadout sprints. No more blisters! In addition, my heel didn’t lift during the upstroke.

No worries if you can’t decipher my babble. SIDI has enclosed a descriptive technical guide with illustrations. They show and explain all the adjustments. In addition, you can’t go wrong with cleat mounting, which the technical guide also covers. It illustrates mounting of all the major brands of cleats to include Look, Shimano, Speedplay, and Campy.

I know sole rigidity and power transfer is important. I grunted and groaned from a high-gear standing start. The SIDI was solid, and I didn’t detect any mushiness. There was a positive feedback among my leg, shoe, and the bike. Don’t overlook the stiffness of the body of the shoe. Sometimes, the sole may be rigid, but too much flex from the shoe itself can feel like you’re walking in sand. I didn’t feel like my foot was rolling over the sole of the SIDI.

Wait, there’s still more! The features of this shoe, not the least of which is the carbon namesake, are virtually endless. The variable thickness of the carbon sole allows solid power transfer without numbing your foot. The rubberized heal pad provided confidence even when walking on slippery cement. This pad is one of the many replacement parts available from SIDI. I like the hard plastic outer covering on the side of the heel area. It provides more protection than fabric when you brush against the crankarm with your heel. There are small but bright red reflectorized areas on the rear of the shoe. These add to visibility and safety.

SIDI ERGO 2 Carbon Features

·          Designed for the high-performance, high-mileage cyclist

·          Patented full carbon sole balances power transfer and foot health

·          Adjustable heel security system prevents power robbing heel lift

·          Breathable, supple, durable Lorica microfiber upper with cooling mesh inserts

·          Patented Techno II buckle system and caliper buckle for easy on the bike fit adjustment

·          Soft instep closure system and padded tongue eliminate pressure points

·          High security velcro won’t shift or slip

·          Vented, reflective heel cup

·          Sizes 39-48. Half and wide sizes available.

The combination Lorica/mesh body allows for breathability and toughness. The Lorica is also water repellant. Combine that with moisture wicking socks, and my feet stayed dry and cool. At this time of year, I wasn’t able to determine if the black shoe that I received for testing would get too hot during high summer temperatures.

Sizing is as endless as the features of the shoe. I fluctuate between standard and wide width shoes. I ordered standard width in the SIDIs and they seemed slightly narrow to me the first time I put them on. However, it no longer felt that way after regular use. I would have liked to try on their wide width for comparison. In keeping with innovation, SIDI also offers women’s specific sizing.

Subsequent rides wearing the SIDIs confirmed my feelings about them. The fit is the best I’ve experienced. They adjust with ease, and my feet don’t get hot. The price may be more than others, but considering the fit and features, it is money well spent. I can attest to that with my motorcycle boots. Don’t forget, as parts wear out, you can replace them and keep this shoe virtually forever. Who is happy with uncomfortable shoes whether on the bike or walking down the street? Comfort is worth paying for. In the long run, being comfortable on the bike equates to increased performance. You can win with SIDIs.

SIDI USA: www.sidiusa.com
SIDI Worldwide: www.sidisport.com

Shopping from the US? Click here to buy the SIDI Ergo 2 Carbon road shoes online.

Shopping from Europe?Click here to buy SIDI Ergo 2 Carbon road shoes online.