dang yo - Sidi Dom's

[royta]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=8059

[CalEpic]

I have a pair but I don't think I'd buy them again for the majority of the riding I do. The plastic soles are so hard that they offer just enough grip on rock to make you fall when you're trying to hike up something. For pure XC riding they are great. Very comfy and stiff.

C

[royta]

I have Dom 4's. Weeds, or dirt when it's wet out, get caught under the buckle, and make it crazy hard to undo. I used to cringe when doing hike-a-bike due to the damage done to them. I'm not sure of any alternatives though, as I have a 8.5 EE to EEE foot. I wear the 43 Mega.

[kevinator]

Had a pair of Dominiator 4's for three years of racing and riding - super comfortable off the bike but the soles got really soft after a year so you get the pedal into your foot. Ouch. And constantly getting grass and mud packed into that f*cking buckle, I'll stick with three velcro strips.
Picked up a pair of Specialized carbons 6 months ago - with the BG insert, and all velcro, my feet are lovin' life again.

[killa Cali Kid]

Originally Posted by kevinator

Had a pair of Dominiator 4's for three years of racing and riding - super comfortable off the bike but the soles got really soft after a year so you get the pedal into your foot. Ouch. And constantly getting grass and mud packed into that f*cking buckle, I'll stick with three velcro strips.
Picked up a pair of Specialized carbons 6 months ago - with the BG insert, and all velcro, my feet are lovin' life again.

I have em and love em/hate em the same. Love the fit/firmness while in the pedals but same issues with cr@p under buckle.

Also not sure how many others are running frog/speedplay pedals but tend to be real tight between the formed base. One of these days I'll stop being so lazy and grind/shave down the base of the shoe for more clearance (only issue on entry-have run same cleats on prior pair of northwave and no issues) but until then curse them the same

[dstepper]

661 Launch for me. I can hike for hours in those shoes. I agree with Craig about the need for hiking traction.

Now if I could learn to ride more stuff, I may have a different answer.

[Pain Freak]

I gave up on the SIDI's. Not comfortable for me. Wore out very fast. For 200 bucks I was hoping to get more then a year and a half.

[1x1clyde]

I got the Dom 5 Megas this spring. I agree, that buckle is a pain in the butt when bushes/small branches/tall grass are involved. The fit is killer, I guess I'll see how long they last.
Prior to these I had the Specialized Pro and loved them. Only issue was the sole detached from the rear of the shoe. Maybe not the best shoe for hike a bike?

[royta]

I think for killer hike a bike rides, the ultimate riding shoe is a lightweight hiking boot used with a pair of toe clip pedals I have stashed in the cupboard.