My old Mavics lost a bit of sole/tread last week. No shame to them, we've been through a lot together. I'm now looking at replacements and considering the Rockrider 900 from Decathlon so after any feedback from current/previous users.
Also - as a more general point - the pros/cons of laces vs ratchet. I'm happy with the latter on road/touring shoes just wondering if dirt/mud has more of an impact on the choice when riding off-road.
Got BOA on my Shimano XC3's and MW9 winter boots. No issues with mud.
Rockrider are decent shoes, check out Merlin as they have some right bargains on Crono shoes at the moment, I got my lad a pair of the CX3.5's and they're superb, sizing is pretty normal too.
I'd disagree vemently about Rockriders XC shoes!
I have the Rockriders 700 and the problem is the sole seems to be made of the hardest yet slippiest substance known to man and, unless you manage to clip into the pedals first time, 100% of the time, your foot will fly off the pedal. Which is deeply irritating when your trying to keep ahead when starting off from, for example, traffic lights....it's also borderline dangerous.🤔
I'm no SPD virgin having been riding Shimano SPDs of various sorts for about 30 years and these are, by far, the worst shoes I've had.
(When I bought my 700 I also looked at the 900 and that sole appeared very similar so I'd imagine a similar problem.)
It's also worth noting the the toe box is very narrow* so for me they constantly rub. I had hoped the material would give and mould to my foot. It hasn't yet (I've got maybe 100hrs of riding in them but I'm about to give up with them...)
* I don't have wide feet!
EDIT: on the subject of ratchets, Ive two great pairs of MavIc "touring" shoes which had ratchets. Unfortunately, the ratchets failed and I couldn't get replacements so the shoes died prematurely. I try to avoid proprietary parts now and stick with Velcro straps were possible...
I've seen that the Rockriders come with a warning that they're not suitable for longer stretches of walking. Given my usual route choices this us probably a limiting factor.
So - something more suitable for HaB??
I like my Specialized Recon 2.0 very much
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/cycling-shoes/specialized-recon-2-0-shoes
I've got some (in a sale) Spesh Sworks REcons, they have BOAs and work very well as my XC and road shoe. One Boa has got a bit sticky, but not unusable. I have tho ordered a spare Boa for free from Boa and it's sitting in a drawer just in case. Spesh recons seem to get good reviews on here (edit - see above from Bob), and the last works for my feet. Mine not great tho for too much walking as quite stiff. Would probs get something else for touring or HaB - perhaps the Recon 2s instead of Sworks
Another thumbs up here for Spesh Recons. Only shoe that is wide enough for me and affordable.
I like my Specialized Recon 2.0 very much
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/cycling-shoes/specialized-recon-2-0-shoes
I have these - they are extremely comfortable, stiff on the bike but really quite decent for walking in.
I have Recons too, they are the most comfy spd cycling shoes I've owned. But mine are the old velcro strap ones (which is still the best fastening method IMO!).
https://www.bikeperfect.com/reviews/fizik-terra-atlas-gravel-shoe-review-a-versatile-gravel-shoe-aimed-at-everything-off-road#:~:text=With%20an%20emphasis%20on%20comfort,the%20unyielding%2C%20close%2Dfitting%20cycling%20shoe. pretty much exactly mirrors my experience with them. Mine are 3 years old and going strong, only a hint of wear on the heel cuff material. They've suffered through many muddy rides, without anything more than a hose off afterwards, and the Boa closure has been faultless. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Another vote for Recon 2 here, I have a pair of lightly used black ones in a 43 if anyone wants them for a small sum (I hate black shoes and bought the same in pink as soon as it was possible (tart!)).
I bought some quoc grand tourer III and I have been incredibly impressed with them. Not cheap but they do inspire confidence
Another vote for Recon 2 here, I have a pair of lightly used black ones in a 43 if anyone wants them for a small sum (I hate black shoes and bought the same in pink as soon as it was possible (tart!)).
If anyone’s got a pair in EU 45 I’d be interested- just missed out on a pair on eBay due to me dithering.
Not a fan of the Fizik Terra Atlas personally, they're quite a wide and high volume fit (which is good) but the single Boa isn't sufficient for that type of fit IMO. Your forefoot can move around too much (I end up with arch pain wearing them, despite only having medium arches and using supportive insoles)
I might try the Recon 1.0 as a hike-a-bike/bike packing option though
Yeah, likely to go for Recons, either the 1 or the 2 (thanks all).
What's Spesh shoe sizing like these days? I'm normally a bog standard 42 in most shoes.
probably the most true to size shoes you can buy! Decent width too
Just be careful with the Recons, some of the higher end models in particular were made of some horrible stiff material which rubbed the hell out of your ankle.
I persevered for a while hoping they would bed in but gave up eventually and picked up some cheap Trek Forays which are much more comfortable and have a decent sole for walking also.
I'm another Recon user - they are good on bike, more than acceptable walking, but a tad narrow feeling for me. That said they were £30 STW classifieds bought, and they are 3 years in and just fine
I’ve got the same Recons as desperatebicycle - very comfy, have lasted ages, definitely fine to walk in for short spells, can’t speak for long hike-a-bikes because I don’t do them.
Currently using DHB Dorika MTB spring-autumn and Das Boot in winter/rainy days.
Just be careful with the Recons, some of the higher end models in particular were made of some horrible stiff material which rubbed the hell out of your ankle.
I persevered for a while hoping they would bed in but gave up eventually and picked up some cheap Trek Forays which are much more comfortable and have a decent sole for walking also.
I read this two hours after buying a pair of Recon 2.0....🙄
I read this two hours after buying a pair of Recon 2.0....
I've had Recon 1.0 and 2.0 and haven't had this issue. You might be lucky too 🤞🏻
Recon 1.0s ordered. I'll update on arrival.
I read this two hours after buying a pair of Recon 2.0....
I reckon Specialized will have learned from their mistake, it was the lace up carbon sole Recon S-Works I had which funnily enough were on sale at a severely reduced everywhere 🙄
Another Fizik fan. Have the Terra Atlas shoe it's a little bit wider than myTerra Ergolace shoes. They are good , a year old and now 4 weeks into a tour in Morroco. No boa issues or sole,done a fair bit of hike a bike stuff and no issues.
Fizik Vento X3 here, having felt the Terra Atlas was a touch OTT for me. Very happy with them for my mix of rougher roads, commute, tour gravel and MTB. Slightly squeaky sole after 10k km or so.
Another vote for Recon 2 here, I have a pair of lightly used black ones in a 43 if anyone wants them for a small sum (I hate black shoes and bought the same in pink as soon as it was possible (tart!)).
DM'd you.
The Recon 1.0s arrived and fit seems fine. They're not as "robust" looking as I might have liked (soles, toe bumper) and I'm now pondering whether or not to fit cleats and take them for a ride or look for the Recon 2.0.
or look for the Recon 2.0
I found the newer version of 1.0s not as good as the older version as shown above (with the 3 velcro straps). The 2.0s are much better in my opinion.
Another Fizik fan, have the Terra Atlas and the Terra Ergolace shoes.The Atlas is a wider fit,year old and now 4 weeks biking in Morroco. No issues with the boa or bits of the shoe failing. Done a lot of walking /pushing the bike where it's loose or steep.
