Flat frustration

[wesley_r]

Why is it so hard to find a decent pair of "flat" mountain bike shoes? Cape rock now imports Five Ten - great - do they have my size? No! Will they on the next shipment? Maybe! AAARgh. I can get them on special order, but it could take up to 3 months! And according to one bike shop I spoke to, Shimano doesn't bring their flat shoes into SA!

 

Does this drive anyone else mad, or am I literally the only one out there not using clipless? It seems my options are import myself, pay through my ring and risk the wrong size OR stick to skate sneakers, that don't have the grip or durability of the five tens or shimanos...

 

Anyone?

[RiderX]

Why is it so hard to find a decent pair of "flat" mountain bike shoes? Cape rock now imports Five Ten - great - do they have my size? No! Will they on the next shipment? Maybe! AAARgh. I can get them on special order, but it could take up to 3 months! And according to one bike shop I spoke to, Shimano doesn't bring their flat shoes into SA!

 

Does this drive anyone else mad, or am I literally the only one out there not using clipless? It seems my options are import myself, pay through my ring and risk the wrong size OR stick to skate sneakers, that don't have the grip or durability of the five tens or shimanos...

 

Anyone?

 

I also use flat shoes have been using clipless for about 2 years but came back to flats because I find then just so much superior to the clipless system. The benefit of being able to pull up when using clips is actually minimal. Almost all bike shops unfortunately is geared exclusively towards the XC race crowd and this is a frustration that you gonna encounter still LOTS of times

 

Cityrock can do a special order for you and import just about any FiveTen shoe it seems, they told me they're ordering their next shipment in Mid-November so maybe if you quick you can still get on the bus? Anyway I was pretty happy with the Impact Lows I put on I think they are superior to the Freeriders or the other shoes so I went with that. They're just so much more durable and I think its going to last for a long time. You might want to go for the high version for ankle protection or get something like the Carver shoe thats kindof the same but has an additional flap that goes over the laces, I thought thats overkill though. Fitting the shoes beforehand is essential because you get half sizes and wanna makes sure that your feet dont move around too much.

 

Yeah man rather wait a while and go with FiveTen theyre way better than anything else one thing thats not mentioned often is how super durable the soles are you wont get grooves in your shoes from the pedal pins like you get with skate shoes I still havent seen ANY damage on my shoes and have been using them for a while now. My previous "BMX" shoes only lasted about 6 months.

[wesley_r]

Almost all bike shops unfortunately is geared exclusively towards the XC race crowd and this is a frustration that you gonna encounter still LOTS of times

 

Yip, I hear you! Some sales guys look at you like you're mad and then try to sell you the benefits of clipless. Dammit, I know what I want! You're not going to change my mind!

 

Cityrock can do a special order for you and import just about any FiveTen shoe it seems, they told me they're ordering their next shipment in Mid-November so maybe if you quick you can still get on the bus? Anyway I was pretty happy with the Impact Lows I put on I think they are superior to the Freeriders or the other shoes so I went with that.

 

When I spoke to City Rock they didn't inspire much confidence. They wanted upfront payment for a special order, but couldn't guarantee the delivery time (said it could be up to 4 months), and didn't know if they'd have my size on their next order BUT they guy did take my name and number so hopefully I get a call for them sometime.

 

Buycycle are trying to track down old stock Shimano AM40's for me... not quite as good at the Five Tens but still much better than skate sneakers, and cheaper...

 

In the meantime, I am considered getting my vans resoled (the sole is worn through)