Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 August, 2017, 07:57:19 pm
Quote
Inspired by the European sport of randonneuring, the all-new Specialized Audax Road Shoe has been specifically developed for long rides spent chasing far off horizons. And from a design standpoint, it strikes the optimal balance between comfort and efficiency, making it ideal for anyone exploring their limits across anything from unmaintained back roads to smooth tarmac.https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-audax-road-shoe-EV244713
Are they really more suitable for "long rides spent chasing far off horizons" (that would be the Fens... ) than any other shoe? Probably not but it's interesting to see that audax is now marketing-worthy for a company as large as Specialized. (I certainly won't be buying them as I use SPDs and these are three-bolt.)
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 04 August, 2017, 08:36:32 pm
3 bolt = not audax
Post by: Ruthie on 04 August, 2017, 08:38:40 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 August, 2017, 08:41:18 pm
£100 = not audaxI kind of agree on both points but a glance around any audax shows that lots of people don't.
3 bolt = not audax
Post by: Ruthie on 04 August, 2017, 08:56:49 pm
Pretty, in matt black? Sleek but I wouldn't call them pretty. However, that's a matter of individual taste, obviously; and I've never thought of pretty as a term applying to shoes at all.£100 = not audaxI kind of agree on both points but a glance around any audax shows that lots of people don't.
3 bolt = not audax
They're pretty in pale blue or orange. Black or white less so.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 August, 2017, 08:58:35 pm
Post by: PaulF on 04 August, 2017, 09:17:46 pm
Post by: HeltorChasca on 04 August, 2017, 09:40:27 pm
And I think the orange might just match the ACB jersey. And those famous, orange framed ACB specs. Although I'm led to believe they are 'satsuma'. Not orange.
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 04 August, 2017, 09:54:39 pm
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 04 August, 2017, 09:58:08 pm
Pretty, in matt black? Sleek but I wouldn't call them pretty. However, that's a matter of individual taste, obviously; and I've never thought of pretty as a term applying to shoes at all.I love the pale blue, but even if I had them I couldn't see myself using them for audax because 3 bolts and so not as good for walking in. Bling for he club run though.£100 = not audaxI kind of agree on both points but a glance around any audax shows that lots of people don't.
3 bolt = not audax
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 04 August, 2017, 10:01:56 pm
Post by: T42 on 05 August, 2017, 10:15:26 am
BTW "Audax" is a trademark of the Union des Audax Français. Clubs use it on sufferance, but the UAF has attacked commercial usurpers in the past, and won. Dunno how hot they are on that these days, but I'll drop them a line and see.
Post by: Duckfoot1606 on 05 August, 2017, 10:30:31 am
A
Post by: tonyh on 05 August, 2017, 11:27:12 am
I've tried different shoes, but you can't beat SPD sandals for long distance comfort. You can walk I them, your feet don't get too hot, you can wear seal skin socks if it's wet, you don't need to dry them for multi-day rides (Audax or touring), you can still use overshoes if it's cold. Save your money for a pair of those instead.
+1 to all of those points!
Post by: Andy W on 05 August, 2017, 01:11:17 pm
I do have Specialised mtb shoes, roomy enough, but theyre a bit clumpy.
Post by: mmmmartin on 05 August, 2017, 01:54:02 pm
Agreed, they're ideal. Very strong sole, feet can expand easily, and they must, simply must, be worn with socks. At. All. Times.I've tried different shoes, but you can't beat SPD sandals for long distance comfort. You can walk I them, your feet don't get too hot, you can wear seal skin socks if it's wet, you don't need to dry them for multi-day rides (Audax or touring), you can still use overshoes if it's cold. Save your money for a pair of those instead.
+1 to all of those points!
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 August, 2017, 01:59:41 pm
Plus, what phanta said. Restricting people to 3-bolt cleats is stupid.
Post by: bianchi boy01 on 05 August, 2017, 02:20:17 pm
BB
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Post by: Pickled Onion on 05 August, 2017, 02:25:54 pm
£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax
Can't walk up Devil's Staircase = not audax
Post by: Carlosfandango on 05 August, 2017, 04:48:24 pm
£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax
Can't walk up Devil's Staircase = not audax
Aren`t you supposed to cycle up?
Post by: Carlosfandango on 05 August, 2017, 04:51:13 pm
£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax
Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!
3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 05 August, 2017, 04:56:53 pm
£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax
Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!
3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.
Not in my experience. I started with toeclips, went to double straps on the velodrome, got into road clipless about the time Kelly did and changed my road bikes to SPDs well over a decade ago with no loss of performance. Have road clipless pedals improved power transfer that much since 2000?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 05 August, 2017, 07:48:57 pm
U don't find them any better. I have two bikes with SPDs and a one bike with Integra pedals. I don't notice any benefit while cycling. But I do find clipping in is more reliable with SPDs and walking (at controls) is so much better with sod shoes.£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax
Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!
3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.
Post by: Ruthie on 05 August, 2017, 08:07:52 pm
U don't find them any better. I have two bikes with SPDs and a one bike with Integra pedals. I don't notice any benefit while cycling. But I do find clipping in is more reliable with SPDs and walking (at controls) is so much better with sod shoes.£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax
Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!
3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.
I didn't have enough float with SPDs and it did bad things to my dodgy feet and knees. Speedplay zeros with the walkable cleats have solved this. But you do need a 3-bolt or 4-bolt compatible shoe.
Is there any need for shoe/pedal snobbery? Or inverse snobbery?
Post by: Banjo on 05 August, 2017, 08:47:43 pm
The pins dig a hole in the soles of whatever your wearing giving really good grip.Unless racing or fixed Im sure flats are fine for most things.
Post by: Pingu on 05 August, 2017, 10:03:42 pm
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 05 August, 2017, 10:54:31 pm
snobbery? inverse snobbery? I like the shoes, it just seemed to me the intersection between people who would buy these shoes and people who would ride audax was quite small on the venn diagram. I might consider a pair of the shoes and would use them on my best bike, but I can't see myself ever audaxing in them because too many times getting off the bike and walking.U don't find them any better. I have two bikes with SPDs and a one bike with Integra pedals. I don't notice any benefit while cycling. But I do find clipping in is more reliable with SPDs and walking (at controls) is so much better with sod shoes.£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax
Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!
3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.
I didn't have enough float with SPDs and it did bad things to my dodgy feet and knees. Speedplay zeros with the walkable cleats have solved this. But you do need a 3-bolt or 4-bolt compatible shoe.
Is there any need for shoe/pedal snobbery? Or inverse snobbery?
The initial ... not audax post was very tongue in cheek, I forget that that typed comments don't convey the tone and there will always be people who interpret comments in a different way.
Post by: whosatthewheel on 06 August, 2017, 05:22:45 am
I find carbon soles very harsh... OK for anything up to 200 km, but not fine for longer distance.
Also, SPD becomes more practical as the distance increases, so does the need to be able to walk
Post by: basset on 06 August, 2017, 06:58:07 am
Post by: Samuel D on 06 August, 2017, 08:36:32 am
I’d still like to try them, but I’d like even more to try a similarly sleek and all-black shoe with SPD cleats. The Shimano RT4 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-rt4-road-touring-spd-shoes-2017/rp-prod155247) (laces but apparently no black option) and RT5 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-rt5-road-touring-spd-shoes-2017/rp-prod155248) (velcro) are candidates, but from what I can tell, the soles aren’t stiff enough for me. Plus, the previous Shimano shoes I’ve tried have been awful in fit and quality.
If someone made a shoe that looked like the Shimano RT4 but in black, with leather uppers, a stiff sole, and a price under £100, I think it would clean up.
Currently I use Look Delta cleats, but the ongoing costs are bothering me, with the cleats lasting only about 3,000–4,000 km. Would like to try SPDs again if I could find a sleek, simple shoe with a stiff enough sole.
Post by: Ruthie on 06 August, 2017, 09:48:39 am
The initial ... not audax post was very tongue in cheek, I forget that that typed comments don't convey the tone and there will always be people who interpret comments in a different way.
Ah, okay. Fair enough. :)
Post by: mcshroom on 06 August, 2017, 03:17:11 pm
(http://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/6360120196/brt500b.jpg?w=430&h=430&a=7)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-rt5-spd-touring-shoes/
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 August, 2017, 03:36:09 pm
I think the black would suit your new Spesh.You're possibly confusing me with someone else. I have a black Spesh. It's another ACBer (notp) who has orange framed specs. But perhaps you realise that already.
And I think the orange might just match the ACB jersey. And those famous, orange framed ACB specs. Although I'm led to believe they are 'satsuma'. Not orange.
Post by: Samuel D on 06 August, 2017, 03:37:04 pm
The RT4 seems to be the same shoe except lighter (and arguably otherwise better) because it uses laces. However it’s only available in grey or another grey. Is this really what people are buying?
Post by: mcshroom on 06 August, 2017, 03:49:56 pm
But is the sole stiff enough for long-distance cycling? Shimano only gives it a “5”. (http://www.shimano-lifestylegear.com/eu/fw/products/explorer/18ss_002rt5.php?pSccontentsPro)
The RT4 seems to be the same shoe except lighter (and arguably otherwise better) because it uses laces. However it’s only available in grey or another grey. Is this really what people are buying?
I would really like the RT4 in black.
As for stiffness, I'm probably a bit more forgiving than most as I use A520 pedals, so the pedal cage compensates for any shoe flex. YMMV
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 August, 2017, 12:48:38 pm
As a more general shoe grumble, why do so many – in fact I didn't see that hadn't – have acres of mesh on top? Even on the hottest days, I never feel my feet are too hot while cycling. Walking, OTOH, I'd sometimes welcome something similar. (I guess the answer is that the biggest markets for these shoes are more like California and Spain than Britain.)
Oh, and the shop I saw only had the black in stock.
Post by: grapefruits on 08 August, 2017, 12:52:20 pm
I think the Shimano RT5/RT500 shoe looks like a decent Audax shoe. Another shoe harking back to older cycling shoes and SPD compatible which would suit me (all my bikes are spd)
(http://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/6360120196/brt500b.jpg?w=430&h=430&a=7)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-rt5-spd-touring-shoes/
I bought these exact shoes recently to give my very knackered Giro Civilas (lady version of the Republic) a rest. They look nice, obviously, but they're nowhere near as comfy as my old Giros. I think maybe the sole isn't as stiff though I really can't tell. I seem to be more aware of the cleat against the pedal compared to the Giros. They're also slightly heavier and feel bulkier and for the first few rides I was getting a bit of numbness and hot foot, though that seems to have stopped now. Nice how none of these attributes are particularly obvious when trying on...
I have done a 195km ride with them though, and my feet weren't entirely dead at the end. Perhaps it's because I've worn the Giros daily for nearly two years and my feet need to get used to the other shoes?
Probably should have just bought a new pair of Giros.
Post by: Somnolent on 08 August, 2017, 01:15:41 pm
I’d still like to try them, but I’d like even more to try a similarly sleek and all-black shoe with SPD cleats. The Shimano RT4 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-rt4-road-touring-spd-shoes-2017/rp-prod155247) (laces but apparently no black option) and RT5 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-rt5-road-touring-spd-shoes-2017/rp-prod155248) (velcro) are candidates, but from what I can tell, the soles aren’t stiff enough for me. Plus, the previous Shimano shoes I’ve tried have been awful in fit and quality.
If someone made a shoe that looked like the Shimano RT4 but in black, with leather uppers, a stiff sole, and a price under £100, I think it would clean up.
Exustar ? (http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m2b79s154p3382/EXUSTAR-Stelvio-SP705-%2ANew-Version%2A)
They are not as comfortable (for me) as the old leather Spesh MTB shoes, but better than the newer Spesh artificial fabric shoes.
Just completed LEL on mine and feet are little beat up - but less so than other parts of me.
Post by: stevie63 on 08 August, 2017, 04:51:52 pm
I've actually seen this shoe in the, erm, plastic and textile now. It has a curious little mesh vent in the sole, more or less under the big toe. This seems to be a feature of Specialized's current road shoes; at least, another model had the same vent (and had the 2+3 bolt sole someone mentioned). I guess the extra venting might be a good idea in California or Spain but it seems unwelcome in a British climate.It Shows it's horses for courses because my biggest complaint with Cycling shoes is they never seem to be vented enough. I have the Spec Audax shoes and whilst they are comfortable for me and have plenty of wriggle room in the toe box my feet still overheat in all but the coldest conditions.
As a more general shoe grumble, why do so many – in fact I didn't see that hadn't – have acres of mesh on top? Even on the hottest days, I never feel my feet are too hot while cycling. Walking, OTOH, I'd sometimes welcome something similar. (I guess the answer is that the biggest markets for these shoes are more like California and Spain than Britain.)
Oh, and the shop I saw only had the black in stock.
I realise that all this probably means that I should try SPD sandals but I just can't.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 08 August, 2017, 04:54:51 pm