Alternatives to lace-up shoes...

[Mazz]

I ride a road bike with SPD pedals. In all the years I've been cycling, I've only ever had mountain bike style, canvas lace-up shoes. I normally go through maybe 3 pairs of laces as they eventually snap.
My current shoes are getting worn out and will need replacing soon.

Was thinking of getting some made of a plasticky/hard material upper (more water resistant?) with either Velcro-style straps or those rotating ratchet (boa string?) things. Are those ratchet/laces pretty reliable? Any pros or cons to them?
thanks

 

[icowden]

Was thinking of getting some made of a plasticky/hard material upper (more water resistant?) with either Velcro-style straps or those rotating ratchet (boa string?) things. Are those ratchet/laces pretty reliable? Any pros or cons to them?
thanks

Honestly, I was worried about the ratchet lace system but have found them to be brilliant. Slip your foot in, turn the wheel the right number of clicks and then just a push when you want to take the shoe off.

 

[ianrauk]

Love Boa system.
1: they work and they work well.
2: Boa has a lifetime guarantee so if the wires or dial breaks they will replace and even send a little tool to do it.

I also use shoes with velcro and they are just as handy too. I've never had a problem with either style of shoe.

 

[Mazz]

Slip your foot in, turn the wheel the right number of clicks and then just a push when you want to take the shoe off.

Push? Push what?

 

[cyberknight]

I replaced the laces on one pair of shoes with the elastic quick laces as i dont like the thought of laces getting caught in the cranks chain.

 

[Mazz]

I replaced the laces on one pair of shoes with the elastic quick laces as i dont like the thought of laces getting caught in the cranks chain.

I got my laces caught in the chain once - I was so lucky it was my left lace and I ended up toppling onto a grass verge at low speed.
My current SPD shoes have an elasticated loop to tidy away the loose ends of the laces, a nice little safety feature!

 

[icowden]

Push? Push what?

Sorry - pull. You pull the little wheel out to release the lace threads - very useful if your shoes are covered with road gak. Push the wheel in then turn to tighten the laces.

 

[matticus]

Love Boa system.
1: they work and they work well.
2: Boa has a lifetime guarantee so if the wires or dial breaks they will replace and even send a little tool to do it.

I also use shoes with velcro and they are just as handy too. I've never had a problem with either style of shoe.

For years after they came to market I was sceptical of Boa reliabilty. but as time passes, and 1000s of people ride 1000s of miles in them, I may just concede that they don't fail very often.
Of course, Ian's post is proof that they DO fail :P

Personally I'm very happy with velcro - seems to be self-selecting, as at my price level Boas tend not to be a choice! Velcro has never failed me. I've literally had winter boots peel apart before the velcro died.

You can certainly adjust velcro straps on the move - it just takes a couple seconds longer than the Boas. Might cost you a Stage Win ...

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Had several pairs of shoes with boa dials, never had any issues at all. Personally I find the micro adjustment of the dial allows for a better fit than straps or laceups.

 

[icowden]

Had several pairs of shoes with boa dials, never had any issues at all. Personally I find the micro adjustment of the dial allows for a better fit than straps or laceups.

Also easy to adjust when out and about if your feet swell (or shrink)

 

[presta]

I got my laces caught in the chain once - I was so lucky it was my left lace and I ended up toppling onto a grass verge at low speed.
My current SPD shoes have an elasticated loop to tidy away the loose ends of the laces, a nice little safety feature!

I've had laces snag in the chainring, this is the solution:

I once had the bottom of my jeans drop over the end of a cotter pin and get wound round the crank, which dates it a bit.

 

[Webbo2]

For years after they came to market I was sceptical of Boa reliabilty. but as time passes, and 1000s of people ride 1000s of miles in them, I may just concede that they don't fail very often.
Of course, Ian's post is proof that they DO fail :P

Personally I'm very happy with velcro - seems to be self-selecting, as at my price level Boas tend not to be a choice! Velcro has never failed me. I've literally had winter boots peel apart before the velcro died.

You can certainly adjust velcro straps on the move - it just takes a couple seconds longer than the Boas. Might cost you a Stage Win ...

The problem with Velcro is that it wears out before the shoes do. I have pair of Sidi shoes with a ratchet strap and Velcro across the toes which is so worn and fluffy it barely stays closed.

 

[Mazz]

Sorry - pull. You pull the little wheel out to release the lace threads - very useful if your shoes are covered with road gak. Push the wheel in then turn to tighten the laces.

Ah, understood. Thanks

 

[Mazz]

Personally I find the micro adjustment of the dial allows for a better fit than straps or laceups.

Daft question coming up - if you find you've slightly overtightened the shoe, can you back off the tension a bit or do you have to "start from scratch" with a loose shoe?

 

[Webbo2]

Pull out the dial wriggle your foot and it will have loosened the lace/ fishing line the push the dial back in.
I‘ve never had to loosen mine usually I have to give then a twist to tighten them once I’ve set off.