Based on your blog post on the Empire; I made the switch over the winter and added Lock Laces from Nathans. Very happy with my decision. I was running the Tri Mele prior.

BK

Glad you are liking them. Btw, did u cut the tongue out or did you keep it in? If you kept it in, how are you liking it.

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I haven't made any modifications yet. I don't plan to do any flying mounts coming out of T1, so I'll likely leave them as it.

BK

Spring time means new shoe and cleat time in our house! :)

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

Are you testing pedals systems? What is the deal with different cleats?

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Are you testing pedals systems? What is the deal with different cleats?


My wife likes/prefers Speedplay and I've been a Look-man my whole cycling life! We try to keep as many people in the business happy within the family as possible!

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

The Empire SLX in a couple different colors can also be purchased for $175 from performance bike with an additional 15% off taken in the cart. I picked up a white pair yesterday.

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Just received mine that bought in ebay a little cheaper than this.

Here you go: http://m.ebay.com/...fa7b95%257Ciid%253A3

http://m.ebay.com/...fa7b95%257Ciid%253A1

Everybody just blowing out the Empire SLX. I wonder if this is just old colors or a new updated Empire 2.

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How did you get 15% in cart?

I know there is now a bit of an under-ground cross-over applications for this shoe in triathlon as a tri-shoe, but speaking of it from a road rider/race perspective:

My sense is that it's one of those things that becomes a hard sell ounce in the store.

There is so much that makes sense about these shoes - super-light. Very comfortable (if a good fit for you) etc . .

But then customers see them in the stores, and compare them to other shoes at that price or close to it and they see all the flashy bells and whistles, and straps and dials, on other road shoes and they figure all that stuff is better, than a lace-up cycling shoe!

The Empires seem to be popular among a cohort of cyclists who, I would describe as hard-core veterans, who are in-the-know.

Consequently they don't become big sellers at retail at MSRP, and you see the deals, with them marked down substantially online and even in-store.

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

Must have been a 1-day promotion as I don't see the option today either.

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Dang! Oh well, I'll just keep an eye out...it's Performance, so the 15% will come back shortly! :)

Or Louis Garneau Milan for $40ish at Performance Bike. They are actually very comfortable shoes too and hard to beat if you want to test out Gerlach's theories on laces.

Why though? I have had LG Tri X Speeds for a couple of seasons now and absolutely love them. I am curious to know why there is a perception of anything but LG.

I don't know but as Slowman made comment about bikes on the front page in regards to lionel I don't think LG is held necessarily in high regards in the US. I know the Canadians love it and are loyal to it. Confirmation basis / product psychology can be a really interesting phenom. I myself hadn't really known a lot about LG. Over the years I have learned more and more and come to respect their R&D efforts more and more. Their trisuit and P9 are two examples of outstanding products.

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Had anyone else tested these in the tunnel? Just wondering if others are seeing the same gains as Thomas.

Also, anyone switch from specialized road shoes or Shimano TR9? Wondering in terms of size, fit, comparison, etc

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Matt

Shortly after my own testing Specialized released the Sub6 which they tout as being aerodynamically superior thru their own testing. In addition, Wiggins or someone used them to set the hour record on the track. I hope that helps as additional +s

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How do these shoes tend to fit? I've worn 43's and 44's in different brands and the all seem to fit different. I've never had giro before. I wear a 43.5 in a pair of specialized trivents that seem to work well. Any input?

They are about the same sizing as Specialized and Pearl IMO, maybe just a smidge smaller if anything.

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Is this shoe hot?
It has little mesh and no real venilation.

Has anyone raced and hot or hot and humid races?

How about peeing on the bike? Or dumping water on yourself? Does this shoe become a sloshfest?

I can't really say to sloshfest as I don't pee on the bike but I raced and trained in Cozumel for Ironman Cozumel 70.3. The shoe is totally fine IMO in regards to heat. The Aerohead helmet on the other hand was hot. Since I have the tongue removed I actually get some air flow across the shoe. The shoe does have hundreds of small dimples for air flow if those do anything. You could make an argument that since the shoe weighs 170 grams that there is less material to trap heat in the first place.

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I wear a size 48 in the Giro's as well as Shimano TR9's if that helps.

I was also going to ask about sizing. I wear a 45 in the TR9 and was considering getting a pair of the Empires. How are they in terms of width? I had some Pearl Izumis that were very snug a few years back, but the TR9 feels much better for what my wife calls my 'fat' (wide) feet.

On a different note, what's the main difference (or differences) between the Empire SLX and the ACC - weight?? The ACC is currently $137 on Amazon.

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I wish I had narrow feet, I find Giro shoes just so narrow through the toe box.

Nate - I also wear a 45 in Shimano. I tried a pair of 45.5 in the Giro SLX's and they were pretty close to the 45 Shimano, but narrower, and possibly a tiny bit less volume in the front. A 46 might have been better for me..

I'd try 45.5. If you are in the US and ordering from a place that offers free returns, then order a couple sizes!

Thanks! That's a good idea - with Amazon Prime returns shouldn't be an issue.

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I wear a 45.5 in Shimano and PI and bought a 45.5 in the ACC. The ACC fits a bit narrower and a tad shorter. I might be able to get away with a 46 but I also don't mind since I race without socks so that frees up some of the room in the front of the shoe.

For me, the hardest part has been getting the correct tightness for the elastic laces. I have them a bit "loose" now in that my heel moves if I am trying to walk but when I am on the bike the foot stays put. I will be taking them out of the road, finally!, this weekend and will see how they do there.

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Twitter - Instagram

Just ordered the Empire ACC, some laces and new Speedplay walkable/aero cleats - all for under $200. Should gain me a little 'free speed' over my Shimano TR9's. Think I'll make the Empire's my race day shoes and still train in the TR9.

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In addition, Wiggins or someone used them to set the hour record on the track.

Indeed. Brad Wiggins wore a pair of Giro SLX when he broke the hour record. It was the shoes that did it for him! :)

http://www.cyclingweekly.com/...ecord-success-175720

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

That tongue surely cost him..haha

I really do like them. I almost want to get another pair for day to day cycling but then I will inevitable pick one pair and wear them more. I like my PI Pro Leader road shoes so I have others I can switch to. Let's hope we can all save ourselves some watts! (Unless you are racing against me then wear whatever bulky shoes you used to wear!)

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Twitter - Instagram

Just as another point of view - I have long narrow feet. Most shoes are too wide for me. I wear 45.5 Sidis in the medium width and 46 sidis in narrow. Shimano and Bont 45s fit reasonably well also. I bought 45.5 Empire ACCs and they are too spacious. Would need to wear a second set of inserts and thick socks. I just ordered a pair in 44.5 and expect them to fit better.

Hi all -

First - Thanks Thomas!

Second - I ordered a bunch of sizes with Amazon to make sure I got the right ones. They are smaller - 41,41.5,42 EU. Depending on which ones fit I'll post on the classifieds if you want them but missed a deal.

Thanks,
Todd

Really wish someone did a similar shoe in women's sizes. Smallest Garneau or Giro seems to go is 39 in a performance laced shoe. Sigh.

What size are you, my old roommate has tiny tiny feet and she got them to work.

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Todd, I did the same thing when I first bought the shoes. And you are of course more than welcome.

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I'm a 38 in Garneau women's shoes.

Not on sale but they have a Giro Empire ACC in 38. Which is the same style just a little heavier.

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Thank you, good to know!

FYI...Performance Bike has a $25 off $100 deal going on right now that applies to these shoes. I just paid $160 total (shipped to my local store free). Smoking deal! I hope the sizing is right.

Wow! Great tip.

Bummer, the women's version aren't on sale and are backordered. Thanks for the heads up, though. FYI re. size, the sizing chart on Performance Bike is really detailed -- if you know your size in another brand, they've got a matrix showing the equivalent size in Giro.

Just pulled the trigger on this. Got the slx for 149.99 and the acc for 113.99. Two different sizes. Hopefully one fits right.

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Let food be thy medicine...

TG, do these guys stretch out a bit after a while? I am betweena 43.5 and 44. The 43.5 has a little rub that may make 112 miles uncomfortable : ( Great find though, love the weight and look!

Performance bike has 20% off today. Get them while they last!

I think any shoe stretches out a bit. Maybe not so much in the toe box at the very front but in the general width yes.

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It's days like this where I wish I was living in the USA.

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"Train so you have no regrets @ the finish line"

For a pair of shoes it's so not worth it.

Yeah I would never spend that on a pair of shes off the shelf. Maybe if somebody was molding them to my feet for a personalized fit but that's about it. And even then it would have been a pretty big gift to myself to justify that.

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"Train so you have no regrets @ the finish line"

Be worth if for a STer to buy and ship him a pair.

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surroundhound wrote:

Really wish someone did a similar shoe in women's sizes. Smallest Garneau or Giro seems to go is 39 in a performance laced shoe. Sigh.

Performance bike has these on sale right now from Garneau:

http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10052_10551_1192576_-1_400097__400097


Hopefully once I post this and read onwards I'm not duplicating another post!


Brent

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DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!

Strange, I ordered the 44.5 which is what I always wear and was my proper fit according to the Giro fit chart, and they were extremely too tight. Sent them back and I have a pair of 45's and 45.5's on the way to see which one fits better.

I wear 45.5 in Specialized/Shimano/Pearl/Giro. Ordered a 45.5 and they fit perfectly. Feet are neither narrow nor wide, but apparently low-volume (s-works trivet didn't work for me. BOA bottomed out before they were snug).

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/kj

http://kjmcawesome.tumblr.com/

Anyone know how this fits compared to the Mavic Cosmics?

this may sound stupid....but how do you wear these in a tri with laces? how are you leaving these clipped in and putting them on whilst riding?!

See

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...laces%20slx#p6008013

,e.g. post #66

Ohhh thanks will have to get my handyman on

Regardless of what you end up with. You are going to have to practice getting on and off as well. I still practice for 10-15 before every race. Usually practice 5-10x doing flying mounts the morning before.

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Thanks for the tip, Brent! Weird, this model doesn't appear on Garneau's website. The price is certainly right at Performance Bike!

I just ordered a pair myself, need to try it out! They are the Performance bike exclusive - so they got a new name i guess!

Hope you enjoy them if you get them. I figured even if I don't I can use them on the trainer but I have a feeling I'm going to love this idea for long distance racing!

Brent

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DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!

Got mine in, but don't think they are going to work. Just not comfortable on my foot.

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Let food be thy medicine...

What size did you end up getting Jack? I bought a 43 but am wondering if a 42.5 might work better.

To narrow for your feet???

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Is this the Garneau? Obviously if they don't fit right they won't work - can't force something to work, but my foot is pretty "normal" and fit a lot of shoes.

Thomas - don't know if you saw any of Jesse Thomas's pics from Peru but he's graduated to the Giros as well!

Brent

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DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!

No, just dont feel right. the only shoe i have ever worn are PI octane tri fly IV. they are 5 years old now, and i guess i was expecting the giros to feel just as good or better. maybe they would when they are broken in, but they just dont feel right. i wear a 44.5 in the PI. i ordered the slx in a 44 and the acc in the 44.5. the slx was definitely too small. the acc might be a touch too big, the heel was slipping a little bit, but again just something about the way they fit on my foot. i was hoping they would work, because i would love to save a few watts on the bike. any suggestions for another shoe that would be more aero than the PI?

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Let food be thy medicine...

fwiw, My 44.5 Empire ACCs came in. The left foot is a perfect fit, right foot is a little longerr and the big toe is hitting th etoe box - although there is plenty of room laterally. I intend to play around with inserts a bit and may take a hammer to the reinforced section of the toe box to create a little bit of extra room for my big toe. 45 would probably be a good fit but I can make the 44.5s fit.


I intend to use these for TTs - so unlikely to spend more than an hour in them.

In line with most sizing charts - the sidis tend to run about half a size larger than the empire ACCs. Don't know if the empire SLXs fit identically or not. The empire ACCs seem to be identical to Shimano or Bont sizing.

I have long narrow feet. Front of foot is very low volume (long toes). Arch area and midfoot is normal. So my fit is always a bit weird.

Anything without straps and buckles. Frankly, it is like anything, use them for racing only or sparingly in general. Training in what is comfortable. Right now I am training in big heavy mtb shoes without carbon soles. I like it because I can get out and walk around easily. Same reason I don't suggest training on a rigid disc. Somethings are for training, some for racing. Same with aero helmets for that matter.

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I posted a WTT thread in the Classifieds but on the off chance anybody bought a Size 42.5 and needs a Size 43, I'd be interested in a trade. The 43's are a little long on me. I bought the white ones with black writing but will take any color if someone has a new pair to trade. They are still brand new and I've only taken 1 shoe out of the box to try it on.

I picked up the cheaper pair, the ACC, in size 43.5, same as my specialized shoes.

They're narrower in the forefoot than the specialized but fit well in terms of length. I haven't ridden them yet but I think with a little work they should be just fine. I had a similar problem with a pair of shimano shoes and just stuffed wet newspaper in them, stuck them in the freezer and that tends to stretch out the material. If that doesn't work I might consult a shoesmith and look at getting them punched out. I did this before with hockey skates. It's not the best thing to do since you have a risk of separating the upper/sole of the shoe but it's worth a shot.

I was thinking about getting the MTB version of the empires, if I do I'll probably jump up to size 44. Sometimes I like throwing on an extra pair of socks for CX and fall/winter riding.

Anybody have any experience with Giro's 60 day fit guarantee?

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Let food be thy medicine...

thanks for looking out.

Bit the bullet and ordered a pair. For $50 (well, about $90 CAD once it's shipped to my door) I'm happy to take a crack at this shoe hack and see how it goes.

Just got mine today. I'm VERY impressed, super simple but very comfortable. Now to get to cutting!

Hope they fit well. I'm excited for this little experiment!

Brent

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DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!

You've an idea how the sizing goes vs Spec Sub 6?

I do not. I did wear Spesh for many years. I was a 42.5 and I am 42.5 in Giro and Pearl. In Shimano and Bont I am a 43.

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I picked up a pair of the Giro ACC and cut out a portion of the tongue, sewing the remaining part in place. I also added some Gorilla Tape on the inside. First ride will be on Saturday.

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Gorilla tape on the inside, where exactly? running down the seam? Just for additional support or some other reason? Very cool btw.

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I put the Gorilla Tape overlapping the tongue and the inside of the shoe. Probably not needed, but I didn't want my toes catching part of the tongue as I was getting in at T1. Will use them for some training rides, including this weekend, to see if the tape holds up.

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Perhaps, this shoe could be a good alternative? Price is in Canadian dollars and seems reasonable in comparison.

https://garneau.com/ca/en/signature-84-cycling-shoes-c

LeftLaneSports is selling Vitorria 1976 Classic Carbon (Very similar to Giro Empire) for $120.

Have a code going on right now to get $25 off (SAVE25).

Ordered a pair for $95 with free shipping. Not too shabby.

Ray Maker, is that you?

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Amateur recreational hobbyist cyclist
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Except according to some numbers they weigh 369 grams per shoe (for 42). Those are tanks. At 170 grams per SLX that is crazy a difference. You wonder how much extra material there is there besides just denser material. How much does that extra material expand the size of the shoe and thus the aero drag? If people want a cheap option the $95 LA84 might be a better option

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So have these shoes been in the wind tunnel beside Thomas doing it?

Update:

I tried a pair of slx after the used bont zero + I found were a tiny bit too small. Long story short, I am taking back the slx and will search out a pair of bont zero + in the right size or just get them new. The bonts are just on another level. They are $$$ but I know after wearing the slx a few days, I would not be happy knowing there is a shoe that is almost as light, feel a lot better, a bit wider (even in the regular fit size), lower stack height, and just seem to be better quality overall. Bont has recently listed a "new" 2017 zero + but the weight is not listed. I sent an email to see if they are even lighter.

Just a roadie's opinion.

You have wiggins using them for the 1 hour record, you also have the guys from NoPinz talking about testing on the TT Cycling Podcast. They used LA84 and then Bont Cronos. They did on the track testing 2 watts faster than their baseline, then the cronos testing another 2 watts fast. Assuming on the track that is about 0 yaw. Then you have Specialized data from the production of their sub6.

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So I ordered a pair of Chronos last minute for a wind tunnel trip, they didn't arrive in time so I could NOT test but they were absolute trash in terms of craftsman ship, there was buckling in the material all around the shoes. I had to send them back. As many know I have been highly interested in stack height as well. After talking with both Dave Simmons (Simmons Custom) and KC from Rocket7, I have ended up going with Rocket7, neither believe the stack of the Bont is what they actually say it. They say the stack height just can't be that low for engagement of threads on the cleat system. Dave says the stack height can't be made less than 6.5mm. I do not remember what KC said.

Which comes to do, what is the stated weight versus actual weight. My giros are below 160 grams each, verified. I would liked to see actual weight of zero+ and an actually verifiable stack because I am calling BS right now based on the quality of the Chronos I purchased.

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I can tell you that the stack on the bont zero + is less than the giro. Not sure how much but enough that I had to adjust my saddle height. Sorry to hear about the craftsmanship on the cronos, the zero + is much better than the empires IMHO. More important for me is the feel of the shoe, which is nebulous to be sure, but it feels much stiffer, lower stack, the shoes hugs your heal as well almost no need to tighten the shoes as they feel glues to your feet.

Being curious I decided to measure the Bont Cronos and they measure just over 6.56mm + and the insole is 4.15mm thick. The Giro's essentially measure the exact same. I used my Vinca Digital Caliper to measure the width by measuring the thread of a screws. I measured to the screw was flush with the top of the Cronos fastener retainer (for the lack of a better term). There is no way the stack is 3.6mm. I would encourage you to measure for yourself.

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Interesting. I was thinking that maybe I didn't have the cleats in exactly the same position. Not trying to argue at all but I certainly noticed my saddle height had to change.

What else would cause that?

*edit* I would also guess the bonts not as aero as the boa dia pushes up under the shoe cover adding frontal area.

Frankly, I am glad you asked because it gave me the impetus to check and I was just wrapping them up now to send back so it actually worked out perfectly so thanks for that. This is just another example IMHO of a manufacturer making claims they probably shouldn't in an effort to differentiate the product and sell it.

For you, if your cleats are in the same position, then that should NOT account for the saddle difference. Frankly, while some say they can notice small changes in seat height, I have never bought in to this and I certainly can't even tell a 1cm change. Your body is very adaptable IMHO. The 2.9mm stated difference is small to begin that frankly just changing your socks or different chamois for your shorts can change things.

FWIW, over the years I have gone from a saddle height of 793mm although way down to 734mm where it stands now. Granted ~10mm of that comes from riding 162.5mm, but that is reduction in 6cm since I started. I have gone from very toe down to fairly neutral to heal-down pedal stroke. I too am interested in getting the stack as low as possible and that was one reason I considered Bont in the first place. Frankly, this is strike 2. I wouldn't be surprised if the stated weight differs significantly from actual weights. The stated weight is NOT listed for the Crono but this 42.5 weighs in at 293 grams.

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Glad this was useful. I'd like to see the actual weights of both shoes in a given size. Not a huge concern for me but interesting none the less.

Bont emailed me and stated that the new zero + is the same weight as the prior version FWIW.

Did they state what the weight is?

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Nope.

Do you have a link to the new bont zeros? can only see the old ones on Bont's page.

I have been using the Bont zero's until now. Trying a switch to the Giro's... so far i like them both, no perceived difference in quality (bonts disintegrating on the walkable rubber under the sole, but maybe i should have taken those off before baking them in oven...)

http://shop.bontcycling.com/epages/BontCycling.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BontCycling/Products/ZPWB-36


Can you tell me more about your experience with the zero +? How long have you had them? Do you perceive a difference in stack? Did heat molding noticeably change the shape?

Thanks, don't know why it didn't show for me when i looked for them.

Well, I used the specialized road shoe with boa before, and never really got along with them. So compared to those shoes, I definitely perceive the bont zero's to have a lower stack height and better fit for my foot in general. Think i heat molded them 5+ times to get along with them and yes it makes a (huge) difference in fit, at least for me. Can use them comfortably now. However, the flap over the shoes seem bulky to me when i wear them. Think i have a tall arch foot which might contribute to that. They are very stiff and you can lock your foot in well. They are not fool proof though. I got my foot tangled in the boa system at my latest race flying mount and wasted a fair bit of time getting locked in propperly.

Only a few rides with the Giro's and haven't cut the tongue yet (but i will). In comparison they seem marginally lighter, and more comfy. the sole of Giro and the Bont feel equally stiff to me, but of course the upper is a lot more flexy in the Giro's. Still good enough for the occassional out of the saddle, but not any sort of sprint efforts. I don't perceive any difference in stack height between the Giro and Bont. Selling points for Giro's over the Bonts, for me, would be more comfort, and a slicker profile. They just seem less bulky on my foot, in comparison to the bonts. Hopefully they will be even faster for flying mounts.

I will likely keep both and switch back and forth depending on the race. I think both are great shoes. If i were to buy one pair right now for racing tris only, i am leaning towards the Giros.

Edit: Bonts are about a year old.

I read a review that weighed the bont zero + as 502 g for the pair. Seems too heavy. Maybe weighed with cleats?

That is likely the stated weight of the shoe. 250g is actually fairly light for a shoe. It wasn't long ago that the Specialized S-works Road Shoe was above 260 grams. It has since been slimmed down. Given the wide profile of the Bont shoe, plus dials, cover etc I can't see this shoe getting any lighter than 225 grams. Before the SLX came out the lightest shoe I was aware of was the Pearl Izumi Octane at 195 grams

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If I can remember, I will bring the size 45 bont to work tomorrow where we have some decent digital scales. I will only be able to measure the one shoe accurately as there is a small chuck missing out of the heel plastic piece on the other.

*Admission* after seeing that the performance return policy requires shoes to be new, I have worn the empires for a few days and am getting to like them more. Still have a running ebay search for size 46 bonts though. My gf is ribbing me about my recent obsession with shoes. She likens it to a character's preoccupation on "sex in the city."

No worries on the obsession, as many know I am working on my own custom shoe project with Rocket7. The goal is to get an even more comfortable pair of shoes (custom), that is light, and possibly even more aerodynamic. I was less than thrilled about the cost, but having a few people rave about custom fit over their years I figured I better check it out. It still makes me slightly sick to my stomach thinking about how much they cost but on the flip side I also see how many hours Rocket7 is putting in them as well and I know that the reality of something that is individual and not mass produced is expensive.

The way my Giros are setup they are actually sub 160grams for 42.5

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I am looking at picking up a pair of the SLX and currently am in the PI Tri Fly Carbon size 47. Am I going to be the same size in the Giro SLX?

I was 42.5 in both.

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Thanks TG, I was afraid of that. I hate having flippers for feet sometimes.

Size 42.5 Bont, wide size, right shoe only, no insole (use custom, took it out), speedplay walkable cleat = 276g (it is also a bit dirty, so take off a few gs)

My left Bont zero + size 45 is coming in at 269.3 grams.

Now I have to weigh the walkable cleatsn ;) Seems to be quite a bit lighter shoe than the poster below albeit for a shoe that is 2.5 sizes smaller. Not sure how much the insole weighs but can't be more than 15-20grams and I presume your insole weighs something as well.

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Yes, sorry! racing soon and don't want to mess with cleats that work..

My custom insoles are a bit heavy, but i agree a normal insole should be in that range.

I think anyone that's been following the Giro SLX threads will appreciate pro rider Adam Hansen's custom cycling shoes.

Awesome IMO.

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Madison photographer Timothy Hughes | Instagram

Those are incredible...

Brent

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DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!

Ok, with custom insoles the weight of the Bont, size 42.5, wide, speedplay aero walkable cleats, is 333g

The Giro, in size 43, walkable cleats and same custom insoles, is 300g.

Yes, the weight of the insoles makes me a little sad..

about 7 min mark if anyone is interested

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White shoes are never fun

How about the new Giro Men's Sentrie Techlace Cycling Shoe? Does the dial closure negate any aero benefits?

White shoes are never fun


White shoes only! :)

My new Giro Empire SLX - used only for road riding! :)

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

Pretty sweet looking shoes, i guess as a triathlete all my white ones turn brown the second theres a beach at T1 haha

Pretty sweet looking shoes, i guess as a triathlete all my white ones turn brown the second theres a beach at T1 haha


Giro has thought out well the surface material and texture of these shoes. They shed a remarkable amount of dirt and grime and come clean with a wipe of a damp cloth and a bit of soap after a wet ride.

Also because, there are now straps, rachets etc, for micro dirt/grit to collect in, the whole of the upper retains a clean look. The orginal white laces do get soiled easily and that's why I go with the black laces (which they come with when new anyway)! :)

My previous Empire ACC, also white - now my back-up shoes - are 3 years old and still look almost new!

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Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

Thomas,

Were Jesse Thomas and Michi Weiss using some derivation of your modified Empire SLX yesterday?

Jesse Thomas has rocked the SLX's before but yesterday and I believe Augusta and 70.3 worlds as well, he wore the prolight techlace.

http://www.giro.com/...olight-techlace.html

Not trying to take anything away from TG..... his concept/idea still applies here.

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There are a few pros using them or some derivative. Antoney Costes and Matt Russell are two others. I have seen Thomas rock the Giro Empire SLX but it looks like he choose the Prolight for this one. Here is a pic on Tririg. The Prolight look like they are much more breathable than the Empire SLX which would be a plus for Kona. I assume he may have detached the velcro strips from the shoe but I can't really tell from the photo. It appears he is using Inmaker laces or something similar.

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I'm pretty sure it would, but I just ordered up some shoes that have identical outsoles: one with laces the other with a single BOA closure plus a single strap. I'll aero test them in the next few weeks and see what I come up with.

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Jim Manton / ERO Sports

I can't link it right now but they are on the Tririg post on his bike...good pics.

ETA: http://www.tririg.com/..._Marquise&num=29

Brent

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DFRU - Detta Family Racing Unit...the kids like it and we all get out and after it...gotta keep the fam involved!

TG, first thanks for your blog post on these a while back. Got myself a pair, surgically removed the tongue, added some elastic laces, and I love them. No problem at all with flying mounts.

But now that I've dropped this $$ and effort in shoes... my pedals are bugging me. I've heard you mention pedal testing.. I'm riding with Powertap P1s right now as my power source. Heavy and clunky. Definite fail the "does it look fast" test.

Have you tried these shoes with speedplays or other pedals? I'm thinking about making the switch but I'm having trouble discerning if I'm actually giving up time akin to big straps with my pedals or if I'm going of the aero-deep-end (even farther).

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Too old to go pro but doing it anyway
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I probably need to write that up in more depth. The skinny is I use Speedplay pedals for the time being because I believe they are aerodynamically faster given all the info presented to me. However, I would switch back to Look in a heartbeat - there are a variety of things I don't like about Speedplay including more technical nature of installation, maintenance, and mostly that engagement is too hard, yet disengagement is too easy. That isn't great for trying to do flying mounts.

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I just noticed that in some sizes and in the white/black color option the Empire ACC is 50% off - $137.47 - at Competitive Cyclist.

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Interesting colorway there. Acc is another great option over the empire. Essentially a very similar shoe albeit 50 grams heavier. CC also seems to have the Empire marked down 50% for clearance colorways at $174.

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A pair of Thomas Gerlach endorsed Empire SLX shoes can be had on steepandcheap for $175. Tonight they are having a $60 off $300 purchase sale. If that is too much to spend, they might do a $40 off $200 sometime soon.

Hello guys, nice thread, might give me some ideas one day even if my bont sub8 do the job.
Just to help a bit you might want to try "freelace" laces. I tried many on my running shoes and they are the i tried stiffness (stiffness, fit, look, strenght).