I’ve been searching online…not just slowtwitch for the differences in carbon composite vs full carbon. in particular i’m looking into the sidi t-2’s and the sidi t-2.6s, the carbon seems to be the biggest difference between the two shoes. is one stiffer than the other? thicker? last longer? better power transfer? i’m just trying to rectify the differences in the price tags, that, and i’m just curious. thanks
Both are composites (plastic+carbon fiber). Carbon fiber exclusively wouldn’t make a sole. As for the two models, I don’t know anything about them.
You’d have to look at specific specs for items to judge stiffness. In general, higher quality carbon (what I think you’re referring to) is stronger, but is laid up thinner, so ends up being lighter for a given stiffness. It can however be stiffer for a given weight, it depends entirely on the manufacturer.
Carbon fiber is just that - a fiber. It is woven into a cloth. Pure carbon fiber will always be soft and flexible, and can only be structural in a tension situation. 99.99% of bike applications of carbon fiber have it mixed with a resin (such as epoxy) to make it rigid, and that is what is meant by composite.
Of course, it is possible that someone uses a cloth that is a mixture of fiberglass and carbon fiber, which is still technically a carbon fiber composite. I’ve never seen it used on bike components, but I have seen it used on kayaks/crew shells. It’s purpose in that case is almost purely cosmetic (the fiberglass is clear, giving a very cool visual effect in the water)
The T2 is the revamped Genius sole…which is slightly stiffer than the original models…but not as stiff as the T2.6. You will not see carbon fibers in the T2 sole, which is opaque black.
The T2.6 is what you’d traditionally expect if you picked up a shoe with a “carbon” sole. You see the weave, and in use, it is very stiff.
I have been using Sidis for many years from T1 to T2 to now my second pair of T2.6s. If you are already using carbon-soled shoes…you definitely want the T2.6 model. If you want a stiff shoe…go for the T2.6.
That said…the T2 is a perfectly fine shoe…and significantly less $!
Is there a difference in the sole thickness (stack height) of the soles on the T2 and T2.6? That is, is any adjustment in seat height needed if moving between those shoes?
The T2 is an injection molded (probably Nylon) with carbon filler, sole , similar to what you see in a Look pedal. The T2.6 sole is a carbon fiber laminate that would be similar to what you see in a wheel or frame.
I would imagine that the T2.6 is lighter, stiffer, thinner and has a 0.00001% difference in power transfer. If you’re looking for a performance improvement, look elsewhere. Also, the T2 may actually wear better, as an injection molded composite is less affected by scuffs/dings/wear.
BTW if you want to “see” the difference go to the below link, click on either the T2 or T2.6 and click the button to the lower left that says “Technology in Depth”.
http://www.sidiusa.com/sidi/triplayer/products_triathlon.html