If you are thinking abut new cyclings shoes, tri or road, you may want to think outside the box. Specialized may have a shoe for you that does well in both the tri and road world - The BG S-Works Road Shoes.
I just did a short write-up on them on my Blog.
http://stevefleck.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-shoe-review.html
More comments, feedback and questions are welcome.
Yup - these are great. I’ve been using these for years - back to the old funky all silver space man version 
Good review thanks Steve! Specialized makes good equipment, I only use specialized bottles, its funny how something so simple can go so wrong with other brands, but the specialized big mouth is just perfect, and also the helmets… those are so nice! the fabric on the straps, the way it fits, much like you said about the shoes. Yup I’m Specialized…
Thanks
Yup - these are great. I’ve been using these for years - back to the old funky all silver space man version
Rod,
You were one of my inspirations to get with the program and check out the Specialized shoes.
Thanks.
Steve, did you also get fitted for the BG Footbeds? I know the shoes come with the red ones but if you think they feel great how they are, might I suggest seeing the dealer about fitting for correct footbed.
Steve, you mentioned “varus canting.” I love my cleat wedges, but am not too familiar with the terminology. I have the thicker portions of the wedges on the inside of my feet. Is this varus or valgus?
If that’s varus, then like you, I could probably use a wedge or two less if I switched to these shoes. If the opposite, I would need to add more wedges and these shoes would probably be a no go for me.
Timely review. I just tried a pair of S-works road shoes at my LBS last night. I agree, the fit is really good. I have been using their S-Works MTB 2009 shoe for about a year now.
However I am not thrilled about the BOA. At least on my MTB shoe the mechanism gets very sticky, probably from dirt and dust. Also the the plastic cable housing is already gone and now its bare wire. My friend just had to replace his cables on the his road shoe ($30).
In addition getting into the shoe for me takes a bit of time, because the tongue is long and stiff.
The shoe I tried last night was the Sworks 2008/07 with the older BOA at a 25% discount, much easier to get into, same great fit.
Does anyone know if their are any problems with the older model?
I had to replace a cable on the older model after, I’m guessing, 10K of riding. Easy and cheap $20 or so. I haven’t had to replace on my new model yet. I agree, the older design with the more side loading dial was easier to get into, but not as tight. Better for tri actually. The new model is a little stiffer to get into, but much tighter and no pressure spots which I like when sprinting, in crits, etc.
Hey Steve question:
How does it work in transitions since there are no straps, did you just slip your foot in and it stayed tight?
Also any idea on the price?
chris
How does it work in transitions since there are no straps, did you just slip your foot in and it stayed tight?
Also any idea on the price?
I was able to slip my foot in and out of the shoes easily. You can adjust how wide the shoes will open up - people with bigger feet may need to open things up a bit more.
I don’t do triathlons any more but I did simulate a few on/off cycles while sitting on the trainer. The Boa closure is very easy to work - pull out and it releases all tension. Turn clockwise to tighten.
Price - MSRP according to the Specialized web site is $300US.
I currently wear Sidis and was looking to switch to something else and was looking at these the other day. Would you wear these sockless?
They actually open up quite a bit wider than my old Tri-vents.
The only thing that would make these easier is a heel loop. Even still a great triathlon race shoe (for anything other than ITU racing)
I’m in the market for a pair and have thought the same.
I can’t imagine that the local saddle shop couldn’t sew a nice loop on.
Would you wear these sockless?
I have tried them on sockless, and I would say that this is one of the most comfortable cycling shoes tri or road that I have ever worn without socks.
I personally would wish that cycling shoe companies would stop to do those funny closures for the shoes. I am quite content with 3 velcro straps.
H
I thought that too, until I actually tried them. It manages to tighten the shoes to the shape of your foot. Very cool, and I’d like a pair but I’m too poor.
Good review thanks Steve! Specialized makes good equipment, I only use specialized bottles, its funny how something so simple can go so wrong with other brands, but the specialized big mouth is just perfect, and also the helmets…
Thanks
I love the Specialized bottles. It is quite sad that a bike company has to show bottle companies how it is done.
I personally would wish that cycling shoe companies would stop to do those funny closures for the shoes. I am quite content with 3 velcro straps.
Herbert,
The Boa mech is incredibly easy to use - easier than three basic velcro straps and faster!
Does anyone know if their are any problems with the older model?
I don’t think there are major differences. Just subtle refinements that they have made. I have seen 2 year old ones for sale at some shops at a pretty good discount. My sense is that* because* they are so funky that many people have shied away from them. There loss, if it fits, this is a great shoe.
I do note that many Pro Tour riders are wearing these shoes and I think that it may go beyond contractual obligations - it’s a solid shoe.
Robert,
Shhhhh - I had been using the Specialized Footbed( blue) in my old shoes - from that other big bike company that starts with the letter “S”. I just popped those into the new shoes and instant custom fit!