I was thinking about purchasing the SIDI T1 but I’m concerned about the gaps on top of the shoe because there isn’t a tongue. I live in New England and I’m worried about spring and fall riding. Does it make any difference? Can you tighten them enough so that there aren’t any gaps? Also trying to decide on carbon soles vs plastic. I’m mainly concerned about durability of the carbon as I plan to use these shoes for training and racing. I heard some pseudo-expert’s opinion that you need to be more careful with carbon and I don’t really know anything about it.
I got the Sidi T1’s on sale, and I love them. I would suggest getting a shoe cover or something for cooler rides. I did a few spring rides where it was 38 when I started in the morning (Macon, GA) and my feet nearly froze.
I love them now though for summer rides. I go without socks and they are super comfy.
Trae
Easily the most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve ever put on, and I race and train in them. I’ve used them in cold weather, and didn’t find them any more cold than my Sidi road shoes. No durability issues at all.
After you wear these, you’ll wonder why any shoes has a tongue. Get em. If they fit, you will not be dissapointed.
Hello,
Have had the SIDIs, Lakes and really liked the idea of the Specialized Trivent. However when it came down to pure comfort I went with the Shimano tri shoe. For me, EASILY the most comfortable shoe I have had.
Brian
I had a pair of T1’s that were too small, so I couldn’t wear them. They seemed like a nice shoe however, and appeared to be well built. For cooler rides I’d definitely go with a some sort of a shoe cover or bootie.
As for carbon being more delicate, I’d think quite the opposite. The carbon soles on my TR-01’s are tough as nails.
I like my T1’s. I haven’t had an issue with the overlap, you can get them plenty tight. Size wise, they are narrow.
Fit is fairly narrow, and no I doubt you can tighten enough to close off the gaps. If you want a training shoe for all around use you probably don’t want a tri shoe anyways.
The Carbon sole is anything but fragile and the Sidis use a very different two-piece carbon sole bolted to the plastic sole. If you are used to carbon then get it as the standard T1s are a tad flexy after riding a carbon road shoe for a while. I have the carbon T1s and love them although they aren’t quite as quick to get into as my old Shimano Tri shoes. They are definetely the most secure tri shoes I’ve ever tried before and snug down quite nicely.
I wouldn’t say carbon soles are delicate in the least. My Nike Poggio everyday riding shoes are still going strong at 4+ years old.
I have a pair of T-1s for multisport racing. I’ve used them this year, but will be replacing them as soon as possible because they are the non-carbon version and are WAY too flexy for my tastes now. The uppers ARE very secure, and comfortable. They are super easy in transitions. You are correct that they will need help in really cold weather…shoe covers are in order. All in all, a very good shoe. Just too flexy for my carbon-trained feet, though I’m sure if they were the only shoe I rode, I’d quit noticing that.
You won’t be able to close up the gaps, for cooler riding (under 55F) I either use my road shoes or put my booties on.
Can’t comment of the carbon cuz I use the standard model.
jaretj
They are the only cycling shoes I’ve ever had, in fact. Several pairs over the years. Cool weather riding - you’ll probably want the little covers that go over the front half. COLD riding - full booties for them.
But the best thing of all for cold is the chemical foot warmers hunters and fishermen use.
The T1 is very comfortable. I’d recommend it for sure.