Shoes, a question about them.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

How much different will a newb like myself notice in shoes with my bike? Is there a reason for me to spend more than $150 on them? Are the Sidi's going to change my experience if I drop $3-500 on them?

[mtnbiker]

How much different will a newb like myself notice in shoes with my bike? Is there a reason for me to spend more than $150 on them? Are the Sidi's going to change my experience if I drop $3-500 on them?

The best shoes are the ones that fit your feet. I bought a pair of Sidis years ago, and didn't even use them a full season. They didn't fit well. I currently use $125-ish Specialized Body Geometry shoes, which are much more comfortable. Keep your feet and wallet happy.

[TripletDaddy]

weak.

I was so excited to read this thread.

[PaloAltoCougar]

I'm no expert, and certainly no foot fetishist a la DDD, but when we bought new cycling shoes recently we learned a fair amount from a good dude at a great cycling shop. Bottom line, we ended up with carbon fiber soled shoes (great as the rigidity spreads the pressure points and transfers power most efficiently). We shopped around and got a great deal on a pair for under a $100--Northwave which is doing a lot of price cutting to make inroads in the market. But a good fit may be the most important criterion of all.

[creekster]

FIt is key. Get a good stif sole and then decide what is comfortable and go from there.