I was able to install the buckles on my shoes in just a couple of minutes. All of the necessary parts for installation were included, except for the required tools which I already had. The buckles work well and I am satisfied with the outcome.
I bought these to replace the buckles on my Genius 5's (the springs on the old buckles just stopped working-both left and right simultaneously). I tried inserting the strap into the new buckle, but the strap was too big (I didn't read the part about the old strap not fitting with the new buckle). The problem was these two little plastic tabs that were preventing the strap from entering the buckle. So I cut these little tabs off and now the strap fits fine. It's not a perfect fit because once the strap is secure in the buckle, the red part is raised a bit, which tells me the newer strap is probably thinner and less wide...? This does not bother me, though, because they are functioning properly.
Sidi shoes are not cheap but they do last since you are able to get replacement parts fairly easily. I replace heels occasionally, but this is the first time I needed to replace my buckle. Exact match to original and easy to install. The little screws that come with it have the BLUE Loctite on them to ensure a secure installation.
The new ratchets work very well. Easy motion and a definite click, whether tightening or backing off. I didn't realize that the old ones were getting progressively worse to use. I only replaced them when one broke.
My 2009 SIDI Dominator 5s are great trail shoes. My only complaint was the buckle, which easily catches weeds and clogs-up the release mechanism badly. Sometimes so bad I'm stuck inside my shoes! The original buckle was designed poorly and simply not efficient. The plastic release wings always required two fingers to adjust tension and release. With the new Caliper Buckle....everything works with a one-finger touch now.
When upgrading to the Caliper Buckle - there is really no need to buy pricey, matching straps, as the sturdier original Spider strap is fully compatible with the newer buckle...granted you perform one small modification razor-off the two tiny plastic tabs at the strap entry point. Once the tabs are off, the old strap slides straight into the new buckle, as it's the same identical width.
These fit my old Sidi Genius 3s but I needed to get a new strap too because the older one is too wide. I priced the buckle and strap at my local bike store and they were more than double the price. We need local bike stores to succeed but 2.5x the price is a little too big a gap.
Used Sidi products for years however decided to go with a different shoe (Shimano, Giro) in white. Well this particular caliper buckle was the perfect cosmetic replacement for the stock buckle. Besides adding a nice visual touch to my new shoes the buckle performs as designed.
Sidis will pretty much last forever unless they get abused. I crashed in my old Sidis and the buckle was the part most injured. Being able to replace the buckle and strap kept my down-time to an absolute minimum, and the damage to my wallet was minimal. These buckles went on an older pair of shoes, so I bought the straps to ensure compatibility, which ended up being a good thing. This was an easy, inexpensive repair.
Please note this is the current (as of 2018) Sidi replacement buckle, I did not have to swap the strap on my 2014 shoes, but I have some 2003s for which the standard is different. Swapped out for a useless sproinged buckle in two minutes. Way cheaper than new shoes.
Once I did receive the product it was an exact replacement for my Sidi Genius 5 buckle that I damaged in a crash. Installed quickly and easily and is working perfectly. Four stars only because of delayed delivery due to shipping address being entered wrong twice.
Two big crashes this year and two wasted buckles. Thankfully the buckles are not only easy to replace but also reasonably priced. My straps were getting a bit beat up so I replaced them as well and everything felt like new.