Shimano

Avid cyclist here. I've worn Sidi shoes for years. I put up with fussy fasteners because of their comfort, quality, and replaceable parts. Then I broke my wrist in a crash and could not get my shoes because the fasteners took two hands. BOA fasteners on the Shimano 703 solves that problem. However, the the heel pads are not replaceable so replacing the pads is replacing the shoes. My Sidi pads wear out before the shoes. I will have to see how long they last. Otherwise, they look good and fit well, narrow like Sidi. I like BOA. The heels are vented, though I've never thought of vents, even on hot summer rides. I had to drill upgraded insoles to take advantage of the heel vents.

I don't know why I switched over from the OG SPD 747 to the Eggbeaters, I guess for the weight weenie saving. After years of cyclocross racing on the eggbeaters, I noticed (even with new cleats) that my pedals were not holding tightly to my cleats anymore.

So mid way into 2025 cross season, I decided to switch to SPD's. Happy to be back! Adjustablility is on point, mud shedding flawless and clipping in and out with the new MT-001 is awesome!

I got this adapter to allow me to use a pair of Shimano SH-IC100 indoor cycling shoes with Spin bikes at my gym that have SPD cleats on one side of their pedals. The Shimano shoes had 2 bolt and 3 bolt mountings, but were not walkable. The adapters have raised sides that keep the cleat recessed, making it easier to walk. They suit my needs very well, though I wouldn't use them for walking outdoors, because the hard plastic wouldn't provide good traction.

The standard 8.5mm screws have always worked well for me with Giro shoes. I recently bought a pair of Quoc Escapes and, when I tried to mount the cleats, the rear bolts went in fine, but the front bolts were slightly too short to engage in the threaded insert. That was unexpected, but consistent across both shoes. I do have a set of the longer 13.5mm bolts, but they would have been too long and I wasn't in the mood to try to cut them down. So, I ordered the 10mm bolts and solved the problem.

Ideally, all shoes would work with the standard bolts. But they don't, so I'm jusy happy that Shimano offers three lengths, and BTD stocks them.