Shimano

These wheels at 15 months are perfect. I have run through a set of Schwalbe TLE�s in 30 and now have Conti GP 5000 S TR�s in 32 for all road. They set up perfect with Stan�s Sealant and hold air ok, maybe loose 10 PSI a week if idle. No flats yet either, (knock on wood). At 36 mm they spin up nice and fast and are solid on steep descents and easy to control in our mountain cross winds. I also have the new Dura-Ace wheelset that feature the 12 speed only hub in 36 mm profile, I use with 28 mm Conti GP 5000 S TR�s. Both sets I use 12 speed Ultegra Cassettes 11-34. At first I was uncertain why I had to adjust the rear mech position in eTubes app from -7 to -11 with the Ultegra set. I found that I was best with -7 on the T2 indoors as well. I added 2 micro spacers behind the Ultegra freehub and the cassette now sits the same distance from edge of lockout as the DA set so I don�t have to make setting changes when changing wheel sets. I thought I should share this. In terms of ride performance between the Ultegra and Dura Ace, you will appreciate the improved freehub mechanism but won�t notice a difference in the rest of the wheels. The tire difference is obvious as well. I was glad to get great member pricing on both sets and look forward to years of serviceability and excellent ride quality.

I bought these specifically for gravel riding through the winter in SW Pa. I've gotten a couple of rides in with them in 40-degree temps and I am impressed. They fit well. I have wide feet and normally wear an EE shoe. These have enough room in the toe box without being sloppy. The support is great and the BOA system works like a charm. I have used them with my normal socks I use for cycling and a pair of thinner ones. They are warm and the neoprene "seal" around the ankle is not irritating. I use Chester Race Face pedals and the soles of these feel like they are stuck to them. Until I don't want them to be. They are also comfortable to walk in. They are on the expensive side compared to my other riding shoes, but worth every penny.

These shoes were a steal. $50 for a high quality shoe like this is unheard of. Shimano really came through with these shoes. They are true to size, comfortable and work very well while off and on the bike. I haven't used them very many times, because I have some other Lake shoes that I have been using a lot lately. I just got the Shimano shoes in case I want to go for a ride and the Lake shoes have gotten wet and aren't dry yet. This is only true because I got the Lake shoes shortly before I got the Shimano shoes. The Lake shoes cost 3 times as much. But they aren't three times better. They are just a little bit more comfortable that the Shimano shoes. I don't mind the hook and loop fasteners. They work well.

Shimano pedals are the gold standard for pedals in terms of functionality and durability. Bombproof, no off-plane movement between shoe and pedal, thoughtful release value range. The 52mm spindle versions take things a step farther by getting your effective Q factor closer to that of a road bike. Great for folks like me with narrow hips who split their time on- and off-road. Highly recommend for folks sensitive to the ever-increasing Q factor of today's MTBs but don't want to compromise functionality.