SIDI ERGO 4 Carbon Composite: Fiscal Recalibration

The SIDI Ergo 4 Carbon Composite inherits much from the top of the line SIDI Wire.

Why is $800 considered a bargain for wheels, yet some consider $400 for shoes excessive? Those $800 wheels are likely made by a machine, perhaps tuned for a moment or two by a real person and cost is cut at every corner. Yet $400 can get you handmade Italian shoes inspired by and designed for the greatest cyclists in the world—shoes that have danced up mountains in search of pink and yellow or battled the toughest men on earth over ancient cobblestones. Yes, for $400 you can have a pair of SIDI Ergo 4 Carbon Composite shoes that will do more for your ride than any $800 pair of wheels ever could.

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The Ergo 4 Carbon Composite sits one rung below the vaunted Wire in SIDI’s vast collection, and it has learned much from the Wire, as well as the legendary Genius line. The upper is a combination of mesh and Microfibra Techpro—which is amazing stuff. It conforms to your foot, yet offers incredible stability, while retaining breathability and water resistance.

Retention involves two Techno-3 System dials for snug, even tension across the foot. The Techno-3 System lacks the push-button opening of the Wire, which makes it a bit tougher to adjust on the bike, but it’s durability and serviceability still put it ahead of any other cable system in cycling. But, like the Wire, the Ergo 4 has adjustable heel retention and replaceable parts.

The outsole represents the shoe’s other major departure from the Wire; instead of pure carbon it is carbon-nylon composite. It’s not quite as light as pure carbon, or quite as stiff, but for many riders without Bouhanni-like power it can be more comfortable over a long day.

When it comes to the most important aspect of SIDI’s DNA, the brand’s legendary and closely guarded last (the foot form around which the shoe is designed), the Ergo 4 Carbon is identical to the Wire. We aren’t podiatrists, so we can’t tell you why this is, but SIDIs simply fit better than any other shoe, period. There are lots of good shoes, to be sure, but SIDIs remain a cut above. They may be a bit heavier than others and lack some buzz-word features, but when it comes to comfort over a long, tough day in the saddle, SIDI rises above all others.

$400; ciclista-america.com