Author Topic: Boot break in (Read 7140 times)

zukie600 · « **on:** May 20, 2006, 09:18:49 AM »

Hey all,

I decided to get some dedicated MC boots for the first time, they're the Alpinestars Ridge boot. I just got back from my first ride w/ them and I must admit I'm less than impressed. The lack of feel and overall stiffness really screwed up my shifting. I've never owned MC boots, I've just used my Timberlands instead but figured I could use the extra ankle and foot protection. Will the boots break in more or is this what I can expect? I did start shifting a little smoother later in the ride once I figured the "feel" out better but they're still really stiff around the shins.

I suppose b/c of the lack of feel a lot of the vibration thru the pegs was elminated on the plus side. The boots seem like they'd keep my feet dry and warm in most conditions. The other plus is now all you see is my boot rather than some socks when I ride. The boots do fit very well though, it's just shifting that requires extra effort.

The style and design is what I wanted: zip liner, velcro sides and just a basic black riding boot. Price was good from NE at $98 and free shipping. I've heard good things about the Oxtar Matrix and several Sidi designs. Should I consider returning the Alpinestars and trading up?

yak · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2006, 10:41:26 AM »

wet them and walk them dry or go with the sidi there good wearing boots

Cruisecontrol · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2006, 07:57:26 AM »

I have two pairs of Alpinestars boots, the Stage touring boot and the SMX-plus racing boot.
The Stage pair have lasted six years (I still wear them as they are bloody comfortable and still very much waterproof) even survived a major accident with just a few gouges.
Of course they take a bit of time to get used to but once broken in they are wearable all day. Stick with them and you won't be disappointed.

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2006, 10:46:50 AM »

+1 on sticking with them for a while longer. Anytime you change gear (no pun intended) things are going to feel different. I had the same thing happen when I got new Sidi boots - no feel compared to well broke in work boots. Now, the Sidi's feel great and provide a lot better protection.

The other thing to consider is the overall thickness/depth of the boot compared to the Timberline - you may want to slightly adjust your shift lever for a better feel.

jbrough7 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2006, 02:05:15 PM »

Never heard of the ridge - I'll have to check it out - I got some boots but they were killing my feet if I wore them all day (which I really want to do) so I'm looking for something else....

Sven · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2006, 02:32:02 PM »

I wear dress shoes and a shift sock to commute, but for long rides, I wear Sketchers boots! They are comfortable on and off the bike, and provide good protection, and add an inch to my inseam which puts my feet a little more firmly on the ground when stopped. They list for $60 but you can get them for much less, and I haven't even considered shopping for something else in three years of wearing them.

DaveG · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:26:58 AM »

i just got the same boots and also had shifting problems

adjusted the shift lever to max high and the problems went away.
the lever is now a lttle high in that i need to lift my foot off the peg to downshift. this may fix when they break in more.

adjusted it down 1 turn from max and is much better. may be a tad too low and will adust after a day or tow of riding.

seems to me the boot is tall from sole to upper in toe area.

i like the boots now so just adjust your shift lever till things are better.

zukie600 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2006, 09:34:17 AM »

I've now logged several hours w/ the boots and they seem to be a little better. I've also tried loosening how tightly I velcro the sides. It gives my shins a bit more room to move fore and aft for shifting. I feel like my shifting is getting marginally better so we'll see.

I'll try adjusting the height of the shifting lever and see if that helps any as well.

My Joe Rocket Reactor 2.0 jacket should be in Friday so I can't wait to try that out also. I'll report back on how it works out.

zukie600 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 28, 2006, 12:48:23 AM »

I adjusted the shifter approx. 1/4" higher than what it was previously. It really made a huge difference. My initial 1-2 shift in anger was absolutley seamless, every other shift came of ease. "So this is what it's supposed to feel like" I kept thinking as I shifted gears...

To be honest I've now fallen in love w/ the boots and the new shifter setting, it really is almost instinctive.

The JR Reactor 2.0 jacket is quite impressive on my initial 150+ mile day. It's lightweight, has good-fitting armor in the right places and looks pretty cool to boot. Only complaint is that it likes to ride up my back a bit while riding. My helmet also seems to rub on the leather behind my neck when I'm looking upward a bit. No big deal though, just minor observations. Wind blows right into me especially in my arms and arm-pits, very nice on 85 degree + days like today in NC. Overall I'm quite pleased w/ my current setup of Alpinestar Ridge boots, JR Reactor 2.0 jacket, JR Highside gloves and Shoei RF-1000 helmet w/ mirrored faceshield.

jbrough7 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2006, 07:10:50 AM »

Sounds fantastic - I'm jealous..gotta try one of those mirrored visors. Think they're worth more than my whole helmet!

zukie600 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2006, 04:51:41 PM »

Yeah, at $60 each the mirrored visor is quite expensive but the shade it provides is very welcome on warm, sunny days. It may also be a bit superficial but I really feel badass with the mirrored visor. Hey, got to play up the ego whenever I can, right?

IcyChaos · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2006, 03:03:39 AM »

I have problems with my mirrored visor. It works great, looked sweet for a while, but I take long rides, 1 bug hits it on a sunny day and when I get home the miror tint is gone from where the bug was. Have quite a few spotso n the shield now and that just stinks.

anyone else face this problem?

zukie600 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2006, 03:44:16 PM »

Quote

It works great, looked sweet for a while, but I take long rides, 1 bug hits it on a sunny day and when I get home the miror tint is gone from where the bug was. Have quite a few spotso n the shield now and that just stinks.

I've probably ridden about 250 miles w/ the mirrored visor and have killed quite a few bugs in the process. So far they come right off with a bit of soapy water, no permanent tint loss. Of course the visor is practically new, I'll keep my eyes on it

FWIW this is the Shoei CX-1V mirrored visor.

IcyChaos · « **Reply #13 on:** June 01, 2006, 08:50:17 AM »

Quote from: zukie600

Quote
It works great, looked sweet for a while, but I take long rides, 1 bug hits it on a sunny day and when I get home the miror tint is gone from where the bug was. Have quite a few spotso n the shield now and that just stinks.
I've probably ridden about 250 miles w/ the mirrored visor and have killed quite a few bugs in the process. So far they come right off with a bit of soapy water, no permanent tint loss. Of course the visor is practically new, I'll keep my eyes on it

FWIW this is the Shoei CX-1V mirrored visor.

Seems like the buds come off, but its like having crappy paint on a car. If you have a nasty bug sit there it seems to eat through the mirror tint. Im wondering if some helmet visors have better mirror tint that holds up better than others.