Bont A3 shoes?

[Cancellator]

Hey,

I've recently came into possession of a bit of spare cash, and I plan on replacing my Shimano RO77s with a pair of mid-range shoes.

The Shimanos where pretty good when I started riding, but they are not comfortable on long rides, and they don't feel really secure - I either have to tighten them to uncomfortable levels or have my foot move around in them more than I'd like to (I understand that Shimano shoes are wide in comparison to Sidis, for example).

I found a really good deal on Bont A3s. What do you think about them? Does the heat moulding really work as it should? I read that they are very stiff, and I'd like that.

Also, how large/small are they compared to Shimano? My RO77s are size 45, how big should I order the Bonts? Or do you know any place where you can try them on, in London?

Thanks!

 

[Ruby60]

Go to Bont's web site for a size chart... measure BOTH feet too as your feet may not be the same size.
Yes the heat molding works. Stick them in the oven for awhile, then put them on and use your fingers to shape the chassis. You can repeat as often as needed.
I am really pleased with my Bont shoes... very stiff... even for the fiberglass soled shoe (which I have).
Be sure to use lock-tite on all the hardware though... especially the buckles.

 

[Fiemme]

Hey,

I've recently came into possession of a bit of spare cash, and I plan on replacing my Shimano RO77s with a pair of mid-range shoes.

The Shimanos where pretty good when I started riding, but they are not comfortable on long rides, and they don't feel really secure - I either have to tighten them to uncomfortable levels or have my foot move around in them more than I'd like to (I understand that Shimano shoes are wide in comparison to Sidis, for example).

I found a really good deal on Bont A3s. What do you think about them? Does the heat moulding really work as it should? I read that they are very stiff, and I'd like that.

Also, how large/small are they compared to Shimano? My RO77s are size 45, how big should I order the Bonts? Or do you know any place where you can try them on, in London?

Thanks!

Why not look at getting a pair of custom Bont vapours.

http://www.bont.com/cycling/products/custom.html

 

[Cancellator]

Why not look at getting a pair of custom Bont vapours.

http://www.bont.com/cycling/products/custom.html

Because they are probably a lot more than the 75 quid I found the A3s for...
I can't really justify spending a fortune on shoes when I ride a Trek 1.2.

 

[ElChingon]

Not sure where you can try them in your neck of the woods but do recommend you do before you buy. The shoes are great but I think their custom molding process requires someone with experience to do it or help you out otherwise they may not end up being the best fit for you. The custom ones would be the way to go if you had deeper pockets.

 

[ustabe]

I scored a pair of Cervelo Test Team R3s at an excellent price. Best shoes I've ever worn, but let me qualify. The fit is on the wide side of medium, sort of like D+, and they run small. Plan on sizing up one full size from Shimano. Invest in aftermarket footbeds. Bont reps even recommend this. Follow molding instructions carefully, don't overheat. I just baked 'em with my heat-molded footbeds, let 'em cool for a couple minutes, put 'em on, and watched TV for about an hour. The fit is so close that I don't have to buckle down so tight, but the Bont last is a very close match to the shape of my foot. Custom orthotics are making it even better. The fit and quality across the entire A range is identical. The only difference is the weight and thickness of the soles, and the kangaroo leather option on the A1s. The sole of the A3 is still ridiculously thin and stiff. The uppers tend to abrade easily, especially where they're bonded to the sole. I've been repairing with Gorilla Glue and readjusting the float on my cleats.

 

[Fiemme]

Because they are probably a lot more than the 75 quid I found the A3s for...
I can't really justify spending a fortune on shoes when I ride a Trek 1.2.

75 pounds! that equates to approx. $120 aussie dollars. These shoes sell for more than $300 in Sydney. If you can find a store that stocks them.

Considering Bont are a Sydney based company your 75 pounds is very cheap.

 

[Notso Swift]

Yes Sydney based but made in China and it is a world wide market.

I have Vapours, they kill any shoe I have ever had
Sidi doesn't come close... except for price
Time were just as stiff, but uncomfortably so as they would restrict blood to bits and I would get numbness after 1 1/2 hours or so
Mine were about $300 from the LBS, but they retail $395 and that is the full carbon with Leather.

 

[dsut4392]

Because they are probably a lot more than the 75 quid I found the A3s for...
I can't really justify spending a fortune on shoes when I ride a Trek 1.2.

Care to share where you can get them for 75 quid? Wouldn't mind a pair myself at that price!

 

[ustabe]

Excel Sports in Boulder, CO, USA, is still selling them (in Cervelo Test Team livery) for $99.88 US. http://www.excelsports.com/main.asp?page=8&description=CTT-Three+Road+Shoe+Black-Red&vendorCode=BONT&major=5&minor=1. Don't let what you're riding deter you from a great pair of shoes. Your feet are important.

 

[Cancellator]

You can find them on Wiggle. However, they don't have a ratchet strap, just velcro. It's pretty confusing that there are two versions with the same name ?!

 

[595RED]

You can find them on Wiggle. However, they don't have a ratchet strap, just velcro. It's pretty confusing that there are two versions with the same name ?!

Yes definetly go with the click buckle strap. Bonts are well priced in our market I have had A3 and now Vaypor, they make everything else perform like a mocassin.

 

[winkybiker]

Bonts might be the greatest shoe on the market, but until the quality is evident in the finish and styling, I'm not considering them. If I drop serious cash on shoes, I want them to look good as well as work well. Sidis for me (Ergo2, currently) for the time being at least. Love the fit (but not for everyone, I admit - they suit slender, rather than fat, feet). Expensive, yes, but they look a quality product, and last well. The Bonts look like cr@p.