Conference noted::bicycle

    I use Batas. I tried the Avocet and found it was too narrow for my
    foot (narrow heel and wide toe.) The Bata is a bit too wide in the
    heel  for  me, so I use a cut off skating ankle support to take up
    the  extra  room. The Batas are cheap (~$10 from Nashbar) and last
    reasonably  well. I wore one pair for two years, including 3 weeks
    where they were the only shoes I had with me.

--David

I bought a pair of Cannondales 3 or 4 years ago and they were awful, 
almost from the beginning.  They looked dorky, were uncomfortable to 
walk in, pinched my toes (they were the right size, but toe box was too 
flat), and they were very heavy.

Last year I bought some Specialized 3400's (I think that's the model) 
and have been very pleased with them.  They don't have any of the
disadvantages of the Cannondales, plus they breathe much better.

.jim

I have Duegi's.  These were expensive and I don't know if they're still
available.  What I liked about them was style (brown suede...looks like a
casual shoe), comfort, and sole stiffness (which is what a cycling shoe is
about).  They're probably stiff enough to attach cleats...but I don't
recommend it.

Recently, I saw a pair of Nike shoes that looked VERY nice.  They were on sale
for $19.00, regular $56.00...or something like that...the store didn't have
ANY in my size, though :-(.  They looked like running shoes, but had stiff sole
(probably a steel shank) and ridges on the sole to grip the pedal well.

I'm looking around for a pair of these now.  I'd use them on my ATB, and the
Duegi's on tours (if ever I get to do one again).

Dick

    
    I agree with .3 about the cannondales. Terrible shoes. The heal
    was (is) real loose on mine. 
    Go with the Specialized or with Nikes.

    reply to .3
    
    The reply in .4 should have been directed to .2
    
    Where did .3 see those Nikes on sale for 19 bucks? My wife is in
    the market for some shoes and the price seems hard to beat!!

I have a pair of Performance Pacers.  Very happy with them.

Top model is only 29.95.  They come in 3 widths and half sizes.
They seem to run about 1/2 size small; Performance will pay extra 
shipping if you need to exchange.

Highly recommend them.

	~Mike

    
    Well I bought a pair of Nike Discovery touring shoes. They were
    last years. They look nice and seem to work just fine. About 40
    miles on them so far... I got them at Steve's Mass transit in Marlboro.
    for $40. They had women's size 8,and 9 left...and they had a pair
    of men's Nike Velo in size 9.
    
    Melanie

	I've used the Bata's, and they're fine.
	My wife uses the Avocet's, and really likes those over
	the Bata's.

    
    	I cleaned up on shoes at Supersports' getting out of business
    sale.  60% off $39.95 got me 3 pairs for ~$48, should last seven
    or eight years, at that price they fit real well (once I stuff half
    the Sunday Globe into the toe).  Avocet and Nike, but who cares
    at that price ?
    
    	Reg
    

    Before I rode through the Colorado Rockies last summer, I bought
    a pair of Avocet's.  They were the more expensive pair; I think
    they cost $80.  I rode 650 miles through Colorado and was *very
    pleased* with them.  They breathe and are a perfect fit.  I didn't
    bring any other shoes with me, so walked around on 'em, too, and
    they are just as comfortable for walking!
    
    Paul

    I bought some Avocet's a few years ago that had a couple of ridges and
    slots near the ball of the foot across the otherwise smooth sole. The
    idea was that one of the slots would grip the edge of the rat-trap
    pedal. But the shoe didn't fit tightly in the toeclip, and pivoted on
    the edge of the pedal on every revolution, causing a little tapping
    feeling at my toes. This was maddening and I sold the shoes. Adjusting
    the toe clips with washers or by mashing them might have helped. I got
    a pair of Coq Sportifs instead.
    
    --Dan

    Has anyone had any experience with the new LOOK TOURING shoes. 
    They come with the standard LOOK cleats but the cleat is recessed
    into the sole so that you can walk on a somewhat flat sole like
    a traditional touring shoe.  I haven't seen them in the stores,
    only in the catalogs.  Has anyone tried a pair?  I've been plagued
    with foot pain when I wear my Duegi cleated shoes so I've gone back 
    to my old Specialized touring shoes, but the slip-sliding around
    under the toe clips is driving me crazy, and if I tighten the staps
    my toes turn to 7-up in about 10 miles.  I'm now contemplating the $125
    investment in the new LOOK shoes and pedals.
    							Jerry

< Note 611.12 by AIMHI::JSMITH "Bikes Spoke_n Here" >

Jerry,

   What exactly is your foot problem?  Why the LOOK touring shoes instead of 
regular LOOK compatible shoes?  You seem to be blaming the problem on the 
super stiff sole, but is that really the problem?

Kevin

    	According to an article by Lon Haldeman in the literature I
    received upon joining the UMCA, Lon recommended a touring style
    shoe because of the bigger toe box region that lets you flatten
    out your toes and hence provide better circulation on long rides.
    Lately, my limit seems to be about 60 miles before I have to get
    off and remove my shoes to aleviate the pain.  Also, I like the
    idea of a touring shoe since I have a long walk from the parking
    lot to the showers, when I ride to work.  I look conspcuious enough
    without having to imitate a penguin, which is what I resemble with
    my cleats on.  When I saw the Look Touring shoes I immediately
    thought this has to be the *best of both worlds*.  Any comments
    are appreciated.
    							Jerry