Saw several great reviews of the Crossfire here on the Café. Time to upgrade from Oneil Element. Besides the protection and quality of the boot, I hope to have more downward foot movement. Is this a reasonable expectation? (I am tip-toe with the Element) Which model for basic trail riding? The only reason I may get the SR is to change to the Enduro Sole. Wonder if the lugs would hang up on the pegs? Found a dated review, here's their take on the two soles. (Foot sitting higher may be favorable for the tip-toe peeps) "The sole on the TA is somewhat traditional considering the rest of the boot. It is quite a bit wider than the SR’s sole profile. From what we can see and feel, our foot sits lower in the TA than in the SR. Sidi has a new sole out for the SR that has more traction but sits even higher than the SR. Note that the SR model does have a rounded front toe area that does not seem to grab when you have to push your bike up hills, but would move through the dirt better if caught while riding. For this reason, I see the SR more suited for motocross and the TA for enduros and trail riding."
The quick change soles are great, but after you wear them a few times they get less and less quick to change because the 1/4 turn fastener's heads get damaged/packed with debris. I still prefer to spend some time fixing them to replace soles (sharp pegs eat them up) vs having to deal with however the TA needs its soles replaced (sewn on I guess?)
I love my SRS boots. No problems after about a year of use. If hounding air them out after riding smell worse than old hockey gloves.... Can't comment on customer service as I've never needed but we do have our distributor cruise through our shop on a bi weekly basis. I was. Thinking about the Garne g 12 but with all the parts being riser serviceable on the Sidis' I opted for those.
if going srs don't go for the enduro sole it does hang up on pegs I tried it, you cant come unglued , its awkward and strange. as far as replacement being a pita it just takes a little mechanical know how, clean them well, spray some lube, and if need be take your dremel cut off wheel and cut into the slots to deepen them, for reinstall again use some wd40 or other spray lube. yes the srs do run narrower, my last pair were ta and they were more roomy, my srs are a little snug across the width but seem to be shaping in a little bit now. another plus for us is that they are right here in el cajon, if you need parts or assistance, so its never an issue. I will be using these srs for a while, however I do have more love for my previous ta models due to the width comfort. as for ta right in Encinitas we have sole performance that will resole your ta model within a few days at a very reasonable price and have them as good as new in a matter of days, mine were done 2 times and they use sidi brand soles there exclusively, even when doing other brands.
I agree with Robert on the width issues. I wanted the sr without the sole ridge because it would be less likely to catch on things in the trail but my wide foot liked the ta much better.
TA's for me. I like the sewn on sole and the steel toe. Call me old fashioned, but I don't ride motocross and hike around on nasty rocky desert hills were I need sure footing.
get boot drier and always throw them on after a ride. I got the simple redwing boot drier it works great, but there are many choices. throw on foot powder before the ride, that helps too
nice homemade setup!! I just use this one like you mentioned PEET http://www.cowpokesonline.com/red-wing-original-peet-boot-dryer.html#.VSr_68otFD8
Thanks for the heads up on the enduro soles Robert! Yeah feet stuck to the pegs could make for some awkward moments, ugh. Sometimes the smoother soles of the oneils get a little slippery on muddy ground. But I would rather deal with that lol. I most likely could fit the srs. But am not likely to wear out a set of soles quickly. It would seem the TAs would work fine in my case. Really hoping the boots will provide more downward movement than the oneils. Gotta luv the boot dryer!
I'm using the Sidi TAs as well. Love them & They're easily the best boots I've owned. Great range of movement in the ankle & comfortable fit for me. 2 years in & I haven't even so much as replaced a buckle or screw.
Sidi Chargers are great as well at 100 less, though replace the leather with synthetic material and slight other changes. Same TA sole and cap. Took a few weeks to break in for me but another fine Sidi product. Nice thing about the Chargers is they are super easy to keep like new for years. Dawn and a toothbrush gets them clean. Spray Vinylex on entire boot for like new appearance... Also lubes buckles for smooth action and then some Lexxol leather treatment on the only leather side/scuff panel.
First coat of Lexxol and now I can hear myself think when I walk! Toe caps remind me of loafers with horseshoe taps. If ya don't know don't ask haha Gonna track down the Vinylex tomorrow. Wally only had the Lexxol on the shelf.
The Vinyles I have only found at online car detailing stores but Amazon has it. May be similar to other stuff but use it on all the plastics, door and window seals on my van, bumpers, dash, etc... Surprised the shops that carry the Lexxol leather treatment do not carry the Vinylex. They need a better sales team. I also use it for the Husky, seat included. Not too slick.
Same here. Everyone has the Lexol leather cleaner and treatment, no Vinylex. So maybe I should put the Zaino Z-16 to use on the plastic portions of the boots? I appears to be similar, although they warn against vinyl car tops. Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss™ is a non-oily, rubber and exterior vinyl finishing treatment. Our unique formula contains Ultra-Gard™ UV(40) and our exclusive moisturizing and antistatic solution to prevent drying, cracking and browning. Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss™ helps repels dust and dirt to keep your tires looking great, longer. One application of Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss™ leaves an incredibly durable, water repellent, perfect looking satin finish, that's only slightly glossy and dry to the touch. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 1. Use on all exterior rubber, tires, moldings, plastic trim, weatherstripping, underhood hoses and more. 2. Just wet a sponge with Z-16 and apply to the surface to be treated and let dry. It will last thru rain and multiple washings. Z-16 is very durable and will last an average of 3 to 4 weeks on an outdoor car. 3. Z-16 is not recommended for vinyl tops
