I’ll be as succinct as possible so as not to bore anyone:
Beautifully made and presented. Mine bear a hand written #234 production number - a nice and personal touch.
Fit: I’m quite broad footed, and at 45 Euro size, they fit quite firmly. After a few rides and walk around, they feel like they’re going to stretch some so I’m not too worried about the firmness. My right big toe might give me some grief in the long haul as it points up and the nail digs into the toe box.
The ride: after riding around in Onitsuka Tigers, the immediate difference in pedalling efficiency is astounding. Having ridden in clipless shoes before, this is exactly the performance I was looking for.
The walk: a little clunky, however they’ll undoubtably become softer and more flexible with age. They’re flexible enough in the ball area to allow dexterity without feeling like you’ve got wooden planks on the soles of your feet.
Set-up: I’m running MKS GR9s with MKS leather toe cages and MKS double straps. Here’s the problem: the GR9s offer poor grip with the hard sole and laterally grooved compound. Last night’s ride screaming down a long hill was a trouser filling experience because the shoes felt like they were going to slip out of the pedals. Even with the straps maxed out as tight as they will go, my feet were sliding around. Not good. My right foot slipped out a couple of times doing skids. GR9s a brill with soft soled sneakers, but not these.
Solution: Probably some traditional track pedals. Royal Nuevos please Santa!
Recommended for those who like traditional looking track shoes and a stiffer sole than sneakers. I paid $160 including freight which I reckon is good value.
I have Sylvans on all three of my bikes, and Mandy’s got a pair too. We’ve never had any problems with ours. Sure, the Royals may spin a little bit nicer, but it’s not really a huge issue.
Good point Hugs. If you’re gonna wear these shoes, expect to accessorise with some lairy gents hosiery. I don’t ‘do’ tartan, but I’m on the prowl socks that look like liquorice all sorts…
Might have to shoe into yours and see how they feel. Yeah, buttery smooth bearings can only be felt through your fingers I reckon. Saw a post somewhere with GR9s done up with grip tape of something to that description. Bit messy though.
I have some spare Sylvans at home which I could part with… ahem… for a price ($30) ahem.
They are pretty much new, ie. put on my GFs bike which she rode once tp port Adelaide then got taken off and replace with my old pedal set up. Comes with the box.
Well the MKS Sylvans have made a big difference to foot retention security. The grooves on the soles limit lateral movement which is aided by double straps. The straps cover the shoes more securely than they did running through the GR9 s too. The narrow toe box also fits snugly in between the toe clips so your feet remain straight. So if you’re thinking of getting a pair, track pedals are definitely the way to go.
I’m trying to convince my girl to order a piar of the brown ones for the times that we ride into the city at night (to go to the pub or whatever) and she has to wear her Vans. She wants nice looking shoes that she can ride in with clips and straps, but not wear sneakers constantly.
Bump, Im thinking about buying a pair of these. How are they going sugarkane/dingo? Could I see any pictures to see how they have worn in, or are they pretty much the same as when you bought them.
Yeah going well bigs. No pix, but they’re wearing fine - like a glove 'cause they stretch a little. The sole is very hard rubber - there’s very minor wear from the pedals (MKS Sylvans) which I think improves the grip because they sit into the pedals a little firmer. I give them a little polish occasionally to maintain the leather. They don’t stink at all. Only thing is, they’re a struggle with thick sox because of the firm fit - which is what you want. Overall I highly recommend them.
I just got a pair of these and although half a size smaller than what I’d usually take they fit pretty well. As above, the leather is really soft and will stretch pretty quickly. The difference in power is pretty amazing after riding Vans on Sylvans for some time. Ditto the slipperiness but I got around this by tightening my straps.
I ordered the shoes on a Sunday and they were in Melb by Friday. great guy to deal with too.
let us know what you think. What colour did you order? I notice the tan and brown ones are available now.