Another +1 for Privateers.
My only issue is that they aren’t as stiff as other carbon soled shoes I’ve worn over the years, but not enough to cause any issues.
Probably a good point if you want to walk in them regularly.
I like the fit of the Privateers compared to Shimano and Specialized, bit more snub on my slim but long feet.
I want the more expensive laced Giros, just because they look cooler.
I’m sad to say I fall in the same boat, But I don’t want to 
hehe
I’ll have a hunt around locally and see what’s available. Probably have a look around Launceston, there’ll be more options there I’m sure.
Find a store that sells giro helmets, that ‘should’ mean they can get the shoes.
I have the privateers and gauge. privateers sole is better for walking (slightly more sticky) and ive worn them on some long mixed terrain rides with no issues. have a friend who has done a number of ‘silly long’ rides in his with no issues. wear seems decent.
also raced cx a lot last year in them (and found them better for running than the gauges).
you can get the wide version of the privateers if you have a wide foot too (though they can be harder to source locally).
Thanks Nikcee, looks like another +1 for the Privateers. Definitely going to try on the weekend and have a look around. The range of products and prices are somewhat disappointing around here.
avantiplus smith st have a pretty good size and model range in store.
St Cloud are Giro dealers and have stock. Pretty sure they have Privateers. But I didn’t think you were in Melbourne Nereus.
There’s an Avantiplus in Launceston, I’ll check them out on Saturday. There have giro’s on their website, hopefully I’ll be able to order some in if they don’t have any.
I’ll just leave this here
New Shoe Day - certainly more kumfy than my Chrome Kursk Pros.
Will report back in a week or two @WCP
Haha thank you, and damn you! They look good! +1 for Rumble VR. What sort of activities are you doing in them larfinboy?
yeah, those look better than most casual SPD shoes, none around in my size sadly.
Yeah, not too shabby. The current Shimano MT4x shoes don’t look too bad either.
General out & about riding, something for the gravel grinder. Nothing too technical.
Just got my empires and can say Giro’s size guide is pretty good, just in case you dont get to try on a pair.
Thanks jaseyjase, good to know
No luck with any local shops to try these buggers on. I did see them in the Avanti Plus window, but they are only open Monday - Friday. On my travels I did come back home with this though.
Well, after searching around locally and not having any joy I’ve bought a pair of Giro Privateers online. Got a good price too for anyone following this thread and are also after a pair $139 delivered - http://www.tbe.com.au/products/giro-privateer-mtb-shoe/171870/ Looks like they have a size 43 and 48 in black left. I’ll update on how they go.
Just adding another +1 to Privateer club, finally started riding in them after buying them last year in November
Mainly used as my wet weather commuter on the rigid mtb SS and have only put about 100kms in them so far
But really liking them, really comfy, plus the added ease of clipping in/out (which is more an spd thing then privateer thing though) Dried pretty easily too via the news paper trick, both inside and then wrapping them in news paper.
Might see some trail action soon as i cant seem to get used to flats.
Checking in after 6 (8, 9??) months on the Rumble VRs.
I really like them. They’re super ventilated, so great for summer dirt and gravel fun, have those toe cover things for winter commuting… Walkability is awesome, I’ve had to hike-a-bike a few times and they’ve been great. Even worn them all day at work a couple of times and my feet haven’t suffered at all. Pretty durable too, still look pretty much as new after a lot of commuting and dirt miles.
I give them an A for commuting and light trail use, A+ if you can get them on sale for under $100.
Which toe cover things?
For touring what do you think? Looking for a walkable shoe. Love the Privateer and used them for NZ touring but walking in them for longer then 10min is a pain.