My DRAKO 2 update - I finally installed some SPD cleats on to my DRAKO 2 shoes and went for a short ride. Not only were the shoes EXTREMELY comfortable, but I’ve never felt SO CONNECTED to my pedals. Felt as though every ounce of energy went directly into moving my rear tire. Amazing. My only regret is that I waited so long to graduate from my old Sidi Dominators!
Yep, I think the Drako is the best option for more power. I prefer the design over the more expensive Tiger 2 model just because of the upper BOA ratchet being over to the side. But either one has the stiffness of that carbon sole that makes them feel more powerful.
Hey R4L, I have generally been very pleased with my DRAKO purchase with a couple exceptions. First, the SOFT INSTEP CLOSURE SYSTEM clasp does not hold the straps snugly in place and will periodically loosen while pedaling or walking (on both right and left shoes). The plastic ‘slot’ on the outside of the shoe that the curved strap passes through does not adequately hold the EVA pad in place. I had to trim the length of the straps on the inside of my shoes because they were hitting against my crank arms quite often. In addition, TECNO-3 PUSH dial/buckle on the outside of the left shoe is very difficult to turn, requiring significant turning force to tighten. I just sent an email to Sidi customer service in Italy. If you'd like, I can report back on their customer service regarding these issues.
Did you also find that the toebox area/uppers stretched a little bit over time on the Drakos? The toe-box area of my new shoes are a little tight. I've been using Sidi Dominators for 20 years(!) and the uppers did stretch, but made of leather I believe. My old Dominators only need to be replaced because the soles are so badly worn on the outsides of the soles just from walking a little bit on every ride over 20 years. Makes me walk like a bowlegged cowboy whenever I wear them.
Just picked up a new pair of the Drako 2 SRS. Fit is great, HOWEVER, the very top of the tongue is quite stiff and presses against the front of my ankle joint. I was wondering if you also noticed the same thing and if the tongue eventually becomes more pliable over time. I decided to put a small clamp over each tongue folding them back away from the ankle joint (toward the toes) to see if that might relieve some pressure. I'm concerned that I won't be able to wear these shoes without substantial discomfort. Any feedback or input would be appreciated
I didn't notice that with my Drako 2's. (Mine doesn't press against my joints) the upper material including the tongue is a little stiffer than the other Sidi models. Perhaps it's just not a good fitting model or brand for you? I would first try to replace the insole with Super Feet or another Sports specific insole. That might displace you foot position enough so it doesn't press against your joints. Just a thought
Appreciate the input. I actually found a video on the Sidi Drako website that recommends to "cut the tongue for more comfort". Had no idea.@@hardmtnbiker
I agree that they did in the past and I would get 7 plus seasons out of a pair of dominators. That said, they have split the brand and the new Sidi Turbo mtb shoes are now made in Romania and they are only good for 2 seasons before the Boa style closures fail and/or the soles delaminate. So when buying Sidis you need to get the more expensive made in Italy versions.
R4L, I've been very happy with the Drako, but I've recently developed a very annoying squeaking/creaking sound that eminates from where the red lug sole rests against my XTR SPD pedal. Have you experienced anything similar and can you recommend a solution or an alternative pedal? Thx.
I use Shimano SPD pedals and never had issues. I prefer my XT and XTR Trail pedals and the only other ones I’ve used are my Garmin Rally XC power meter pedals and those are fine too.
Final question - some have commented there’s no rubber protection on the Drako sole between the cleat and the heel, as opposed to the Specialized S-Works Recon. And, should you become unclipped on a descent or miss a pedal, the exposed carbon is “like ice”, making it difficult to engage and stay in control. Have you experienced this and, if so, have you done anything to address it, such as applying a rubberized adhesive or tape to bottom of the sole?
@@curveball9999 Sidi has the “sole replacement system “ this is basically replacement pieces that you can buy for your Sidi shoe models. Here is the complete list of parts from Sidi www.sidi.com/en/87-spare-parts?page=2
@@hardmtnbiker After using these very impressive Drako shoes for the past few weeks, I have to say that you were spot on with your response about the bottom of the soles being “like ice”. It is indeed BS and I have never noticed any issues clipping into my pedals. Thanks again for your help
My DRAKO 2 update - I finally installed some SPD cleats on to my DRAKO 2 shoes and went for a short ride. Not only were the shoes EXTREMELY comfortable, but I’ve never felt SO CONNECTED to my pedals. Felt as though every ounce of energy went directly into moving my rear tire. Amazing. My only regret is that I waited so long to graduate from my old Sidi Dominators!
Yep, I think the Drako is the best option for more power. I prefer the design over the more expensive Tiger 2 model just because of the upper BOA ratchet being over to the side.
But either one has the stiffness of that carbon sole that makes them feel more powerful.
Hey R4L, I have generally been very pleased with my DRAKO purchase with a couple exceptions. First, the SOFT INSTEP CLOSURE SYSTEM clasp does not hold the straps snugly in place and will periodically loosen while pedaling or walking (on both right and left shoes). The plastic ‘slot’ on the outside of the shoe that the curved strap passes through does not adequately hold the EVA pad in place. I had to trim the length of the straps on the inside of my shoes because they were hitting against my crank arms quite often.
In addition, TECNO-3 PUSH dial/buckle on the outside of the left shoe is very difficult to turn, requiring significant turning force to tighten. I just sent an email to Sidi customer service in Italy. If you'd like, I can report back on their customer service regarding these issues.
do you know if the "comfort fit insole" that comes standard with the Drako and the Tiger are machine washable?
@@curveball9999 I didn’t know. I use SuperFeet insoles on some of my Sidi’s but I think I left the original Sidi insole in my Drako II
Did you also find that the toebox area/uppers stretched a little bit over time on the Drakos? The toe-box area of my new shoes are a little tight. I've been using Sidi Dominators for 20 years(!) and the uppers did stretch, but made of leather I believe. My old Dominators only need to be replaced because the soles are so badly worn on the outsides of the soles just from walking a little bit on every ride over 20 years. Makes me walk like a bowlegged cowboy whenever I wear them.
I don’t think they will stretch at all.
Just picked up a new pair of the Drako 2 SRS. Fit is great, HOWEVER, the very top of the tongue is quite stiff and presses against the front of my ankle joint. I was wondering if you also noticed the same thing and if the tongue eventually becomes more pliable over time. I decided to put a small clamp over each tongue folding them back away from the ankle joint (toward the toes) to see if that might relieve some pressure. I'm concerned that I won't be able to wear these shoes without substantial discomfort. Any feedback or input would be appreciated
I didn't notice that with my Drako 2's. (Mine doesn't press against my joints) the upper material including the tongue is a little stiffer than the other Sidi models. Perhaps it's just not a good fitting model or brand for you? I would first try to replace the insole with Super Feet or another Sports specific insole. That might displace you foot position enough so it doesn't press against your joints. Just a thought
Appreciate the input. I actually found a video on the Sidi Drako website that recommends to "cut the tongue for more comfort". Had no idea.@@hardmtnbiker
I agree that they did in the past and I would get 7 plus seasons out of a pair of dominators. That said, they have split the brand and the new Sidi Turbo mtb shoes are now made in Romania and they are only good for 2 seasons before the Boa style closures fail and/or the soles delaminate. So when buying Sidis you need to get the more expensive made in Italy versions.
Good to know. Yes my Drako 2 shoes are obviously better quality. I don’t race but I like the shoes for the better material that’s used.
R4L, I've been very happy with the Drako, but I've recently developed a very annoying squeaking/creaking sound that eminates from where the red lug sole rests against my XTR SPD pedal. Have you experienced anything similar and can you recommend a solution or an alternative pedal? Thx.
I use Shimano SPD pedals and never had issues. I prefer my XT and XTR Trail pedals and the only other ones I’ve used are my Garmin Rally XC power meter pedals and those are fine too.
do you have to wear clips with these shoes or can they be used without as i hate clip on pedals ?
These models are for Shimano SPD clips but they have some flat pedal shoes too. I’ve never used them
Final question - some have commented there’s no rubber protection on the Drako sole between the cleat and the heel, as opposed to the Specialized S-Works Recon. And, should you become unclipped on a descent or miss a pedal, the exposed carbon is “like ice”, making it difficult to engage and stay in control. Have you experienced this and, if so, have you done anything to address it, such as applying a rubberized adhesive or tape to bottom of the sole?
It has the rubber SRS that has plenty of traction for a racing shoe. I haven’t ever felt like it was ice lol, thats BS
Um, what exactly is "the rubber SRS"? Thx@@hardmtnbiker
@@curveball9999 Sidi has the “sole replacement system “ this is basically replacement pieces that you can buy for your Sidi shoe models. Here is the complete list of parts from Sidi www.sidi.com/en/87-spare-parts?page=2
@@hardmtnbiker After using these very impressive Drako shoes for the past few weeks, I have to say that you were spot on with your response about the bottom of the soles being “like ice”. It is indeed BS and I have never noticed any issues clipping into my pedals. Thanks again for your help
@@curveball9999 no problem, I love my Sidi shoes and the Drako 2 is truly one of the best made cycling shoes I’ve ever owned.
Do Sidi have any wear stretch
Do they stretch out, not really. Get your exact size and when you find your exact size, it will be exactly that size with each new pair of Sidi shoes.
How do you undo the lock of the Sidi Dominator 7 shoes to take the shoes off, please?
I would need to look, I haven't been using the old Dom 7's
@@hardmtnbiker Found it!