i bought some" sidi black rain" a couple of months ago , i have had loads of boots in the past ,but the instant i put these on they felt right. they seem quite waterproof as after riding home from the yorkshire downpoor run the other week my feet were nice and dry. they are also quite warm. i got some from ebay, there were a load from one seller that i presume were returned boots due to the zip end breaking off, i just put a keyring loop through the zip to pull it up, they are like new other than that ,you can tell how much wearing sidi boot have had by looking at the yellow "sidi" writing on the sole of the boots,it wears down the more you wear them. new they are about £170 , i got some for £60 inc p&p . buy half a size above what you would normally get as sidi sizes are slightly smaller than usual uk sizes.
Don't get TCX RS2's unless you own a large supply of anti squeak and creak lube. I spent four days sounding like I was permanently on the floorboards of a haunted mansion until I plastered them in silica.
I've got last years version of these, spot on for comfort and waterproof to boot! Echo the size thing as well, I'm an 11 normally but found size 12 (Euro 47) was spot on with my slightly thicker 'Motorcycle Sox' Sidi ST Gore-Tex Boots - Black - FREE UK DELIVERY
I can vouch for the Sidi Black rains too! they were a great boot. only minus points are zip puls break easy and soles are a bit thin! I would still buy another pair tho... ...BUT! I thought Id gamble on a pair of TCX goretex, and feckin hell they are bloody amazing. really strong, totally waterproof (in all conditions-trust me) and still going strong, I am well surprised by them as I only bought them as I couldnt afford the alpine stars! but to be honest I would pick them over the alpine stars now, and i cant believ I just typed that. they are a good all weather boot.
Dont buy boots which have zips that are 'kinked' when you wear them, the zips will fail in no time. Main offenders are Alpine stars SMX plus ( gone through 2 pair with the same failure) Currently wearing Dainese Torque pro outs very good so far.
In TCX we trust. This is what happens to it when it's run over by an hgv. Ankle and foot smarted but were unbroken. It was waterproof before this too...
I just got a pair of the 2013 Alpinestars SMX Plus and so far very pleased with them (walking around the house to bed them in a bit). You need to go up a size. They also had the 2012 model discounted but the sales guy pointed out that they had had a few problems with the earlier models that have been addressed with the upgrade; I think the zip was mentioned. So it’s interesting what you say Slick, for £249 they will be going straight back if the zip starts playing up.
Had a 2 pairs of SMX Plus 2010 where the zips failed, the second pair failed in 6 months Opted for the older model because I preferred the look, expensive mistake really. Sorry about the poor photo but it shows how the zip is 'kinked' in use, the teeth will become misaligned and eventually the zip will fail. I think the 2012 and 2013 are OK. The other thing I avoid in boots in where velcro is used as the main closure mechanism, after a while the furry side becomes fecked and useless.
had my smx plus for about 3 years now, they are shagged but have held up well... does get the kink and "sticky point" just as your pic mate but in about 60,000 miles use they havent given in? good boot imo. and very very comfy. i'll prob go for the new version gortex ones next for best of both worlds touring / track riding in one. dont buy puma, look amazing, ARE TOTALLY FCUKING SHITE!!!! mine lasted 2 weeks, major complaint, never heard anything back.
My SMX plus done a daft mileage and held up well. Only failed on mine is the plastic ratchet snapped recently but it looks replaceable.
that weird i had no problem with them of mine, great boots not as good as the tech but great boots only issue i had was the inner lace. but i suppose i could be the lucky one. mine are 09 ish and no issue.....
