While I agree that it is true you can't match the stiff, light feel of an XC slipper, I think 2FO style shoes have their place. Just this past week I did a ride that required what was essentially a 1.5 mile hike a bike to a mountain peak/ridgeline where there are parts that required you to carry your bike up rocks (essentially a scramble). Doing that in XC shoes would be a nightmare.
I'd also argue you can get much better pedal to shoe contact with flat-soled shoes, which is also nice for bigger travel bikes that take more effort to muscle around
July 7, 2022, 4:51 p.m. - Chad K
While I agree that it is true you can't match the stiff, light feel of an XC slipper, I think 2FO style shoes have their place. Just this past week I did a ride that required what was essentially a 1.5 mile hike a bike to a mountain peak/ridgeline where there are parts that required you to carry your bike up rocks (essentially a scramble). Doing that in XC shoes would be a nightmare. I'd also argue you can get much better pedal to shoe contact with flat-soled shoes, which is also nice for bigger travel bikes that take more effort to muscle around