2 Years with My Fave Cycling Shoes – Still Worth It?

🔥 Not gonna lie, finding the right cycling shoes can be a bloody nightmare, but after two years of smashing out trails in the Blue Mountains, I’ve finally found my holy grail!

📅 My Journey (timeline)

G’day mate! So I grabbed these Shimano SH-RC7 shoes about two years back before a big trip to the Blue Mountains. At first, I was a bit skeptical – they’re not the cheapest, that’s for sure. But the first ride up from Scenic World was a ripper! Over the months, they’ve been through everything: wet winter rides, dusty summer arvos, and even a few accidental creek crossings. They’ve definitely earned their place in my gear closet!

💪 Durability Check

Right, let’s talk tough. These shoes have copped a hiding! The synthetic leather upper has held up surprisingly well – just a few scuffs from the occasional rock scrape. The carbon sole is still stiff as a board, which is awesome for power transfer. I’ve had to replace the heel pads once (about $20 for the pair), but that’s it. The Boa dials? Still working perfectly, even after my mate accidentally stood on one during a brekkie stop. For daily riding and weekend warrior stuff, they’re built like a tank!

😮 Unexpected Findings

Bloody hell, I didn’t expect this! These shoes are actually decent for short walks. I’ve done the 30-minute hike to lookouts at Wentworth Falls in them without my feet screaming. The ventilation is heaps good too – my feet stay fresh even on those steamy summer rides around Katoomba. But the real surprise? The white version somehow stays cleaner than you’d think. A quick wipe down and they look nearly new again. Magic!

🔄 Would I Buy Again?

Honestly? Yeah, I reckon I would! At around $250, they’re not cheap, but the comfort and performance have been worth every cent. They’ve probably saved me from buying new shoes every year. If you’re just starting out, maybe look at their cheaper models first. But if you’re riding regularly and want something that’ll last, these are a bloody good investment. I’ve tried mates’ shoes from other brands, and always come back to these feeling like I made the right choice.

⭐ Long-Term Verdict

After 2+ years and thousands of kays, these Shimano RC7s are still my go-to. They’ve handled everything the Blue Mountains has thrown at them, from steep climbs at Blackheath to flowing singletrack at Glenbrook. They’re not perfect – the sizing runs a bit small so go up half a size – but they’re close enough for me. 8.5/10 – would recommend to any serious cyclist who wants shoes that’ll go the distance!

💡 Tips & Warnings

✅ Try them on with cycling socks – regular socks will give you the wrong fit!
❌ Don’t size down like running shoes – go true to size or half up
⚠️ Watch the cleat position – get it wrong and you’ll wreck your knees
✅ Clean the Boa dials regularly to keep them spinning smoothly

🚀 How long have you had yours? 🚀

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